Excursion to Bundi: Relaxing Weekend Break

This was one of the most unplanned trip I have ever taken but turned out good. One Saturday morning we decided to make a day trip to someplace close by. We zeroed in on Bundi as it was one of the unexplored cities and seemed a good option for a one night trip. We started around 12:30 or 1:00 p.m. and took approximately 5:30 hours to reach. The roads are good but make sure to carry food and water as there was hardly any available on the route. It is best to hire a car with chauffeur rather than taking public transport but you may also choose to take train or bus.

At around 4:00 p.m we were crossing Tonk and saw this big signboard (Hotel sheetal resort & midway) on the highway on a dilapidated building. We entered thinking this is the only decent option and we will have a chai (tea) and use the toilet and rush. However once we entered it was very decent and had an elaborate menu. We ordered Masala omelet, Cheese omelet, chilli chiken and chai. The food was lovely and it wasn't expensive. Post the food session we started and made it to Bundi in 1.5hrs.

Omelets at Midway Resort

Chilli Chiken at Midway

Entering Bundi

Entering Bundi

We had made an on phone booking at Hatodi Palace but when we reached there it was nothing like the pictures on website or on tripadvisor. The pool wasn't working and it was big quiet and a little musty and we decided to not stay at Hatodi.
At 6:30 in the evening we were 2 couples who took this impromptu trip with no room to stay and were googling hotels in Bundi. We stumbled upon a hotel called Dev Niwas Palace. Situated in the heart of old city we drove through congested, narrow streets and reached a point when the car could not go any further, so we stayed in the car and the boys went to check out the hotel. After a while they came back with a tuk tuk that took us to the Hotel.

The tuk tuk that brought us in

The tuk tuk that brought us in

The Hotel we randomly chose last minute was Dev Niwas Palace, situated in the interiors of Bundi amidst narrow lanes and multitude of old houses. From the roof you take one look and you will see tiny little houses, temples and a magnificent fort staring at you. It was quaint. We checked into Dev Niwas and took the deluxe category rooms on 1st floor- Room no. 9. The room was Spacious, had a sitting alcove just infront of the bed and a separate seating space, a work / dressing table and spacious bathroom with shower, geyser & western style toilet.

The room & the sitting space

The room & the sitting space

The Room- Dressing/ work dress and bed view

The Room

The Hotel itself had an old world charm. You enter into this big courtyard with a fountain in the centre and rooms surrounding. There is a beautiful terrace restaurant that gives a great view of the fort and the entire city and the food is superb. Bundi is a very small rural town and this hotel is heritage yet has some essential modern amenities like the Air con & Hot water, fresh towels & soap. No Hair dryers or fancy lotions available but this is as good as it gets in Bundi. The greatest part is the view from Dev Niwas rooftop dining area and terrace. You can see the gorgeous fort and the quaint town in all its glory. The sunset views too are stunning.
Since we drove all afternoon we kept the evening relaxed. Stayed in the room and had a few drinks along with some great snacks in Room. The service was great and the staff friendly! Post that we went to the rooftop restaurant and ordered a Laal Maas & safed Maas, Salad & home-made phulka (rotis). It was the best Laal Maas I have had in my whole life, well balanced yet you could taste all the spices....Yummmmm!!! Post dinner we just walked in the terrace chatted and called it a night!

The Dev Niwas Courtyard at night

Late night view of the Fort from rooftop restaurant

views of the fort from the restaurant

The chef & Cook who made every morsel worth it!

The food

The next morning we woke up early and had tea at the terrace and explored the views from the terrace. Post that we had Parathas with curd and pickle for breakfast.

Views of Bundi

After clicking loads of pictures of the hotel and the city and getting a birds eye view we checked out and also got parathas and Laal Maas and Safed Maas packed for the road. Post check out we explored the city on foot, shopped a bit for paintings and bangles and started back for Jaipur. All in all if you are looking for a peaceful weekend, Bundi a five hour drive from jaipur is a good option. There isn't much to do except putting your feet up and relaxing with a book or a loved one and exploring the quaint town and a few historical buildings but its a great relaxing trip that is off the beaten path.
Enjoy the pictures for a pictorial trip!!!

Views of Bundi

Views of Bundi

The Devi Niwas Hotel from the rooftop

The Dev Niwas Palace Hotel

Our friends Rajat & priya at The Dev Niwas Palace Hotel

The Dev Niwas Palace Hotel courtyard

The Dev Niwas Palace Hotel

Entry to the hotel

Entry to the hotel

Entry to the hotel

Entry to the hotel

Entry to the hotel

The hotel Reception

Exploring the town of Bundi

Exploring the town of Bundi

Exploring the town of Bundi

Exploring the town of Bundi

Exploring the town of Bundi

Exploring the town of Bundi

Exploring the town of Bundi

The Fort Complex- this is also the car park

Exploring Bundi

Exploring Bundi

The fort

The Fort

The Fort: Not very well maintained

Shopping in Bundi for Paintings

Shopping in Bundi for Paintings

The famous Lac bangles of Bundi and they aren't cheap...

Bangle Shop in Bundi

Exploring Bundi, the lakeside

A hotel with the view of the lake: Bundi

A hotel with the view of the lake: Bundi.

Exploring Bundi

bye Bye Bundi

For More about excursions and day trips from Jaipur visit: http://visitingjaipur.com/planned-excursions-for-jaipur