Narrow lanes amidst Brahmin- blue houses, and bazaars filled with local wares, Bundi seems like a setting for an oriental story. But this place is for real. Often ignored by routine tourists, this town is only 38 km away from the major attraction of Kota, and has a huge concentration of historical relics and architectural wonders at one place. Apart from the standing monuments, there is a mystical aura and rustic charm that renders the place more enchanting.
The hall with 84 pillars is now surrounded by new settlement, but if one imagines what times must have been like, it is clear that this historical wonder stood aloof from other structures, outside the limits of the old city.
Known as the Chaurasi Khambo ki Chattri, or the 84 pillared cenotaph, it is made more mysterious by the claim that no visitor can ever count the pillars correctly. But if you would miss the try, you would notice that painters here have competed with Michelangelo in painting the ceilings with beautiful works of art, which look like a synthesis of Indian and Egyptian hieroglyphs. It was constructed in 1683 by the Maharaja of Bundi, Rao Raja Anirudh, in the memory of his foster brother.
Image Credit: globalexcursioninindia
After this, you need to take a ride to the epicentre of the old city to enter the thick of history at Bundi. The town has many man-made lakes, and against one such lake stands the Palace of happiness, or Sukh Palace.
Located beautifully between the lake and the hills on the other side, this is a small palace. It is adorned with beautiful sculptures and paintings, that make its cool corridors a world of their own. Some may also find it exciting to know that the author Rudyard Kipling also stayed in this idyll palace.
Image Credit: wordpress
Another outstanding structure in Bundi is the Taragarh fort. Constructed atop a hill, the fort houses a number of step-wells or baoris. The palace itself is an elaborately constructed edifice, with many departments and connecting chambers. You may have an amazing experience traversing its labyrinth of rooms.
Image Credit: rediff
You can reach Bundi via Kota, which is connected to most Indian cities by railways.
Bundi may lie forgotten on the tourist map of Rajasthan, but any traveller will uncover a host of cultural treasures. The azure streets of Bundi are an enchanting place to get lost in time.
Read Also: Experience The Arabian Nights At This Secret Hamlet In Rajasthan
