WHAT TO SEE & EXCURSIONS
ORCHHA
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Founded on 16th century by Bundela Rajput Chieftain Rudra Pratap. Orchha is the erstwhile capital city of the Bundela rulers. The Town is steeped In history and is famous for its palaces and temples built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The architectural splendor of. the monuments in Orchha reflects the glory of its rulers. The Betwa River, on whose banks Orchha lies, and the forests around it attract tourist to this place.
Jehangir Mahal
It was built in the early part it 17th century to mark the visit of Mughal Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. It is known for its delicate work on one hand and balanced with strong masonry on the other.
Rai Praveen Mahal
This Mahal is dedicated to the 17th century poetesmusician. It is set amongst well-laid gardens.
Raj Mahal
This Mahal was built by Madhukar Shah in the 17th centuries. It is well known for its murals, depicting religious themes.
Ram Raja Temple
This temple was originally a palace According to a legend, Lord Ram appeared in dream of the then ruler Madhukar Shah, The ruler subsequently brought an idol of Lord Ram and palaced it in this palace, before installing it into a temple, However, when the time of installation approached, the idol refused to move from its present place. The king then recalled his dream, which had indicated that the idol would remain in the place, where it was first placed, Thus this palace, became a temple and Lord Ram is worshipped here as a king.
Chaturbhuj Temple
Built upon a massive stone platform and reached by a steep flight of steps, the temple was specially constructed to enshrine the image of Rama remained in the Ram Raja Temple.
Chhatris
Orchha has 14 Chhartris or memorials for the rulers, situated near the Kanchan Ghat on River Betwa.
Dinman Hardaul's Place
Named after the Hardaul, a saintly prince who gave up his life to prove his innocence to his elder brother Jhujhar, as he latter cast doubts on Hardauls relationship with his consort.
Lakshmi Narayan Temple
A flagstone path links this temple with the Ram Temple. The interiors contain the most exquisite of Orchha's wall paintings. Covering the walls and ceiling of there halls, these murals are vibrant compositions and cover a variety of spiritual and secular subjects.
Phool Bagh
It is a well-laid garden and was the resting place of the erstwhile Bundeta rulers. This garden has fountains, pavilions and ingenious water ventilation system.
Sunder Mahal
Ihe ruins of this small palaces have now become a pilgrimage site for Muslims It is so because the Prince Dhurjban son of Jhujhar spent his life in prayers after he embraced Islam and is revered a saint.
Deagarh (139kms)
Deogarh has great antiquarian, epigraphically and archaeological Importance and figured in the history of the Guptas, the Gurjara Pratiharas, the Gonds, etc.
Other Attractions
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The shrines of Siddh Baba ka sthan,Jugal kishor, Janki Mandir and the Hanuman Mandir at Ohharewara.
KHAJURAHO
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Once the capital of the Chandela Kings, Khajuraho is now famous for its magnificent temples, Built by the Chandela dynasty between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. the temples are beautiful examples of Indo Aryan architecture, featuring exquisitely carved sculptures. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankars, the temple showcase the art and architecture in medieval India. Today, only 22 temples of the original 85 remains, The Khajuraho temples have declared a World Heritage Site, The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three geographical groups Western, Eastern and Southern.
Western Group Temples
The main temples are in the Western Group.
Kandariya Mahadeo Temple
The Kandariya Mahadeo is considered to be most evolved example of central Indian temple architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is also the largest of Khajuraho's temples, If features 31 mtr high spires and bands of beautiful carvings. It represents Chandela art at its best.
Lakshmana Temple
It is one of the earliest and also one of the best preserved temples in the area, with full five-part floor plan and four subsidiary shrines. Around the temple are two bands instead of the usual three; the lower one has fine figures of Apsaras (celestial maidens). Around the base of the temple is the continuous frieze with the scenes of the battles, hunting and the processions.
Chausat Yogini Temple
It is the oldest of the surviving temples of Khajuraho and the only temple built in granite. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kalli. Chausat means 64 in number. This temple once had 64 cells for figures of 64 yoginis (female goddess attendants) who were at the service of Goddess Kali. The 65th cell is meant for goddess Kali herself.
Matangeshwara Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, a huge 2.5 metre high lingam is placed in the sanctum. There is a statue of Ganesha outside.
Chitragupta Temple
This temple is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. It houses some of the finest sculptures which include processions, dancing girls, elephant fights and hunting scenes. In the inner sanctum, Surya can be seen driving his chariot and seven horses, while on the south facade is an 11 - headed statue of Vishnu. The central head is of Vishnu himself; the 10 others are his incarnations.
Visvanath Temple
Here, it is the depiction of women that draws the attention. They are shown fonding a baby, writing letters, playing music and also in the most provocative poses. Apart from these, it also has a large image of Shiva's vehicle, the bull Nandi and statues of elephants on one side and lions on the other of the steps which lead to the high terrace.
Lakshmi & Varaha Temple
There are two small shrines here, The latter has a huge beautifully carved figure of the Varaha (wild boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu worth seeing.
Son-et-Lumiere
A Son-et-Lumiere show, detailing the history of Khajuraho has been introduced at the western group of Temples. It is represented in Hindi and English.
