Skip Jaipur and Udaipur, and visit Bundi, the hidden gem of Rajasthan
Udaipur, Jaipur and Jaisalmer are at the top of people's lists when they think of visiting Rajasthan. But if you are looking to explore the regal charm of Rajasthan with a historical intrigue, Bundi is the perfect off-beat destination for you.
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A place stuck in time
The Garh Palace, which seems to grow out of the hills themselves, dominates Bundi's horizon. With its decaying walls and worn-out murals telling stories of a bygone glory, this fort-palace is almost unchanged compared to the restored palaces of Jaipur and Udaipur. You will be transported to another era as soon as you step inside. The imaginative refinement of the Rajput court is exemplified by the complex murals that retain fragments of intense indigo, ochre, and gold.
When Rudyard Kipling visited Bundi in the late 19th century, he described the palace as "the work of goblins rather than of men." The spooky ambience is still poetic, particularly when visiting its echoing corridors alone.
The city of stepwells
There are over fifty stepwells (baoris) in Bundi, several of which remain hidden under faded havelis or in narrow lanes. Once crucial to the population, these ancient water features now offer an architectural marvel that is unequalled.
The Rani ki Baori, or Queen's Stepwell, is the most famous. It was built in the 17th century and is equal to the finest examples of Rajput or Mughal architecture with its geometric symmetry, multi-story arches, and carved pillars. It is an underground palace, not merely a water reservoir.
Temples, lakes, and peace
Jait Sagar Lake, ringed by lotuses and visible from the Taragarh Fort, offers peaceful sunsets to nature lovers. Off the beaten tourist track, the 84-pillared cenotaph (Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri), a complex memorial built in 1683, is another architectural marvel.
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Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's less popular tiger sanctuaries, was created in 2022 and is reachable on foot near Bundi. It's a peaceful, unspoiled spot for anyone looking for seclusion or an intimate experience with nature.
Why Bundi and why now?
In an era where travel is increasingly being booked for social media, Bundi offers something different: authenticity. Here, you can dine with a local family who isn't trying to upsell you, hear the echo of footsteps in a deserted palace, and see the dance of sunlight in an ancient stepwell.
Bundi, Rajasthan's hidden gem—and maybe its heart—is worth boycotting the mainstream for if you're seeking something real.
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