Historical Khajuraho & Orchha

Holidays can be seriously planned well, if planned in advance. Me and my friend was getting this travel cravings for long, when we thought of visiting Khajuraho & Orcha on the Independence Day weekend of 2016. So when we planned to travel, we took some time to zero down to Khajuraho. But once decided things were pretty fast and sorted. I need to give credit to MP Tourism ad for our fast decision.

Lush Green Khajuraho, Mahuya Trees

Khajuraho is a very small village in Madhya Pradesh of Chattarpur District. It is only known for its UNESCO World Heritage Group of temples which was built during the Chandela dynasty. It is learnt that after the fall of Chandela Dynasty, the temples were covered with dense date plum trees for years hence the place derived its name from “Khajur”.

We traveled to Khajuraho via train as we call it in India – “Sastha, Subista aur Tikau” – Value for money. More than the price factor the timing of the train was just perfect for us. We took Sampark Kranti(obviously booked in advance) which left Delhi (Nizzamuddin) at 20.35 hrs and reached Khajuraho at 7 am next morning(25 min late from scheduled time of arrival). But still was convenient.

As we were only two girls travelling, we made it a point that the hotel we choose has to be good, firstly from the point of safety and secondly it should have good communication. We stayed in Hotel Chandela(one of the Taj property) and it was really good.

We informed our hotel in advance regarding our arrival and train so that we can get a pick

Beside the pool @ Hotel Chandela

up an so was it….we receive a call before our train arrives Khajuraho that our AUTO has arrived at the station.

Travelling from Khajuraho station to the hotel gave us a very pleasant feeling. It’s a beautiful small town away from the hustle bustle of a city. Clean roads, Greenery, pure thin air…..and this good feeling sinks in you while you reach your hotel.

Dulhadev Temple Sculptures

Idol of Chaturbhuj Temple

There are various temples surrounding but the main group of Temple is the Western Group of Temple. The other temples also do have almost same sculptures as it is there in Western Group of Temples. The other temples are Chaturbhuj temple, Dulhadev Temple(Southern Group of Temples), Vamna temple, Javari Temple(Eastern Group of Temple). All the temples has some history and the common one is these temples have been destroyed during Aurangzeb’s rule. All the idols are damaged. Out of all the above temples Chaturbhuj temple has a distinctive idol. The idol is sculpted out of a single rock, half of the idol looks like Shiva and half of it like Vishnu. Dulhadev Temple is again quite big as compared to the other temples but nothing as compared to Western group of temples.

Vamana Temple

Once we were done with the above temples, we were set to visit Western Group of temples. Before that we stood by for lunch in a Marwari hotel which was purely veg and again “Value for Money”. Though I don’t remember the name of the food joint, its on approaching road to the Western Group of Temple and the food is really really good. Specially the chutney that they serve with the food. One should not miss out.

Entrance to Western Group of Temples

Kandariya Mahadev Temple

The Western Group of temple has various Temples and is advisable to do a guide. You need to take an entry fee of Rs.10/- and visit the temple and wonder about the sculptures and just go with the stories that your guide tell you. You shall be visiting the gigantic Laxman Temple, Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, Devi Jagdamba Temple, Chausant Yogini Temple, Chitra Gupta Temple, Matangeshwara Temple, Varaha Temple, Vishwanath Temple.

Baraha Temple

The only feeling I had once we were done with the temples that it’s not only kamasutra. The Sculptures depict the living style of that age. I take it on Women Empowerment, as it depicts women performing all sorts of work & their involvement in culture. Whether its painting, song & dance, taking care of children or working out of home. Women at that point of time were really outgoing and took control of their requirements of life. They were more advance in all respect than present India is still fighting its Women to be.

Road to Orchha

After enjoying the temples we went back with good amount of “Sun Tan” to be worried about. We had to skip out the light & sound show because of the rain. Hence enjoyed the evening in a nearby café facing the Western Group of Temples…chose the place after going through a good review but was an mere disappointment in terms of view as the entire view was blocked because of trees. Next day we planned for Orchha.

Few things you cannot miss if you are in Khajuraho. Cows blocking the road, Visiting Orchha, Visiting Panna National Park, Visiting Ranne waterfalls. 

Well we had to strike off Panna National Park, as it was an off season and the park remains close during this season of the year.

Jahangir Mahal, Orchha

We started off in the morning after breakfast from Khajuraho by 9.30 and reached Orchha by 12.45. Almost a 3 hours journey via road to cover approximately 180 kms of distance one way.

Orchha is beautiful small town in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh and is located at the banks of Betwa river. And what you need to see here are Orchha Fort, Jahangir Mahal, Chaturbhuj Temple, Ram Raja Temple, Chattris (Cenotaphs) and of course beautiful Betwa river flowing through the rocks.

View of Chaturbhuj Temple from Jahangir Mahal

River Betwa Beside Jahangir Mahal

Raja Ram Temple

At the entry of the Fort you need to take Entry ticket for yourself and also for your camera. Keep it safe as it works for the entry for other monuments too.

Jahangir Mahal has mix Indo – Mughal structure. It has 100 rooms, hanging balcony and courtyards. We heard it from a guide that Jahangir gifted this to Vir Singh Deo, as he was pleased with his loyalty and friendship. The beauty of the Mahal is magnified by

Chattris (Cenatopes)

the Betwa River just flowing by its side.