Parsvanath Temple
The temple of Parsvanath is the largest of the Jain temples at Khajuraho and the finest. The temple was originally dedicated to Adinath and later to Parsvanath. It is the finest example of the sensitive art.
Adinath Temple
Adjacent to the Parsvanath temple, this temple has fine carvings, very similar to the Hindu temples of Khajuraho.
Ghantal Temple
This temple has fine columns and chains and Pells, with a figure of Jain Goddess on a Garuda. It depicts 16 dreams of Mahavira's mother.
Shantinath Temple
Shantinath is the youngest of all the temples at khajuraho built a century ago, The temple has a four and a half meter statue of Adinath.
Brahama Temple
It is one of the oldest temples in Khajuraho, built mostly of granite and sand stone. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma.
Vamana Temple
This temple was named after the dwarf incarnation of Vishnu, it is fairly secluded and stands out in a field all by itself and is notable for the relatively simple design of the Shikhar.
Javari Temple
This temple dedicated to Vishnu is a excellent example of Khajuraho architectureon on a small scale dating back to around 1000 A.D.
Southern Group Temples
Only two temples features in this group.
Duladeo Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, there are fine sculptures of apsaras on display here.
Chaturbhuj Temple
The Temple has a 3-meter high richly carved statue of Vishnu.
Archaeological Museum
Situated near the western group of temples, this museum has collection of sculptures, inscriptions, architectural panels and friezes dating back to the 10th and 12th centuries.
Beni Sagar Lake (7 kms)
It is a good picnic spot, suitable for booting & angling.
Panna National Park (32 kms)
Situated in a large dense forest belt forming the northen fringe of the natural teak, forest, the park provides an ideal habitat for the tiger. Other rare species that can be seen are the panther, wolf and gharial.
Ken Gharial Sanctuary (25 kms)
It is at the confluence of the Ken and Khudar rivers further down Raneh Falls and Nature Trail, Long snorted Gharials can be seen here.
Rajgarh Palace (25 kms)
A picturesque 150 years old palace.
Gangau Dam (34 kms)
A natural dam the confluence of the Ken and Simit river. It is a ideal for nature-lovers, anglers and the adventure minded.
Panna (44 kms)
Historic town and capital of Chhatrasal, a national warrior and founder of Bundella Kingdom , Panna is also known for the temples of Baldeviji, Kishorji, Govindji, Prannathji, Jagannath Swami and Ram.
Raneh Waterfalls (20 kms)
Ranesh Falls on the ken river are famous for its granite rock formations. The main attraction is a 5 km. long, 100 foot deep canyon made of pure crystalline granite in varying shades of colors ranging pink and red to grey. A series of seasonal waterfalls surrounded by jungles make it an ideal picnic spot.
Pandav Falls (34 kms)
A picturesque waterfalls in a bowl shaped valley on the ken river. The Pandavas are said to have spent a part of their exile here.
Ken Nature Trail (25 kms)
It is a jungle track along the beautiful river Ken exhibiting natural beauty.
Ranguan Lake (25 kms)
It is an ideal picnic spot suitable for boating and angling.
MajhgawanDiamond Mines (56 kms)
The only working mines in India and the largest in Asia , under the control of the National Mineral Development Corporation Ltd.
Ajaygarh Fort (80 kms)
An old fort, it was the capital of the Chandelas.
Kalinjar Fort (100 kms)
The fort stands on an isolated hill of the Vindhyan range and was built during the period of the Guptas.
Nachna (1OO kms)
Afamous city of the Gupta Empire, it was known for the Chaturmukha MahadevaTemple.
Satna (120kms)
An upcoming industrial town, famous for its'cement factory.
Chitrakoot (185kms)
Chitrrakoot, The Hill of many wonders', is a holy town closely associated with the epic. Ramyana, set in sylvan surroundings on the banks of the river Mandakini, It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama and Sita spent 14 years of exile and where the Sage Atri and Sati Anwsuya meditated, The river side is lined with ghats and the town dotted with temples dedicated to several deities of the Hindu Pantheon.
Khajuraho Festival of Dance (Feb/March)
The cream of Indian classical dancers performs here to display the best of Indian dance one music, The floodlit temples of Khajuraho provide the perfect backdrop to the festival.
SHOPPING
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KHAJURAHO - There are number of curios ana handicraft shops in the market opposite the western Group of Temples and nearby Gole Market.
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTERS
ORCHHA
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Betwa Cottages (MPSTDC), Tel: 252618
KHAJURAHO
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Indiatourism, Opp. Western Group of Temples,
Tel: 272347/48
Regional Office
M.R.S.TD.C, Ltd,
Chandela Cultural Complex,
Tel: 274051
MPSTDC Information Counter, Bus Stand,
Tel: 274163
MONEYCHANGER
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ORCHHA
State Bank of India, Tel: 252174
KHAJURAHO
State Bank of India Tel: 272373
IMPORTANRT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
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ORCHHA
Police Station - Tel: 252622,
Post Office - Tel: 252631
KHAJURAHO
Indian Airlines - Tel: 274035, Airport Tel - 274041, Railway Enquiry - Tel: 274416, Post Office - Tel: 274022,
Police Station - Tel: 274032
Source
Ministry of Tourism
Govt Of India, Transport Bhawan
Parliament Street, New Delhi
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