Bundi Vilas

Bundi is one of those places that is perfect for a second-time trip to India, or if you want to get a little bit off-the-beaten track and way from the main tourists routes. You can link it easily with Ranthambore and Jaipur to the east and Udaipur and Jodhpur to the west. With its narrow lanes, bustling markets, temples, majestic fort and general lack of tourists, Bundi makes for an interesting stop. Right under the fort, you find the interesting Bundi Vilas. To access it, you will be lead through a narrow alleyway, through stone arch and up some stairs to the 300 year-old Haveli. The main highlight is the roof terrace from where you have the best views of the  fort and Jait Sagar, Bundi’s lake. It is here that they serve traditional vegetarian Indian cuisine (no meat is served here). The air-conditioned rooms are all a little small, but you have been nicely updated with modern grey-slate bathrooms with walk-in showers. You still see the character coming through, such as exposed brickwork, ornate hand-carved doors and little bay-window seats where you can read a book. Don’t expect a great deal from Bundi Vilas, it is after all very much away from the tourist trail, and as such things like the staffs’ quality of English might be a little in its infancy, as well as the hotel being a little rough around the edges.  In terms of charm its hard to beat, and the big plus is the opportunity to explore this hidden corner of Rajasthan away from the madding crowd.