SHIKAR BHUJ

BUNDI

SHIKAR BHUJ

BUNDI

Shikar Bhuj is a historic 17th-century royal hunting lodge or watchtower, perched in the forests near Bundi. Originally built by Rao Raja Vishnu Singh, later used by Umed Singh after he abdicated, it served as a strategic lookout and private retreat amid nature 


 Architectural & Cultural Highlights
  • Design & Positioning
    A single- or two-storey pavilion featuring Mughal-Rajput stonework and jharokhas, crowned with a small chhatri atop – ideal for panoramic views. It sits gracefully at the edge of wooded hills just beyond Sukh Mahal 

  • Purpose & Ambience
    Built initially for hunting and surveillance, Shikar Bhuj later became a beloved retreat for retired royalty. The surrounding Char‑Bagh-style garden, pond, and occasional wildlife (like wild tigers) give it a romantic, almost primeval atmosphere .

  • Panoramic Vistas
    Positioned atop a hill, it offers sweeping views of Bundi, Jait Sagar Lake, and the Aravalli landscape—an inspiring spot for photographers and nature lovers 


 Visiting Details
  • Location & Access
    Located a few kilometers from central Bundi near Sukh Mahal, inside dense, leafy forest. Access usually via short walk or ride from the Garh Palace area.

  • Opening Hours & Entry
    Generally open from about 9 AM to 5 PM; considered accessible during standard Bundi sightseeing times 

  • What to Bring
    Wear sturdy footwear (forest terrain can get rugged), carry water and sun protection. Binoculars come in handy for wildlife and landscape viewing.

  • Guided Tours Recommended
    Small local guides often include it as part of Taragarh Fort or Sukh Mahal tours, offering rich historical anecdotes and wildlife insights 

  • What to Expect Today
    It’s largely in ruins—worth a photo stop. Some murals depict hunting scenes or miniatures of the lodge at its peak, some preserved inside its walls 


 Why Go?
  1. Authentic Royal Retreat – Get a glimpse of how retired Bundi rulers spent their leisure, in harmony with nature.

  2. Spectacular Views – Panoramas of Bundi’s lakes and forests from a gently elevated vantage point.

  3. Atmospheric Experience – Romantic and slightly wild ambience, a break from crowded historic sites.

  4. Less Touristy – A peaceful alternative to main palace circuits, ideal for solitude and photography.

 How to Get There

From central Bundi (Garh Palace/Sukh Mahal), you can:

  • Walk (≈20 min through light forest track)

  • Hire a tuk-tuk or motorbike ride

  • Ask your guide to include Shikar Bhuj enroute to Taragarh Fort or Sukh Mahal


In summary, Shikar Bhuj offers a serene, forested escape—a royal lodge turned panoramic lookout that’s one of Bundi’s best-kept secrets.