Author: anilrajput

by anilrajput

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2015

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra year 2015 the registration for the Yatra  is announced by the Ministry of External Affairs Govt. of India . The yatra will be in groups starting from 08 June till 09 September with 25 days trip old route Lipulekh Pass (Uttrakhand) and will be of 23 days from new route Nathu La Pass (Sikkim) .

Holy Mt. Kailash & Lake Mansarovar


Govt. of India accepts and screen the applications and selects the yatris with a strict criteria of health and physical fitness as one is to trek across the Great Himalaya to enter into Tibet area of China with restricted number of yatris to travel in batches of 60 from old route and batches of 50 from the new route .
Still there are pilgrims who are unable to get into the list and also are not keen on taking up a journey of 20 days on foot in Himalayas.
We have tied up with experts in Nepal and China to take care of the sacred Mt. Kailash – Mansarovar Yatra for the Indian nationals to travel from Kathmandu . We have been successfully organizing Yatra Chardham in Himalayas for the past 25 years along with high altitude  trekking in Ladakh ,  Sri Amarnath Ji and Everest Base camp in Nepal .
In our package it is only for three days the parikarma of Holy Kailash, one is to walk / trek or one can take horse or Yak to perform the parikarma the whole journey is completed in 13 days .
One must remember that it is one of the most difficult pilgrimage travel where one is to climb up to 18600 ft. where the oxygen is thin and it is very cold in the snow, one must get a through checkup and must get a Certificate from a family doctor about the body fitness to face the harsh weather. One must start physical exercises, yoga Pranayam breathing exercises along with walking with good waterproof  boots at least two months before taking the pilgrimage as  two-three  nights yatris are to stay in tents, walk for the Circumbulation  (day1, 12 km, day2, 21 km, day3, 14km) the mules and Yaks are available if one want to hire at extra cost. This journey is strictly NOT for the people with Heart and Breathing problems .
Our all pilgrimage tours are accompanied by not only the experts in the Himalaya  but also the Purohits  who help you perform the puja in the way as mentioned in our Vedic Texts. It is said that performing a puja at Mt. Kailash on a full moon day is the most auspicious , please select your dates accordingly .
All our packages are of 12 nights with arrival / departure Kathmandu by bus and travel in the China region is also by bus, from the year 2013 Govt. of China is not allowing to travel by  Jeeps . We organize  by air, Helicopter Yatra as well, starting from Lucknow / Kathmandu .
We have fixed departures for the year 2015 following dates for trip by road from Kathmandu ( Nepal )
Arrival Kathmandu       Dep. for Kailash     Departure for home
29 April                            01 May                     11 May
09 May                            11 May                      21 May
25 May                            13 June                     24 June
27 June                           29 June                     10 July
07 July                            09 July                       20 July
26 July                            28 July                       08 August
05 August                       07 August                  18 August
24 August                       26 August                   06 September
04 September                06 September            17 September
For more information and package cost contact +91 9810506646
Phone contact Office hours Delhi 011-45725562, 63, 64
Callers from outside India Call +44 7700093414
Email promark@promarktravels.com
Website : yatrachardham.com 

 
by anilrajput

Kaziranga Wildlife Assam closed for Rhino counting

The Kaziranga Wildlife a World Heritage site home for single horn Asian Rhino is spread over 858 sq.km. on both side of river Bhramputra flood plains with lots of grassland, wetlands and river islands formed by the shifting course of river . The park is divided into five ranges – Central (entry point at Kohora), Western (entry point at Bagori), Eastern (at Agratoli), Western-most Burha Pahar (at Ghorakati) and Northern. The first four lie on the southern side of the river while the last is on the northern bank.
 

