Day 01
Orchha Fort Complex and Jhansi Fort Day Trip from Khajuraho
- Get picked up from your chosen location in Khajuraho and begin your day trip to Orchha and Jhansi.
- Your first stop will be the Orchha Fort Complex. Visit Jehangir Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century, and admire its strong lines balanced by delicate chhatris and trellis work.
- Next, visit Raja Mahal, built by Madhukar Shah, the deeply religious predecessor of Bir Singh Ju Deo. Be amazed as its plain exteriors, crowned by chhatris, open into interiors filled with boldly colourful murals featuring a variety of religious themes.
- Afterwards, continue to Rai Praveen Mahal, built for the poet and musician Rai Praveen. Walk through this structure, surrounded by the beautiful landscaped gardens of Anand Mahal, and see its skillfully carved niches that allow light into the building.
- Your next visit will be to Ram Raja Temple. Learn about the charming legend attached to this palace-turned-temple as you discover its soaring spires and palatial architecture.
- Follow the flagstone path to Laxmi Narayana Temple and consider its curious synthesis of fort and temple characteristics. Visit the interiors, which contain some of the complex's most stunning murals.
- Finally, go to Phool Bagh, laid out as a formal garden. Marvel at the central row of fountains culminating in an eight-pillared palace pavilion, then descend into the underground structure below, which served as the fantastic summer retreat of the Orchha kings.
- Next, drive to Jhansi.
- About 30 minutes from Orchha, Jhansi is in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It was the site of India's first war of independence in 1857, fought by its brave Queen, Rani Laxmi Bai. Visit Jhansi Fort and the Palace of Rani Laxmi Bai, now converted into a museum. The Government Museum also holds various historical artefacts, and the entire first floor is dedicated to Rani Laxmi Bai.
- At the end of the tour, drive back to Khajuraho and get dropped off at your chosen location.
