The city of Bundi is among the lesser known places in the very popular Indian state of Rajasthan. This is, however, only one of the reasons it is so appealing. For one, the city has a terrain unlike the other parts of the state. It is located at the heart of the Aravali Range and has a number of beautiful lakes and forests around it. For another, the city has some very unique buildings, blue tinted houses and step wells among other things. One may think that a small city like this may have limited options and yet it is surprising how the number of things you could do in Bundi are just too many. Read on to find out.

Located at a distance of about 15 odd kilometres, the Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the key attractions here. The Ramgarh sanctuary is considered to be a buffer for the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. The sanctuary is a good place for wildlife spotting and bird-watching. There are some exciting trails in the sanctuary for both wildlife enthusiasts and others. The rare Rusty Spotted Cat is among the many species that inhabit the region. Visiting the Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most fun things to do in Bundi.

As you enter the city, the first sight that is likely to catch your eyes is the mighty Bundi Palace. It would almost seem as if it were emerging from the hills to protect its city. To visit the palace and its fort, one must endure a steep climb but it is completely worth the sight that awaits. The palace is not only known for its architecture and wall paintings but also for the view of the city. Further up the hill is the Taragarh Fort which is also falling to ruins, much like the palace; but it still has some rooms and reservoirs preserved.

Bundi is different from most other cities in the arid state of Rajasthan because of the presence of water. This can be witnessed in its many lakes like the Jait Sagar and Nawal Sagar or through its many step wells like Raniji ki Baori and Dabhai Kund. While at the Jait Sagar, another place worth visiting is the Sukh Mahal. This beautiful building overlooking the lake was praised by the beloved writer Rudyard Kipling himself.

Bundi hosts two major festivals in the state of Rajasthan, the Kajali Teej and the Bundi Utsav. Celebrated as a sign of the prosperity to come and in worship of Goddess Uma, the female consort of Lord Shiva, Kajali Teej is one of the biggest festivals in the region. With fairs everywhere, a procession and a lot more, the festival of Kajali Teej is a must see if planning to visit the region. The Bundi Utsav, known for its cultural exhibitions is also known as the Bundi festival. With the festival stretching to three-four days, the Bundi Utsav is one of the best times to visit the place. With cultural and traditional performances, fairs and markets selling traditional handicrafts, the Bundi Utsav does not disappoint.

Located in Ranthambore, the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve took its present form in 1991. Extending to about 400 odd kilometres, the park is one among many in northern India. Known extensively for its tigers, the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is one of the key attractions in the region. November to May is considered as the best time to get a glimpse of the mighty Bengal tigers that inhabit the park. There are safaris that last for about 2-3 hours and are not too expensive. Although the park is known for its tigers, there are plenty of other species that inhabit the park like the Mugger Crocodiles, Wild Boar, the Indian Leopard, the Sambar deer, Stripped Hyena, etc.

The Lake town of Bundi is surrounded by the Aravali Mountains from three sides. Known as one of the oldest ranges in the world, the Aravali range is a thing of beauty. While the peaks in the range are not too high, their unique ecosystems are home to many a creatures. The hills not only provide a vantage point for great pictures and view of the town but also allow for bird-watching and trekking. There is plenty to explore in the hills here.