Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, India

In the footsteps of Rudyard Kipling's Mowgli....

Founded in the 16^th century by the Bundela chief, Rudra Pratap Singh, who was destined to become the first king of Orchha, this ancient site boasts palaces and temples dating back to both the 16^th and 17^th centuries.

Tourists and visitors explore the fort complex which is entered via a multi-arched bridge. Once inside the impressive palaces of Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and Rai Parveen Mahal are found and continue to prove popular to explore.  The Chaturbhuj Temple is a significant structure in Orchha standing on a stone pedestal of approximately 15 feet in height. The temple is accessed by a large flight of steps and is dedicated to “four armed” Vishnu. Built between 1606 and 1627 the temple design symbolises these four arms.

The Laxminarayan Temple is high on the list of “must see” for tourists, due in part to its lavish interior decoration.  The interior has enjoyed excellent preservation with the colours appearing vivid and bright; almost as thought the artists have just packed away their instruments from the original time of decoration.

The site also boasts fourteen chattries or cenotaphs, which are dedicated to the rulers of Orchha.