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

Coonor Tourism in India

If you are bored with the hill stations of Northern India, than change your taste for once. Visit the south India and behold the enchanting beauty of hill stations of this region. Unlike the hill destinations of Northern India, hill stations of southern India are less explored and more tranquil.

One of the outstanding summer resorts of Southern India is Coonor. It is fabulous destination to beat the heat of the scorching summers. Even you can choose Coornor as a weekend and honeymoon destination.

Coonor is perched on the lush green hills Nilgiri at a distance of only 19 km from Ooty. This hill station of southern India is located at a height of 1, 856m above the sea level. You will surely be mesmerized by its panoramic view. Coonor is embellished with some fantastic tourists hot spots like Sim's park, Lamb's Rock, Dolphin's Nose, Droog Fort, Lady Canning's, St Catherine Falls, Law's Falls, Kodanad View Point and Ralliah Dam . Also you can spend your time at Coonor by visiting the nearby coffee plantations.

If you had miss the ride of Darjeeling toy train, than you can fulfill your this unaccomplished desire here. Coonor is one of the favorite destination of adventure enthusiasts and bird watchers. Its surroundings are dotted with some soft trekking routes which attract trekkers from all over India.

Don't worry about your accommodation. Coonor has some well furnished hotels like Taj Garden Retreat and Neemrana Wallwood Garden. So, visit this picturesque hill stations of southern India and immerse yourself in its beauty.

Jolly Mazumdar

Lakshadeep-“The land of white beaches”

Lakshadweep, the land of white beaches and coral atolls is one of the most exotic island in the world. Gradually, this tiniest Union territory of India is gaining popularity due to its whitest sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise lagoons, spectacular underwater gardens, hundreds of breathtaking dive sites, marine flora and fauna. The exquisite sea surrounding the island, makes it an excellent scope for scuba diving, adventure tourism, water sports, tours and cruises.

According to Charles Darwin, an English environmentalist the base of the Lakshadweep below the reef was formed due to the volcanic formation over which corals settled and formed into fringing reefs. These turned into barrier reefs and later to atolls due to the geological submergence of the volcanic base.

Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of 12 atolls, three reefs and five submerged banks. It houses ten inhabited islands, 17 uninhabited islands attached to islets, four newly formed island and 5 submerged reefs. Some of the densely inhabited islands are Kavaratti, Agatti, Amini, Kadmat, Kiltan, Chetlat, Bitra, Andrott, Kalpeni and Minicoy. Kavaratti is the capital of this Union territory, located amidst the azure water of Arabian sea at a distance of 220-240kms from the Malabar coast. Lakshadweep is easily accessible by flights and ships. Agatti and Bangaram islands has two airports. And other islands are linked by ships from Kochi.

Ethnically the people of Lakshadweep are similar to the inhabitants of Kerala, due to its proximity to Kerala. Even the language is similar except in Minicoy where the main language is Mahl. Majority of people in these islands are Muslims. People here are very liberal and friendly in nature but strictly follow conservative customs and traditions. One unique thing about Lakshadweep is that this serene place is free from crimes. Even there are no boundaries between the individual plots. The houses are spread out throughout the islands. Each islands here are densely covered with the coconut palms, which are the major contributer to the economy of Lakshadweep.

Due to remoteness from the outer world, till date these islands have very little influence of urbanization. They have still very well maintains their aesthetic beauty. Lakshadweep has warm and pleasant climate due to which it is an ideal destination to enjoy a quiet holiday without the chaos of merrymakers at its sea shores. It is a perfect location for thrilling adventurous sports like scuba diving, beach games, swimming, snorkeling and deep sea fishing. It has two scuba diving schools at Agatti island and Bangaram island, so that before indulging yourself in Scuba diving you can have a proper and basic training about Scuba diving. After exploring the underneath of the turquoise blue lagoons, you can even enjoy the spirited folk dances of men folk. During your sojourn at these emerald islands, don't miss out the myriad delicacies comprises mostly of sea foods.

So, get ready to explore the turquoise blue water of these tiny emerald looking islands rich in marine wealth.

Jolly

Gwalior 'the land of great Scindias"

Beyond the marvelous beauty of Khajuraho, Mandu, Bandhavgarh and Kanha, Madhya Pradesh the “Heart of Incredible India” has some more fascinating places which would enthralled your thoughts for ever. It is a land of temples and tigers, holy towns and jungles, forts and palaces, hill stations and pretty flatlands, royal heritage and village tradition.

Gwalior one of the beautiful tourist destination of Madhya Pradesh is famous but not so well-known. The land of the warriors kings, poets, musicians and saints, is situated strategically at the Agra -Deccan route. Till date many dynasties including both Mughals and Marathas has tried to rule this land. Madho Rao Scindia, the last ruler of the Maratha dynasty has very well restored the erstwhile glory of Gwalior- a land of chivalry and valor.

Every where in Gwalior, one can still very well feel the presence of royalty. Scindias, the prolific builders and the last ruler of Gwalior still rule the hearts of the people. Gwalior has some outstanding historical edifices which proves the sway of Scindias over the city such as the Gwalior fort, Jai Vilas palace and museum, Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum, Man Mandir palace, Gurdwara data Bandhi Chhod, Teli ka mandir, Saas Bahu ka mandir, Gopachal parvat, Sun temple, Sarod Ghar, the Kala Vithika and last but not the least Suraj Kund where the Chieftain named Suraj Sen was treated by the hermit – saint. The tomb of Tansen who was considered as one of nine jewel of Akbar's court and mausoleum of the Afghan prince, Ghous Mohammed, is also present in Gwalior.

Gwalior's history is also attached with the Indian Independence struggle. The earliest freedom fighters of India namely Tatya tope and Jhansi ki Rani Laxmibai were commemorated in the memorials of Gwalior. The newly added attractions of Gwalior is the Din Dayal City Mall and the Sun city which represents the transition of Gwalior into a modern city.

The innumerable educational institutions which are present in Gwalior enhances its glory across the globe such as Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Indian Institute of Travel and Tourism Management, Jiwaji University, Scindia School and Laxmibai National Institute of Physical Education. Thousands of aspiring students comes here to fulfill their dreams.

Every year in the month of November and December, Madhya Pradesh government organizes the Tansen Music festival in memory of Tansen, the father of the Hindustani classical music. It is a major cultural event where prominent classical artists of India performs in front of thousands of music lovers throng here from various parts of the country.

In this rapidly changing world, Gwalior along with its rich culture and traditional values has successfully transformed itself into a modern day city. So, plan out your Gwalior trip as soon as possible and enjoy the visual and aesthetic beauty of this place where the princely past of yesteryears still lives in the magnificent palaces and the museum.

Jolly Mazumdar