Bundi

Bundi, in eastern Rajasthan, rates highly in terms of attractions; the city is famous for the Taragarh fort which towers over the city, and its more than 50 sunken step-wells used to draw clean water before the modern water mains were installed.

Understand
The population of Bundi was approximately 103,000 in 2011. It was named after a Meena Chieftain Bunda, also notable the miniature paintings from the "Bundi School".

The city attracts a number of tourists in season and a multitude of guesthouses have sprung up near to the fort, ignore the hustlers in the street who try to lead you around or offer you services- you will be charged a higher rate which will go into the hustlers pocket.

The locals genuinely are a friendly lot however, and you can have a tea and make friends with almost everyone - even the shopkeepers and hustlers if you show some genuine interest.

Famous visitors to Bundi include Rudyard Kipling (writer of The Jungle Book), Rabindra Nath Tagore, Virginia Fass, and film maker Satyajit Ray.

By plane
The nearest airports are in Jaipur and Udaipur.

By car
Bundi is well connected by road to cities such as 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).

By bus
Buses operate between Bundi and the major cities in Rajasthan, most leave from the old bus station in the south/east. For long distances, the train is recommended as it is faster and more comfortable. Buses operate regularly between Bundi and Kota (₹40), which has more train connections than Bundi.

By train
Direct trains are available between Bundi and Delhi (8 hours overnight, ₹315-1,915), Sawai Madhopur (2.5 hours, ₹170-1,230), Udaipur (5½ hours, ₹210-1,230), Chittorgarh (2½ hours, ₹170-1,230), and Kota (1 hour, ₹140-690).

By foot
Most of Bundi is very accessible by walking.

By auto-rickshaw or tuk-tuk
The only mode of public transportation is the auto rickshaw. Auto rickshaw charges are ₹30-50 within city and ₹100 to the railway station.

By bicycle or motorbike
Bicycle and motorbike (₹300/day) rental is available.

Step wells
Step wells, or baori in Hindi, were the only method of obtaining and storing water in this part of India. While there are over 50 step wells that rise and fall depending on the water table. Most of the wells have fallen into disrepair and some are probably not worth visiting, but are free to enter (closest two by the azar park market). the Rani Ki Ji Baori (Queen's Step Well) is in good condition and a must-see.





Eat
In addition to the restaurants below, most hotels in Bundi have restaurants. For those on a budget you can usually get samosas from ₹5-7 on street stalls, bananas are only ₹20-40 a kilo in season.



Drink

 * Krishna tea shop, watch the enigmatic owner prepare spice tea/coffee from scratch in a small shop decorated mostly by tourists, is expansive at ₹40, but worth it to say you've had a proper Massala Chai. Late in the evenings "special tea" may be available - probably why it's famous
 * Krishna tea shop, watch the enigmatic owner prepare spice tea/coffee from scratch in a small shop decorated mostly by tourists, is expansive at ₹40, but worth it to say you've had a proper Massala Chai. Late in the evenings "special tea" may be available - probably why it's famous

Go next
Bundi is well connected by road to cities such as 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).