Bundi - the monsoon delight city of Rajasthan

Bundi, a 14th-century charming little town in Rajasthan spectacularly transforms itself during the monsoon season. Imagine yourself walking along the ancient walls of the Taragarh fort as the dark monsoon clouds enchant the beauty of the place, it almost seems like a perfect love affair taking shape.

Bundi Palace Painting From Rajasthan, India — Painting of a woman holding a brid from the 1700's in the Bundi Palace. ©traveler1116/Getty Images

Novelist Rudyard Kipling, who stayed at the Bundi Palace while writing the bestseller Kim (1901) said, "Jeypore Palace may be called the Versailles of India; Udaipur's House of State is dwarfed by the hills round it and the spread of the Pichola Lake; Jodhpur's House of strife, gray towers on red rock, is the work of giants, but the Palace of Bundi, even in broad daylight, is such a palace as men build for themselves in uneasy dreams - the work of goblins rather than of men." His words truly described the splendour of Bundi.

To celebrate the advent of the monsoon season Bundi turns into a magical town and the festival of Kajali Teej marks the arrival of the rains. Goddess Uma, the female consort of Lord Shiva is worshipped as she is believed to bring prosperity to the land along with the rains. This celebration is marked by a procession of Goddess Uma in a palanquin. Fairs and festivities are quite an attraction during this season. Artisans from far-flung places participate in large numbers and the first two days are dedicated to algoza - a pair of woodwind instruments used by Rajasthani, Punjabi (and many other) folk musicians.

Chandni Aggarwal, Founder of Transforming Travels says “Bundi is the land of many beautiful step-wells, lakes, and waterfalls that come alive with the rains. The otherwise calm town turns unbelievably beautiful and soul-soothing during the monsoon season. Everything looks gorgeous, and the weather stays pleasant throughout the day. Waterfalls and lakes weren’t so fascinating or exciting during any other season. Moreover, the Aravalli hills surrounding Bundi transform into a shimmering green adding a magical effect to the entire town’s landscape."

View of the Bundi's palace from nawal sagar lake, Rajasthan, India ©Fat Jackey/Shutterstock

This laid-back, enchanting town’s charm lies in its copious lakes - Nawal Sagar lake or the Jait Singh Sagar lake. The lush greenery gives a facelift to this otherwise quaint town while the mountains are awe-inspiring. You might also forget you are in Rajasthan because of the verdant surroundings.

Bundi is also well-known for its miniature paintings and baoli’s. Around 50 baoli’s (step-wells) were constructed in the region and were used as a method to store water during times of drought. Raniji-ki-Baori was commissioned by the Queen of Bundi (thus, the name) and sees remarkable carvings while Nagar Sagar Kund and Dhabhai Kund are fine examples of how rainwater was stored in this dry region.

How to reach

If you plan to travel by air, the nearest airport is the Jaipur International Airport. By road, Delhi to Bundi is around 500 km and is a 9-hour drive. Jaipur to Bundi is around 220kms. You can also opt to travel by train.