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OFF THE BEATEN TRACKS
Orcha, Mandu, Palitana, Mandawa, Kumarakom, Puskar, Amritsar,
Hampi.
ORCHA
Location : 16 kms from Jhansi ( MADHYA PRADESH )
Major Attractions : Jehangir Mahal, Laxminarayana Temple
In the heart of Bundelkhand lies a fortified cluster of dwellings,
temple and shrines bearing testimony to a medieval legacy in stone.
 Orchha
was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chief in Rudra
Pratap who choose this streatch of land along the Betwa river as
an ideal site for his capital. The exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered
palace crowned by graceful chhatris. From here the view of soaring
temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular. Complementing the noble
proportions of their exteriors and interiors which represent the
finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting. In the Laxminarayan
Temple, Vibrant Murals encompassing a variety of religious and secular
themes, bring the walls and ceiling to rich life.
Strewn around the area are little shrines and memorials, each with
its own poignant history, each contributing to the nostalgic beauty
is Orcha.
SIGHT SEEING PLACES
Orchha's fort complex, approaches by a multi-arched bridge, has
three palaces set in an open quadrangle. The most spectacular of
these are :
Jehangir Mahal : Built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th
century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha.
Its strong lines are counterbalanced by delicate chhatries and treillies
work, the whole conveying an effect of extraordinary richness.
Raj Mahal : Situated to the right of the quardrangle, the
plain exteriors, crowned by Chharties, give way to interiors with
exquisite murals, boldly colourful, on a variety of religious themes.
Rai Praveen Mahal : Poetess and musician, Rai Praveen was
the beautiful paramour of Raja Indramani (1672-76), and was sent
to Delhi on the orders of Emperor Akbar, who was captivated by her.
She so impressed the Great Mughal with the purity of her love for
Indramani that he sent here back to Orchha. The palace built for
her is a low, two storeyed brick structure, designed to match the
height of the trees in the surrounding, beautifully landscaped gardens
of Anand Mahal, with its octagonal flower beds and elaborate water
supply system. Skilfully carved niches allow light into the Mahal
which has a main hall and smaller chambers.
Ram Raja Temple : The temple is surely one of the most unusual
in India. It is also the only in the country where Rama is worshipped
as a king (Raja).
Chaturbhuj Temple : Built upon a massive stone platform
and reached by a steep flight of steps. Lotus emblems and other
symbols of religious significance provide the delicate exterior
ornamentation. Within, the sanctum is chastely plain with high,
vaulted walls emphasizing its deep sanctity.
Laxminarayana temple : A flagstone path links this temple
with the Ram Raja Temple. The style is an interesting synthesis
of fort and temple moulds. The interiors Covering the walls and
ceiling of three halls, these murals are vibrant compositions and
cover a variety of spiritual and secular subjects. They are in an
excellent state of preservation, with the colours retaining their
vivid quality.
Phool Bagh : Laid out as a formal garden, this complex
testifies to the refined aesthetic qualities of the Bundelas. A
central row of fountains culminates in an eight-pillared palace-pavilion.
Sunder Mahal : This small palace, almost in ruins today,
is still a place of pilgrimage for Muslims Dhurjban, son of Jhujhar,
embraced Islam when he wed a Muslim girl at Delhi. He spent the
latter part of his life in prayer and meditation and came to be
revered as a saint.
Chhatries (Cenotaphs) : There are fourteen 'Chatries' or
memorials to the rulers of Orchha, grouped along the Kanchana Ghat
of the river Betwa.
Shahid Smarak : Commemorates the great freedom fighter Chandrashekhar
Azad who lived and worked in hiding in Orchha during 1926 and '27
Other places worth seeing in Orchha are the shrines of Siddh Baba
Ka Sthan, Jugal Kishore, the Janki Mandir and the Hanuman Mandir
at Ohharedwara.
GETTING THERE:
By Rail : Nearest railhead at Jhansi (16 km), on the Mumbai
- Delhi and Delhi - Madras main lines, All major mail and express
trains stop at Jhansi.
By Road : Orchha lies on the Jhansi - Khajuraho Road. Regular
bus service connect Orchha with Jhansi.
MANDU
Location: 99 kms from Indore ( MADHYA PRADESH)
Major Attraction: Monuments, Lohani caves
 Saga
inscribed in stone, Mandu is situated on the edge of the Malwa Plateau.
Mandu was dominated successively by Hindu and Muslim rulers. Mandu
is also known as the city of joy. Mandu is a place where songs describing
the love of poet-prince Baz Bahadur and beautiful singer Roopmati
fill the atmosphere. Balladeers sing songs of the romance and the
Roopmati Pavillion overlooking the palace of Baz Bahadur stands
as testimony to that as well. Today Mandu is a ghost town. But it
is a ghost town with a difference. It's grandiose and remarkable
architecture makes it one of the places having the most impressive
collection of Afghan art in India.
