Taragarh Fort, Bundi

Taragarh, the Star Fort, crowns a steep hill above Bundi and dates from the 14th century. It was the military centre of the Rajput state and saw many sieges. Its massive walls, bastions, gates and battlements are good examples of Rajput fortification, and the ramparts look out over the town and the Aravalli hills, especially at sunset.

Rainwater from the hills was gathered into large tanks so the garrison could hold out in wartime. Narrow paths and steep, hidden stairways run through the fort. A legend tells of a treasure room guarded by Pathan retainers who kept its location secret for generations; the secret is said to have been lost when the last of them died in the Second World War, and later searches came to nothing.