Bundi Things to Do

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These murals, which feature paintings of Krishna , Royal processions , and battle scenes have been remarkably well preserved. One room has a chinese inspired painted ceiling.
The colours are striking- predominantly blue, turqouise, green, with touches of goldleaf.
Many of the murals depict scenes of everyday palace life- revealing the glory of the Rajput Era.
A must see for Bundi.

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Sitting on the rooftop terrace of our guesthouse one morning, we were amazed to see men dangling precariously from ropes, which were secured to balconies on the palace. They were swinging around, beating at the hidden bee-hives which have formed in the eaves of the palace walls. Their helpers up above would send down buckets, which they would fill, and send up on another rope. The smoking swathes that they were brandishing could be smelt from where we were sitting. Apparently this honey collection happens weekly. We watched with fascination, the drop was so sheer, but they seemed to handle it like the experts that they probably are.

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Bustling with people, the markets are a popular place to shop, eat, or just to stroll about in.The atmosphere is quite festive. Chai shops provide a good stop for a rest. We really liked the Sabzi market, and bought fruit and vegetables at a ridiculously low price. Along the way w passed a colourful Hindu temple, with flower sellers sitting outside.

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Behind and above the palace complex stands Taragarh Fort. Built in 1354, the crumbling ruins of this once mighty Rajput fort are now home to what seems like the whole monkey population of Bundi. The overgrowth of vines is ideal. Vegatation is creeping out of the cracks in the ramparts, and we saw lizards and other small reptiles scurrying around. It is desolated.
This fort once was a stronghold for Rajput kings, and during a siege all the inhabitants of the town would take shelter inside its fortified walls. Huge resevoirs were carved out of rock to hold water supplies for the population of Bundi.
The climb up to the fort is a steep one. A path leads up from behind the palace, east along the inside of the ramparts. We decided to take an easier way up- we hired an auto-rickshaw which drove us up a steep road which leads to the back of the fort. After exploring the fort, we slowly made our way down- the pathway leads back to the palace..
Take along plenty of water- its a long walk down, and the sun gets very hot.
The views of Bundi are quite awesome from the ramparts.

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Stroll around these well laid out gardens.They are filled with colour, and beautifully laid out. There is a fountain, and sandstone seats dotted around. These are a good place to just sit and relax after exploration of the palace and fort above. Trees offer shady spots to sit under too.

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This palace, which was the highlight of of our stay in Bundi, must surely be one of the most sadly neglected in all of Rajasthan. Constructed in the 17th century, sections were added on by different rulers over the following two centuries.. Built on a very steep hill, it overlooks Bundi, and at night, lit up, is a magical sight. The Palace stood neglected for many years, but recently has been opened to the public.
The architecure is Rajput, and inside the courtyards remnants of glory still remain.There are wonderful hand painted murals on some walls which are priceless, and since the palace has been re-opened to allow visitors, the gardens have been restored and are well tended..
Enter through the massive "Elephant Gate"into a rectangular courtyard, and take note of the beautiful carved elephants which adorn the top of the pillars. Surrounding this area is an upstairs area with overhanging viewing balcony.(one has a white marble seat).
The view from this palace is spectacular, especially at sunset.

Most of the homes and shops in Bundi are painted shades of pale blue and violet. It almost gives the town a Meditteranean feel when you are in the midst of it. From above, especially at dawn or dusk, it creates a striking image.

The town's Rajput legacy is preserved by the enormous, stone Taragarh fort, also called the Star Fort. It looms over the town in the valley below as well as the huge palace beneath it.

The vegetation is overgrown and it begs exploration. I have an affinity for ruins, palaces and forts. . .and Bundi combines the best of them.