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Bundi – Rajasthan’s Hidden Gem of Stepwells, Palaces, and Blue Houses

Bundi – Rajasthan’s Hidden Gem of Stepwells, Palaces, and Blue Houses
Bundi is a small town in southeastern Rajasthan, often overlooked by mainstream tourists. Unlike Jaipur or Udaipur, Bundi doesn’t boast grand luxury or massive crowds. Instead, it offers a more relaxed and authentic experience of Rajasthan — narrow streets, blue-painted homes, historic stepwells, and a quiet fort perched on a hill. If you’re someone who enjoys history, architecture, and walking through real streets instead of polished resorts, Bundi could be the kind of place you’ll remember long after the trip ends.

About Bundi

Bundi sits in a valley surrounded by the Aravalli Hills, about 35 km from Kota. It’s a place where history still lingers in the air — in the murals on palace walls, the ancient baoris (stepwells), and the silence of forgotten corners. While other cities modernize fast, Bundi retains a sleepy charm that appeals to travelers looking for something more real.

The old city is compact and easy to explore on foot. It’s known for its blue houses (similar to Jodhpur), decorative doors, and small cafes tucked between traditional homes. It feels like a mix of a museum and a village — calm, slow, and filled with surprises.

 

History

Bundi was once ruled by the Hada Rajputs, a branch of the Chauhan dynasty, starting from the 12th century. It served as a princely state under the British Raj until India’s independence. The town flourished between the 17th and 19th centuries and became known for its architecture, particularly its stepwells and miniature paintings.

The Bundi school of painting is considered one of the most distinct styles in Indian miniature art, with detailed work and vibrant color.

Many structures from the Rajput period still stand — not fully restored, but intact enough to take you back centuries.

 

Top Places to Visit in Bundi

  1. Bundi Palace (Garh Palace)
    Built by Rao Raja Ratan Singh in the 17th century, this palace is filled with courtyards, murals, balconies, and corridors. Don’t miss the Chitrashala, known for its well-preserved paintings.

  2. Taragarh Fort
    Perched above the palace, this 14th-century fort requires a steep hike but rewards with panoramic views. There’s no ticket booth — it’s raw, and you’ll often find no one else around.

  3. Stepwells (Baoris)
    Bundi once had over 50 stepwells. Today, about 20 remain, with Raniji ki Baori (Queen’s Stepwell) being the most elaborate and well-maintained.

  4. Sukh Mahal
    A small palace on the edge of Jait Sagar Lake. Rudyard Kipling once stayed here and wrote about it in his novel Kim.

  5. Lake Jait Sagar
    Offers peaceful views and a good place to unwind in the evening. You might see local children playing or fishing.

  6. 84 Pillared Cenotaph (Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri)
    Built by Maharaja Anirudh Singh in 1683, this structure has 84 intricately carved stone pillars and is a peaceful place for photography and reflection.

  7. Shikar Burj
    A former hunting lodge surrounded by forest and peace. Not a major tourist spot, but worth a short visit if you like quiet places.

 

Things to Do in Bundi

  • Explore the blue-walled alleys on foot

  • Photograph the intricate stepwells and jharokhas

  • Try Bundi-style miniature painting classes

  • Watch sunset from Taragarh Fort

  • Sit by the lake with a book or chai

  • Visit local temples like Keshav Rai or Dhabhai Kund

  • Shop for handmade textiles and local jewelry at Sadar Bazaar

 

What to Eat in Bundi

Bundi offers typical Rajasthani cuisine along with North Indian basics. It’s not as touristy, so the food here tastes homemade.

Local Dishes to Try:

  1. Dal Baati Churma – Classic Rajasthani combo of baked wheat balls, lentils, and sweet flour mix

  2. Kadhi Kachori – Bundi is famous for kachoris dipped in spicy kadhi (yogurt curry)

  3. Besan Gatta Curry – Gram flour dumplings cooked in a tangy gravy

  4. Laal Maas – Spicy red mutton curry (available at select restaurants)

  5. Mawa Mithai – Try local sweets like besan barfi and milk cake

Cafes like Morgan’s Place, Lake View Garden, and Tom and Jerry Restaurant offer Indian and continental options with lake views or rooftop seating.

 

Where to Stay

Bundi has a mix of heritage havelis, guesthouses, and a few budget hotels. Many are family-run and have character.

Recommended Places:

  1. Haveli Braj Bhushanjee – 200-year-old haveli with murals and traditional décor

  2. Dev Niwas – Affordable heritage stay close to the palace

  3. The Hadoti Palace – More modern amenities and garden views

  4. Shivam Tourist Guest House – Budget stay with rooftop restaurant

  5. Kasera Paradise – Boutique hotel with central location and cozy rooms

Tip: Book ahead during the Bundi Utsav (usually November).

 

Travel Tips

  • Best time to visit is October to March when weather is pleasant.

  • Carry cash. Most places don’t accept cards.

  • Walk or take an auto. Streets are narrow and better explored on foot.

  • Dress modestly, especially near temples and old neighborhoods.

  • Bargain in local shops and markets — it’s expected.

  • Respect old buildings — some are fragile and under minimal supervision.

  • English is understood in tourist areas, but Hindi is widely spoken.

 

Hidden Gems

  1. Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri at sunrise – Almost empty in the mornings, perfect for solitude.

  2. Old Doors and Blue Homes – Walk the alleyways behind the palace to see traditional wooden doors and quiet blue houses.

  3. Bundi Painting Studios – Several local artists run classes or will demonstrate their craft.

  4. Local Stepwells off the tourist map – Ask a local guide to show you lesser-known baoris like Nagar Sagar Kund.

  5. Kipling Circle – A quiet memorial to Rudyard Kipling’s time in Bundi. Not widely marked, but locals will guide you.

 

Local Phrases (Hindi)

  • Namaste – Hello

  • Aap kaise ho? – How are you?

  • Yeh kitne ka hai? – How much is this?

  • Thoda kam karo – Please reduce the price

  • Bahut accha hai – It’s very good

  • Kya aap English bolte hain? – Do you speak English?

Even basic Hindi will help in shops, markets, and with auto drivers.

 

How to Reach Bundi

By Train:
Bundi Railway Station is 4 km from town and connected to Kota, Jaipur, and Chittorgarh.

By Road:
Buses and taxis connect Bundi to Kota (35 km), Jaipur (210 km), and Udaipur (280 km).

By Air:
The nearest airport is in Jaipur (around 3.5–4 hours by car). Kota has a small airstrip but limited service.

Getting Around:
Local autos, cycle rickshaws, or on foot. The town is walkable, especially the old city area.

 

Final Thoughts

Bundi isn’t a place for ticking off monuments quickly. It’s a place to pause. To notice the cracks in the palace walls, the quiet in an ancient stepwell, or the sound of a flute from a temple alley.

It’s less polished than Rajasthan’s bigger cities, but that’s its charm. You won’t find shiny malls, but you’ll find painted elephants on walls. No big crowds, but plenty of old-world character.

Spend two to three days here. Let the streets guide you. Talk to an artist. Eat local snacks. Sit on a haveli rooftop at sunset. That’s when Bundi truly reveals itself.

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