India Tour

Orchha

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.

Major Tourist Attractions

There are a number of tourist spots in Orchha. The main attraction of Orchha is the Orchha fort complex, located on an island on River Betwa, having a number of palaces to visit within it. A four-arched bridge leads to the fort complex on the island. The Jahangir Mahal, which was built by Bir Singh Deo in the early part pf the 17th century to mark the visit of the Mughal Emperor, is an important monument of this fort. It is known for its delicate work on one hand and balanced with strong masonry on the other. Raj Mahal, the second palace in this fort complex is well known for its murals, depicting religious themes. The Rai Parveen Mahal, dedicated to the 17th-century poetess-musician, is the third palace within this complex and is set amongst well-laid gardens.

There are a number of interesting temples to visit in Orchha. The Raja Ram Temple, which was formerly a palace, is an important tourist spot. According to legend, Lord Ram appeared in dream of the then ruler Madhukar Shah. The ruler subsequently brought an idol of Lord Ram and placed 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 had to recall 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. The Chaturbhuj temple in Orchha was the original destination of the idol of Lord Ram. This temple has been decorated with religious symbols on the outside, while the interiors are stark.

The Laxminarayan temple is a unique blend of temple and fort architecture. The frescoes within this temple depict social and secular themes. These frescoes have retained their vibrant colors.
The Phool Bagh is a well-laid garden and was the resting place of the erstwhile Bundela rulers. This garden has fountains, pavilions and ingenious water ventilation system.

Orchha has 14 chhatris or memorials for its rulers, situated near the Kanchan Ghat on River Betwa.

The Shahid Smarak commemorating the martyrdom of Chandrashekhar Azad, the great freedom fighter, is an important place to visit. Other places to visit in Orchha include the shrine of Siddh Baba Ka Sthan, Jugal Kishore, Janki Mandir, Dinman Hardul's palace, Sunder Mahal, and the Hanuman Mandir at Ochharedwara.

Places Around Orchha

The historic city of Jhansi is 18 km from Orchha. It is a famous tourist destination and is known for the exploits of Rani Jhansi, who played an important role in fighting the British during the revolt of 1857. A number of monuments belonging to this period including Jhansi Fort and Rani Jhansi's Palace are important tourist attractions of Jhansi.

Banaras/Varanasi

Private cabs and taxis, cars, coachs run by tour operators and the state roadways buses are the options if you are travelling to Khajuraho by road. Regular buses run to and from Jhansi, Satna, Harpalpur (94 km) and Mahoba (61 km).

Varanasi, the eternal city, is one of the most important pilgrim sites in India and also a major tourist attraction. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, Varanasi has been a center of learning and civilization for over 2000 years. The city finds mention in the great epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It was a flourishing trade center when Buddha came to Sarnath, about 10 kilometres away, to preach his first sermon in 500 BC. Also known as Kashi and Banaras, Varanasi's present name has been derived as combination of the names of the two rivers - the Varuna and Assi. The renowned American novelist Mark Twain once wrote, "Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together."

Major Tourist Attractions

Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The temple is located in the premises of the Banaras Hindu University and is about thirty minutes walk from the gates of the university. The temple, built by the Birlas, was planned by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. Unlike many other temples in Varanasi, this temple is open to all irrespective of caste or creed.

Ghats
The long string of ghats along the western bank of the Ganges forms the major attraction of Varanasi. There are about hundred ghats in the city and each of them is marked by a lingam and occupies its own special place in the religious geography of the city. The ghats, though some of them have crumbled over the years, continue to thrive with early-morning bathers, Brahmin priests offering puja and people practicing meditation and yoga. Though most of the ghats are used for bathing, there are several 'burning ghats' were bodies are cremated. The pilgrims here are supposed to bathe at five special ghats in a sequence during a ritual called the Panchatirthi Yatra.

Alamgir Mosque
Also known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera, the Alamgir Mosque is a blend of the Hindu and Mughal styles of the architecture. The mosque, built by Aurangzeb on the site of the Vishnu Temple, overlooks the Panchganga Ghat.

Durga Temple
Located 2 kilometres south of the old city, this eighteenth century Durga Temple is also known as the Monkey Temple due to many aggressive monkeys that reside here. The temple was built in a common north Indian style with an ornate shikhara, consisting of five segments symbolizing the elements and supported by finely carved columns. Here Durga is represented as the embodiment of shakti or female power, clad in red and riding a tiger and fully armed with Shiva's trident, Vishnu's discus and a sword. A forked stake in the courtyard was used during festivals in the earlier times to behead sacrificial goats. The ritual of sacrifice has now been replaced by a symbolic mark in vermilion.

Bharat Mata Temple
This temple of Bharat Mata (Mother India), inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, lies about 3 kilometres west of Godaulia, outside the old city. Here, instead of gods and goddesses, one finds a huge relief map in marble of the whole of Indian subcontinent and Tibetan plateau.

