Dhuandhar Falls, Bhedaghat

From Jabalpur at a distance of 25 kms is Bhedaghat (State: Madhya Pradesh). (Click on the image for bigger view)Here the Narmada river, while making its way through the marble rocks narrows down and plunges over the rocks making a powerful roar and smoking cascade. Water falling from a height of 150 ft generates great noise with water sprinkles. It looks like a white smoke or fog.

Chausath Yogini Temple, Jabalpur

This temple is located on a hill top in Bhedaghat is 21 kms from Jabalpur. (Click on images of bigger view)This temple is approached by a series of 150 plus steps. The temple in the center dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati was built by the Kalchuri dynasty in the 10th century AD.This temple complex has an open circular courtyard around the temple atop a hill. In circular

Varaha Temple, Khajuraho

The Varaha Temple is located in front of the Lakshmana Temple is one of the oldest temple in Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh). Belonging to Western Group of Temples it is one of the smallest and beautifully carved temple at Khajuraho. It is built some time by the rulers of Chandela dynasty between 930 and 950 A.D. (Click on the image for bigger view)The stands elevated above the ground with

Parsvanath Temple, Khajuraho

The Parsvanth Temple built in 950 - 1150 A.D belongs to the Eastern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This is one of the three Jain temples built by rulers of Chandel Dynasty inside the walled enclosure. (Click on the image for bigger view) Measuring 20m x 11m, it is the largest among the Jain temples in Khajuraho. It is also one of the magnificently carved Jain temples in

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho

The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh) is the finest example of architecture of the medieval period in India. Belonging to Western Group of Temples it is the largest and most ornate Hindu temple at Khajuraho. It is built by King Vidyadhara of Chandela dynasty in 1050 A.D. (Click on the image for bigger view)The main spire rises to a height of 31 m and is surrounded by

Javeri Temple, Khajuraho

The Javeri Temple built between 950 - 1150 A.D belongs to the Eastern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This is one of the three Hindu Temples built by rulers of Chandel Dynasty in this group. (Click on the image for bigger view)This temple is a architectural gem. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its ornate gateway, the makara torana, and slender shikhara are especially

Vishwanatha Temple, Khajuraho

After visiting the other group of temples in the morning session, we visited the Western Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh) after lunch. Most of the temples of this group are enclosed by a compound wall known as Western Group Khajurho temple complex. (Click on the image for bigger view)One such temple is Vishwanatha Temple built in 1000 A.D located towards the northeastern

Vamana Temple, Khajuraho

The Vamana Temple built between 950 - 1150 A.D belongs to the Eastern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This is one of the three Hindu Temples built by rulers of Chandel Dynasty in this group. (Click on the image for bigger view) It measures 19.1 meters in length and 13.9 meters in breath. This is a medium size temple. It consists of a mandap and garbha graha.Around the temple

Adinath Temple, Khajuraho

The Adinath Temple built in 950 - 1150 A.D belongs to the Eastern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This is one of the three Jain temples built by rulers of Chandel Dynasty inside the compound wall. (Click on the image for bigger view) As the name suggests, it is dedicated to to the Jain Tirthankara Adinath. The temple is constructed in the form of 'sapta-ratha' with a single

Dulhadeo Temple, Khajuraho

The Dulhadeo Temple built in 1100 - 1150 A.D belongs to the Southern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This temple is the most recent among all the temples of Khajuraho built by rulers of Chandel Dynasty. This temple stands on a platform, which is approached by a flight of ten steps. (Click on the image for bigger view) There are several subsidiary towers clustering around the

Chaturbhuj Temple, Khajuraho

The Chaturbhuj Temple built in 1100 A.D belongs to the Southern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This temple is west faceing and stands on a platform, which is approached by a flight of ten steps. (Click on the image for bigger view)In this temple all the sections like a shikhara (tower), sanctum, the mahamandapa and an ardhmandapa are in fully developed stage and are

Southern Group of Temples, Khajuraho

The southern groups of temples lies on the outskirts of Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh) at a distance of 4 kms. Compared to the other two groups, the western and the eastern groups of temples, this group lacks the sculptural refinement. These were constructed on the later part of Chandela dynasty between 1110 - 1150 A.D. (Click on the image for bigger view)In this group only two temples are

Khajuraho Temples

From Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) we moved to our next destination Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh) which is at a distance of 180 kms. Here one requires 2 full days to cover the monuments and other places around.Khajuraho derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree), which can be found in plenty in the area. The World famous temples of

Murals of Laxminarayan Temple, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the Laxminarayan Temple of 1622 is one of the most important tourist attraction of the place. (Click on the images for bigger picture)The inner portion of the temple in the ceilings are adorned with murals, where the themes are based on Sage Valmiki�s Ramayana, and the poet, Tulsidas�, Ram Charitra Manas. In the

Laxminarayan Temple, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the Laxminarayan temple is one of the most important tourist attraction of the place. Though the temple is dedicated the Goddess Laxmi, there is no idol of the Goddess in the temple. (Click on the images for bigger picture)This beautiful temple was built in 1622 by Vir Singh Deo. The condition of the temple soon

Dinman Hardaul's Palace, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the 17th century Dinman Hardaul's Palace is a symbol of the respect and love between brothers. The splendid edifice of Palace represents the rich artistic skills and creative imagination of the local craftsmen of the ancient times. (Click on the images for bigger picture)According to a historical legend, Dinman

Phool Bagh and Wind Towers, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the Phool Bagh is a beautiful garden of the royal rulers of the Bundelkhand dynasty. Surrounded by colorful and attractive flower beds in those days, Phool Bagh was the summer palace of the rulers of Orchha.The shot below was taken from the Charurbhuj Temple. On the left is Ram Raja Temple and in the extreme right the two towers are Wind

Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) apart from palaces other attractions are temples in the city. One of the major attraction in the city is Chaturbhuj Temple, built between the years 1558 and 1573 by Raja Madhukar. (Click on the images for bigger picture)Built upon a massive stone platform and it is reached by a steep flight of steps. This is a huge temple

Ram Raja Temple, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the architecture of the 16th century temple with its soaring spires is very different from any other temple in India. It is also the only place in the country where Lord Rama is worshipped as a King. (Click on the images for bigger picture)This temple was originally the queen's palace of the Bundela King Madhukar Shah. There is

Jehanghir Palace, Orchha

Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) has an imposing fort, dating back to the 16th century. The Fort Complex contains magnificent palaces of the Bundela kings presenting a matchless spectacle of those times. (Click on the images for bigger picture)One of such palace is 17th century palace, the Jehanghir Mahal. It is a three storied most impressive palace, which is a fine