4 Things to Do in Bundi— Rediscover the City of Royal Step Wells in 2019

You know a place has its own special charm when a writer spends his days working on a novel there. Rudyard Kipling holed up in Sukh Mahal, Bundi, writing chapters of Kim, his most popular novel after The Jungle Book. Even today, it is easy to see why Kipling chose Bundi as his writer’s retreat. The town of Bundi epitomizes tranquillity and is the ideal destination for those looking to break away from the tourist commotion of Rajasthan.

Bundi is a tiny town peppered with temples, lakes, historic step wells and a palace complex, straight out of a fairy-tale, sitting pretty on a crag. Travellers are captivated by the blue-painted houses of Bundi, its narrow, winding lanes, soft hillocks, and peaceful atmosphere.

For the curious traveller, Bundi offers a world of activities that can make your stay here a memorable experience.

Our list of things to do in Bundi covers everything that makes the town a traveller’s paradise.

1Descend to discover the exquisite step wells of Bundi

Rajasthan is peppered with baoris (step wells) that were either meant for the royals or to provide relief during the arid months in the desert. Bundi is home to the most exquisite collection of step wells. Their architectural brilliance is a testament to Bundi’s former glory.

Of the 50 or more step wells in Bundi, the most intricately designed one is Raniji ki Baori. This structured tank was built in 1699 by Rani Nathavati, queen to Rao Raja Singh. Going down to a depth of 46m, you enter Raniji ki Baori through a gigantic gate and exquisitely carved pillars. The landings on each floor, below ground, includes a place of worship, with wall carvings of Vishnu’s various avatars. Exploring this step-well is like walking into a geometrical daydream because of its architectural aesthetic.

The Nagar Sagar Kund are twin step wells situated right outside the perimeter of Chauhan Gate in the old part of town. The masonry work here transformed the act of collecting water during the dry months into a social occasion. Dabhai Kund should be on your list because of the elegant carvings on the staircase that descends to the tank below. By far one of the better maintained step wells, shaped like an inverted pyramid, Dabhai Kund takes you back in time giving you a glimpse of Bundi’s Rajputana splendour.

A number of travellers visit Bundi simply to explore the splendour of its step wells. It is one of the things to do in Bundi that sets your trip apart from the usual Rajasthan tourist circuit.

2Explore the ancient murals of Bundi Palace

It’s interesting to note that Bundi Palace was, not too long ago, a haven for bats. Today, it is accessible to travellers wanting to explore this complex of smaller mahals, many of which still contain magnificent, fading murals in turquoise and gold.

Your first glimpse of Bundi’s Rajputana architecture is at Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate) with sculptured elephants holding bugles under their trunks. Garh Palace, as it is locally known, contains havelis that were built over 300 years, making this a beautiful statement of Bundi royalty.

The Chhatra Mahal is the first palace once you enter the complex and contains delicate murals. The standout ones are the 12 murals of Krishna, and the surya(sun)-themed ceiling. The Phool Mahal, constructed in 1607, houses a finely crafted mural of a royal procession of Rajput soldiers on horses that takes up an entire wall.

The most beautiful murals are at Badal Mahal. As you enter via the narrow staircase and single entrance, look up at the ceiling that can easily be called Rajasthan’s Sistine Chapel. The centre of the ceiling is painted with a silver moon and lotus petals, around which sit nine deities. As you take your time staring in awe at the peacock feathers with eyes, palm fronds, Krishnas and gopis, that cover the ceiling, you understand why a visit to Bundi is a must. The sheer magnificence of Badal Mahal is intensified by the views on offer from here- a sprawling expanse of rolling cotton clouds and the fort’s ramparts. When you leave Bundi Palace via Hathi Pol, make sure you walk up to Chitrashala. This 18th century palace has a number of spell-binding murals, as well.

3Celebrate the oncoming monsoon, Bundi-style

The fairs and festivals of Rajasthan are an explosion of colour and culture, and Bundi comes alive during Kajli Teej, a celebration of the oncoming monsoons. The goddess Teej is placed on a heavily decorated palanquin and is part of a colourful procession that brings Bundi to life, all the way to Nawal Sagar Lake. Camels, elephants and horses are decked out as part of this procession and traditional Rajasthani song and dance performances are on the bill, as well. Kajli Teej takes places in August-September, and if you want to experience Bundi lit up, make sure you plan your trip around this festival.

The Bundi Utsav that takes place in October-November is another great time to visit this sleepy town. If you want first-hand experience of Rajasthani cultural performances, this festival will give you all that and much more. There’s nothing better than visiting Bundi and its many attractions during festival season.

4A bike ride in and around Bundi

The other picturesque attractions of Bundi are best explored on a rented bicycle or motorbike. Cycle towards the old city market that lies between Nagar Sagar Kund and Raniji ki Baori. This area is peppered with over 200 temples within cycling distance of each other.

Most of the guesthouses in Bundi offer cycles on rent. A 4km bicycle ride from town will take you to Jait Sagar Lake. The scenery here is perfect for a picnic, complete with low-lying hillocks and an explosion of lotuses during the monsoon and winter months. Sukh Mahal, where Rudyard Kipling spent his time in Bundi, is on the southern shore of Jait Sagar. A short ride from there is the rarely visited Sar Bagh- 66 royal cenotaphs with exquisite carvings on the pillars. A bike excursion to Akoda village, 6kms from Bundi, is a must if you want to check out tradition pottery artisans.

A good, short hiking trail is near Chitrashala, near Bundi Palace. Take the steep road that leads to Taragarh Fort, a 14th century ramshackle bastion that offers breath-taking sunset points. Don’t forget to check out the looming reservoirs carved out of solid rock. This fort is a 2.8km walk from Bundi and is a great introduction to the overall vibe of the town.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that there aren’t too many things to do in Bundi. The town is a hidden gem of travel acitivity.