Chaturbhuj Temple is huge but girls traveling alone, I suggest to avoid….as it’s dark inside the steps, and is very confusing to come out. Better to go in groups.

Chattris are basically magnificent Royal tombs of Maharajas just beside Betwa River. It’s beautiful to look at.

As it was rainy season….we did not take chance to do boat rides on Betwa. We moved back to Kajuraho.

Ranne Falls

Ken River

On the third day we definitely cannot miss out Ranne Falls. It’s almost about 22kms away from Khajuraho and is situated on Ken River. Monsoon makes this waterfall more wonderful and gorgeous. As guided by our guide, the waterfall is made by volcanic eruption in ancient times. It has a canyon the fall passes through. The Volcanic eruption made all the stone layers of the waterfall of different color. Some pink, green and black. It’s a wonderful sight, never to miss scenario. Done with it, it was already time to travel back to Delhi.

The journey was really amazing and memorable with special thanks to our auto driver, who also acted as a guide to maximum locations.

Weekend Getaway to Bharatpur & Nearby Places - India

A sudden gateway plan in Diwali weekend of 2015. Nothing could have been better than Bharatpur. Delhi to Bharatpur is about 230 km and takes about 4 hours to travel if started early via car. You can take a train too. There are several trains that run between Delhi and Bharatpur. The most popular one being Kota Janshatabdi which takes 2 hours to reach your destination. If traveling with family and kids, I will suggest take a car.

 While traveling via car, you may choose to take the Mathura - Vrindavan route and may add on some religious angle to your trip.

Laxmi Niwas Palace

We opted for Laxmi Niwas Palace at Bharatpur to stay, which itself is worth a visit and stay. It’s a Palace itself as the name suggests. Beautiful property with puppet show arrangements for kids etc. 

Coming back to the travel part Bharatpur has some magnificiant places to visit. First is the Bird Sanctuary (which is also known as Keoladeo Birds Sanctuary), Deeg Palace, Loharghar Fort to talk about.

After reaching Bharatpur, we quickly freshened up and had our lunch at Laxmi Niwas. Then we took our car towards Deeg. Deeg Palace is about 30 – 32 km from Bharatpur, and you can be guided throughout the rout by google map.

Fountains as seen

Deeg Palace is considered to be the summer resort of the Jaat Rulers. You need to take a ticket before you enter, which is basically for the visit to Jat King Surajmal’s Palace. It has been turned into a museum now.  They Charge you Rs 5 per person(Indian). The museum depicts the living and the lifestyle of the Jat Rulers. The chandeliers, the lamps, the carpets, the furniture’s all shows how sophisticated taste of living the rulers had. Photography is prohibited inside....so no photos.

Deeg palace is also known as the water palace because of its amazing fountains and huge lakes present within the palace premises. The palace also has some beautiful gardens all around, which is said to be inspired by Mughal garden. Now a days the Fountain show happens only twice a year – 4^th Feb and on the 8^th

Architectures of the Palace

day after Raksha Bandhan. It is believed, during Holi, the fountains sprayed up colourful water, during the tenure of Jat rulers.

The gardens are huge, well maintained and houses different variety of flowers. You will find the locals relaxing all arou

Marble Swing of Nur Jahan

nd the compound. There is a White marble swing structure, which is believed to be of Nur – Jahan’s, which the Jats brought as war trophy.

The Palace is open from 9am to 5 pm. Friday closed.

Sunset from the roof top

Done with Deeg we headed towards Loharghar Fort, but due to some strange reasons the entry was closed, and we could not visit it. Sulking tremendously, headed towards Bharatpur Palace or the Bharatpur Government Museum. It is located in the heart of Loharghar Fort area and is open from 9 am to 5 pm. I forgot the entry fee amount but you need to buy one to enter the main museum.

This Palace was also known as Kacheiri Kalan and used to serve as administrative office to the Jat Rulers. You get to see some amazing views when you roam around the complex, with peacocks moving all around. You may wish to do some photography of the property, specially the sunset view from the rooftop.

We ended up the day with this beautiful puppet show arranged at our hotel at night.

Next day was quite adventurous as we were visiting the most famous place of Bharatpur – The Bird Sanctuary.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary also known as Keoladeo Ghanna National Park, derive its name from Keoladeo Temple or Shiv temple located in its enclosure. It houses various species of birds. Bird lovers from different places folk in this place to have their beautiful looks. You can walk down the entire park or may hire a rickshaw. I will advise for a rickshaw ride. The rickshaw pullers are themselves half a guide.

To compensate the injustice of Lohargarh Fort, we decided to visit Fathehpur Sikri while returning back to Delhi. It took us 40 min to reach Fathehpur Sikri from Bharatpur. The roads are quite nice and smooth. 

Once we parked our car at the main parking, we took a Tanga ride to the destination.

Buland Darwaza

Fathehpur Sikri was once the political Capital of Mughal emperor Akbar, is now a World Heritage site. Its an architectural wonder. You need to take a guide to understand the detailing’s of the locations, halls, palaces, mosques and also the local stories related to the monuments.

 

The monuments you have to look at are Buland Darwaza, Diwani Khas, Panch Mahal, Tomb Of Salim Chisti, Palace of Jodha Bai, Birbal Bhawan, Diwan –I Am.

You should have ample of time with you to visit this place. Be at your most comfortable dress and shoes, as it takes a lot of walking.