200 meters further driving after having Kachori at Chotulal Namkeen Center, Sadar Bazar, we were at Suryamall Chauraha.

Shree Jodhpur Misthan Bhandhar

Rasmalai – The request.

One for self and one for Ashok ji.

To be honest, I am a foodie person having sweet tooth, and I prefer mostly homemade food. A few times, it was not possible to stop myself from eating out, especially if the shop was locally famous in a smaller town, and especially if it was a sweet shop.

Rasmalai – saffron, I am sure, is there. A great way to end breakfast. Delicious. Very nice. Thank you – said I.

Rajasthan, no doubt, has one of the best foods in India. The day I reached Bundi, I was thinking about the same. The desire was passed to Ashok Ji to guide to show the most famous eating joints in Bundi.

Early morning hours, Ashok Ji and I driving Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike towards Sadar Bazar.

Chotulal Namkeen Center

Pyaz Ki Kachori / Urad Dal Ki Kachori

Three types of chatni – Lahsun (garlic), Meethi, Teekhi

Rs. 10 paid for one Pyaz Ki Kachori. Lahsun ki chatni – preferred. Little spicy but khasta (crispy). 7:30 morning hours people were lined up to have one or two Kachori/s. One was not enough, so I ordered one more. If I remember correctly, this was the first time since I was born having Pyaz Kachori, and with no doubt, I have to say you should try the same. The taste is as fresh as it was, remembering while writing. If you are visiting Bundi, do not miss Pyaz Kachori. He also makes Udad Dal Ki Kachori. As the nashta was spicy tea or some sweetness was necessary. Any good sweet shop – I question.

Out Of The Blue Restaurant is run by one of my friends’ friends. He is also having one more restaurant in Pushkar. One day for breakfast, I tried Fruit Salad with Curd and Honey.

The best thing about this restaurant is the view. You can watch the whole town and the peaceful surroundings as the restaurant is on the rooftop. Behind the restaurant is the Taragarh Fort. At night time the Fort is full of lights, it’s nice to watch while having dinner.

Afternoon hours, Ashok Ji and I drove towards Dobra Mahadev Temple.

Dobra Mahadev Temple is a Lord Mahadev temple approx. 8 km far from Bundi, situated behind Taragarh Fort little before Chamunda Mata Mandir, within dense jungle.

Are there wild animals in the jungle close to the temple area? – I question.

Ashok Ji – Do not be afraid.

No correct reply to the question. Anyways, the motorbike was leaving the main path, and we followed the direction. The main path is surrounded by dense Babool and Khejda trees. We now entering further inside the jungle. No other man was visible. 50 meters approx. driving within the rocky path, I parked my motorbike. It was not possible to drive further as the path going downwards was very narrow and surrounded by thorny trees. Ashok Ji also suggested the same. Walking is the only option.

I was following Ashok Ji. Dobra Mahadev temple (0747-2444688) is surrounded by the Aravalli mountain range from all sides, He said. Temple, Holy Kund, Cave, I will show you all. And we reached the entrance. Shoes were opened, hands washed, and I heard someone reciting Ramayana.

The priest is alone reciting the Ramayana. Jaha Sumati Taha Sampatti Nana is written on top of the temple wall. Where there is wisdom, the prosperity of every kind reigns – The translation. We said Namaste with folded hands. Prayers in front of Lord Shiva, Hanuman Ji, and on the floor listening to Ramayana. After a few minutes of reciting was over. I was talking to a priest, knowing the History of Dobra Mahadev.

Nowadays, it is not that dense jungle, but years ag,o about 700 years back, there was a dense jungle. A saint used to meditate within the cave (still present), a little far from the temple area. In short 700-year-old temple, you can say. Swayambhu idol Hanuman Ji is the first deity of the temple. Mahadev Ji was installed by King Ram Singh Ji of Bundi Darbar. There is a kund within the temple area, and the water was purified by Bundi Darbar by adding 24 tirth holy water. The holy water is known as Siddh Jal. Because the temple is surrounded by Aravalli Hills and is down below the hilly region the temple is known as Dobra Mahadev temple. It is a Naga Matha.

