When you think of Bundi, you think of forts, stepwells, and the grandeur of Rajasthan. But there’s another side to this historic city that many tourists miss: the street art and wall murals in Bundi. Bundi is more than palaces and lakes; it’s an open air gallery where every corner tells a story through colour and design.
In this post we’ll take you through why Bundi is famous for murals, the history behind the wall paintings, where to see street art in Bundi and some insider tips to explore the creative side of Rajasthan. By the end of this you’ll know why Bundi is called the “City of Murals” and why it should be on your travel bucket list.
Why is Bundi Famous for Street Art and Wall Murals?
Bundi has always had a strong artistic culture. The rulers of Bundi supported local artists and helped them paint the walls of palaces and temples. You can check the lovely work in the Bundi Palace. The palace is filled with hand‐painted frescoes created many years ago. These old paintings motivate the locals to continue the art of mural painting on their homes and streets.
What makes Street Art and Wall Murals in Bundi unique is that art is part of daily life. The murals are not just for decoration; they are used to tell stories, express ideas, and show respect to gods and goddesses. As you walk through the streets, you will notice that almost every corner has some kind of painting. Some are very old, while others are more modern, painted by local artists and young students.
A Glimpse into the History of Bundi’s Wall Murals
The origins of Bundi painting date back to the 17th century, during the reign of Rao Raja Bhoj Singh. Inspired by the Mughal and Mewar styles, Bundi artists developed their own identity, focusing on vivid colors, detailed ornamentation, and natural elements like rivers, gardens, and animals.
One of the most iconic examples is found in the Garh Palace, where the Chitrashala (painting gallery) still showcases incredible wall murals of Krishna Leela, battles, and everyday royal life. These paintings represent the Bundi School of Art, which later influenced the famous Kota and Kishangarh styles.
Where to Find the Best Street Art and Wall Murals in Bundi
Here are some must visit places in Rajasthan, Bundi where you can see the best street art:
1. Old City Lanes near Bundi Palace
The old city around Bundi Palace is famous for its artistic houses. The walls here are decorated with old Rajasthani themes. You can see royal processions, elephants, and peacocks on the walls. Some streets also have colourful paintings of Radha and Krishna. They are the famous characters in Hindu mythology.
The small lanes make the atmosphere happy. Also, you can walk slowly to see the beauty.
2. Chauth Ka Barwara Road
This road is located near the city center. It is known for its modern murals and lovely street art. Unlike the old paintings inside the palace, these murals show daily village activities. You can see the paintings of women fetching water, farmers working in the fields, and children playing.
Some walls even show environmental messages like “Save Water” and “Keep Our City Clean” using bright colours and easy language.
3. Nahar Ka Chauhatta
This area is full of historic buildings and old havelis (traditional mansions). Here you will find a mix of historic frescoes and newer street art. Many of the old havelis are still owned by local families who want to protect their artistic heritage. They invite artists to repaint the old murals or create new designs. Some houses even show you the process of mural painting if you ask politely.
4. Lake Nawal Sagar Area
The walls near Nawal Sagar Lake offer good views of the lake, with the lake on one side. On the other side, you will see the colourful art. Many paintings here show the scenes of old festivals. You can include this in your next Royal Rajasthan trip. When the sunlight reflects on the lake in the morning, it makes the colours of the murals look even brighter and more beautiful.
Themes and Styles in Bundi’s Street Art
The murals in Bundi use a variety of artistic styles and themes. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Mythological Art
There are many scenes from famous Hindu stories. They show the life of Lord Krishna. You can see them in narrow lanes. These are painted in soft colours and show love and devotion.
Royal Processions and Animals
There are many paintings of elephants, horses, and events. You can see them at the old palace walls and the old havelis. They show the rich cultural past of Bundi.
Village Life
Many new murals show simple village scenes. You can see women cooking, men farming, or families celebrating festivals. These paintings reflect the daily lives of the local people.
Social Messages
Many modern murals also carry important messages. You can see slogans like save water, protect nature, and respect women. These are mostly painted by school students or local NGOs to spread awareness.
Best Time to Explore Street Art
The best time to visit Rajasthan, Bundi, is from October to March. The climate is very good. During this time, you can easily walk around for hours without feeling tired.
It is advised to go early in the morning as the streets are less crowded. Even the light is good for taking the photos.
Tips for Art Lovers & Travellers
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will need to walk through narrow streets and uneven pathways.
- Take a small camera or phone with good storage. One can click a lot of photos.
- Talk to the locals. They can explain the meaning behind the murals. Also, one can see the hidden artworks inside houses.
- Avoid touching the walls as many murals are delicate and gets fade easily.
- Support local artists. Buying from them helps preserve this beautiful art form.
How Bundi Inspires Modern Artists?
Many young artists from Bundi are now using traditional techniques with modern ideas. They experiment with new colours and themes while keeping the basic style of the old frescoes. Some artists participate in street art festivals and even invite travelers to join painting workshops. These activities are slowly turning Bundi into a creative community space where art connects locals and visitors from around the world.
Several travel bloggers and photographers also visit Bundi to capture the beauty of the murals. Their photos on social media are liked by many people.
How to Reach Bundi?
If you want to know how to reach Rajasthan, Bundi, read below:
- The closest railway station is at Kota. It is 36 km away from Bundi.
- The travelers can also reach this place by road by taking a bus from Kota/
- Also, book a private taxi for a road trip to Rajasthan or by auto rickshaw.
Conclusion
Bundi is not just a destination; it’s a visual journey through time. From the royal murals of Garh Palace to the colorful street art of local homes, the city is a masterpiece waiting to be explored. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or a photographer, Bundi’s wall murals will leave you inspired and amazed.
So, next time you plan a trip to Rajasthan, skip the usual and embrace the artistic charm of Bundi. Because here, every wall has a story, and every story deserves to be seen.
FAQs
Most of the murals are permanent and painted on the walls of homes and old buildings. Many fade over time, but the locals regularly repaint them. It keeps the culture alive.
Having a local guide can make the experience happy. The guides are the experts in explaining the story behind different murals. Also, they can help you know the special artworks in small lanes.
Yes. Some art studios and local artists arrange small workshops. They also allow tourists to help with community wall painting projects.
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