Heart of Heritage
Khajuraho
/ Varanasi / Gwalior /
Shivpuri / Orcha / Jhansi
A Celebration of life and worship
Built by the warrior Chandela dynasty that rose to power in central
India between the 10th and 11th centuries. The legendary temples of
Khajuraho are an incomparable experience. Acknowledged as one of the
world's greatest artistic wonders. Of the 85 original Temples, 25 have
survived till today that displays various facets of life, including the
sensual. Temples dedicated to the Hindu pantheon of Gods are covered in
carvings that are a paean to life and love.
These erotic carvings on some panels have given rise to much speculation
since Khajuraho's re-discovery by a British officer in 1838. To preserve
it for posterity, Khajuraho has been declared a world heritage site and
is among the prominent destinations on the world tourism map. Despite a
pastoral setting, Khajuraho has a well developed tourist infrastructure.
A good example of how a nondescript village was turned into a success
story through government and private initiative.
WHAT TO SEE : KANDARIYA MAHADEO : The largest Temple dedicated to Lord
Shiva having exquisitely carved walls. CHAUNSAT YOGINI : The earliest
surviving Shrine, built in 900 AD, this granite temple is dedicated to
Goddess Kali. CHITRAGUPTA TEMPLE : Facing east, this temple is dedicated
to Sun God Surya. The inner sanctum has an imposing idol of the diety.
PARSVANATH TEMPLE : The largest Jain temple with carvings on themes of
daily life. VISHWANATH TEMPLE : With impressive entrances flanked by
carved lions and elephants, the temple enshrines a three headed image of
Brahma. LAKSHMANA TEMPLE : A beautiful vaishnavite temple shows the
trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva with Lakshmi, Vishnu's consort.
The city where Shiva dances
Varanasi cannot be described, only experienced. Sunrise on the river
front, as seen from a boat, can be spiritually uplifting sight. It is
the oldest inhabited city in the world ! where the reigning deity, Lord
Shiva, is worshipped in innumerable Temples and Shrines. It has a
fascination uniquely its own. A quality of sublime beauty. A timeless
eternal appeal.
Crowded with Temples, and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts
the maximum number of tourists - domestic and international. Though
Varanasi retains its heritage, the city is moving. New markets,
commercial complexes and modern Hotels make it a melting pot of both. It
is the religious capital of Hinduism which was previously known as Kashi
- the city that illuminates. The present name is derived from the fact
that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna and Asi. At a
distance of 12 kms from Varanasi is Sarnath. where the Lord Buddha
preached his first sermon after enlightenment. Here he revealed the
eight - fold path to Nirvana.
WHAT TO SEE : THE GHATS : The best way to see the row of bathing ghats
that line the banks of the Ganga is by boat. The most famous are
Dasaswamedh, Kedar and Manikarnika. VISHWANATH TEMPLE : The main shrine
to Lord Shiva, erected by Rani Ahilyabai holker of Indore in 1776, it is
the devotional focus of the city. The domes are plated in Gold. TEMPLES
: Other temples worth visiting are the Tulsi Manas, Durga Kund, Bharat
Mata and new Vishwanath temple. RAM NAGAR FORT :The 17th century home of
the raja of Benares. An interesting museum, it houses the royal
possessions. GYANVAPI MOSQUE : Constructed by Emperor Aurangzeb in the
17th century over the ruins of the Vishveswara Temple, which he
destroyed. BENARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY : Perhaps the largest residential
university in Asia, housed in an area of nearly 2000 acres.
SHOPPING : Varanasi has been a centre of handicrafts, specially Silk
weaving. Other attractions include Brassware, Ivoryware, Gold jewellery,
Woodcraft, Wall hangings and Lamp shades, Carpets and masks of various
Hindu/Buddhist Gods, Goddesses and saints.
