"BUNDI" Bundi by Grajo

From the road, the first view of Bundi surprises and builds up hopes simultaneously: at the foot of an impressive palace, a myriad of small houses and narrow streets -in which colour blue predominates- receives the bus. The Chogan Gate, that gives access to the walled city, and the rain tanks which are just alongside, constitute our first real contact with the town. The rain tanks are really impressive, and their design shows the special ability of Indian people for architecture (dozens of stairs follow one another until ending at a deeper level). The most terrible thing is how deserted they are: one of them has become the main wastebasket of the village.

The streets are peaceful and cosy. In some of them, havelis with elegant facades - some painted in blue, smooth tones -, delicate balconies and beautiful windows demand our attention. Several of these havelis have been prepared as guesthouses, although at first sight tourists are scarce. In the afternoon, the streets are full of children who play outdoors (especially cricket, the national sport) and invariably greets us saying a laconic hello or with a quick handshake, in the "exotic" western style.

The Maharaha Palace

Tickets for the Palace cost 50 rupees, plus other 50 rupees per camera. Although it seems expensive, I have to say that the place deserves it. After crossing the front door - an enormous gate finely decorated - we arrive to the spectacular Elephants Gate, the only totally restored part of the complex (in 2004, al least). The gate is a perfect sample of the splendour with that the palace was constructed. But it is only the beginning. The famous wall paintings of some rooms are really beautiful, in a simple, naive style, absolutely captivating. Some of them still remain in good conditions, in spite of the abandon in which they have been for years. It is possible to visit almost all the complex, although for visiting some rooms it is necessary to be accompanied by a caretaker, who, tremendously wilful, is explaining the function of every room. It is necessary to come back to Elephants Gate if you want to search the women's area, richly decorated with paintings and other kind of ornaments, and which is located around a small pool where, according to they said, took maharaha comforting baths.