Single horn Rhino at Kaziranga Wildlife


How to reach : Rowraiah (Jorhat) is the nearest Airport which is 97 Kms. away and LGBI Airport (Guwahati) is 239 Kms. away. The road distances from nearest cities & towns to Kohora are from Jorhat is 89 Kms. from Nagaon is 96 Kms., from Guwahati is 219 Kms., from Golaghat is 73 Kms. and from Bokakhat is 21 Kms.
The Wildlife area will be closed for the Anual counting of Rhino population this year 2015 on 24 March till 26 March, no visitors will be allowed in the National park during this period. the number count of Rhinos in the park for the year 2014 was 2300 .
For more information contact +91 9810506646
Callers from outside India call +44 7700093414
Email : promark@promarktravels.com
Website: promarktravels.com

 
by anilrajput

Harsil on way to Gangotri, Uttrakhand

Harsil is 24 kms. before Gangotri and 73 km. from Uttarkashi , a small sleepy village with an army cantonment situated at a height of 7860 feet from sea level,  beautiful place full of Pine, Deodar trees and medicinal plants , orchards  famous for its juicy Apples . It is inhabited by Bhotias of Himalayas, very close to the Tibet border. Famous for its variety of trekking routes, camping, and dense forests. It is a small village with some places of interest in the surroundings like bird watching, trekking, or simply building camps with kids and family near the river Bhagirathi .

River Jalandhari at Harsil


The mythological importance of this place is it has a reference in Skandh Purans chapter Kedarkhand . It is here at Mukhwa village the Idol of Ma Ganga is kept and worshiped during the winters . Mukhwa is a place where Chaman Rishi took rest with Pandva prince Bheem when he was coming to lit the holy fire at Ashwamegha Yagna , The reference of Mayank Parvat in it is here .

River Bhagirath and Banderpunch mountain range Harsil


 
It is a Maha Prayag of nine rivers joining the Bhagirathi the  rivers are Jalandhari, Vishnu Ganga, Kheer Ganga, Bheem Ganga, Lakshmi Ganga, Telangana, Pawan Ganga and  Hatya Harini cris crossing the valley , at the Prayag ( confluence) of Vishnu Ganga, Jalandhari  into Bhagirathi there is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Ma Bhagwati , it is said that lord Vishnu took the form of Shaligram here and lying at this Prayag ( confluence ).
Lord Vishnu temple at Maha Prayag Harsil

Lord Vishnu temple at Maha Prayag Harsil


There is a temple didicated to Ma Durga on the banks of river Bhagirathi , it is said that it is here Maha Rishi Markandey wrote the Saptshati in praise of Ma Durga the first ever worship of female Goddess  in Sanatan Dharma.
For more information and packages contact +91-9810506646
For Callers outside India +44 7700093414
Office contact 011 45725562, 63, 64
email : promark@promarktravels.com
Visit our website :  yatrachardham.com , promarktravels.com
Blog : promarktravels.com/blog

 
by anilrajput

Shani Dev, Yamuna Temple at Kharsali, Uttarakhand

The beginning point of Chardham Yatra is Yamunotri which lies at an 3293 meters from the sea level, there is a good road till Barkot and then up to Janki Chatti, from here one goes for 6 km uphill difficult trek to Yamunotri, this temple is closed during the winters and the main idol of Maa Yamuna or Yamunotri is kept at Lord Shani Dev temple at Kharsali  which lies at 2675 metres from the sea level , till the winter ends. This place  is also known as Khushimath  is one kilometer from Janki Chatti across the River Yamuna.

Shani Dev Temple at Someshwar

 The History and Story
Yamuna, The daughter of the Sun God (Surya) and consciousness Chhaya (the Shadow) she has one sister Sangya, brother Shani Dev, Yamraj and Gangotri are also called her cousin and sister. Every year in the first week of May on “Akshya Tritiya”, Lord Shani Dev accompanies his sister Yamuna to Yamunotri and returns back to Kharsali and again meets to bring her back on the “Bhai Dooj” or “Yam Dwetiya” two days after dipawali it is also a day for Yamuna to meet her brother Yamraj.
 Architecture
Who built this temple here at Kharsali, an inscription on stone on its wall could not be translated till now, locals believe it is constructed by the Pandavas, looks more like fort, it is a stone and wooden four story structure. The main structure is constructed in a way by using stones, wood the Urad dal or Vigna mungo (botanical name Lens culinaris) is used as a part of mortar to fix the stones together. It has faced the mighty earthquakes and floods with no damage to the building since immortal time. One can climb up through a narrow stairs, the main Bronze idol of Lord Shani Dev is kept here along with the Chaaya (the Shadow), the Sangya (the conciseness) and the Nag Devta, there are two urns one big and one small are  kept and no one touches them because of any unforeseen danger to self or family, there is a belief that these Urns change their position themselves on Purnima (Full moon night) and Amawasya (Dark night) the Yamuna Idol is kept during the winters on the first floor.

