Bundi- Excursions

BIJOLIA ( 50 Km.)  

The ancient city of Bijolia and the fort are located on  the Bundi Chittaurgarh Road. A high paved courtyard on the side of the town has three large temples of Lord Shiva. A carved archway leads to these temples which has a fine  image of the elephant head Ganesha as guardian on the entrance. It  is said that there were hundred temples in Bijolia but now only three temples are left, which are fine example of 9th century architecture. 
 

MENAL (70 Km)
In the middle of beautiful wooded ravines 20 Km. from  Bijolia and 70 Km from Bundi, is a gorge of the Menal River and ruins of 12th Century mountain retreat of the great  Raja Prithvi Raj Chauhan. On the banks of the river are the ruins of an ancient  palace and nearby a complex of very beautiful temples. You enter the complex through a handsome double storey gateway carved with images of Bhairav and Ganesha.  In the courtyard there is a imposing Shiva Temple, with fine carving on the walls that depicts sculptures  of  Hindu deities. Opposite this temple lies the ruins of several other small temples  which have a beautifully carved double storey archway.

ROCK PAINTINGS (GARARDHA - 30 Kms)  

On the bank of small river of Garardha, one of the branch of River Chambal, some rock paintings has been recently discovered. It is estimated that these stone paintings  belong to pre-historic age,  which shows life style of that era.

It is famous for the temple of Keshav Rai Ji Maharaja  (God Vishu), which is standing on a huge platform at the bank of river Chambal. The architecture and sculpture of this temple is  unique and wonderful. It is a important pilgrim center for Hindus. The temple was constructed in 1601 AD by Maharaja Shatru Sal of Bundi. The ancient jain Tirthankar temple has made Keshoraipatan a important  Jain pilgrim center also.  A very famous cattle fair is annually held on Kartik Punam (full moon day). This place is well connected from Bundi by road.

RAMGARH ( 45 Km.) 

The Ramgarh wild life sanctuary is situated on Nainwa  Road. If luck favours, one can see wild bore, bear,  Leopard  and many other wild life.There is a small Palace, and a hunting lodge  in the jungle.  Permission from District Forest Officer is required for a visit.

RAMESHWAR ( 20 Km.)

Rameshwar the cave temple of Lord Shiva is  surrounded  by Arivali  ranges.  It is a beautiful picnic spot  adorned  by natural  surroundings .There are few ROCK PAINTINGS  nearby this cave. This place is connected by good road.

TALWAS ( 53 Km.), DUGARI ( 65 Km.), INDARGARH (77 Km.) and HINDOLI  FORT (14 Km.) are other destination for a half day trip. Jhalara Patan (105 Km.) Badoli Temples ( 80 Km.)  KOTA  (35 Km.) are other destination for a full day trip.

* IT IS VERY PERTINENT TO NOTE THAT KOTA IS A INDUSTRIAL TOWN AND SECOND MOST POLLUTED CITY IN RAJASTHAN AND ONLY PLACE OF TOURIST INTEREST WORTH VISITING IN KOTA IS MADHO  SINGH MUSEUM.  SO GENERAL PRACTICE IS TO STAY IN BUNDI AND GO TO KOTA ON A DAY'S VISIT.