Bundi is a captivating town with fascinating step-wells, reflective lakes, and colorful bazaars. Dominating Bundi is the fantastic Garh palace, or Bundi Palace, of faded parchment cupolas and loggias rising from the hills behind the town. Garh Palace is also known as a palace that resembles a fort because of the huge wall surrounding it.
Bundi Palace is a masterpiece, a hidden gem in this small town. This massive palace was built by Rao Raja Ratan Singh Hada from 1607 A.D. to 1631 A.D. This palace is built over a side of the hill on the top of which is the Taragarh Fort. The whole palace is an aggregation of separate palaces built by later rulers, but they are so perfect in harmony that they look like a fabulous conglomeration of palaces built over a hill.
Bundi Palace in Bundi is a fine example of Rajput architecture, housing some of the superb Bundi frescoes. The walls of the palaces at Bundi are decorated with life-size frescoes depicting the glory of its rulers. The palace is known for its beautiful Rajputana style of architecture, which can be easily seen from its several pillars and Jharokhas. The entrance to the palace is through a large gateway, which is carved with two huge elephants on either side of the gate, known as Hathi Pol, meaning Elephant Gateway. The Bundi Palace is easily recognizable by the elephants built at its entrance.
Diwan-E-Am or Ratan Daulat, also known as the royal court, is made completely out of pure white marble and was used for coronation ceremonies. The beautiful Chattar Mahal was built in 1660 by Chattar Sal, a Mughal loyalist and the only Rajput to hold such a powerful position in the office of the Governor of Delhi. Hathi Sala or Elephant Hall, is known for its several columns with a carved elephant.
Other important pavilions and palaces in Bundi Palace include Badal Mahal, also known as the Palace of the Clouds, Naubat Khana, Moti Mahal (The Palace of Pearls), Phool Mahal (The Palace of Flowers), Hazari Pol (Gateway of the Thousand) and Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors).
The only part of Bundi Palace that is open for the tourists is Chitra Shala or the Palace of Paintings. It was constructed during the 18th century by Rao Raja Umaid Singh and houses several paintings and murals depicting scenes from the reign of Raja Umed Singh and Raja Bishan Singh. This section of Garh Palace has been taken over the archeology department of Rajasthan.
The majestic splendor and grandeur of Garh Palace leaves one completely speechless and takes you back in time to the era of the amazing Rajputs.
Bundi Palace Timings: 8:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M
Bundi Palace Entry Fees: Nil
