Behind the wheel & Contributor

Vinod Kumar...know more about me

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Bundi & Banswara

Distance - approx 600kms, 16hrs drive

No of Days - 3

Route - Delhi - Jaipur - Deoli - Bundi (Sightseeing Bundi) - Bhimlat temple & Waterfall - Justa Nahargarh

Stay - jüSTa Lake Nahargarh Palace

Route map -


We start at 11:30pm on Thursday and drive till the wee hours of Friday morning with occasional breaks. Highway king is open 24hrs which has a special night menu. Early morning we catch a quick nap at a dhabha, The drive was smooth, not much traffic and surprisingly some dhabas we open quite early enroute than expected.... who gave us good tea and biscuits....and by 8am we reach Bundi. The first view of Bundi city....



Bundi takes its name from the Bando Naal meaning a narrow passage in the hills. The Taragarh fort is the most impressive structure standing on top of the mountain and offers a birds eye view of the whole town. Its in a sorry state with the paintings on the walls fading away. The maintenance is nil here as the fort is in dispute. The Bundi Palace is also located a little away from the fort which has beautiful miniature murals. Some rooms are closed so as to maintain it, some are open...

The narrow lanes leading to the fort


Parking area


The entry to the fort


Tickets


Timings of Taragarh fort


Ticket cost (Pls note its Rs 80/- for Indians)


The entry to the fort


The walk is a steep climb




The steps to the top


Inside the fort








Apart from the fort one can walk around the see the following places also..


Nearby the parking, we spot this lovely place for breakfast


Homemade breakfast


The next we see the Raniji ki baori which is a beautiful multi storied step well with beautiful carvings.

The arched gate itself is very beautiful...






Entry tickets




Raniji ki Baori entrance


Inside the Baori










The next we see the 84 pillared cenotaph. Its an imposing structure which was built by Rao Anirudh for his wife, the carvings and the pillars are worth seeing...











And we discover that Bundi is famous for basmati rice, we figure out Tansen rice factory where we pick up a bag of Basmati rice.



Our drive from Bundi to Bhimlat waterfall, was around 40kms was so beautiful and scenic. We were compelled to stop at quite a few places to click pics, and our timing was just perfect to capture the Palace on Wheels too.







Although localities said that Bhimlat would not have water, we were really surprised to see this waterfall here, in one of the most remotest places. The way to reach the place was also to be discovered as there are no markings.

The drive to Bhimlat


And then cross the rail track


And finally...






The temple is reached down by a flight of steps




Bhimlat Mahadev temple




Lunch break enroute


Finally reached justa by 4:30pm.


Waiting for boat




Justa is an ideal place for a secluded holiday, location wise its a beautiful place. Not much activities to do here, or around which confines you to the island. Chittorgarh, Bundi and Menal are some nearby places to see staying here. Rooms are good, Food and service is ok. Early morning sunrise is awesome here,







Reception


Morning sunrise




Emus at the parking


Day 2 - Drive to Banswara
Route - Justa - Bassi - Nimbahera - Chhoti Sadri - Pratapgarh - Pipalkhunt - Banswara
Distance - 240kms
Time - 5hrs
Route map -


After breakfast we start for Banswara around 240kms from here. The roads are excellent to drive. We reach Banswara and what do we see....

Maharana Pratap Bridge or Mahi bridge






Diablab Lake with these beautiful islands


And the drive through the interior roads o explore the place.....
















Finally reach Mahi dam


Return journey back to Justa and have dinner at this place.....surprisingly the food was too good...



The next day after breakfast the start to our drive back home......