Orcha-the hidden treasure of Madhya Pradesh

Amongst the various surviving relics of the glorious past that are dotted in every region of India, Orcha is one such destination. This beautiful town of Madhya Pradesh is one of the less explored tourist site of Central India.

Positioned near the World Heritage Site of Khajuraho temples, Orcha is place of immense historical significance. It was the capital of the Bundelkhand kingdom and was founded by the Bundela Rajput Chieftain Rudra Partap in 16th century.

This tranquil town of Madhya Pradesh is embellished with some impressive architectural masterpieces of both Rajputna and Mughal design. It has an endless array of architectural masterpieces such as Orcha fort, Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Rani Praveen Mahal, Anand Mahal. Orcha fort is the pride of the Bundela rulers. This fort is one of the most formidable fort of India which was never conquered by any enemy. Another prime attraction of Orcha is the Jehangir Mahal, built by the Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in 1606 A.D. It was constructed to pleased the 6th Mughal Emperor Jehangir.

Beside these fort and palaces, Orcha has also some exquisitely carved temples like Chaturbhuj temple, Ram Raja Temple and Laxmmi Narayan Temple. Raja Ram Temple of Orcha is a palace turned temple. It is the sole temple of India where the Lord Rama is worshiped as a ruler. The idol of Lord Rama which is placed in this temple was brought from Ayodhya by king Madukar Shah of Bundela dynasty. With its palatial structure and soaring spires, Raja Ram Temple is the most unusual temple of India.

Some other attractions of Orcha are Phool bagh, a formal garden, Dinman Hardaul's Palace, Sunder Mahal Palace, a pilgrimage site for Muslims and some beautiful cenotaphs that belongs to the royal family of the region.

Apart from these exhilarating structures, “Mother Nature” has blessed Orcha with its enormous wonderful creations. The scenic beauty of this pristine town, which is built on the bank of the Betwa river is really remarkable.

Don't bother about transportation. Orcha lies on the Jhansi-Khajuraho route. You can board into any regular bus that connects Orcha with Jhansi.

So, whenever you are in a trip to Madhya Pradesh, spare at least one day to discover the hidden treasures of Orcha, which is a living testimony of medieval grandeur.

By Jolly Mazumdar

Trip To Kumbalgarh

Kumbalgarh, the birth land of Maharana Pratap, the Great King and Warrior of erstwhile Mewar province, is one of the offbeat destination of Rajasthan. This small town of Rajasthan is the seat of various significant historical incidents of bygone princely era.

Built by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century, Kumbalgarh Fort is the prime attraction of Kumbalgarh town. The 36m long wall of this imposing citadel is second to the Great Wall of China in length. Perched atop a hill, at an altitude of 1,100m Kumbalgarh fort is the proud treasure of Mewar and forked Mewar from Marwar region. This famous fortress of Mewar , has more than 300 temples revered by both Hindu and Jain community.

Located at a distance of approximately 82 km towards north-west of Udaipur, Kumbalgarh is a town of Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. Beside, Kumbalgarh Fort, this Rajasthani town has some more alluring things in and around of tourist value. For instance, Haldighati, Muchchal Mahavir Temple and Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Haldighati, the well known war field which has witnessed the bloody battle between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1576, is nearby to Kumbalgarh. There is a memorial cenotaph built in honor of Maharana Pratap and his beloved horse, Chetak.

Muchchal Mahavir Temple and Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Located at a distance of 5km from the Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, the exquisitely curved Muchchal Mahavir Temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavira. It is a highly decorated temple having beautifully carved elephants.

After sight seeing trip of this temple, don't miss to visit the Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. This is one of the famous abode of wolf, leopards, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, smabhar, nilgai, chaisingh (the four horned antelope), chinkara and hare. This sanctuary is popular for Grey jungle fowl, Peacocks and Doves. They can be sighted regularly feeding on grains scattered by the jungle guards.

So, whenever you are in a trip to royal land of Rajasthan, than try to take out some time to visit Kumbalgarh.

By Jolly Mazumdar