SIGHT SEEING PLACES
The monuments of Mandu can be divided into three categories, which
include the
- Royal Enclave
- The central group
- Rewa Kund group
The royal enclave includes Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal.
The central group has Hoshang Shah's tomb, Jami Masjid, Ashrafi
Mahal.
The Rewa Kund group has Rewa kund, Baz Bahadur palace, Roopmati
pavillion.
Then there are some more monuments which are not kept in any of
the groups this includes Nilkanth shrine and palace. Hathi Mahal,
Darya Khan's Tomb, Dai Ka Mahal, Dai ki choti Bahan Ka Mahal and
many other such monuments are worth giving a visit.
The lohani cave and temples are not far from the Royal enclave
area and is associated with history of Mandu. Sunpoint near the
caves affords a panoramic view of the surrounding country side.
Mandu is one of the few places in India where Baobab tree is found.
It is the tubby grey tree that looks as if it has been planted upside
down with its roots in the air.
GETTING THERE:
By Air: The nearest airport is that of Indore which is linked
with major cities in the country. There are regular services by
various airlines to Indore. From Indore, Mandu is 99 kms, which
can be covered on a bus or hired taxi.
By Rail: The main railway stations for Mandu are Ratlam
(124 kms) and Indore.
By Road: Mandu is well connected by roads and is accessible
from any where in the state. There are regular bus services from
all the major cities in the state.
PALITANA
Location: : 56 kms from Bhavnagar, Gujarat.
Main Temples: Shri Adishwara Temple, Chaumukh Temple.
 Commanding
a special place on the Gujarat travelers' map, Palitana is a `must
visit' destination for the Jains and all those who would like to
witness what the subtle combination of human enterprise, architectural
skills, philanthropy and channelised religious fervour can achieve.
The entire summit of majestic mount Shatrunjaya is crowned with
about 900 temples, each rivaling the other for beauty and magnificence,
presenting an awe-inspiring spectacle to devotees and visitors.
There are many temples at Palitana, which are revered by Hindus
and some are prominent Jain pilgrim centres.
SIGHT SEEING PLACES
Shri Adishwara Temple: dedicated to Rishabhdev, stands
on the apex of the northern ridge. Rebuilt by the minister Vagbhatta
in AD 1157, it is one of the most magnificent temples and the most
sacred on Shatrunjaya. The temple is ornately carved with a frieze
of dragons along the walls of its prayer halls.
Chaumukh Temple: or four- faced shrine, the highest of the
shrines is visible from a distance of 40 km. erected in the early
17th century, it houses a quadruple image of the apostle Adinath,
who gazes in the four directions. Other notable temples are Kumarpal,
Vimalsha, and Shahastrakuta bearing the distinctive aura of the
Jain temples.
GETTING THERE:
By Air: Nearest airport at Bhavnagar is 62 kms away.
By Rail: Palitana is on the Western Railway metre gauge
line and is well connected to Ahmedabad , 277 kms. by rail and 215
kms. by road.
By Road: State Transport & luxury buses ply regularly.
MANDAWA
Location: Rajasthan
Major Attraction: Mandawa Castle.
 The
enchanting remote town of Mandawa carries a distinct charm. The
entire town is wrapped in the aura of mystique and ancient glory.
The major attraction of the town is the magnificent fort, which
has now been converted into a luxury hotel. All the 51 rooms in
the hotel are totally distinct in interiors.
It also houses an interesting collection of paintings, jade, costumes
and antiques. The courtyard and the terrace come to live during
evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during the season.
SIGHT SEEING PLACES
Mandawa Fort
GETTING THERE:
Air: Jaipur at 180 kms is the nearest airport.
Road: Mandawa is well connected by road and is 180 kms
from Jaipur.
PUSKAR
Location: 11-km From Ajmer, Rajasthan.
Tourist Attractions: 25 Bathing Ghats, Cattle Fair.
 11-km
from Ajmer on the edge of the Thar Desert lies a tiny tranquil town
of Pushkar along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar Lake, which
is an important pilgrimage for the Hindus.
This beautiful lake surrounded by bathing ghats has its religious
significance rooted in a myth. According to the padam Puran, Lord
Brahma - Lord of creation was in search of a suitable place for
a vedic yagna (Sacrifice). While contemplating, a lotus fell from
his hand on the earth and water sprouted from three places. One
of them was Pushkar, and Brahma decided to perform his yagna here.
SIGHT SEEING PLACES
SAVITRI TEMPLE
Temple of Lord Brahma's first wife. it is located on the hill behind
the Brahma Temple and one has to climb several steps to reach the
point. It gives a beautiful panoramic view of the lake, surrounding
desert and villages.
