About Taragarh Fort
Opening hours- 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Prime days and hours- Weekends, Mornings
Suggested Duration- 2-3 hours
Tickets- Available Offline
Nearest Railway Station- Bundi Railway Station, about 5 km
Nearest Bus Stand- Bundi Bus Stand, about 2 km
Nearest Airport- Kota Airport, about 44 km
Taragarh Fort in Bundi, Rajasthan, is a 14th-century fortress that sits atop a steep hill at 1,430 feet above sea level. It offers panoramic views of the charming city of Bundi and the Aravalli hills. Built in 1354 AD by King Ajaypal Chauhan, the fort served as a military stronghold and royal retreat. It’s famed for its distinctive Rajput architecture, untouched by Mughal influences, a rarity in Rajasthan.
Visitors enter through three massive gateways, Lakshmi Pol, Gagudi ki Phatak, and Phuta Darwaza, and walk along wide stone corridors, grand courtyards, and massive bastions. The fort houses structures like Rani Mahal, Bhim Burj, and underground tunnels once used as secret escape routes during sieges.
Legends of a hidden treasure protected by Pathan warriors add an air of mystery to the visit. Even in its semi-ruined state, the fort radiates grandeur, making it one of the best places to visit in Bundi. Whether you are a history buff, photographer, or explorer looking to relive stories of war, royalty, and forgotten glories, visiting the fort is an experience in itself.
Taragarh Fort Highlights
• Visit the iconic Taragarh Fort, located in Bundi, Rajasthan, perched at an elevation of 1,430 feet amidst the Aravalli hills.
• Witness the brilliance of Rajput military architecture with grand gateways, bastions, ancient temples, and palaces hidden within the fort complex.
• Marvel at Bhim Burj, the massive bastion that once held the thunderous cannon 'Garbh Gunjam' or ‘Thunder from the Womb’.
• Explore the underground tunnel network used for secret escapes and warfare strategies during sieges.
• Discover the legendary Rani Mahal, with its carved pillars, stepwells, and courtyard meant for royal queens.
How To Reach Taragarh Fort
By Road- You can reach the Taragarh Fort from Bundi, which is around 3 km away, taking about 15 minutes to reach via the Kota - Deoli Rd and Sadar Baazar.
Best Time To Visit Taragarh Fort
1. Peak Season (October to March)
- Weather Insight- The weather remains pleasant and dry, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 28°C.
- Things to Do- Explore Bundi’s old town, trek up to the fort, and witness the nearby cultural festivals such as the Bundi Utsav.
2. Moderate Season (July to September)
- Weather Insight- With temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C, the fort receives moderate to heavy rainfall.
- Things to Do- Ideal for heritage walks, photography, and enjoying the monsoon views from the fort.
3. Low Season (April to June)
- Weather Insight: Summer temperatures can rise from 36°C to 40°C, with dry and hot weather.
- Things to Do- Experience a quieter version of Bundi with fewer crowds.
Taragarh Fort Other Essential Information
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and carry water bottles as the climb to Taragarh Fort is steep and rugged.
- There is no online ticketing system; there is only a ticket counter at the entrance, so consider carrying some cash.
- Entry is allowed through narrow paths, so consider hiring a local guide to understand the hidden corners and history.
- Parts of the fort are in ruins and without fencing; be mindful while exploring the higher sections or walls.
- Eat before you trek up and pack light snacks, as there are no restaurants or stalls at the fort.
Explore the Bhim Burj
Located at the highest point of the fort, Bhim Burj is a giant bastion that once mounted the legendary cannon “Garbh Gunjam,” meaning “Thunder from the Womb.” This cannon was so powerful that its blast echoed like an earthquake. Bhim Burj showcases the scale of Rajput military ingenuity and offers stunning views over Bundi. Today, it stands as a silent but commanding symbol of strength and strategy.
Marvel at the Rani Mahal
The Rani Mahal inside the fort was constructed exclusively for the queens and royal women. It features a grand veranda, arcade-column-style halls, and beautifully carved stonework that hints at its past splendour. A baori or stepwell lies adjacent to the mahal, designed to provide water during sieges. Though weathered by time, the palace still exudes quiet elegance and offers a rare glimpse into royal domestic life.
Visit the Miran Saheb ki Dargah
This sacred site within the fort pays homage to Miran Saheb, a former governor and fort commander who died heroically while defending it. The dargah stands as a solemn tribute to his sacrifice and is one of the spiritual highlights of Taragarh. With its simple yet meaningful architecture, it draws visitors interested in the fort’s layered cultural and religious past.
Learn about the Secret Tunnels
Taragarh Fort is famous for its secret tunnels crisscrossing the hill, once used by royals and soldiers to escape or move during attacks. While many routes remain unexplored due to a lack of proper mapping, some visible entrances intrigue visitors with their mystery. These passages add a thrilling dimension to the fort’s already compelling history, igniting the imagination of every explorer.
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Taragarh Fort FAQs
What is the Taragarh Fort famous for?
Taragarh Fort is known for its strategic location on a hilltop, giving panoramic views of Bundi town. It was among the first hill forts in India and is famous for its massive battlements, intricate step wells, and tunnels. The fort is often referred to as the "Star Fort" and is celebrated for its architecture, military history, and romantic ruins that inspired poets and painters alike.
Where is the Taragarh Fort located?
Taragarh Fort is perched on a steep hill overlooking the town of Bundi, in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan. The fort is accessible via a winding uphill trail from the old city area. The climb is about 20 to 30 minutes through narrow lanes and stairs. Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the Bundi Palace, Jait Sagar Lake, and the surrounding Aravalli hills.
How old is the Taragarh Fort, and who built it?
Taragarh Fort was built in 1354 AD by Rao Deva, the founder of Bundi. It is considered one of the oldest hill forts in Rajasthan and predates even the more famous forts of Jaipur and Jodhpur. It served as the main military base and residence for the Chauhan rulers of Bundi. The fort’s defensive architecture, including ramparts and bastions, played a key role in resisting invasions.
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