Gwalior Khajuraho Orchha with Chitrakoot

Gwalior, a multitude of reigning dynasties of the great Rajput clans have left an indelible etching of their rule in this city of palaces, temples and monuments. The magnificent mementoes of glorious past have been preserved with care, giving Gwalior a unique and timeless appeal. Today, it is a modern Indian city, vibrant and bustling. Standing on steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates the city and is its most magnificent monument. It has been the scene of momentous events: imprisonments, battles and jauhars. A steep road winds upwards to the fort, flanked by statues of Jain tirthankaras, carved into the rock face. The magnificent outer walls of the fort still stand, two miles in length and 35 feet high, bearing witness to its reputation for being one of the most invincible fort of India.

Orchha, 119 km from Gwalior and 16 km from Jhansi. Orchha’s grandeur has been captured in stone and frozen in time; a rich legacy of the ages gone by. The palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries, retain much of their pristine perfection. Strewn around the area are little shrines and memorials, each with its own poignant history, each contributing to the nostalgic beauty of Orchha. The exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris is a must-see. In Raja Mahal and Laxminarayan Temple, vibrant murals bring the walls and ceiling alive. Also worth visiting are the Chaturbhuj Temple, Ram Raja Temple and the Chhatris on the banks of the river Betwa.