MAN MAHAL
Built by Raja man singh stands on the banks of Pushkar and is now
a tourist bungalow known as RTDC hotel sarover. It is the most convenient
place for visitors to stay.
BRAHMA TEMPLE
The Brahma temple is an important pilgrim centre for the Hindus.
It is nestled in the Pushkar valley which lies beyond Nagaparvat
and the Anasagar Lake.
GETTING THERE:
By Air: Jaipur 146 km is the nearest airport.
By Rail: Ajmer 11 km is the convenient railhead.
By Road: Pushkar is connected by road with the major cities
of India.
KUMARAKOM
Location: Kerala
Tourist Attractions:
 A
small village 12 km west of Kottayam town, on the banks of the Vembaned
Lake, Kumarakom is a bird santuary known for local varieties like
the water fowl, cockoo, owl and water duck as well as migratory
Siberian stroks. The best months to bird watch are between june
and August.
With in the 101 acres of beautifully wooded grounds is the Kumarakom
Tourist Complex, Built around the 50 year old "Baker's Mansion"
formely a small and pretty hotel run by the KTDC, but now redone
in greater style by Taj kerala Resorts Ltd. and Coconut Lagoon Heritage
Resort (Casino group). Boats are available on hire for backwater
cruises around the lake.
GETTING THERE:
By Air: Kochi 100 kms is the nearest Airport.
By Rail: 15 kms from Kottyam Railway station.
By Road: Kumarakom is well connected by road.
AMRITSAR
Location: Punjab
Tourist Attractions: Golden Temple.
 Amritsar
has many claims to fame. It is the holy city of the Skihs, intimately
linked with the colourful history of this martial race, its agricultural
produce, woolens, spices and dry fruits. It is also the showpiece
of the prosperity and wealth of Punjab. Amritsar also holds strategic
importance due to its proximity to Pakistan, the Attari/Wagah India-Pakistan
border just 30 kms away. Life in Amritsar is deeply influenced by
the Golden Temple and Durgiana Temple, plus the sources of the city's
wealth: agriculture, commerce and industry. Although most people
are very religious, they are also fun-loving and lively.
SIGHT SEEING PLACES
Golden Temple
GETTING THERE:
By Air: It has international and domestic Airport operating.
By Rail: Amritsar is connected with direct trains to Delhi,
Jaipur, Mumbai and other places.
By Road: Amritsar is well connected by road .
HAMPI
Location : 350 kms from Bangalore, Karnataka
Famous For : Vithala Temple Complex, Ugra Narasimha.
 Hampi,
the land of surprises was founded in the middle of 14th Century
by two local princes, Hakka & Bukka. The Vijayanagar Empire came
to be celebrated for its might and wealth and as a show piece of
imperial magnificence.
The city was sacked pillaged and burnt in 1565 AD, after the combined
attack of armies of Muslim Sultanates of the Deccan defeated the
Vijayanagar Military Commander and the King fled the Capital. Rocky
hills and the mighty Tungabhadra River, which flows through this
rugged landscape, dominate the terrain.
One can still glimpse the splendour of Vijayanagara - one of the
largest empires in the history of India - in its ruins. The Vijayanagar
Kings were great patrons of Art & Architecture as evident by the
vast ruins of Hampi.
SIGHT SEEING PLACES
Virupaksha Temple
The Virupaksha Temple at the western end is one of the earliest
structures in the city. The main shrine is dedicated to Virupaksha,
a form of Lord Vishnu. Overlooking Virupaksha temple to the South,
Hemakuta hill has a scattering of early ruins including Jain temples
and a monolithic structure of Narasimha.
Ugra Narasimha
Nearby is the 6.7m tall monolith of Ugra Narasimha. The gigantic
image is situated in the south of the Hemkuta group of temples that
includes the Virupaksha Temple.
Vithala Temple
To the east of Hampi Bazaar is the Vithala temple, about 2 kms
away. The ruins of the temple is a World Heritage monument.
Shivalinga
The gigantic Shivalinga is located next to the Narasimha figure.
It is 3 m high and stands permanently in water that comes through
an ancient channel.
Lotus Mahal
This graceful two-storeyed pavilion is located in the 'zenana'
enclosure. The palace is delightful synthesis of the Hindu and Islamic
styles of architecture.
GETTING THERE:
Air: The nearest airport is Bellary (74 kms.) Other convenient
airports are a Belgaum (190 kms) and Bangalore , Bijapur, Hubli
and Guntakal.
Rail: The nearest train junction is at Hospet.
Road: Hampi is 350 kms from Bangalore. Buses ply regularly
from Hospet.
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General Information
State
Express