Ten second takeaway: Bundi is a town that you might have a picture of in your head, but often struggle to place in the real world. Dotted with blue houses, lakes, hills, bazaars and a temple at every turn, Bundi is straight out of a fairy tale.
It is believed that Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling penned part of his famous novel Kim in Bundi and this is what he had to say about the Bundi palace,
‘Jaipur Palace may be called the ‘Versailles of India’. 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.’
Places to visit in Bundi: Sukh Mahal, Kshar Bag, Dabhai Kund, Raniji Ki Baori, Taragarh Fort, Lake Jait Sagar.
HOW TO REACH BUNDI
By Air: The nearest airport is Sanganer Airport in Jaipur which is about 206 kms away.
By Road: Buses to Bundi are available at regular intervals from Ajmer, Bijolia, Bikaner, Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Sawai Madhopur and Udaipur.
By Train: There is a small railway station in Bundi that is located about 4 kilometres south of the old city. To reach Bundi by train, you will have to change trains at Chittorgarh, which is connected to all major cities in India.
Barmer
Ten second takeaway: Known for its ultra rich crafts that include wood carving, pottery, embroidery work and ajrak prints, the town of Barmer in western Rajasthan is located 153 km from Jaisalmer.
Formerly know as Mallani, the present name of Barmer was given by its founder Bahada Rao, popularly known as Bar Rao, who was a Parmar ruler. Barmer captures the imagination of everyone who visits it, and has successfully stood the test of time and circumstances.
Places to visit in Barmer: Kiradu Temple, Barmer Fort and Garh Temple, Shri Nakoda Jain Temple, Chintamani Parasnath Jain Temple, Juna Fort and Temple
HOW TO REACH BARMER
By Air: The nearest airport is at Jodhpur around 220 km from Barmer.
By Road: State-run buses connect the town with most of the cities in the state including Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur.
By Train: The Barmer railway station is well connected to Jodhpur, which in turn is well-connected to other major cities of India.