Sawan Ki Pratham Ashtami there is a huge festival all around the temple area and near Chamunda Devi temple.

Do you stay in this jungle area within the temple? – I question.

Yes, said the priest since 23 years. Earlier, Uncle Shri Rameshwar Das Ji lived here, meditating and taking care of the temple. Later, I joined, but since childhood, I have visited the temple.

Do any wild animals visit this location?

Yes, panthers are sometimes seen, but in earlier times, tigers also used to visit.

Om Prakash Ji – The priest requested Ashok Ji to show us the cave, and we, after saying Dhanyava,d walked further down towards the cave.

The cave is approx. 50 meters from Dobra Mahadev temple, but not visible. One has to walk further down to reach it. The guide is always the best option to reach the temple as well as the Cave. We sat down close to the cave for a few minutes. As the late evening time was approaching fast, I decided to move, and we both walked towards the parked motorbike area. An old path towards Bundi Ashok Ji said. Maybe will walk one day together.

While walking, we saw Parrot, Squirrel, and Teetar all having food together. The location is perfect. One should visit if visiting Bundi, but a guide is required. Temple, Cave, Holy Kund, Saints Foot-Prints, Dhuni, and much more within the temple area far away from the city – peaceful. The evening sunlight is amazing. Babool trees join together from both sides of the path and we towards Bundi.

Road to Bhimlat Waterfall

Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike was ready as well as Ashok Ji – The guide and we drove towards Bhimlat Waterfall via Khooni Chauraha, Ramnagar, Neem Ka Kheda, Gudda, and Jhopadia villages.

Because there are numerous accidents that happened past Chittor Road Chauraha is locally named Khooni Chauraha. Anyways, while passing through not that good road conditions but not that bad too crossing the railway gate and railway line once by motorbike and once walking, we reach Bhimlat Waterfall.

In short, after crossing Chittor Road chauraha approx. 34 km you have to drive straight. Once between you have to cross a railway gate and then a few km drive, and a display board on the right side indicating a right turn for another final 2 km to the waterfall.

There is a railway line just before the waterfall, the same one that you crossed during your journey. Either you stop your motorbike/vehicle before the railway line and cross and walk to reach Bhimlat Waterfall or there is one more left-side concrete road that reaches across the railway line, but again, after crossing the railway line, you have to drive the vehicle within the rocky path to reach the waterfall. It is up to you. I guess four-wheeler driving after the crossing is not that possible. You know I have been to Bhimlat Waterfall twice. Once I parked the motorbike just before the railway line, but the next time when I was there, I followed the left side road to cross the railway line to reach the waterfall.

Taxi/own vehicle is the only option to reach Bhimlat Waterfall. And not to forget, there are approx. 220 stairs downwards to reach the waterfall.

I started the Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike from Bundi at 1:20 afternoon hours and reached Bhimlat Waterfall at 14:30. That means Bundi to Bhimlat Waterfall is approx. one hour journey. Yes, I had to stop at the railway crossing for a few minutes because it was closed. Road condition OK.

Bundi to Bhimlat Waterfall Distance by Road is approx. 38 km.

It is said that Bhimlat Waterfall was created by Bhim, Pandav‘s brother. Once Kunti – Pandav’s mother felt thirst at this location. His son Bhim hit the earth with his leg with such force that the earth was divided into two parts and water came out.

If you remember, before the Bhimlat Waterfall visit, I visited Shri Durgaprasad Mathur Ji – Historian to know more about Bundi as well as the waterfalls around Bundi. I was told Bhimlat, as well as Menal waterfall, happened due to an 8th-century earthquake. Bhimlat is about 100 feet deep from the land area, and Menal is approx. 150 feet. Menal is approx. 70 km from Bundi. There is an 8th-century temple at Menal. It is said that earlier tigers used to walk within the Bhimlat area, and people watched from the top as the tiger was not able to come up. Then, later, stairs were made, and now tourists and locals visit.

And the Lord Shiva temple. Shivling is said to be since Pandav’s era, as told by Shri Kanhaiya Lal, Bhimlat temple priest. Water directly from the mountain reaches Shivling via Gaumukh built a few years ago. Earlier, there were only Shivling and four pillars of Chhatri.

