FORTS & TEMPLES: ORCHHA KHAJURAHO

Upon arrival at Jhansi, head to Orchha, which was established by Rudra Pratap, the Bundela Rajput chieftain, in the 16th century. He found this stretch of land along the Betwa River, an ideal site for his capital. Raja Bir Singh Ji Deo, who was his successor, built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal. It is a tiered palace topped with graceful chhatris. The view of the mounting cenotaphs and temple spires is spectacular from here. See the fine Bundela work on the interiors and exteriors that complement each other. Also, get astounded by the vibrant murals on the walls of Laxminarayan Temple and Raj Mahal that encompass several religious and secular theme.

Head out from Orchha towards the stunning city of Khajuraho.

Dedicate this day to explore the unique architecture of the Khajuraho temples, which is known for being different from the usual temple architype of that period. The temples strikingly stand on a raised stone platform instead of the customary enclosure. The vertical projections accentuate the structures giving them a graceful and light effect. The chief compartments have their own roof, grouped in a way that the highest of the roofs occupy the centre, and the lowest is at the entrance. It is a sheer triumph of imagination and skill in recreating the effect of the rising peaks of a range. The walls are embellished with sculptures and patterns that give them great archaeological importance.