Sukh Mahal (Pleasure Palace) is a small 18th-century summer retreat on the banks of Jait Sagar Lake, a few kilometres from the old city. The setting is the thing here — a white-painted pavilion overlooking a calm lake, surrounded by greenery that feels far removed from the dusty streets of town.
Kipling stayed here in 1887 and used the location as inspiration for scenes in Kim. The palace is now used partly as a government residence and access to the interior is limited, but the lakeside gardens and exterior are open and very pleasant to wander. The lake itself attracts birds, and the reflection of the palace in still water early in the morning is one of the better photographs in Bundi.