PLACES TO SEE
TarAgrah -or the Star Fort was built in 1354 and is one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. Perched on a thickly wooded hill, its enormous gateway is topped by rampant elephants. The eastern wall is crenellated with high ramparts while the main gate to the west in flanked by octagonal towers. Inside the fort are huge reservoirs carved out of a solid rock that once supplied water to the palace. There are excellent views from the fort of the surrounding region.
Bundi Palace -built of locally quarried stone presents one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. Intricately carved brackets, pillars and balconies and sculpted elephants are used liberally. The walls and ceilings of this palace are completely covered with paintings of the Bundi School, hunting and court scenes, festivals, processions, animal and bird life and scenes from Lord Krishna's life are still in very good condition. The Chitra Shala, located on the outer perimeter of the palace is a fascinating pavilion and has a gallery of miniature murals.
Baolis -Bundi has scores of impressive baolis or step wells, many right in the centre of the town. The noteworthy Raniji-ki-Baoli is 46m deep and has some superb carvings on its pillars and a high arched gate. Built in 1699 by Rani Nathavatji, this is one of the largest of its kind. The NAgra SAgra Kund is a pair of matching step wells located just outside the Chogan Gate to the old city, right in the centre of the town.
Nawal SAgra - is a square artificial lake in the centre of which stands a temple dedicated to Varuna, the Aryan god of water.
84-Pillared Cenotaph -located south of the town is this stunning cenotaph set in gardens and worth a visit especially at night when it is lit up. It was erected by Rao Anirudh.
Sukh Mahal - is a small palace located on the edge of the Jait SAgra lake. It was the summer palace of the rulers of Bundi.
Shikar Burj - is the former royal hunting lodge located along the north side of the Jait SAgra lake. Set amidst the lush surroundings, it is a favourite picnic spot. Nearby is an ancient garden, the Kshar Bagh that has beautiful cenotaphs of the Bundi rulers some with excellent carvings.
PLACES TO SEE
Travel Bundi Rajasthan City Palace & Fort - located beside the Kota Barrage, overlooking the Chambal River, thee City Palace and Fort is one of the largest such complexes in Rajasthan. Some of its buildings are now occupied by schools, but most of the complex is open to public. Entry to the complex is from the south side through the Naya Darwaza or New Gate. The palace within contains some striking buildings with delicate ornamental stonework. The Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate) decorated with more recent murals, shows a royal wedding procession, while the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is modelled on the one in Jaipur. The Bhim Mahal, an early 18th century Durbar Hall, is covered with Rajput miniature paintings documenting the town's history and local legends. Also within the palace is the Rao Madho Singh Museum which has a fine collection of weapons, old costumes, stuffed beasts and some of the best preserved murals in the state.
Jag Mandir -is an enchanting palace standing on a small island within the picturesque artificial tan of Kishore SAgra. The tank was constructed in 1346 but the palace was built much later in 740 by on of the Maharanis (Queen) of Kota. The azure water around the red sandstone monument enhances its beauty. Boat rides can be enjoyed in the lake.
Brij Vilas Palace Museum -located near the Kishore SAgra, this palace houses the Government Museum. Exhibits on display include stone idols, sculptural fragments from the archaeological sites of Baroli and Jhalawar, rare coins and manuscripts and a representative selection of Hadoti sculpture.
Gardens -Kota has several well-maintained gardens, a sight for sore eyes in this industrial town. On the banks of the Chambal River, south of the fort are the Chambal Gardens. The centerpiece of which is a pond stocked with crocodiles. The Chhattar Bilas Gardens has a curious collection of impressive royal cenotaphs.
CITY SIGHTS
The Fort: Situated on a hill and spread over 700 acres, it is believed to have been constructed by Bhim, once of the heroes of Mahabharata. Highlight here include yhe Padal Pol, where Prince Bags Singh died during the second attack on this fort; yhe Bhairon Pol and the Hanuman Pol, where the young Rathore Prince Jaimal of Badnore and his associate Kalla were killed during an attact by Akbar; and the Ram Pol, which commemorates the gallantry of the 15 years old Patta of Kelwa, who died at this spot.
Vijay Stambh: Known as the victory tower, it is a 37 meter high structure with 9 stories. It was built by Maharana Kumbha in commemoration of his victory over the Muslim ruler of Malwa and Gujrat, in 1440
Rana Kumbha's Palace: This is believed to be the place where Princes Padmini and other royal ladies committed 'Jauhar' . Though only the ruins remain, the architectural wonders of the palace can still be perceived.
FESTIVALS
Gangaur Festivals: The fair and festivals of Rajasthan reflect the life style and people as also seen in Chittaurgarh Gangaur festival a festival of maidens and married women/ it is dedicated to Gauri, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati . It begins on the day following Holi and is celebrated for eighteen days.
SHOPPING
Curios in marble, sandalwood and sandstone can be bought from the shops around Nakki Lake. Kota sarees, bangles and linen with sanganeri prints are also available. For Rajasthani handicrafts there is Rajasthali, Rajasthan Government Handicrafts Emporium
|
