- This week, in our series of those destinations that have thankfully escaped the travel radar of most, we explore a quaint little gem at the heart of
Rajasthan -Bundi . - The town has some surprisingly decent cafes, a rustic old palace and a fort that provides brilliant views of the town.
- So enamoured was
Rudyard Kipling with theBundi Palace that he mentioned the same in his Letters of Marque.
Advertising professional, Kanishka Vashisht, has visited Bundi, not once, but twice. Here’s what he had to say: “Bundi was a laid back dream. No pushers trying to sell you anything or do some 'pooja'. Our peaceful heritage haveli 'Dev Nivas' was awesome with yum food and calming views. Bundi is how
Here are a few of the places you must visit:
Jait Sagar Lake and Kshar Bagh (Saar Bagh): Around 1.5 in length, the Jait Sagar lake is often dotted with lotus flowers, especially in winters and monsoons. Close to the lake's eastern end is a slightly dilapidated Kshar Bagh that features some gorgeous cenotaphs with intricate carvings of elephants and horses. While it is not open to the public, you may be able to ask the caretaker to let you in for a quick glimpse. There is, however, a picnic spot nearby that is frequented by tourists.
Bundi Palace (
Cafe’s and Restaurant: You will be surprised that this unassuming little town has a host of brilliant cafes and restaurants serving a great variety of continental as well as Indian cuisine. Should you be heading there, do visit the Blue Bundi Cafe & Restaurant. A precarious set of stairs may look dubious at first but what lies above is a perfect location for some sumptuous pizzas, pancakes, and more. Professional chef, Tarannum Sehgal, has travelled to Bundi thrice, she says, “Bundi is a secret I never wanted to share. That’s how quaint and untouched this place is and I hope it stays like that. For me, it’s all the Rajasthan feels packed in one small town. Right from the stay in old forts to streets freckled with French and Israeli cafes that serve right from the local Laal Maas to the best Nutella Crepes and thin hand-rolled pizzas with the backdrop of the Bundi castle.”
SEE ALSO:
Travel buffs tell you where to veer off the highway in Chhattisgarh to find some lesser-known gems