In December 2012, Amby planned for Khajuraho trip including Jhansi and Orchha. Whole gang (around 8-10 people) was ready for this trip, but on the day of journey we left only three Amby, Amit and me due to very cold weather. We boarded train from Nijamuddin Railway station to Jhansi. Early morning we reached Jhansi and had tea with snacks; after that, we moved to see Jhansi fort.
The fort standing in the hilly area shows how the north Indian style of fort construction. The granite walls of the fort are between 16 and 20 feet thick and on the south side meet the city walls. The south face of the fort is almost perpendicular.There are 10 gates giving access to the fort. Some of these are Khanderao Gate, Datia Darwaza, Unnao Gate, Jharna Gate, Laxmi Gate, Sagar Gate, Orchha Gate, Sainyar Gate and Chand Gate. Notable sights in the fort are the Shiva temple, Ganesh temple at the entrance, and the Kadak Bijli cannon used in the uprising of 1857. The memorial board reminds one of the hair-raising feat of the Rani Lakshmibai in jumping on horseback from the fort (a legendary rather than a historical incident) . Nearby is the Rani Mahal, built in the later half of the 18th century where there is now an archaeological museum. via Wikipedia
Jhansi Fort is not so big, but having great historical value. One of the poem is very famous for Jhansi's queen Lakshmi Bai.
सिंहासन हिल उठे राजवंशों ने भृकुटी तानी थी, बूढ़े भारत में आई फिर से नयी जवानी थी, गुमी हुई आज़ादी की कीमत सबने पहचानी थी, दूर फिरंगी को करने की सबने मन में ठानी थी। चमक उठी सन सत्तावन में, वह तलवार पुरानी थी, बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी, खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।
After exploring Jhansi fort, we left for Orchha. Jhansi to Orchha is only 18 KM, so we took public auto and reached Orchha around half hour. We hired guide to know more about this place. We must hire guide in any historical place because without guide it's just stone. Orchha, Jehangir Mahal and Chhatris are a main attraction for Indian and foreign tourist. Chaturbhuj temple, Lakshi temple and Ram Raja temple are famous for Hindu's pilgrims.
We have visited below listed places in Orchha:
Orchha Fort, Rai Praveen Mahal and Jehangir Mahal: The Jahangir Mahal is built on a rectangular base and is relieved by a circular tower at each corner surmounted by a dome. This palace is mix of Mughal and Hindu architecture. , Rai Praveen Mahal is beautiful palace which was gifted by King to dancer called Rai Praveen.
Chaturbhuj Temple and Ram Raja Temple: Chaturbhuj Temple is an oldest which was built in 9th century. You can enjoy the panoramic view of city and Ram Raja temple from the top of this temple. The Ram Raja Temple is built on a square base and has an almost plain exterior. This temple is dedicated to God Rama.
Chhatris (Cenotaphs): There are fourteen cenotaphs (Chatries or memorials to the rulers of Orchha), grouped along the Kanchana Ghat of the river Betwa. All cenotaphs look like temple. You can relax near the clean and beautiful Betwa River and enjoy the sound of river flow.
After whole day in Orchha, we left for Khajuraho which are the one of main attraction in India due to his different style of temple.