This is a travel newsletter where every week I help you discover two offbeat weekend getaways across India. So, you can escape the crowds and create unforgettable experiences.

Whenever we think about spending a lovely weekend, our minds usually go straight to places like Manali, Kasol, Gokarna, or Ooty.

But how about I show you some crowd-free alternatives instead, so you can truly relax and enjoy? 🙂

Want to explore Rajasthan away from the commercialised version?

Then you should visit Bundi. The town was once ruled by the Hada Chauhan dynasty, one of the oldest Rajput clans. They built stepwells, murals, and palaces that still stand, and most of them look untouched because the town never became a major tourist destination. You can explore stepwells that are nearly 400–500 years old.

Bundi is offbeat because it is not heavily promoted, and most tourists skip it for places like Jaipur or Udaipur. The town is small, less crowded, and not commercial. You do not see big hotels or many tour groups. The forts and stepwells are not marketed, so many people do not know about them.

As usual, pack your bags the day before Friday, and once you’re done with your work on Friday, take an overnight train or late-night bus from your city to Kota Junction.

From Kota, Bundi is only 40 km and takes 45–60 minutes by auto or taxi.

If you are flying, reach Jaipur airport or Udaipur airport and take an overnight bus or cab.

Check into your homestay or hotel. Most places near the old city allow early check-in if you request in advance. Have breakfast in a local shop. The best choices are hot poha, onion kachori and masala chai. These are easy to find near the main market. Take 10-15 minutes to settle in because Bundi is a slow town, and you will enjoy it more if you begin calmly.

Start with Bundi Palace. It opens around ten in the morning. The palace has old paintings that show royal life, daily life and festivals. These paintings are one of the biggest reasons people visit Bundi. The palace also gives a full view of the blue houses spread across the town. Spend at least one hour here.

After the palace, walk towards the Taragarh Fort. You can walk up or take an auto to the starting point. The fort is spread across a hill and shows how the Rajputs protected the region in the past. From the top, you can see small lakes, hills and the entire Bundi valley. Take a slow walk and enjoy the view.

Eat a simple Rajasthani thali in a local restaurant. You will usually get dal bati, gatte ki sabzi, rice, roti and churma. The food is filling and perfect for a long day of walking.

Visit Raniji Ki Baori. This is one of the finest stepwells of Rajasthan and is around four hundred years old. The carvings on the pillars and the depth of the stepwell show how advanced the water system was in ancient times. It is quiet and usually never crowded.

After this, walk inside the old lanes of Bundi. You will see blue houses, small temples, old wooden doors, street shops and local artists. These lanes show the daily life of the town and feel peaceful. This slow walk is one of the best parts of the Bundi experience.

Sit near Nawal Sagar Lake. The lake reflects the town, and the sunset looks beautiful from here. This is a calm place to rest after a full day of sightseeing.

Have dinner in a rooftop cafe near the old city. Try paneer curry, roti, vegetable pulao or simple north Indian meals. Most rooftops have a view of the fort lit up at night.

Wake up early and visit Sukh Mahal. This is the summer palace next to Jait Sagar Lake. Rudyard Kipling once stayed here while writing part of his novel. The palace is small but peaceful, and the lake view in the morning is perfect for photos and a quiet walk.

After Sukh Mahal, visit any one more stepwell like Dabhai Kund or Nagar Sagar Kund. These are less visited but very impressive. They show the real engineering of ancient Bundi.

Eat at a local restaurant in the old city. Try kadhi rice, paratha or dal fry with roti. Keep it light because you will travel back in the evening.

Walk around the main market and buy small items like handmade paintings, miniature art or local spices. This market is simple and not commercial, so prices are usually fair.

Have an early dinner near your hotel. Choose something simple like roti sabzi or pulao.

Travel back to Kota Junction and catch your return train. If you reached Bundi by car or bus, follow the same route back. Most travellers reach home by early Monday morning and can go to work without any issues.

Travel – 800 to 2500 by train or bus to Kota or Bundi, 7000 to 18000 by intercity flight to Jaipur or Udaipur, and 1500 to 2500 to reach Bundi from the airport (this covers real peak season pricing and long-distance travel from any city)

Local travel – 400 to 800 (this covers autos for sightseeing, short rides and return trips)

Stay – 1500 to 3000 (this is the updated range for clean mid-budget homestays or hotels near the old city)

Food – 800 to 1500 (this covers two days of breakfast, lunch, dinner and small café stops)

Entry and activities – 200 to 400 (this includes Bundi Palace, Taragarh views and stepwells)

Miscellaneous – 500 to 1000 (this covers water, snacks, tips and small local purchases)

Total estimate – 4500 to 9000 per person by bus or train, 12000 to 26000 per person by flight, depending on season, booking time and stay quality.

Check this video by alwarphotos → Link

Check this video by travelwithpawann → Link

Check this video by aamingachhipura → Link

I hope I sorted out your plan for this weekend.

Thanks for reading.

Well, do let me know if you'd like me to find any particular state’s offbeat weekend travel spots.

I’ll see you on Sunday with another great spot.

See ya till then,

Anirban ‘helping you to experience Bundi’ Das.