The Wall Supports of the Temple

 Importance
The importance of this temple is that it is the oldest temple of Lord Shani Dev, he particularly treats the people bad who are habitual betrayals, Back stabbers or into unjust revenges in other words Lord Shani punishes the guilty ones, he is a trouble maker for bad but rewards the good people, any one affected with Shani Sadsati and Shani Dhaiya, if performs pooja here the bad effect of Sadsati and Dhaiya is reduced, anyone if having a fear of Black Magic takes blessings from here is never attacked by its ill effects. Lord Shani Dev rides on a black vulture, carrying arrow, sword and two daggers, always wears black cloths, he has a limp in his one leg.
This photograph of the footbridge across the Yamuna River between Jānkīchaṭṭī and Kharsali was taken from the Jānkīchaṭṭī side of the river

Footbridge to Harsil across the Yamuna at Jankichatti

 Religious Beliefs & Practices
During the months of July, August (Sawan and Bhadon) a date is announced by the priest when a Pandava Nritya (dance) is performed by the special people in the courtyard to please the Nag Devta (Snake God), this dance starts after midnight witnessed by the locals from the surrounding  villages, it is believed that any one who performs fast on this day and recites the Mahamritunjay Mantra is protected from having unnatural death, this place is also believed to be place where the Nag Devta shows his presence once a year .
Significance of this temple is that after having darshan and pooja at Yamunotri one must pay a respectful visit at this place to make the darshan as complete. One can have a beautiful panaromic view of river Yamuna, Janki Chatti and the snow capped Himalyan Mountain Range.
 For more information and packages +91 9810506646
Office Contact 011 – 45725562, 63, 64
Callers from outside India + 44 7700093414
Email : promark@promarktravels.com
Website : yatrachardham.com
Blog : promarktravels.com/blog

About the Author

[author]

[author_image timthumb=’on’]wp-content/uploads/sites/2/authors/anil-rajput.jpg[/author_image] Anil Kumar Rajput – Managing Director at Promark Travel, is in the Travel Industry since 1980. He travels to write articles and blogs frequently. For more Info Do Visit (promarktravels.com) which caters all the travel needs of it’s clients. Connect with him on Facebook (htttp://www.facebook.com/anil.k.rajput) and Twitter (@PromarkTravels)

[/author]

 
by anilrajput

Rann Utsav Runn Kutch Gujarat 2014 – 15

The Great Rann of Kutch is in district of Kutch , Gujarat state of India , between the Gulf of Kutch and the Mouth of river Sindhu  ( Indus) in Pakistan , in between there is a vast flat land which is filled with sea water during the monsoons and when dried up around October a white sheet of salt gets deposit on the sea bed .The Rann Utsav which started in the winters of 2012 gained lots of success due to the activities available and close proximity to Rann  , this year the celebration are  starting from 06 December 2014 will go on till  05 March 2015 .

This festival or Utsav is organised to enjoy the  various colors of the Rann as well as get a taste of the local culture, cuisine and hospitality. Specially built local houses are also used to house tourists to give them a taste of Gujarat and Kutch to them.

                                              
Rann Kutch , the vast land of salt

 The beauty of Rann Kutch is enjoyed during the full moon nights when the wast land of salt sparkles like a white sheet all over up to where the eyes can see  . Full moon nights are 06 DEC 2014, 05 JAN 2015, 04 FEB 2015 and 02 MAR 2015 .
 

Sun Rise at Great Rann of Kutch


The Sunrise and Sunset at Rann are equally beautiful when Sun shows its different colors and white salt sparkles  with the changing colors
 

Full Moon Night at Great Rann of Kutch


Best is to stay during  full moon and increasing moon nights when the sky with full moon light and  the Rann with white surface gives a magical glow appearance

Stay in tents near Rann Kutch


Accommodation are available at the venue in Swiss tents , Luxury tents and nearby villages are always ready to accommodate the guests with their huts called Bunga specially prepared keeping in view of the requirements of an urban tourist , they serve the ethnic Kutchi delicacies served with Chach ( butter milk) Rotra ( Milet bread) White butter with local available vegetables .