Ramnagar Fort
This 17th-century fort is the home of the former Maharaja of Banaras. The fort lies at a little distance to the south of the Asi Ghat.The museum inside the fort houses a collection that includes horse-drawn carriages, old motor cars, gilded and ornate silver howdahs (elephant seats), hookahas, costumes, a collection of minute ivory carvings, an astronomical clock, hunting trophies, vintage silver and brocade palanquins, a replica of the royal bed and an armoury of swords and guns.

Nainital

Nainital is the popular summer retreat of India.It attracts a large number of tourists during the summer season.It is a lake resort situated at a height of 1,938 metres.There are many legends associted with the place.According to one , Nainital has derived its name from the Goddess Naina while the other legend says that when the Goddess Sati lost her eyes, she was being carried by Lord Shiva and a lake was formed. 'Naina' means eyes and Tal' means lake. It is a small town in Uttaranchal surrounded with seven hills. The majestic mountains and the sparkling waters of the lake adds gems to the beauty of the town.
The scenic beauty of Nainital offers a wonderful sight. Nainital city is dotted with lakes all around it this has earned this place the title of 'Lake District' of India.

Major Tourist Attractions

Bhimtal
About 22 kms from Nainital, nestled in a beautiful pristine valley, this jem of a lake is the largest around Nainital. The beauty is enhanced by a small Island surrounded by crystal blue water.

Khurpatal
At an altitude of (1635 MT) there lies just another beautiful spot at a distance of 12 km from Nainital popularly known as Khurpatal. It is considered to be anglers paradise having clear water and a good harvest of fishes.

Sattal
Iterally meaning seven lakes is a group of small lakes nested together, about 23 kms from Nainital still untouched by modernisation - one can see the natures beauty at its best.

Nakuchiyatal
About 4 kms from Bhim Tal -lies the mystique lake with 9 corners. Surrounded by dense forested hills on all sides it provides solace from the maddening rush of the plains.

Kainchi
It is a placed at a distance of 20km from Nainital & liked by both tourists and devotees. It is a modern pilgrimage centre established by Neem karoli Baba a saint of early sixties of twentieth century.

Kilbury
At about 12km. from Nainital lies a place fit for weekend picnics.It is famous for its flora and fauna and bird watching.One can have a wide panoramic view of Himalayas along with a view of Tarai and Bhabhar.

Kausani
120 Km from Nainital 1ies the beautiful town of Kausani -also called the Switzerland of India. It provides an enchanting sunrise over the Himalayas -a rich experience.

Naina Peak
The most popular picnic spot in Kumaon, it commands a birds eye view of Naini Tal and the sparkling snow laden Himalayas can be seen in their towering glory from this beautiful spot. It is 5.6-kms from the town and one of the most beautiful treks.

Ranakpur Temple

Ranakpur, one of the five most sacred pilgrimage centers of the Jain community, is located in the heart of the remote and enchanting valley of the Aravali mountain range in the Pali district of Rajasthan at about 95 km from Udaipur and 23 km from the Phalna railway station. Ranakpur is famous for its beautiful and gracious Jain temples, dating back to 15th century A.D. The main attraction of the place is Chaturmukh (Four faced) Jain Temple dedicated to Jain tirthankara Rishavadev famously known as the Ranakpur Jain Temple.

These beautiful architectural masterpiece were built mainly during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century A.D. Spread over an of 48,000 sq. feet, they are probably the most complex and extensive of Jain temples in India and took more than 50 years to complete.

Meenakshi Temple

The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai (Tamil Nadu) is among India's most magnificent temples. It is famous not only because it is an excellent example of Dravidian or South Indian architecture but also because of its historic and religious significance.

It is believed that the Kadamsa tree under which Lord Shiva used to meditate was here. The temple itself is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, the wife of Shiva.

Exquisite sculptures and paintings adorn the wall and roof of the various shrines in the temple.

One of the biggest attractions is the thousand-pillared hall with its 985 pillars. Each pillar is carved with beautiful images of gods, goddess and other mythological characters. .

Khajuraho

Khajuraho is well known all over the world for its temple architecture and exquisite sculptures. Situated in the heart of India in the state of Madhya Pradesh, it lies in the forested plains of the region of Bundelkhand. The Khajuraho temples were built between the 9th and 11th centuries by the warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty. However, the definite reason behind such mass scale temple construction that is now over a thousand years old remains unknown. According to local legend, these temples were built by the first Chandela raja to atone his mother’s sin, whose consummation with the Moon god hearalded the start of the Chandela dynasty.

These exquisitely carved temples are also the site for an annual mela on the occasion of Shivaratri which is celebrated here as the wedding of Shiva. This living tradition fits in with the new theory about Khajuraho that the temples were built as wedding chariots for the gods who came to attend the wedding.

Khajuraho combines history, architecture, culture and environment with delectable charm. It takes one away from the noise and pollution of the city, with its fresh air and scenic countryside. Its quaint charm and marvelous beauty of the temples attracts people to it and makes it Madhya Pradesh’s most famous tourist town.