Bundi
South Asia · India
Did you know?
- Rani Ki Ji Baori is 46 m deep, while Dabhai Kund is described as the largest kund.
- Miniature paintings from the local school are one of the city's signature draws.
- Sathi Lassi serves a thick lassi on the way to the fort.
See also
Overview
Historic Bundi is built around Taragarh Fort, ornate step-wells, miniature paintings, and lakeside palace views. It suits travelers who want Rajasthan heritage at a slower pace, with nearby wildlife safaris adding an outdoors option.
Languages: English, Hindi, Tamil
Why go?
Bundi is a historic city in eastern Rajasthan famous for its Taragarh Fort and over 50 step-wells. It attracts tourists with its miniature paintings from the Bundi School and has been visited by notable figures like Rudyard Kipling and Rabindra Nath Tagore.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Understand
The population of Bundi was approximately 103,000 in 2011. It was named after a Meena Chieftain Bunda. The city's step-wells were used to draw clean water before modern water mains. Locals are friendly, but beware of hustlers who charge higher rates.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
See
Key attractions include the Taragarh Fort (16th century), the Garh Palace and Chitrashala with amazing paintings, and numerous step-wells like Rani Ki Ji Baori (built 1699, 46 m deep), Dabhai Kund (largest in Bundi), and Nagar Saga Kund (refurbished). Also visit Sukh Mahal on Lake Jait Sagar, Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri (84-pillared cenotaph), and lakes Jait Sagar, Nawal Sagar, and Kanak Sagar. Entry to Rani Ki Ji Baori costs ₹200 for foreigners.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Visit the Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary (<50 km northeast), a 307 km² park with leopard, sambhar, wild boar, sloth bear, and more. Entrance ₹160 plus safari costs. Best time: September to May. Safaris can be booked at hotels like Vrindawati.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
For local treasures, try Shree Krishna Art Jewelry (antiques, coins) and Yug Art (fine paintings). Bundi Cafe & Crafts is the best place for Bundi School Paintings.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat
Most hotels have restaurants. Budget travelers can get samosas from ₹5-7 on street stalls, bananas ₹20-40 per kilo. Notable eateries include Kipling Cafe (on Lake Jait Sagar, fresh ingredients), Lakha (tiny place with amazing meals), Namaste Cafe (soul food), and Tom and Jerry (western food). Haveli Braj Bhushanjee offers traditional vegetarian meals with a view.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Drink
For a drink, try Sathi Lassi on the way to the fort, offering good thick lassis.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Bundi is well connected by road to Delhi (475 km), Jaipur (215 km), Udaipur (270 km), Chittorgarh (150 km), Ajmer (175 km), Kota (40 km), Sawai Madhopur/Ranthambore (120 km), and Agra (400 km).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Bundi Haveli
The rooms are comfortable.
Recorded price: Double: ₹1,150
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Daulat Niwas
Built in the early 1700s. The cheapest place to stay in Bundi - but only a few rooms are available.
Recorded price: Single from ₹150, double from ₹300
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Dev Niwas (God's Residence)
Built by Deva Dhabai in 1684. Very luxurious for a budget hotel.
Recorded price: ₹1,200
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hadee Rani Guest House
Opened in 2006, the establishment is run by a friendly family. The food is good; so are the rooms.
Recorded price: Restaurant: mains ₹50-200; thali ₹100-180
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hadoti Palace
Very spacious rooms, swimming pool, on a noisy street.
Recorded price: ₹3,650
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Haveli Braj Bhushanjee
Haveli Braj Bhushanjee was built 200 years before and belongs to Bohara Braj Bhushanjee family, which gave Bundi as many as four Prime Ministers all in the 19th century. Haveli Braj Bhushanjee offers traditional architect by way of tibaries and courtyards which are painted in Bundi School Paintings, consisting of Raganies , court scene, hunting scenes. Extensive painted courtyards are worth visiting. Each and every surface of this haveli are nicely decorated with old photographs and antique collection. The Haveli offers 24 well appointed AC rooms with all modern amenities. All the rooms have been renovated in such a way that the atmosphere of the old architecture is not disturbed. The rooms have been traditionally decorated and few rooms have some of the finest Bundi School Painting (murals) one can see in this region.
Recorded price: ₹2,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Ishwari Niwas Heritage Resort
A 100-year-old haveli previously inhabited by Maharao Raja Ishwari Singh, the ruler of Bundi. Rooms are decorated with paintings in the Bundi art style.
Recorded price: Single ₹4,000, double ₹4,500
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Kasera Heritage View
A beautiful haveli run by a family.
Recorded price: ₹1,200
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Attractions
Taragarh Fort, step-wells, and Bundi School Paintings are must-sees.
Food
Samosas from ₹5 on street stalls; restaurant mains ₹50-200.
Money
Local currency is Indian Rupee (₹). Street food like samosas cost ₹5-7. Bananas ₹20-40 per kilo.
Safety
Avoid hustlers who try to lead you around; you will be charged higher rates.
Transport
Bundi is well connected by road to major cities like Jaipur and Delhi.