Bundi
is a whole new world in a lovely small packet. Although the place has a
rustic feel about it, the moment Bundi opens its architectural marvels,
especially the Taragarh Fort, you feel the essence of Rajput glory that used
to exist in the medieval times.
Architecture
The Taragarh Fort was built in 1354 and is a towering structure in stone.
It is situated on a steep hill and has colossal ramparts and gateway.
Actually the fort has three gateways which are well known as Lakshmi Pol,
Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ki Phatak. A major portion of these gateways are
now in ruins. Inside the fort, you'd be amazed to see various attractions
such as the Bhim Burz, which is the largest battlement (a structure on top
of a fort with space for firing during the battles) and a huge water
reservoir made by cutting solid rock. The fort affords you a panoramic view
of the entire town from inside. The fort is also famous for the view of the
sunset visible over the Rajasthan horizon from its ramparts.
Also known as the Star Fort, the Taragarh Fort
is among the most imposing structures of city of Bundi. This dilapidated
fort is located at the distance of about 39 km from Kota. There was a time
when the tunnels of the fort used to intersperse the entire hillside. Now
these tunnels are not accessible because of lack of awareness and
information.
There are some enormous water reservoirs built in the fort complex. These
were used to store water for use in times of shortage of water.
Palaces Within Chatar Mahal
Chatar
Mahal was built in 1660 by Chatar Sal, and is particularly noted for the
independent architectural style of construction as there is no Mughal effect
on the structure of this palace. The fine points of the palace are the use
of elephant motifs, curved roofs, pavilions and chhatris.
Chitra Mahal
The Chitra Mahal is renowned for its prominent garden palace. Located near
the Taragarh Fort, its fountains and the little pools make it even more
striking. Make it a point to see the 18 th century miniature paintings of
Krishna and Radha in a different style.
Sukh Mahal
The Sukh Mahal was constructed in 1773 by Umed Singh on the banks of Sukh
Sagar Lake in the midst of hilly forest. The ground floor of the palace is
now submerged by the water.
Other attractions in Bundi
» Bundi Palace
» Baolis and tanks
» 84 pillared cenotaphs
» Sar Bagh
» Phool Sagar
» Jhalawar
» Kota
» Shopping
