Taragarh Fort or the “Star Fort” is a magnificent structure located on a steep hillside in the city of Bundi, Rajasthan. It was built in 1354 by the Chauhan rulers and has three gateways, known as Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza, and Gagudi ki Phatak. The fort is in a slightly dilapidated condition with overgrown vegetation, but it still holds immense historical and architectural significance.

One of the main features of the fort is its crisscrossing tunnels that are now inaccessible due to the lack of proper maps. The Bhim Burj, a 16th-century bastion in the fort, has the largest of the battlements and used to house the Garbh Gunjam, or ‘Thunder from the Womb’, a large cannon. The fort also has several water reservoirs that were built to store water and supply it to the residents during times of crisis.

Within the fort complex, there is the Rani Mahal, a small palace built for the wives and concubines of the rulers. Although it has lost most of its charm, it still houses some spectacular murals and stained glass windows. Another notable feature of the fort is Miran Saheb ki Dargah, a shrine built in memory of Miran Saheb, the governor of the fort who laid down his life in an encounter.

Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Bundi from the fort, situated in Nagpahari of Aravalli ranges. The fort was captured by Dara Shikoh and ruled as a Mughal subah from 1633-1776.

Here are some additional details for visitors planning to visit Taragarh Fort/Museum:

• Entry fees for Indian visitors is Rs. 25 and for foreign visitors is Rs. 300.
• Photography charges are Rs. 100 and video camera charges are Rs. 500.
• The best time to visit the fort is during the winter months of November to February, when the weather is pleasant.
• The fort is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and it takes around 2-3 hours to explore the entire complex.
• Visitors can park their vehicles near the entrance of the fort or in the nearby market area.
• The nearest airport is in Jaipur, around 210 km away, while the nearest railway station is in Kota, around 35 km away.
• Activities to do at the fort include exploring the various structures within the complex, enjoying the panoramic views, and taking photographs.

FAQs:

Q. Is the fort wheelchair accessible?
A. No, the fort is not wheelchair accessible due to its location on a steep hillside and multiple levels.

Q. Are there any guided tours available?
A. Yes, there are guided tours available at the fort for an additional fee.

Q. Are there any food options available within the fort complex?
A. No, there are no food options available within the fort complex, but visitors can find food options in the nearby market area.

Q. Are there any restrictions on entry to the fort?
A. Yes, visitors are not allowed to carry any food or drinks into the fort, and they are not allowed to touch or remove any of the artifacts.

Q. What are some of the animals that can be found in the area surrounding the fort?
A. The area is home to tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and several bird species.

Q. How much time should I plan to spend at the fort?
A. Visitors should plan to spend at least two hours at the fort to explore its various sections thoroughly.

There are no specific events or shows that happen at Taragarh Fort or Museum. However, visitors can hire a guide to help them explore the fort and understand its history and architecture. The fort is open to visitors throughout the year, and the best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. It is advisable to carry drinking water and wear comfortable walking shoes as the fort involves a lot of walking and climbing stairs.

When visiting the fort, it is recommended to park your vehicle near the base of the hill and climb up to the fort. Alternatively, visitors can hire an autorickshaw or a taxi to reach the fort. The nearest railway station to Bundi is Kota Junction, which is located around 40 km away. The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, which is around 200 km away from Bundi.