Stay in a Bunga ( Kutch hut)


The Bunga are the huts constructed by using the mud and thatched roof , the interior walls and floor are plastered with mud mixed with caw dung and walls are painted with geometrical and flowers designs with a use of vegetable colors and small mirrors.

Mud paintings on wall of a Bunga ( Kutch Hut )


From here one can have the sightseeing trips to Pacham the island within desert surrounded three side with saline water with the highest point   Kalo Dungar peak one can enjoy the vastness of Rann from here  , Pakistan Border , Mandvi Sea Beach , Kot Lakhpat along with the Wildlife Safaris , Rann Safaris , Kutch Villages Dhordo and Hodka , villages famous for their finest embroidery styles , leather crafts and beautiful Bungas , one can also see the  the ancient process of water harvesting in the Banni dry-lands  .
The Chhari Dhand , shallow water bodies are locally known as dhand, jheel or talav , these attract lots of migratory birds in winter , with an area of almost 10 sq km. at Chhari Dhand there are more than 30,000 birds species like Dalmatian Pelican (Pelicanuscrispus), Oriental Darter (Anhingiarufa), Black necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchusasiaticus) and Indian Skimmer (Rynchopsalbicollis) migrate through these wetlands every year  32 species of Raptors have been recorded here, together with a large number of Common Cranes.
 For more information and bookings Contact + 91 9810506646
Callers from Outside India + 44 7700093414
Email : promark@promarktravels.com 
 

 
by anilrajput

Tigers at Ranthambhore National Park Sawai Madhopur Rajasthan

Ranthambhore Wildlife National Park at Sawai Madhopur is in the State of Rajasthan , India . It is one of the largest National Park covering aprox. 392 Sq. Km. It was declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1973 and then the National Park in 1980 . It is the best place to sight Tigers in wild  in their natural habitat as in this small area there are aprox. 60 Tigers in different Zones . Due to increase in population of Tigers, the forest Officials are relocating the few to the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary .

Entrance Ranthabhore Tiger Reserve


A. Ranthambhore Wildlife Park is open for visits from October till May every year , in the monsoons few zones remain open for the visit but due to water logging, slush and also the  mating period for the most of the wild animals including the Tigers therefore  it is not advised to visit the Forest wildlife .

Tiger Pug Mark , Ranthambhore Wildlife National Park


B. The online registration along with the photo ID,  is a  must for the Wildlife National Park visit, it  opens 90 days in advance, the visitor must carry and present the same ID at the time of entry into the National Park .
C. There are two time slot one in the morning 07 AM to 10.30 AM and afternoon 02 PM to 06 PM , these timings changes 30 minutes plus , minus depending on day lights .
D. Private Vehicles are not permitted in the National Park ,  Thirty seats Canter and Six seats Jeeps are permitted in a specific Zone with a restricted number of Vehicles allowed  for aprox. three hours within the time slot.

Ranthambhore wildlife Park Vehicle with Specific Zone nbr plate


E. The Ranthabhore Wildlfe National Park is divided into Ten Zones, Tigers are territorial animals and guard their territory , by marking scratches on Tree Trunks and rocks  with urine , body scent and anal secretions,  keep trying to extend it even at the cost of their own life , it is not limited to the Forest Zones marked by the Forest Officials . When one  visits Ranthambhore Wildlife in the particular Zone  Tigers present  there can be identified .
 

Ranthambhore Wildlife Zone Map


Zone 01.     Sultan ( T 72), Noor ( T 39 ), Ustad ( T 24 )
Zone 02 .   Krishna ( T 19 ), Gayatri ( T 22 ), Ustad ( T 24 ), Noor ( T 39 ), Sultan ( T 72 ), Jhumuru ( T 20 )
Zone 03.    Star ( T 28 ), Bhola/Dollar ( T 25 ), Krishna ( T 19 ) with three Cubs
Zone 04.    Machali ( T 16 ), Bhola/Dollar ( T 25 ), Krishna ( T 19 ) with Cubs, Star ( T 28 ), Romeo ( T 6 ), Mr. Bond ( T 47 )

