Bundi: Stepwells, Lakes and Festivals

Bundi combines intricate architecture with the man-made Nawal Sagar in the centre and Taragarh Fort, perched on a steep hill. Its distinctive features include waterworks, stepwells and painted palace façades. The interplay between landscapes and carefully crafted stonework makes the town appealing to travellers with different interests. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Bundi, you can start by considering whether culture, landscapes or a festival should shape your itinerary.

Lakes and Views

The man-made Nawal Sagar lies in the centre of Bundi. A partially submerged temple dedicated to Lord Varun Dev stands in its middle. The lake can be seen from Taragarh Fort. The fort stands on a steep hill and offers impressive views; it was built in 1354. Jait Sagar Lake is also one of Bundi’s scenic highlights: green hills surround it, and magnificent palaces line its shores.

Stepwells and Palace Art

The multi-storey Raniji ki Baori was built in 1699 by Rani Nathavati Ji. Gajraj carvings adorn its pillars. Their trunks turned inward give the impression that the elephants have been drinking from the well—a detail that vividly connects stone sculpture and water.

Dhabhai Kund is an inverted pyramid-shaped stepwell and is considered the largest of its kind in Bundi. A carved toran gateway and sculptures of gods, goddesses and royal figures are among its distinctive features; its ornate steps are an impressive focal point. The 84 Pillared Cenotaph also makes the number 84 visible: it is supported by 84 columns. Rao Anirudh commissioned the structure in honour of his nurse, Deva.

Within Bundi Palace complex, Chitrashala comprises a pavilion and a gallery of miniature murals. Chhatra Mahal is another example of Rajput architecture: its painted façades depict scenes from Indian mythology, history and culture. Sukh Mahal once served as a summer retreat for rulers. The Government Museum was established on the grounds of this protected monument.

Festivals on the Calendar

The Kajli Teej festival lasts for two days and takes place every year in the Hindi month of Bhadra, which falls in July or August. The Bundi Festival is celebrated three days after Kartik Purnima. Kartik Purnima falls in October or November; the festival date is determined by the lunar calendar. The festival includes an arts and crafts fair. If you are planning a trip to one of the festivals, check the date for the relevant year.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

Regular bus services to Bundi operate from Ajmer, Bijolia, Bikaner, Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Sawai Madhopur and Udaipur. There is also a rail connection with Chittorgarh. As schedules can change, check them for your travel dates.

When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home in Bundi, it helps to first decide which experiences you want to prioritise: should the stepwells, cenotaph and palace paintings take centre stage, or would you rather focus your trip on the lakes and hilly landscapes? If a festival is part of your plans, take its calendar date into account. Then compare the accommodation’s location with the places you intend to visit. This way, your choice of base will reflect the experiences that matter to you.

For the main travel overview: Bundi.