Twice, I am watching this only within Bundi. At Rameshwar and now Bhimlat. Amazing. Prayers.

Wheat Kernels were given to Ashok Ji by the priest. Ashok Ji closed his eyes for prayers, and after a few minutes, he watched how many wheat kernels were in his hand. Upon query, knowledge was enhanced by the priest – 5/7/9/11 wheat kernels if in hands considered as auspicious and wishes will be fulfilled – an old saying.

Tendu, Charel, Gular, and Arjun Ka Ped waterfall is surrounded by lush green trees. There is a dam close to Bhimlat Waterfall. A huge natural lake close to the waterfall, and the lake water reaches Bhimlat via the Dam. Swimming or entering the lake is strictly prohibited because crocodiles and many other water animals are inside the lake.

Bundi Utsav 2011 was from 14th to 16th November 2011. Man Mohak: Folk Dazzle of India program was at the 84 Pillared Cenotaph at 8:30 pm. I, along with Ashok Ji – The guide, was present at the venue a little early. The program was yet to start, and Ashok Ji saw someone far. He requested to follow. Shri Durgaprasad Mathur Ji – The Famous Historian in Bundi – The scholar of history.

Namaste – said I.

If you want to know the history of Bundi, Mathur Ji is one of the right person – Ashok ji said.

An appointment was fixed. I was ready for the next meeting.

Before leaving for Bhimlat Waterfall, I and Ashok ji had a meeting with Mathur Ji.  The query to know more about Suraj Chhatri was existing since the day I reached there to watch the Sunrise. I requested Mathur Ji to share knowledge about Suraj Chhatri. He presented us with a handwritten history of Suraj Chhatri. That was amazing. Thank you – said I.

Below is the summary of the narration about Suraj Chhatri by Shri Durgaprasad Mathur Ji:

Northern Aravalli range of Bundi, Western mountain top near Taragarh Fort is a Chhatri named as Suraj Chhatri. King of Bundi, Shri Shatrushalya, princess Shyam Kanwari Ji constructed this Chhatri in the year 1674 (samvat 1730).

It is situated on top of an 11.8-foot platform. One can reach the platform after climbing 12 stairs.

Sun God idol is installed on top of the platform. The Sun God is sitting in Padmasana within the chariot of seven horses run by a charioteer and holding a lotus in one hand. Devlok Ki Pariya (angels) are also present in the sky.

Chhatri is supported by 16 pillars measuring 7.8 feet. The total height of Chhatri is 19.3 feet, and the circumference is 120 feet. Khagolshastri believes Chhatri is situated at a location where the morning Sun rays reach first.

Yes. We were there early in the morning to watch the Sunrise – said I. It is indeed a beautiful location.

Bundi Rajya Ka Sampoorna Itihas – Shri Durgaprasad Mathur Ji showed us the new book written by him. I purchased the book to read to know more about Bundi.

Bundi ki Sthapana, Bundi Rajya Ka Shaskiye Itihaas, 1242-1948 Development, History of 15 smaller States, 21 Stepwell existence within Bundi town and many many more within various tehsil well-defined with name, length, width, deepness, number of steps, village name, etc., and many other important histories written.

Thank you – said I.

Later, after tea, we saw a collection of various articles written by Mathur Ji for various newspapers.

And at the end of the book, I read more about Mathur Ji.

District Education Officer, Principal of the college, District Head of Rajasthan Pensioner Samaaj, and many more qualifications, designation – currently, previously.

I am grateful to Ashok Ji, who introduced me to the respected Shri Durgaprasad Mathur Ji.

We need permission to leave – said I. Namaste and Thank you while reading Bichiya Baaje, Mund Mani, Adbhut Sainani, Toot Pada Aakash, and many more written by him mentioned within the purchased book.

I started my motorbike towards Bimlat Waterfall. Driving thinking about Mathur ji’s effort to collect thousands of years of history and later writing a book. Incredible – said I.

Entry inside the Bundi Palace and Chitrashala is by ticket only.

