CITIES IN RAJASTHAN - BUNDI

Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Had Chauhans, an offshoot of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer. In 1193 AD when Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by Mohammed Ghouri, some Chauhan nobles sought shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors move towards the Chambal valley and overpowered the Meena and Bhil tribals, thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches of the Had Chauhans formed two separates states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the Chambal River. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. Although its importance dwindled with the rise of Kota during the Mughal times, it kept its independence, until its incorporation into the State of Rajasthan in 1947. Kota itself was part of Bundi until its separation in 1624 at the instigation of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
Interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals.


PLACES TO SEE
Taragarh -or the Star Fort was built in 1354 and is one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. Perched on a thickly wooded hill, its enormous gateway is topped by rampant elephants. The eastern wall is crenellated with high ramparts while the main gate to the west in flanked by octagonal towers. Inside the fort are huge reservoirs carved out of a solid rock that once supplied water to the palace. There are excellent views from the fort of the surrounding region.

Bundi Palace -built of locally quarried stone presents one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. Intricately carved brackets, pillars and balconies and sculpted elephants are used liberally. The walls and ceilings of this palace are completely covered with paintings of the Bundi School, hunting and court scenes, festivals, processions, animal and bird life and scenes from Lord Krishna's life are still in very good condition. The Chitra Shala, located on the outer perimeter of the palace is a fascinating pavilion and has a gallery of miniature murals.

Baolis -Bundi has scores of impressive baolis or step wells, many right in the centre of the town. The noteworthy Raniji-ki-Baoli is 46m deep and has some superb carvings on its pillars and a high arched gate. Built in 1699 by Rani Nathavatji, this is one of the largest of its kind. The Nagar Sagar Kund is a pair of matching step wells located just outside the Chogan Gate to the old city, right in the centre of the town.

Nawal Sagar - is a square artificial lake in the centre of which stands a temple dedicated to Varuna, the Aryan god of water.

84-Pillared Cenotaph -located south of the town is this stunning cenotaph set in gardens and worth a visit especially at night when it is lit up. It was erected by Rao Anirudh.

Sukh Mahal - is a small palace located on the edge of the Jait Sagar lake. It was the summer palace of the rulers of Bundi.

Shikar Burj - is the former royal hunting lodge located along the north side of the Jait Sagar lake. Set amidst the lush surroundings, it is a favourite picnic spot. Nearby is an ancient garden, the Kshar Bagh that has beautiful cenotaphs of the Bundi rulers some with excellent carvings.

Suggested Itinerary :RAJASTHAN - THE LAND OF MAHARAJAS - 21 DAYS
DELHI / DUNDLOD / BIKANER / JAISALMER / JODHPUR / RANAKPUR / MT ABU / UDAIPUR / DUNGARPUR / DARIAWAD / BIJAIPUR / BUNDI / JAIPUR / AGRA / DELHI

CITIES IN RAJASTHAN - KOTA

Kota, the army headquarters town, lying on the east bank of the Chambal River, was once on a major trade route from Delhi. Known as the industrial capital of Rajasthan, it is in interesting blend of the old and the new. It is also Rajasthan's industrial centre for chemicals powered by the hydroelectric plants on the Chambal River and the nearby nuclear plant.

The history of the city dates back to the 12th century AD when the Had Chauhan Chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory, defeat of the tribal Bhil chieftains and founded Bundi and Hadoti. Bundi was chosen as the capital, with Kota as the land grant of the ruler's eldest son. Later in the early 17th century, Rao Madho Singh, a son of the ruler of Bundi, was made ruler of Kota by the Mughal emperor Jahangir. Thus Kota became a separate state, remaining so until was integrated into Rajasthan after Independence. Subsequent rulers have all added to the fort and palaces, which stand here now.

PLACES TO SEE
City Palace & Fort - located beside the Kota Barrage, overlooking the Chambal River, thee City Palace and Fort is one of the largest such complexes in Rajasthan. Some of its buildings are now occupied by schools, but most of the complex is open to public. Entry to the complex is from the south side through the Naya Darwaza or New Gate. The palace within contains some striking buildings with delicate ornamental stonework. The Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate) decorated with more recent murals, shows a royal wedding procession, while the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is modelled on the one in Jaipur. The Bhim Mahal, an early 18th century Durbar Hall, is covered with Rajput miniature paintings documenting the town's history and local legends. Also within the palace is the Rao Madho Singh Museum which has a fine collection of weapons, old costumes, stuffed beasts and some of the best preserved murals in the state.