Sunehri ‘s Cub at Ranthambhore Wildlife National Park


Zone 05.    Romeo ( T 6 ),  Sunehari  ( T 17 ) with three Cubs , Bhola/Dollar ( T 25 ) Bahadur ( T 6 ) .
Zone 06.    Ustad ( T 4 ), Kumbha ( T 34 ), Sultan ( T 72 ), Noor ( T 39 )
Zone 07.    Ladli ( T 8 ) with one Cub , Kumbha ( T 34 )
Zone 08.     Ladli ( T 8 ) with one Cub , Kumbha ( T 34 )
Zone 09.     Fateh ( T 42 )
Zone 10.     Fatheh ( T 42 ) , Old Sultanpur ( T 13 ), with three Cubs
There are many other animals other than Tigers like Leopards,  Sambhar Deer, Chetal, Neel Gai, Langur, Jackals, Sloth Bears, Three types of Foxes, Rats, Hedgehog, Mongooses, Turtles, Crocodiles, Tortoise, Snakes, Pythons and Lizards and many birds one can see at Ranthambhore Wildlife National Park .
For More Information and Packages Contact + 91 9810506646
Callers from Outside India + 44 7700093414
Email : promark@promarktravels.com
Website : www.ranthambhore.promarktravels.com 
 

 
by anilrajput

Yatra Chardham Uttrakhand in Winters

Yatra Chardham in the Uttrakhand also called the Chota Chardham is a journey of four places or Dhams done from spring to autumn months, and as per the Hindu calender, from Akshaya Tritia till the Bhai Dooj ( April end /May first week till October end / November second week) . During this time, all the roads and trekking routes are accessible and free from any Snow.
During the Winters when all Dhams are closed due to snowfall in the higher  reaches of the Himalaya , the main deities for worship are brought down at the temples located in the villages for the uninterrupted  daily Puja and rituals, one saves on the long uphill treks which are difficult for the Senior Citizens. Hotels are less expensive and temples are not crowded. One can spend as much time to perform the puja and dhyan. The usual Yatra Chardham is of 14 days in summer months from Delhi by road but same journey can be done comfortably  in 10 days in winters
 Ma Yamuna is worshiped at village Kharsali seven kms before the Yamunotri main Temple,  just across river Yamuna at Janki Chatti, it is a picturesque village which has the oldest Lord Shani temple. 
Ma Yamuna stays with her brother Lord Shani during the winters.

Shani Dev , Naag Devta Temple at Kharsali


Ma Ganga is worshiped at village Mukhwa near Harsil. A lesser known and ignored fact about Harsil  is that Harsil is a place where many rivers meet which forms a Maha Prayag like Vishnu Ganga, Jalandhari, Pawan Ganga, Hatya Harini, Kheer Ganga , Kakora, Tilangana and  Bhim Ganga pouring their waters into the main River,  Bhagirathi. 
Harsil’s Mayank Parvat  has mention in Kedarkhand a chapter in Skandh Purana. This place is also famous for Ashram of Maharishi Markandaeya, who composed the Durga Saptshati at Mukhwa

Ma Gangotri Winter Seat , Mukhwa Village , Uttrakhand


Lord Kedarnath ( Lord Shiva) is worshiped at Gupt Kashi  Ukhimath, located on the banks of  Mandakini river, where, during the winter months, the Idols are brought in from the main temple of Sri Kedarnath .

Lord Kedarnath Winter seat , Ukhimath


At Gupt Kashi it is said  “जितने पत्थर उतने शंकर ” (All the stones are Lord Shiva) 
One can visit and offer prayers at places associated with Sanatan HinduMythology, at Guptkashi namely Ardhnarishwara, Manikarnika Kund ( Pond), Love legend of Anirudha (the grand son of Lord Krishna ) and Demon King Banasura‘s daughter Usha and then killing of Banasur, Grave of Nala of epic Ramayna,
One gets a beautiful view of Chaukhamba , Kedarnath and Neelkantha peaks.

