Authored by Alexandra Wrigley

When you envision Northern India, you most likely imagine a hectic state and an assault on your senses. You probably picture vast volumes of traffic and noise coming from many different directions.

You’re right, except for the town of Bundi, India, a beauteous blue tranquil village in Rajasthan. Unlike some cities in India, this town is not vastly populated, averaging approximately 104,000 inhabitants. It’s 210km from Jaipur, equating to a 3-4-hour car or bus journey.

The royal blue buildings of Bundi give you a sense of a smaller-scaled Jodhpur. However, this destination is unlike most in India. The laid-back atmosphere of the South with the history and culture of the North.

Bundi Rajasthan is not the typical tourist destination when visiting the North. Compared to cities such as Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi, Jaisalmer and others. However, it should be on your radar as it is home to many spectacular attractions and bazaars full of rich history.

Are you visiting Bundi, India? Look for hotels in Bundi at Booking.com!

We are Visiting the unique township of Bundi in India.

Why Bundi in India Should Be on Your Radar

Nestled away in the remote hills of Rajasthan, Bundi is a beauteous blue town that merits a spot on your travel itinerary. Although it receives fewer visitors than some of India’s other tourist destinations, Bundi is well worth a visit for its tranquillity, stunning architecture, and idyllic setting.

The town is built around a lake, which reflects the blue hues of the sky and houses a beautiful palace at its centre. Bundi’s buildings are adorned with intricate murals and carvings, making it one of the most picturesque towns in India.

In addition to its visual appeal, Bundi is also home to some of the best-preserved temples and forts in Rajasthan. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of India’s cities, Bundi is the perfect place to relax and recharge.

Taragarth Fort and Palace

Another main attraction is its palace which voyeurs over the town, and attached is the Taragarth Fort. To visit you have to journey up a steep slope, which is quite rocky and not the best of terrains.

Yet, rest assured, the fatigue is worth it. Once at the top, you’ll enter through a tall wooden door. Throughout the Fort are original intricate carved statues, and real gold painted murals adding to the history of the palace. Finally, you’ll reach the top of the Fort, where you will be pleasantly treated to breathtaking 360-degree views of Bundi.

Similarly, you may notice monkeys clambering from one blue roof to another. Make sure if you are to visit, have an object like a stick at the ready to poke the monkeys away from stealing your valuables!

Moreover, the Fort also showcases fabulous views of the Nawal Sagar lake. Woefully not much work from the government has been done to conserve the ancient building constructed in 1345. Nevertheless, it’s also a rarity that a traveller gets to witness such a historical structure in its original form.

I am checking out the views over Bundi.

Jait Sagar Lake

Overlooking this alluring lotus flower-covered lake resides the once infamous Jungle Book writer Rudyard Kipling’s summer residence. This is the Sukh Mahal palace, and rumours noted that he spent time working on his Novel Kim there.

The best time to visit the lake is during the early evening; as the sky sets, it gives a charming ambience to the lake and lakeside. Locals unwind around the lakeside, revelling in optimum serenity, and hippopotamuses bask in the water. The tranquil vibe makes it different and unique from other hectic destinations in India.

The mesmerising views over Jait Sagar Lake in Bundi, India.

Step Wells Bundi

Bundi is home to some incredible hand-dug ancient step wells. In former times, they were assembled to retain water and for locals to undergo religious bathing. The architecture of each step well is purely captivating. You can climb down to the bottom of the well and explore the ever-multiplying steps.

Each Stepwell architecture varies from one to another. One of Bundi’s most famous Stepwells is the Ranji Ki Boari, built-in 1699 by a young queen. Yes, talk about girl power! The architecture of this stepwell is impressive as there are carved stone elephant sculptures.

Step Well Bundi.

If you’re visiting India, you must check out the quiescent town of Bundi. It is a fantastic mellow break out of the frenzy of overpopulated Northern Indian cities.