Jag Mandir -is an enchanting palace standing on a small island within the picturesque artificial tan of Kishore Sagar. The tank was constructed in 1346 but the palace was built much later in 740 by on of the Maharanis (Queen) of Kota. The azure water around the red sandstone monument enhances its beauty. Boat rides can be enjoyed in the lake.

Brij Vilas Palace Museum -located near the Kishore Sagar, this palace houses the Government Museum. Exhibits on display include stone idols, sculptural fragments from the archaeological sites of Baroli and Jhalawar, rare coins and manuscripts and a representative selection of Hadoti sculpture.

Gardens -Kota has several well-maintained gardens, a sight for sore eyes in this industrial town. On the banks of the Chambal River, south of the fort are the Chambal Gardens. The centerpiece of which is a pond stocked with crocodiles. The Chhattar Bilas Gardens has a curious collection of impressive royal cenotaphs.

Suggested Itinerary: DELHI / MANDAWA / BIKANER / JAISALMER / JODHPUR / KUMBALGARH / MT ABU / UDAIPUR /KOTA / BUNDI / SWAIMADHOPUR / JAIPUR / DELHI

DESCRIPTION
The pride and glory of Rajasthan. The town for its glorious fort, which can be singled out for its glorious past and valour . The fort is perched on 180 meter high hill, covering an area of 700acres, and can be reached through several gates. The fort is studded with several historical monuments and memorials, the important one's are Vijay Stambh, Kirti Stambh, Rana Kumbha's palace, padmini palace, Meera and Kumbha Shyam Temple etc. The imposing fort has witnessed some bloodiest battles in the Indian history, three great sieges and some of the most heroic deeds of valor, which are still sung by the local musicians.

Chittaurgarh is located about 112 km from Udaipur in a country strewn with rocky cliffs, monsoon streams and pleasant fields. Chittaurgarh fort stands about 180-metres high and at the summit it is 5 km long north to south, but only 3 km at its widest, east to west.
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The town known for its massive fort atop a hill, can be signaled out for its glorious past and valor unique of the Rajput tradition. Aruined citadel, where the royal past lies in its imposing forts, majestic palaces and spectacular chhatris.

CITY SIGHTS
The Fort: Situated on a hill and spread over 700 acres, it is believed to have been constructed by Bhim, once of the heroes of Mahabharata. Highlight here include yhe Padal Pol, where Prince Bags Singh died during the second attack on this fort; yhe Bhairon Pol and the Hanuman Pol, where the young Rathore Prince Jaimal of Badnore and his associate Kalla were killed during an attact by Akbar; and the Ram Pol, which commemorates the gallantry of the 15 years old Patta of Kelwa, who died at this spot.

Vijay Stambh: Known as the victory tower, it is a 37 meter high structure with 9 stories. It was built by Maharana Kumbha in commemoration of his victory over the Muslim ruler of Malwa and Gujrat, in 1440

Rana Kumbha's Palace: This is believed to be the place where Princes Padmini and other royal ladies committed 'Jauhar' . Though only the ruins remain, the architectural wonders of the palace can still be perceived.

FESTIVALS
Gangaur Festivals: The fair and festivals of Rajasthan reflect the life style and people as also seen in Chittaurgarh Gangaur festival a festival of maidens and married women/ it is dedicated to Gauri, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati . It begins on the day following Holi and is celebrated for eighteen days.

SHOPPING
Curios in marble, sandalwood and sandstone can be bought from the shops around Nakki Lake. Kota sarees, bangles and linen with sanganeri prints are also available. For Rajasthani handicrafts there is Rajasthali, Rajasthan Government Handicrafts Emporium

Suggested Itinerary: DELHI / MANDAWA / BIKANER / JAISALMER / JODHPUR / KUMBALGARH / MT ABU / UDAIPUR / CHITTORGARH / KOTA / KOTA / SWAIMADHOPUR JAIPUR / DELHI