Lord Badri Vishal Winter Seat Pandukeshwar , Uttrakhand


 
Lord Badri Vishal is worshiped at Pandukeshwar  during the winters, this place is 18 kms from Joshimath and very close to Govind Ghat. Pandukashwer is also associated with King Pandu father of Five Pandavas of Mahabharata
After the curse from a Sage, ( Rishi) Kindama, mistakenly killed by King Pandu, spent his life here and his queens Kunti and Madri gave birth to the five Pandva brothers, Namely Yudhishthir, Arjun, Bheem, Nakul and Sahdev (in order of their ages, elder first).
Yudhishthir, Arjun and Bheem were born from Kunti and Nakul, Sahdev were born from Madri.
All these places hold equal importance in Sanathan Hindu Mythology, as the main Shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. These places have been the winter seats for these gods for generations.
For more information and packages contact + 91 9810506646
Callers from outside India call + 44 7700093414
Email : promark@promarktravels.com
Blog : www.promarktravels.com/blog 
 
 
 

 
by anilrajput

Nandi Temple Khajuraho Temples of Love Madhya Pradesh

Nandi Temple is dedicated to Nandi Bull the vahan ( mount) of Lord Shiva , situated opposite the Lord Vishwanath Temple of Love in Khajuraho, as a common architect plan any temple of Lord Shiva is having Nandi as protecting the gates sitting facing the temple, this temple was constructed in 11th century along with the Vishwanath Temple of Love ,  by the Chandela King, Dhanga Deva .

Nandi Temple opposite Vishwanath Temple of Love


The temple stands upon a rectangular platform the main structure is combinations of cross and rectangles with a small hall with three side balconies .

Nandi the Bull , opposite the Vishwanath temple of Love


The main Monolithic  idol of  richly harnessed the Nandi is 2.2 mtrs. long and 1.8 mtrs. tall the roof is resting on plain sand stone pillars ,The beautifully carved exteriors of the temple are decorated with images of Apsaras , Elephants and soldiers are  the charm and beauty of this temple.
For packages and more information contact +91 9810506646
Callers from Out side India call +44 7700093414
Office contact (+05.30 GMT) 011 45725562, 45725563, 45725564
Email : promark@promarktravels.com
Website : promarktravels.com
Blog : promark@promarktravels.com/blog 

 
by anilrajput

How Hotels Fill All Unsold Rooms

Buying Hotel Rooms from your Travel Agent may save you over 50%


Hotels makes sizable investments to offer high quality services, accommodation, and cuisines. To recover these huge construction and operational costs, they avoid having vacant rooms any time in the year. They turn to their trusted agency partners to market all “excess” inventory at heavy discounts. Hotels do not offer these discounts themselves, consistently maintaining their “published” rates and selling full-rate packages to customers who buy directly from these hotels. Partners, on the other hand, act as a separate discount channel for the more travel-savvy and price-sensitive customers. Due to the recent slowdown in travel caused by the recession, there is significant overcapacity in the industry.

Your Travel Agent will most likely be able to offer you fantastic deals that are not advertised directly in newspapers, TV ads or other media, or made available to direct buying customers to protect the full-fare business of the hotels and their traditional travel agencies. Tailored packages also save you money. Hotel rooms are sold as a package with breakfast and or main meals (lunch, dinner). It can make a significant difference in the total cost to the customer to have a room with meals or not. Prices also vary with other standard inclusions, use of health club, swimming pool, and other recreational facilities that are clubbed with your room and hike up your price. Your travel agent can help you buy what you really need. Availing the airport pickup and drop too can save a lot of money. Keep checking with your agent for the best deals available . 

Some Travel Agencies bulk-buy rooms well in advance from the hotels. As they come closer to the occupancy dates, agents need to fill the rooms and can sell at up to 80% less than the regular price. So, please keep on checking with your trusted agents and you may be pleasantly surprised at the good deals you may get!
Travel Agent is also your Travel Consultant who provides you with all the information about the destination , transport rates and places one can visit and what one may add to get the best out of your money .
The recent trend to buy online is having its own limitation of doing your own research and get the things what you want but what one get along with it only a Travel Consultant can advice . Money saved is money earned
 
For more information and packages contact + 91 9810506646
Callers from Outside India + 44 7700093414
Email : promark@promarktravels.com 

About the Author

[author]

[author_image timthumb=’on’]wp-content/uploads/sites/2/authors/anil-rajput.jpg[/author_image] Anil Kumar Rajput – Managing Director at Promark Travel, is in the travel trade since 1980. For more Info Do Visit (promarktravels.com) which caters all the travel needs of it’s clients. Connect with him on Facebook (htttp://www.facebook.com/anil.k.rajput) and Twitter (@PromarkTravels)

[/author]

 
by anilrajput

Orcha, Fort and Palace

Orcha a small sleepy town on the banks of river Betwa but it was once the capital of the mighty Bundelkhand  State of Madhya Pradesh .

