Bundi, in the Hadoti region of south-eastern Rajasthan, was the capital of the Hada Chauhan Rajputs. Its palace climbs the hillside above a small town of blue-washed houses, stepwells and lakes. Rudyard Kipling stayed here, and the palace is often cited as an inspiration for his descriptions of Indian palaces.
Bundi is compact and slow, and most of what there is to do is on foot. Two days is enough to see the palace and its murals, the stepwells, the lakes and the cenotaphs, and to enjoy the unhurried atmosphere that makes it a favourite of repeat visitors to Rajasthan.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Bundi travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Bundi
- See the murals of the Chitrashala in Bundi Palace
- Climb to Taragarh Fort above the palace
- Visit Raniji ki Baori, Bundi's finest stepwell
- See the 84-Pillared Cenotaph (Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri)
- Walk around Nawal Sagar and Sukh Mahal
- Explore the blue lanes of the old town
- Watch sunset over the town from the palace or a rooftop
Going by road? See our guide to the Rajasthan road trip.
Interested in the history? See our guide to a Rajasthan heritage itinerary.
Palace and fort
See the Chitrashala murals
Bundi Palace (Garh Palace) is known for its wall paintings in the Bundi school of miniature style. The Chitrashala, a courtyard gallery built in the 18th century, is covered in murals of Krishna legends, court scenes and processions in deep blues and greens. Parts of the main palace, such as the Chhatra Mahal and Badal Mahal, have more murals and are opened selectively.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Best time
- Morning
- Good for
- Art and history lovers
Climb to Taragarh Fort
Taragarh, the Star Fort, crowns the hill above the palace and dates from the 14th century. It is largely overgrown and home to many monkeys, which gives it an abandoned, atmospheric feel. The climb is steep; carry a stick to deter monkeys and go with company.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Good to know
- Steep path and many monkeys
Stepwells, lakes and cenotaphs
Visit Raniji ki Baori
Built in 1699 by Rani Nathavati, this multi-storey stepwell is one of the finest in Rajasthan, with carved elephants and pillars along its long descent. Bundi has dozens of stepwells; Raniji ki Baori is the one to prioritise, followed by Nagar Sagar Kund in the market.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
See the 84-Pillared Cenotaph
Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri is a 17th-century cenotaph supported by 84 pillars, raised on a platform carved with animals. It stands in a garden a short drive from the centre.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
Walk by Nawal Sagar and Sukh Mahal
Nawal Sagar, the lake below the palace, has a half-submerged temple in the middle and reflects the palace in still weather. Sukh Mahal, a summer palace on Jait Sagar lake, is where Kipling is said to have stayed. Kshar Bagh, next to it, holds royal cenotaphs.
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon
Old town and around
See Nagar Sagar Kund and the smaller stepwells
Nagar Sagar Kund is a pair of identical stepwells in the middle of the market, and walking between Bundi's lesser-known baoris and kunds is a rewarding way to explore. Some are well kept, others overgrown; together they show how the town once stored water for a dry climate.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
Explore the old town
The lanes below the palace have blue-washed houses, small temples and a bazaar selling textiles and everyday goods. Rooftop cafés and guesthouses give views of the palace, which is lit up after dark.
Day trip to Rameshwar Mahadev and Bhimlat
Outside town, the Rameshwar Mahadev cave temple and the seasonal waterfalls at Bhimlat are pleasant excursions after the monsoon, when the Hadoti countryside is green.
Bundi Utsav
The Bundi Utsav, held in November, brings folk performances, processions and crafts to the town. Check dates with Rajasthan Tourism.
Take a Hadoti countryside drive
The countryside around Bundi has sandstone villages, small forts and lakes. A half-day drive with a local driver through villages towards Kota or Menal gives a sense of rural Rajasthan that busier routes miss.
Visit Kota's riverfront
Kota, about an hour away, has a large city palace museum with Kota-school paintings and a rebuilt Chambal riverfront. Boat rides on the Chambal are possible from Kota, and the Garadia Mahadev viewpoint overlooks a dramatic bend of the river.
Things to do in Bundi by type of traveller
Art lovers: Bundi's Chitrashala and palace murals, followed by Kota's museum, are the best introduction to the Hadoti school of painting.
Slow travellers: Stay three nights in a haveli guesthouse, walk the stepwells and lanes each morning, and spend evenings on a rooftop watching the palace lit up.
Photographers: Nawal Sagar in morning light, blue lanes in the afternoon and the palace from rooftops after dark.
What to do in Bundi with one day
Start at the palace and Chitrashala in the morning, then climb to Taragarh if you are feeling energetic. After lunch in the old town, see Raniji ki Baori and Nagar Sagar Kund, then visit the 84-Pillared Cenotaph and Sukh Mahal. Watch the palace lit up from a rooftop café.
Practical tips for Bundi
- The path to Taragarh is steep and shared with monkeys; wear good shoes and do not carry food in your hands.
- Bundi Palace and Chitrashala have separate entry points; allow time for both.
- Kota Junction, about an hour away, is the nearest major railway station.
- The town is small and most sights are walkable; hire an auto-rickshaw only for the cenotaph and Sukh Mahal.
Plan the rest of your Bundi trip
Bundi things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Bundi?
See the Chitrashala murals in Bundi Palace, climb to Taragarh Fort, visit Raniji ki Baori and other stepwells, see the 84-Pillared Cenotaph and Sukh Mahal, and wander the blue old town.
How many days are enough for Bundi?
Two days covers the palace, fort, stepwells and lakes at a relaxed pace.
Is Bundi worth visiting?
Yes, especially for travellers who enjoy art and quieter towns. Its palace murals are among the best in Rajasthan, and it sees far fewer visitors than Jaipur or Udaipur.
How do I combine Bundi with other places?
Bundi fits between Chittorgarh and Ranthambore, or on a route from Udaipur to Jaipur. Kota, with the nearest major railway station, is about an hour away.
Things to do near Bundi
- Things to do in Chittorgarh: Rajasthan's largest fort, about three hours south-west
- Ranthambore: tiger safaris to the north-east
- Things to do in Jaipur: about four hours north
More things to do in Rajasthan
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
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