Devikulam

Bundi Tourism

The Hidden Gem of Rajasthan’s Heritage

Bundi is a beautiful and quiet town in southern Rajasthan, often called one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Surrounded by hills and dotted with old palaces, forts, and stepwells, it carries the charm of a bygone royal era. The narrow lanes, painted blue houses, and friendly locals make it feel warm and welcoming. Bundi tourism offers visitors a glimpse into royal history, traditional art, and the quiet charm of old-world India.

Quick Stats

  • Population: ~150,000
  • Famous For: Stepwells (Baoris), Taragarh Fort, Miniature paintings, Old havelis.
  • Best Season: October – March

About Bundi

Bundi is a quiet town in Rajasthan that surprises many travellers with its beauty and charm. It’s not crowded like Jaipur or Udaipur, which makes it perfect for those who want to explore at a slower pace. The town is full of history, with old forts, palaces, and stepwells that tell you stories from hundreds of years ago.

One of the best things about Bundi is how peaceful it feels. You can walk through narrow lanes with blue houses, visit calm lakes, and enjoy views from hilltop forts without the rush of big tourist crowds. The locals are friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxed.

The town is also known for its beautiful wall paintings and miniature art, which you can see in old buildings and local workshops.

Whether you’re interested in history, art, or just want a quiet place to unwind, Bundi Tours and Travels offers a lovely mix of culture and calm. It’s a great stop for anyone exploring Rajasthan and looking for something a little different.

Top Tourist Places to Visit in Bundi

Taragarh Fort: Taragarh Fort is one of Bundi’s most iconic landmarks and among the oldest hill forts in India, it was built in the 14th century. The climb is steep, but the view from the top is worth every step. You can see the entire town, its blue houses, and the surrounding countryside. The fort walls, ancient cannons, and water tanks tell stories of brave rulers and battles long gone. It’s a great spot for history lovers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys a quiet moment with a view.

  • Famous For: Historic architecture, Scenic hilltop views, Peaceful atmosphere
  • Best Time: October to March
  • Entry Fee: Rs 50 – Rs 100

Bundi Palace: Just below Taragarh Fort lies Bundi Palace—a quiet masterpiece of Rajput architecture and artistry. Built over several generations between the 16th and 18th centuries, the palace showcases elegant arches, carved pillars, and walls that come alive with color and detail. The highlight of the palace is the Chitrashala, also known as the Hall of Paintings. Inside, you will find vibrant murals that tell stories of royal life, festivals, and scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. These paintings are done in the distinct Bundi style—rich in detail, expressive in emotion, and full of movement and charm.

  • Famous For: Rajput architecture, Bundi-style murals, panoramic views
  • Best Time: October to March
  • Entry Fee: Rs 100 – Rs 500

Stepwells (Baoris): Bundi is called “the city of stepwells” because there are so many of them scattered around. With over 50 baoris, each with its own design and story, these water structures are both functional and beautiful. The most famous one is Raniji ki Baori, built in the late 1600s by a queen. It’s a deep, beautifully carved well with narrow steps leading down to the water. In old times, people gathered here not only to fetch water but also to meet and relax.

  • Famous For: Intricate carvings, historical engineering
  • Best Time: October – March.
  • Entry Fee:

Sukh Mahal: On the edge of Jait Sagar Lake, you will find Sukh Mahal, a simple yet elegant palace surrounded by greenery. The British writer Rudyard Kipling once stayed here and is said to have written part of his famous novel Kim while enjoying the calm beauty of Bundi.

  • Famous For: Lakeside views, Kipling connection
  • Best Time: October to March.
  • Entry Fee: Rs 50– Rs 200.

Nawal Sagar Lake: Nawal Sagar Lake sits right in the centre of Bundi and is one of the town’s most peaceful spots. The water is calm and reflects the nearby palaces, temples, and blue houses, making it look like a painting. In the middle of the lake, there is a small temple for Lord Varuna, the god of water. Sitting by the lake in the early morning or evening, you can enjoy the cool breeze and the beautiful view of the fort shining in the sunlight. It’s a quiet place to relax and enjoy the simple beauty of Bundi and great spot for photography.

  • Famous For: Photography, peaceful atmosphere, scenic views
  • Best Time: October to March.
  • Entry Fee:

84 Pillared Cenotaph: The 84 Pillared Cenotaph in Bundi is a peaceful and charming place that many visitors often miss. It was built in the 1700s by Maharaja Anirudh Singh to honor his foster brother. True to its name, the structure stands on 84 stone pillars, each carved with its own unique design. The cenotaph is built in the Rajput style, with fine carvings and an open design that was typical for royal memorials.

  • Famous For: Stone pillars, quiet setting, offbeat photography
  • Best Time: October to March
  • Entry Fee:

Things To Do in Bundi

Bundi is not just about sightseeing – it’s about experiencing the town’s timeless charm, rich culture, and relaxed pace of life. Here are the must-do activities and Bundi Travel Tips to enhance your holiday:

Miniature Painting Workshop

Experience: Bundi is famous for its detailed miniature paintings, especially those in the Bundi style—full of movement, emotion, and vibrant colors. You can join a local art workshop to learn the basics of this traditional craft. You will get hands-on experience using natural pigments and fine brushes, guided by skilled artisans who’ve been practicing for generations.