Summer days timings are from 8 am – 7 pm, and Winter 8 am – 5 pm.

After purchasing tickets for myself and Ashok Ji, I decided to hire guide services to learn more about the history. Keshav Bhati – Tour Escort / Guide ( mobile: 0 – 9414394241 ) Taragarh Fort was present. Tour Guide service charges Rs. 200.

Below is the summary of what I know about the historical palace and fort, as narrated by Keshav Bhati, and then during the Chitrasala visit, N. K. Verma, smarak parichar (monument attendant), enhanced further knowledge about paintings.  Thanks to both of them.

• The Foundation of Bundi is from 1241. Before 1241, 300 tribal people were living here. The Chief of the tribal name was Bunda, so the town was named after him as Bundi.
• The founder of Bundi was Rao Deva of the Chauhan family, was from Ajmer and Delhi governed this region, named as Hadoti, after defeating Bunda. As Bundi was protected by three sides by Aravalli Hills, he decided to settle his capital at Bundi.
• Bundi was the capital governing Kota, Hadoti, Jhalawar, Sawai Madhopur, Tonk, etc.
• Ranjeet Singh was the last King of Bundi, who died on 8th January 2009.
• Bundi was never conquered by any other Kings or rulers.
• The Entrance Gate of the Palace is known as Hazari Darwaza because in earlier days, 1000 soldiers always guarded the entrance.
• Till 1971, near the entrance at Naubat Khana, music was played to welcome guests.
• 4 am wake-up call, 9 am start of the day, 12 noon the break, and 4 evening hours, Nagara, Shehnai was played for various activities.
• The Palace was the location for the King and his relatives to stay. Fort was to mount cannons, but sometimes, for a change, it was visited by the King.
• The fifth ruler of Bundi, Rao Var Singh (1336-1393), built the Taragarh fort.
• Most parts of The Palace were closed to visitors and only opened for the last 8 years. Currently, Bhanwar Jitendra Singh (MP) of Alwar takes care of the Palace as well as the Fort.
• Not only at the Hazari Darwaza – entrance gate, musicians were present, but at the Elephant Gate, there was also a balcony for musicians, and from the side, the structure rose water and flowers were showered as a gesture of welcome.
• The construction of Elephant Gate was in 1620. Earlier, Elephant Gate was known as Nauthano Ka Darwaja.
• In front of the Elephant gate is a stable for the horse and elephant, and above is Deewan-e-Aam. King used to address the public at Deewan-e-Aam. Diwan-e-Aam (public audience) was built by Raja Ratan Doulat in the year 1607. Diwan-e-Aam other names are Darbar and Dari Khana.
• In earlier days, there was a clock installed inside a pan that used to fill with water every one hour, and the moment it was filled, the clock struck and a sound was generated. Elephant Gate was also known as Ghadi (clock) ka Darwaza (gate). The clock is currently in the museum for display.
• Bundi population is approx. 95,000 mostly depend on agriculture, such as basmati rice, oilseeds, soya, mustard, groundnut, sugarcane, lentils, and wheat.
• Diwan-e-Khaas – a private audience, such as family, relatives, the King used to address during special occasions.
• At Banaras (Uttar Pradesh), there are ghats built by Bundi Kings.
• Chatramahal – palace area with lots of Chatris decorated with mosaic and doors decorated with ivory work.
• 1773-1821 paintings can be seen at Chitrasala – Shree Krishna Ras Leela, Govardhan Dharan, Cheerharan, Darbar, Seven-headed Airavata Hathi, Lady playing Yoyo. Mostly green and blue mineral colors are used in the paintings. Paintings by Sato Sar –  The painter.
• Chitrasala also known as Umed Mahal.
• Maharaja Umed Singh, at the age of 42, became a saint. One can see his sleepers at Chitrasala.
• Dhaka Malmal, Handmade paper part of Chitrasala.

How did I reach Suraj Chhatri in Bundi (Rajasthan)?

Chhatri on top of Aravalli Hills and Taragarh Fort, the undefeated Fort of Bundi, are two important structures that definitely attract many eyes via passing through National Highway 12 no matter day or night. I had to stop the Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike at National Highway 12 the moment I saw both.