Orcha , Madhya Pradesh


Founded by the King Rudra Pratap Singh, a Rajput ruler of Bundelkhand , was the first king of Orcha and built the Fort in 1501 AD ,  a warrior tribe, whose  ancestors  one young Rajput prince  sacrificed his life for a  Goddess, Vrindavasini, in return, the Goddess blessed  that he and all his descendants would come to be known as the ‘Bundelas’, meaning, ‘those who gave blood’   the Orchha Bundelas came to be known as the chief of the Bundela clan.

Orcha Fort & Palace


The succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, in the 17th century, to celebrate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orcha,  a tiered palace crowned by graceful Chhatris. The whole Mahal is decorated beautifully with different geometric patterns and paintings of peacocks and flowers which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting. From here the view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular.  the mother of Jahangir was also a Rajput, Jodha. It is with this in mind that the Rajput king of Orcha had built the Jahangir Mahal.

Ceiling Paintings Raja Mahal Orcha


The Durbar-e-Khas, or the Durbar Hall, is situated on the first floor of the palace and is surrounded by high battlement walls. It is well fortified, and right above it are a number of musket holes through which the enemy was shot at. The Diwan-i-Am is an assembly hall where the king often held meetings with his council of ministers.

Jahangir Mahal Orcha


Rani Mahal  is famous for its lovely paintings and unique architecture. Rani Mahal, was the royal residence of the Queen of Raja Madhukar Shah. A great devotee of Lord Ram, the queen decorated her bedroom with murals featuring scenes from the epics. The exquisite paintings of Bhim and a bird flying with elephants are really fantastic.

Wall and ceiling paintings Orcha


The Rai Praveen Palace was constructed by Prince Indrajit Singh for his beloved  of three stories. The walls of the central hall on the second story bear many paintings depicting the several moods of the Rai Praveen. The palace is combined with a garden divided into two parts wall and which is popularly known as Anand Mahal Bag (Garden). The Rai Praveen was a great beauty whose main accomplishments were dancing, horse riding and poetry. The famous poet Keshavdas has compiled Kavi priya to honor Rai Praveen and praised her beauty.
In the Laxminarayan Temple and Raj Mahal, vibrant murals encompassing a variety of religious and secular themes, bring the walls and ceilings to rich life. Long tapering structures of temples and places act as the major landmark of this small town .
Raja Rudra Pratap started the work on Raja Mahal but after his death in 1531, his son Bharath Chand did the main portion of the palace but it was completed Raja  Madhukar Shah , one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. It has the typical “jali” or lattice work at the entrance , a square shaped palace, divided into two beautiful courtyards. The outer courtyard has some beautiful arches, while the inner ones have some of the most beautiful paintings.
Ram Raja Temple , it is the only place in India where the Lord Ram is worshiped as a King in a Palace receives the Guard of Honor every day , Raja Ram is seated in a Padama Asan with the left leg crossed  on to right thigh ,  has a sword in his right hand and a shield in the other , Mata Sita is on the left  brother Laxman on the right , Maharaj Sugreev , Narsingh Bhagwan and  Durga Maa are also present in the darbar on the right side ,  Hanumaan ji and Jamwant ji are praying just below Mata Sita.

Chaturbhuj Temple , Raja Ram Idols were to be kept here


 
Originally the Chaturbhuj temple was built to place the Idols of Lord Ram but when Idol  was brought from Ayudhya it was kept at the Queens Palace  the Ranibas or the Rani Mahal to be installed at Chaturbhuj Temple which is right next to the palace  but next day it could not be removed and since then Lord Ram is being worshiped as Raja Ram  at the palace .
There are fourteen Chatries or memorials  constructed as a mark of respect for the imperial blue blood of the mighty rulers of Bundelkhand dynasty. The royal tombs of Maharajas, Chhatris are placed on a elevated platform three floors buildings are open on all sides, have domes or pinnacles.

Royal Family cremation site , Chattries banks of River Betwa


 For more information and packages contact +91 9810506646
Callers from Outside India +44 7700093414
Office Contact : (05.30 GMT)  011 45725562 , 45725563 , 45725564
Email : promark@promarktravels.com
Website : promarktravels.com 
Blog : promarktravels.com/blog