Famous For: Bundi-style miniature art, local artisan interaction
Best Time: Year-round (preferably October to March for pleasant weather)
Cost: Rs 1500– Rs 2500 (depending on group size).

Join a Photography Walk


Experience: Bundi’s textures—blue houses, carved stone, painted walls—make it a dream for photographers. Join a guided walk or explore on your own to capture Bundi’s charm from different angles.

Famous For: Heritage architecture, Photography
Best Time: Early mornings or late afternoons.
Cost: Rs 1500– Rs 2500 (depending on group size).

Explore Nearby Villages


Experience: Take a short trip to nearby villages like Kesar Bagh or Dugari to see rural life, farming traditions, and lesser-known stepwells. You will find quiet landscapes and welcoming people.

Famous For: Rural charm, offbeat stepwells
Best Time: October to March
Cost: Free

Cooking Class with a Local Family


Experience: Ever wondered how locals make those delicious Rajasthani dishes? Join a cooking class in local family’s home and learn to prepare meals together. You will chop, stir, and taste your way through the recipes—and then sit down to enjoy the meal you helped make. It’s fun, relaxed, and a great way to connect with Bundi’s culture.

Famous For: Home-style Rajasthani food, friendly local experience
Best Time: Anytime of the year
Cost: Rs 1500– Rs 2500 (depending on group size).

These activities make Bundi tours and packages very memorable, offering every visitor a mix of history, art, and peaceful charm that stays with you long after the trip ends.

Best Time to Visit Bundi

Peak Season (October – March): This is the best time to enjoy Bundi. Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor exploration.

Shoulder Season (April – May): Summer can be quite hot, especially in the afternoon. Hotels may offer discounts, and mornings are still nice for exploring, but it’s not the most comfortable time to visit.

Off-Season (June – September): This is the rainy season which make travel tricky so does sightseeing. September has lighter rain and cheaper hotel rates, it’s a good time for budget travel.

Festival Calendar:

  • Bundi Festival (November): A vibrant celebration of Rajasthani culture with folk music, dance, and colorful processions.

Dress code: Pack cotton clothes in summer, an umbrella/raincoat in monsoon, and light woollens for winter evenings.

Things to Know Before Visiting Bundi

  • Book your hotel and transport in advance during the peak months, as Bundi gets busy with tourists and festivals.
  • Bring mosquito repellent, especially if you're out during early mornings or evenings near lakes and gardens.
  • Be respectful at temples—remove shoes, dress modestly, and follow local customs.
  • Signal may drop inside Fort or remote stepwell sites, so download maps or guides in advance.
  • Carry some cash for small purchases, local markets, or transport, though ATMs are available.
  • Wear light, breathable clothes and sturdy shoes for walking around forts, stepwells, and old town lanes.
  • Keep sunscreen, hats, and umbrellas handy to handle Kerala’s tropical climate.

How to Reach Bundi

By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport (about 4 hours drive). Taxis and buses are available from Jaipur to Bundi.

By Rail: Bundi Railway Station connects to Kota and Jaipur. Kota Junction (35 km away) offers more train options and better connectivity.

By Road: Bundi is well connected by road to cities like Jaipur, Kota, and Udaipur. You can For a more comfortable traveling and the chance to stop at nearby attractions along the way, it’s best to book a private transport service.

FAQs:

The ideal time to visit Bundi is from October to March. The weather is nice and cool, perfect for walking around and seeing the forts, stepwells, and lakes. Summer gets too hot, and monsoon can make it hard to move around.

You can see the main places in 2 days. If you want to take it slow, enjoy the art, walk around the old town, or just relax by the lake, 3 days can be better.

Yes, Bundi is a quiet and safe town. People are friendly and helpful. Standard travel precautions—such as safeguarding valuables and avoiding isolated areas at night—are advised.

Absolutely. Bundi is generally safe for solo and female travelers. Staying in reputable accommodations, using local guides, and avoiding late-night outings in secluded areas contribute to a secure and enjoyable experience.

Pack breathable cotton clothing for daytime and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Sunscreen, a hat, mosquito repellent, and an umbrella (especially during monsoon) are recommended.

Staying near Jait Sagar Lake or within the old town offers scenic views and proximity to major attractions.

Public transport options are limited. For convenience and flexibility, it is advisable to book a private car, especially if planning visits to nearby villages or offbeat sites.

Jaipur International Airport is the closest, located approximately 210 km from Bundi. The road journey takes around 4–5 hours, with taxis and buses frequently available for transfers.

Bundi offers a range of accommodation options including heritage havelis, budget guesthouses, boutique hotels, and homestays. Many properties feature traditional architecture and provide a peaceful, authentic experience.

For travel during the peak season or around Bundi Utsav, it is recommended to book accommodations 4-5 months in advance. Off-season bookings are more flexible and often come with discounted rates.

Bundi’s food is full of Rajasthani taste. You will find dishes like dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and spicy vegetable curries. Local sweets like besan laddoo are very popular.

Yes, Bundi has several ATMs and most hotels and shops accept debit and credit cards. However, carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases, local transport, and street vendors.