Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri, Bundi: History and Visit Guide

Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri, literally the cenotaph of eighty-four pillars, is one of Bundi’s most photographed monuments. The two-storey pavilion stands on a high platform and is carried on 84 carved columns, sheltering a Shiva lingam. Rajasthan Tourism describes it as decorated with carvings of deer, elephants and apsaras, and as one of the town’s popular attractions.

Set in a garden in the south of the town, away from the bustle of the old bazaar, it has a calm, symmetrical beauty that rewards a slow visit, particularly in the soft light of morning and late afternoon.

History of Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri

The cenotaph was commissioned by Rao Raja Anirudh Singh of Bundi in the late 17th century; 1683 is the date usually given. According to Rajasthan Tourism it is a tribute to his beloved wet nurse, Deva. Some other accounts describe Deva as his foster brother, the nurse’s son. Either way, it is unusual: a royal-scale memorial raised not for a ruler but for a member of the household, which says something about the bonds between a prince and those who raised him.

Anirudh Singh’s reign also produced another of Bundi’s landmarks: Raniji ki Baori, the queen’s stepwell, was built in 1699 by Rani Nathavati, his younger queen.

The chhatri belongs to a long tradition of Rajput memorial pavilions; Bundi’s royal family has its main group of cenotaphs at Kshar Bagh near Jait Sagar, described on our page on Bundi’s royal cenotaphs.

What to see at Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri

• The 84 pillars. Walk around the platform and count the columns arranged across the two storeys.
• The carving. Look for friezes of deer, elephants and apsaras around the base and on the structure, and for the brackets and ceiling panels.
• The Shiva lingam sheltered at the centre.
• The platform, high enough to give the pavilion its commanding presence in the garden.
• Evening light. The monument is attractive when lit after dark, if lighting is on during your visit.

Bundi Utsav performances

The cenotaph is more than a quiet memorial. During Bundi Utsav, the town’s annual festival in the month of Kartik, it has served as a venue for traditional Rajasthani folk music, dance and theatre. In 2026 Rajasthan Tourism’s calendar lists the festival for 27-29 November. If you can time your visit, seeing the pavilion as a stage is a memorable way to experience it.

Tips for visiting

1. Go early or late for the best light and fewer people.
2. Do not climb on the carvings or sit on fragile edges; it is a protected memorial.
3. Combine it with the old town: the Bundi Palace and its Chitrashala, Taragarh Fort and the stepwells.
4. Carry water and a hat outside winter; there is little shade on the platform.

Visiting Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri: practical details

Detail	Information
Where	South of Bundi town, Bundi district
Distance from Kota	About 36 km to Bundi (Rajasthan Tourism)
Best time to visit	October to March; Bundi Utsav for performances
Timings	Daylight hours
Entry	May be ticketed; check at the gate
Getting there	Bus, taxi or car from Kota to Bundi, then an auto-rickshaw

Distances are approximate road distances. Timings and entry charges change from season to season, so confirm them locally or with the district tourist office before you set out.

Combine Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri with nearby places

• Raniji ki Baori: The queen’s stepwell of 1699, with carved pillars and arches.
• Jait Sagar Lake: The lake north of Bundi, near Sukh Mahal and Kshar Bagh, with lotus blooms in season.
• Bundi Palace: The hillside palace celebrated for the Chitrashala and its miniature murals; see also the Kota school of painting for the related Kota style.
• Bundi Utsav: Dates, programme and tips for Bundi’s festival.