The Garh Palace is one of the main attractions at Bundi. It is up a hill and towers over the city, only next to it is the eyesore of the Bundi TV Tower.
Signboard Near Garh Palace, Bundi, Rajasthan
As the signboard informs us, garh Palace is the private property of the current Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. But it is under private management unlike the Chitrashala of Bundi. I was talking to someone and he remarked, “The king does not live here, he lives in Delhi and the caretakers really do not bother much about the place.” I had to agree with him, because the place is quite dank and full of smell of bat droppings. And yet it has a fading charm all about it. When we were there there was an Asian tourist and a few locals around. But while we were walking out, more tourists were trickling in.
Entrance to the Bundi palace, called Hathi Pol (Elephante Gate) Bundi, Rajasthan
The entrance to the palace is grand with the figure of two elephants standing in welcome. It is called Hathi Pol. There are paintings on the top of the door that are better preserved.
Paintings inside the Palace, Bundi, Rajasthan
There are paintings inside the main palace too but they seriously need some preservation. The one that you see above is one of the better preserved ones.
The Palace in the Background at Night, Bundi, Rajasthan
The palace is quite visible from the different parts of the city. I took this picture from the main market.
I wish I had some real interest in architecture or it was easy for me to remember dates but I fail at both. Since I have not clicked (or was there no other board, not sure) any other sign board I don’t know about the dates. And since I have no interest in architecture, I write very drab posts about palaces and such stuff.
Better if they give the palace to Neemrana Hotels than keeping it under private trust. 2nd and 4th photos are really good..
Looks majestic under lights.But why does Sir Lord Maharaja stay in Delhi? If he really likes the capital city, give this palace to better maintenance!
converting palaces into hotels seems a good way to preserve and use them otherwise their upkeep seems a costly affair.
Dont bother too much about writing in details about architecture. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. :o)
Tarun, thank you. About the Neemrana part, yes that sounds quite nice, the private haveli's that run as hotels look quite better preserved.Sangfroid more than that what surprises me more is that the regret that you hear in the voice of the local people when they tell this. I wonder why?That is so true Namita.VS, thanks for the suggestion!