Nomads also attend attractions that are not commonly made known to the average tourist. Because tourists don’t visit that often when they do, locals go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Even though it’s not a typical tourist destination, you will still find a place to crash your head for the evening.

I recommend you stay at a heritage home known as a haveli. Why? The reason is that you will feel like you’re a king or queen. Kings and queens once owned the royal architecture and history of these places. They are an attraction, and you’ll be spending the night there.

If you visit, make sure you speak to the owner or manager to discover the history of the haveli fully. Bundi is one destination you must visit and see for yourself. It’s also a nice break away from the other typical Rajasthani cities. If more travellers like you and I were to visit, it would generate more attention.

It is also proving to the government that extra work should be undergone to conserve Bundi’s resources. If this occurs, one day, it could put Bundi back on the map and allow a range of generations worldwide to be educated about Bundi’s rich heritage, never letting its history die out.

* This post comes courtesy of Alexandra Wrigley, a travel blogger at Extracts of Alex!

The locals out on the Jait Sagar Lake

Authored by Liam Whitman

If you’ve never been there before, now is the perfect time to consider a holiday to India. You might have put off travelling there before for one reason or another, but a 2018 trip to the country will be one you never forget.

Escape to India in 2018, you won’t regret it. Source

5 reasons why you should escape to India in 2018

1. Their festivals continue to adapt

Festivals are a brilliant celebration of a country’s culture. They’re an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local traditions and experience something that you could never get from touring the local landmarks. India is known for its vibrant and colourful festivals, but they aren’t completely absorbed in the past.

Some of the more recent ones have blended elements of the old and new to create something truly incomparable. Musical culture especially has adapted over the last few years. Many local artists now embrace EDM in their festivals, and it’s something that shouldn’t be missed.

2. The history keeps expanding

India’s rich history has always been something of interest to tourists. The country is home to a plethora of ornate temples and other notable landmarks, but the availability of places to explore seems to expand year on year. New excavations commissioned by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) are constantly being given the go-ahead, from as recent as a few months ago. With new artefacts and historical locations of interest being unearthed all the time, there’s more to see in India than there has ever been before.

Be inspired at some truly wonderful places in India. Source

3. They’ve developed leaps and bounds

You might not have made holidayed in India before, but if you have, then maybe you were put off by the slow progress of their technological development. While those of us living in Western countries have grown dependent on technology in certain areas of our lives, many people in the Eastern world haven’t.

However, India has advanced massively in recent years. The more urbanised areas of the country have vastly improved internet connectivity and easier digital access, making things run a whole lot smoother. If you were hesitant about visiting India because of having to make a compromise with tech, you no longer need to worry.

4. It caters to adventure seekers

India is by no means just a place to visit to explore temples and dine on authentic curries. The country is home to incredible mountain ranges, including the Himalayas no less, and gorgeous stretches of rural landscapes where you can get your adrenaline fix. With things like white-water rafting and rock climbing on the table, places like Himachal Pradesh offer a variety of adventurous activities away from the bustling crowds. Even if you’re not a massive thrill-seeker, the mountain paths offer stunning views that remind you you’re as far away from work as possible.

5. The Mumbai-Goa ferry is returning

It was announced last year that the Mumbai-Goa ferry, which was popular during the 1960s, would be back up and running in 2018. Although setbacks have delayed the voyages until September of this year, the experience will be worth the wait. Goa’s coastline is an incredible place to holiday if you’re looking to spend your time abroad on the beach. What better way to get there than a boat steeped in history? The ferry has also been updated to meet modern standards and is reported to be an affordable fare for everyone.

If you haven’t already planned your 2018 holiday adventure, what are you waiting for? Organise it now and make sure that you’re fully prepared for the trip of a lifetime. With so many reasons to escape to India this year, you’d be mad to miss out. Have I forgotten any off the list?

Are you going to India this year? Let me know in the comments!

Check out some of India’s finest landscapes. Source  

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