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Bundiculture

Garh Palace and the Chitrashala murals

A guided morning in Bundi's hillside palace, ending in the Chitrashala, a courtyard of rooms covered in 18th-century murals showing Krishna, the court and festivals in the blue-green style of the Bundi school.
Garh Palace and the Chitrashala murals
Photo: Alvin Antony 910 · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Garh Palace was built from the 17th century onward, climbing the hill in tiers. Its entrance, the Hathi Pol, is guarded by stone elephants. Inside, rooms such as the Chhatra Mahal and Badal Mahal hold paintings and mirror work, though parts of the palace are closed or in disrepair. A guide is essential to know what is open.

The Chitrashala, built under Rao Umed Singh in the 18th century, is the highlight. Its walls and ceilings are covered in murals: Krishna with the gopis, Radha, palace scenes, processions, hunts and festivals. The Bundi style favours deep blues and greens, lush landscapes and fine detail. Many murals remain in good condition.

We start at opening time, walk up through the palace, then spend time in the Chitrashala, where your guide can explain the stories in each panel. Sections of the palace open and close for conservation work, so check current status before you travel. Afterwards, we walk down to the stepwells in the town.

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Good to know

What is the Chitrashala in Bundi

A courtyard and gallery in Bundi Palace built in the 18th century, covered with murals in the Bundi style. They show Krishna, court life, festivals and hunts. They are among the best-preserved palace murals in Rajasthan. It was built under Rao Umed Singh. We spend unhurried time there, and your guide explains the story in each panel, from Krishna with the gopis to processions and hunts.

Is Bundi Palace open to visitors

Yes, parts of the palace and the Chitrashala are open with a ticket. Some sections close for safety or conservation, and this changes. Check current status before you travel. A local guide knows which areas are accessible. We start at opening time, when the light is soft and the rooms quiet, and finish in the Chitrashala.

How long does Bundi Palace take

About two to two and a half hours with a guide, including the climb and the Chitrashala. Add an hour if you plan to continue up to Taragarh Fort. Enter by the Hathi Pol, guarded by stone elephants, and wear good shoes for the steps. We go in the morning, then walk down to Raniji ki Baori and the stepwells in the town.

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