Perched high on a steep hillside overlooking the charming town of Bundi, Taragarh Fort is one of the oldest hill forts in Rajasthan. With narrow tunnels, secret reservoirs, grand bastions, and spectacular views of Bundi’s blue-hued homes, Taragarh remains a quiet guardian of history and legend.

Quick Overview

Feature	Details
Location	Bundi, Rajasthan, India
Founded	1354 AD
Founder	Rao Bar Singh (descendant of Rao Deva)
Architectural Style	Rajput and Mughal mix
Entry Fee	Indians: ₹50 / Foreigners: ₹200
Best Time to Visit	October to March

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History of Taragarh Fort 📜

Early Construction

• Built in 1354 AD by Rao Bar Singh, the younger son of Rao Deva of the Hada Chauhan dynasty.

• Originally a stronghold to defend the kingdom of Hadoti from invading forces.

Medieval Significance

• Played a major defensive role during Mughal-Rajput conflicts.

• Known for its military tunnels, cannons, and underground water tanks.

• Saw action during multiple regional skirmishes but remained relatively unbroken.

Colonial Era & Present Day

• Declined post-British annexation.

• Now partially in ruins but open to tourists, trekkers, and historians.

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Why Visit Taragarh Fort? 💼

• Less-crowded, offbeat experience unlike other Rajasthani forts.

• Unfiltered views of Bundi town and lakes.

• Adventure trails, ancient murals, and peaceful corners.

• Site of Rani Mahal, with vibrant frescoes and history.

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How to Reach Taragarh Fort ✈️🚄🚌

By Air:

• Nearest Airport: Kota Airport (39 km), Jaipur Airport (210 km)

By Train:

• Nearest Railway Station: Bundi Railway Station (2.5 km from fort base)

By Road:

• Buses and private cabs available from Kota, Jaipur, and Udaipur.

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Trekking to Taragarh Fort 🥾

Access Routes:

1. Main Trail: Starts from Bundi city near Raniji ki Baori.

2. Back Gate: Slightly steeper path, less frequently used.

Trek Details:

Route	Duration	Difficulty	Tip
City Entrance Route	25 mins	Moderate	Ideal for tourists
Forest Slope Route	40 mins	Moderate+	Requires sturdy shoes

What to Carry 🎒

• Good walking/trekking shoes

• Water bottle

• Camera or smartphone

• Sunscreen and sunglasses

• Local map or offline GPS

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Gates and Towers 🏰

Gate/Tower Name	Description
Lakshmi Pol	Main entrance with defensive towers
Phool Sagar Gate	Lesser-used, leads toward city palace
Bhim Burj	Massive battlement that held huge cannon
Rani Mahal	Living quarters for royal women

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Things to Do at Taragarh Fort 📸

• Explore the Ruins: Wander ancient chambers and broken halls.

• See the Stepwells: Marvel at Bundi’s famous water architecture.

• Photograph the View: Capture aerial shots of Bundi city and Jait Sagar Lake.

• Spot Local Wildlife: Peacocks, langurs, and colorful birds frequent the trail.

Things to Avoid ❌

• Don’t venture alone late afternoon or evening.

• Avoid carrying food items that attract animals.

• Avoid slippery paths during or after rain.

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Best Time to Visit 🌞

• October to March: Pleasant and perfect for trekking.

When to Avoid

• Summer (April to June): Very hot and dry.

• Monsoon (July to September): Risk of landslides and poor visibility.

Whom Should Avoid the Trek?

• People with respiratory or heart issues.

• Seniors without hiking support.

• Children under 7 without supervision.

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Fascinating Facts About Taragarh 📌

• Sometimes referred to as the “Star Fort of Rajasthan.”

• Home to one of the oldest hilltop water reservoirs in Rajasthan.

• Inspired many colonial-era writers including Rudyard Kipling.

• Locals say some tunnels remain undiscovered and uncharted.

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Accommodation in Bundi 🏨

Hotel Name	Type	Distance from Fort
Haveli Braj Bhushanjee	Heritage	1 km
The Hadoti Palace	Luxury	1.5 km
Shivam Tourist Guest House	Budget	800 m

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Travel Tips 🧭

• Hire a local guide for history-rich exploration.

• Begin trek before 9 AM to avoid midday heat.

• Bring a flashlight if exploring deeper chambers.

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Summary Table

Section	Highlights
History	1354 AD, built by Rao Bar Singh
Trekking Routes	City trail and back hill trail
Must-Carry Items	Water, sunscreen, shoes, camera, flashlight
Main Attractions	Bhim Burj, Rani Mahal, towers and stepwells
Best Time to Visit	October to March
Avoid	Summer afternoons & monsoon period

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Conclusion ❤️

Taragarh Fort in Bundi isn’t just a destination—it’s a journey back in time. From its haunting tunnels to majestic viewpoints and royal quarters, it promises a unique escape for every traveler seeking offbeat paths.