GWALIOR :
Of warrior Kings and Poet's song
Gwalior's colourful history, going back to the 8th century, is a mosaic
of the Rajput clans of Tomars, Pratiharas and Kachchwahas, each leaving
their marks on the city's magnificient monuments.
It is a city that remembers not only its Kings but also its poets,
singers and saints with pride. And preserves with care every monument of
its historical and cultural heritage.
As a modern city, Gwalior is famous for its cloth mills, producing some
of the best fabrics in the country. The city is divided into three
parts. Gwalior houses the Fort complex, Lashkar with the Jai vilas
palace, and morar are the outskirts. The city serves as an access point
for the tourist centres of Orcha and Shivpuri.
WHAT TO SEE : GWALIOR FORT : The invincible sandstone fortress dominates
the city. With magnificient outer walls and beautiful palaces inside.
MAN MANDIR PALACE : Built by Raja Mansingh with vast halls and carved
stone screens. A superb son et lumiere, is held here every evening.
GUJARI MAHAL : A marvel of 15th century architecture, the palace was
Raja Mansingh's gift to his favourite Queen Mriganayani. SAS BAHU KA
MANDIR AND TELI KA MANDIR : Two graceful temples dedicated to Lord
Vishnu, in a unique land of architectural styles. JAI VILAS PALACE AND
MUSEUM : The current residence of the royal Scindia family, the palace
is an Italianate structure with an imposing Durbar hall. Decorated with
tapestries and antique furniture. TANSEN'S TOMB : Memorial to the
legendary singer who was one of the "nine jewels" in the court of
Emperor Akbar.
A Summer resort of Kings
Shivpuri was once the summer capital of the Scindia rulers of Gwalior.
Even earlier, its dense forests were the hunting grounds of Emperor
Akbar. Shivpuri's royal visitors used to live in the exquisite palaces,
hunting lodges and intricately embellished marble "chhatries"(cenotaphs)
erected by the Scindia princes. Today, the national park is a sanctuary
for not only rare wildlife but avifauna as well. There are some
excellent spots for bird watching too.
WHAT TO SEE : MADHAV NATIONAL PARK : 156sq kms in area, the park has a
varied terrain of wooded hills and flat grasslands around a lake with
abundant wildlife. CHHATRIS : Intricately embellished marble cenotaphs
of Scindia kings with inlay work and ornamental carvings. MADHAV VILAS
PALACE : The rose - pink summer palace is a fine example of colonial
architecture. GEORGE CASTLE : A turreted castle built by Jiyaji Rao
Scindia deep within the forest. SAKHYA SAGAR BOAT CLUB : By the lake, an
airy delicate structure with glass panels.
With a medieval majesty
A medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with Palaces and Temples of
the 16th and the 17th century - which have remarkably withstood the
onslaught of time. Some of the Palaces were decorated with painted
murals which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela School of
painting. The city is picturesquely flanked by the river Betwa. Jhansi -
Orcha - Khajuraho make a complete tourist circuit.
WHAT TO SEE : JEHANGIR MAHAL : Within the fort complex, built in the
17th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir. Its strong
lines are counter - balanced delicate chhatris and trellis work. RAJ
MAHAL : The interior of the palace is painted with boldly colourful
murals on a variety of religious themes. The temples of significance in
Orchha are RAM RAJA TEMPLE, CHATURBHUJ TEMPLE and LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE.
The Land of Legendary Warriors
It is the gateway to Bundelkhand, the land of legendary warriors,
historic forts, religious centres, grand Palaces and placid lakes.
Jhansi is famous on account of the fabled uprising led by its warrior
queen, Rani Laxmibai, against the British. Jhansi was an important
centre of Chandela power till the 11th century, and of Bundela Rajputs
in the 17th.
WHAT TO SEE : JHANSI FORT : Built by Raja Bir, the hilltop fort also has
a museum displaying artefacts from Bundela history. RANI MAHAL : Rani
Laxmibai's palace has now been converted into a museum housing a
collection of archaeological remains dating between 9th and 12th
century.
|
