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| TOURIST ATTRACTIONS TARARGH FORT - 14th CENTURY: This is one of the most impressive and in days gone by, impregnable forts in Rajasthan. It has four enormous water reservoirs which were built to cater to the water requirements of the fort. The panoramic view of Bundi and surrounding hills is magnificent, an ideal place to sit quietly and watch the sunset. Taragarh means the 'Star Fort' is the most impressive of the city's structures. It was constructed in AD 1354 upon a steep hillside. The largest of its battlements is the 16th century bastion known as the Bhim Burj, on which was once mounted a particularly large cannon called Garbh Gunjam, or 'Thunder from the Womb'. The fort is a popular tourist viewpoint of the city below. the fort has three tanks which never dry up. These tanks are right on top of the fort which sits on top of one of the hills surrounding the city. The technique is long since lost but the tanks survive as a testament to the advanced methods of construction and engineering in medieval India. KESHARBARGH 16TH CENTURY This final resting place of Bundi's kings and queens, Kesharbargh is another fine example of Bundi's impressive architecture. The cenotaphs are beautifully crafted from fine yellow sandstone and marble. NAVAL SAGAR LAKE - 18TH CENTURY Seen as you enter the town and visible from the fort and palace is the square artificial lake, a temple dedicated to Varuna, the Aryan god of water stands half submerged in the centre. The reflection of the old city, the fort and palace can be seen in it's waters. RANI JI KI BAORI - 17TH CENTURY Bundi is known for it's baoris of stepwells. Constructed by royalty and affluent members of society, they served as water reservoirs when there was a scarcity of water. The commisioning of a baori was considered a sacred act and a privillege. More than fifty baoris exist in and around Bundi and are a marvel of craftsmanship and architecture. The finest example being the Rani Ji Ki. Built in 1699 by mother-queen Nthavati Ji during her son Budh Singh's time it is adorned with finely sculpted pillars and arches. It is a multistoreyed atructure with places of worship on each floor. Whilst in Bundi take the time to wander through the narrow streets, make your way through the bustling markets to the colourfull vegetable marked where an array of fresh local produce can be found, remember to take your camera, Bundi is a photoghraphers delight and most of the locals are more than happy to heve their photograph taken, remember it is courtesy to ask first. BUNDI UTSAV A pagent of resplendent heritage of the Hadoti celebrated every year after the Kartik Poornima. The programme includes folk/classical music and dance, arts and crafts, ethnic sports, turban competition and a fireworks display. THE BUNDI PALACE It is situated on the hillside adjacent to the Taragarh Fort and is notable for its lavish traditional murals and frescoes. The Chitrashala (picture gallery) of the palace is open to the general public. The largest of Bundi's baoris or stepwells is the intricately-carved Raniji ki Baori. Some 46 m deep, it was built in 1699 by Rani Nathavatji. The steps built into the sides of the water-well made water accessible even when at a very low level. The baori is one of the largest examples of its kind in Rajasthan. THE NAWAL SAGAR It is a large square-shaped artificial lake in the centre of Bundi containing many small islets. A temple dedicated to Varuna, the vedic god of water, stands half-submerged in the middle of the lake. the lake feeds the numerous bavdis in the old city by creating an artificial water table. THE NAGAR SAGAR The twin step wells are identical step wells crafted in pristine masonry on either side of the main spine of Bundi town. The kunds (pools) are currently full of waste from the ancient vegetable market in the vicinity. THE DABHAI KUND It is also known as the jail kund, is the largest of the kunds in Bundi. Though slightly overgrown, it is well worth a visit for the spectacular carvings on the numerous steps leading down to the water level. PLACES TO VISIT AROUND BUNDI ROCK PAINTINGS Few kms from Bundi, the caves depict paintings belonging to the mesolithic period. They show hunting scenes, daily life of the period, human figures, dancing postures along with bison, deer and tiger. The painting at Gararda has been estimated to be 5000 years old bearing ample proof of the fact that Hadoti region sustained early man. BHIMLAT WATERFALL 30 kms from Bundi, spread over an area of 6kms and cascading 60 metres into a deep pool, Bhimlat Waterfall is a place of grand natural scenic beauty. KESHORAI PATAN 45 kms from Bundi, on the banks of the Chambal river stands a magnificent temple built around 1641. The scalloped top of the temple shines bright in the morning sun making it's golden reflection ripple in the river water. During the Kartik- fair (oct-nov) the gold mingles with a riot of colours when thousands of village folk gather to worship the deity of Lord Keshjav Rai Ji. |