Yes, I was on the Bundi tour. Chhatri visit was the first priority, but how – the question.

Upon query, I was guided by a local – There are two ways to reach, but for both ways, I need a guide.

I requested Guddu Ji – a dear friend, to arrange the guide, and  Ashok Ji – The guide was present.

Ashok Ji said – Suraj Chhatri is the location for the first rays of the morning Sun. In other words, the best location to watch the Sunrise.

But how to reach it? – I question.

The shortest route to reach Suraj Chhatri is next to Akhare Wale Hanuman Ji temple, popularly known as Rasala ke Balaji, and another one is approx. eight km journey.

The next day, early in the morning hours I and Ashok Ji drove the Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark to watch the Sunrise. The city was almost asleep, though a few early risers were on the road for the morning walk. We parked the motorbike outside the Balaji temple, a narrow path next to the temple wall towards the hill. I was following Ashok Ji carrying a torch as it was dark and the path was new. Ashok Ji is a local man well aware of the path and ways of climbing, but I was not, but was trying my best to follow in his footsteps.

The narrow hilly path is surrounded on two sides by babool, khejde, dhokda trees, and shrubs. Ouch – babool thorn-pierced sleepers. Fifty more meters and a feel climbing is not possible because the path was not man-made and steep, though a few men, maybe with animals for grazing, walked through this path. I requested Ashok Ji to drop the idea of a further walk and follow another route, the eight km one.

Ashok Ji tried to convince me, but I was adamant not to walk further as it may be risky, especially when I am in sleepers. Maybe if I was local, it was easy to climb, but I am from the plains and unable to climb, especially if the path is not well-made. Anyways, motorbike ride again we towards National Highway 12. Half km NH 12 ride towards Jaipur (if not Kota) and a right turn towards the board indicating towards Doordarshan.

Silent approx. 2 km road crossing Rampuriya village, right turn at Phool Sagar Chauraha, two km further driving, and right turn for Suraj Chhatri.

Dobra Mahadev – Ashok Ji was indicating a path on the right side of the road. I was listening and driving. Twenty-five meters inside the jungle, I parked the motorbike close to Shikar Burj. Shikar Burj is a place wherein earlier days, Kings used to visit for hunting.

The air is cold. It is a jungle area. Ashok Ji said that when he was a child, the whole of the area all around Bundi was dense jungle, and to reach Suraj Chhatri via an eight km path or any other way was difficult and unimaginable. I was thinking still, it is not that easy for someone to reach without the help of a guide. Thank you, Ashok ji said I.

Again, no man-made path. All-natural. I was liking the jungle trail. Many times we have to bend our backs to pass through babool, Khejda, Cherail bushes, some with thorns, some without, and many times, rocky paths we have to climb. Suraj Chatri wasn’t visible yet, so we continued walking, entering deep inside the jungle. After about 10-15 minutes of walking, we saw a glimpse of a structure. It is indeed Suraj Chatri – said I. Yes, the confirmation was from Ashok ji.

Finally, we arrived, but we were a little late, maybe approx. 5 minutes. The Sun was out, but anyway, I was happy. Time for photography.

Bundi city and Taragarh Fort are all in front of us and the rising Sun. Beautiful atmosphere. We are on top of the Aravalli mountains. The Sun God’s idol is present with seven horses. The year it was established was embossed, I guess 17 hundred something. I tried to read, but may be written in the Sanskrit language, so I gave up. Will try to know more about the same, said I, and sat down after prayers to watch the Sun in front of us and its rays straight towards the Sun idol. Bundi houses are almost blue. Nobody else is present except Ashok Ji and I. What a moment – said I. Thank you, Ashok Ji Thank you. And this is the best route, though it is also not an easy one without you – said I.

While returning, we followed another route via Jaitsagar, Sarbagh, and Bangaga – another tourist place, just for curiosity to know the Bundi distance. In both ways, we discover 8 km approx. to reach Suraj Chhatri or vice versa.

Will say climbing is not advisable, and the one I followed may be the best route to reach if you want to watch the early sunrise, but that too not without a guide because it is a jungle area.