| December
22nd Log |
Dec 22nd Pics |
| I checked out around 7:30 AM and we
took off for the station. You would not believe the fog. I could
only see for a block and my driver could only see a few feet out
his unclean window. The train was schedule to arrive at 8:20 AM,
but due to the fog, it didn't arrive until 10:15 AM. No problem.
I had a nice comfortable ride to Jhansi in 2nd class,
which was pretty nice. Padded seats, a bottle of water, and
western and Indian style toilets. I chatted with an Indian who
was going to Bhopal for a five day interview to get into the
Army. I asked him how long he would be in the Army and he said
for life.
I arrive at the station 3 hours late, got my driver and drove
to Orchha. I'm staying at the Amar Mahal. It's pretty darn cool.
Very interesting architecture, nice gardens, and just a
stones-throw from the sites. I can see many temples outside my
window. I would recommend this place.
Amar
Mahal Hotel |
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| My guide first took me to Raj Mahal.
More great architecture. From the all individual tours I'm
getting, I'm learning quite a bit about Hindi and Moslem
architecture. You'll have to quiz me when I get back. From
Eyewitness Travel Guides India
Orchha is dramatically positioned on a rocky island,
enclosed by a l loop of the Betwa River. Founded in 1631, it
was the capital of the Bundela kings until 1738, when it was
abandoned in favor of Tikamgarh. Crumbling palaces, pavilions,
hamams, walls and gates, connected to the town with an
impressive 14-arched causeway, are all that remain today.
Raj Mahal |
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| Our next stop is the Jahangiri
Mahal. On the top, are a bunch of vultures. This area of India
is a lot greener than others. From Eyewitness Travel Guides
India
Jahangiri Mahal: An excellent example of Rajput Bundela
architecture, this palace was built by the Bundela king Bir
Singh Deo and named after the Mughal emperor Jahangir who
spent one night here. The many-layered palace has 132 chambers
off and above the central courtyard and an almost equal number
of subterranean rooms. The square sandstone palace is
extravagantly embellished with lapis lazuli tiles, graceful
chhatris and ornate jali screens.
Jahangiri
Mahal |
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| After that, we walk over to largest
temple in India dedicated Vishnu, Chaturbhuj. From Eyewitness
Travel Guides India
A unique blend of fort and temple styles, the Chaturbhuj
Temple is dedicated to Vishnu and has huge arcaded halls for
massed singing, and a soaring spire.
Chaturbhuj |
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| Then, just down the road is 14
cenotaphs, places were they burn the bodies.
From Eyewitness Travel Guides India
Lying along the Kanchana Ghat of the Betwa are the 14
hauntingly beautiful cenotaphs of the Orchha rulers. Along
with the many sati pillars in Jahangiri Mahal's museum,
these serve as a reminders of Orchha's feudal past when queens
sometimes committed sati by jumping into the husband's
funeral pyres.
Cenotaphs |
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| Then, just down the road is 14
cenotaphs, places were they burn the bodies. We walked around a
bit, drove across the river and got some pretty good sunset
pictures. Sunset Pictures |
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After that, back to the hotel. Time to sit outside, type up the
daily log, enjoy a beer, and have dinner.
Another really great day!
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