Barua Sagar Fort

Standing tall on a high ground overlooking an ancient lake, Barua Sagar Fort is a majestic landmark, around 20 km from the cities of Orchha and Jhansi, that lies on the route to Khajuraho. The fort marks the battleground of the war that was fought in 1744 between the Marathas and the Bundelas. It overlooks the beautiful Baruasagar Tal (lake) that was formed about 260 years ago, when an embankment was erected by king Udit Singh of Orchha. The embankment structure is a unique example of architecture and engineering. On the north-east side of the lake are the ruins of two old Chandela temples built with granite. The fort sitting by the lake makes for a picturesque setting. One should not forget to tote their cameras while visiting this scenic spot.

Barua Sagar Fort

Jarai Ka Math

Located about 20 km from Orchha and displaying stunning Pratihara style of architecture, the Jarai Ka Math temple has been earmarked as a heritage site by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Constructed by Mihir Bhoja, a Pratihara king in 860 AD, this red sandstone temple, with four sub-shrines, is dedicated to Goddess Amba, whose multiple forms are intricately carved on the temple walls. The idol or the image of the main deity is missing from the sanctum sanctorum. Only, a pedestal and a statue of the jewelled right foot of a female on a lotus stalk can be seen. However, there is a miniature, sixteen-armed idol of a goddess kept on the central lintel of the entrance. This further supports the belief that the temple was initially built for a goddess.

Jarai Ka Math

Rai Parveen Mahal

This palace is dedicated to the beautiful poetess-musician Rai Parveen, who is said to have been the paramour of king Indrajit. The besotted king built this three-storeyed palace for her in 1618. Also called the Nightingale of Orchha by many, it is said that the reputation of her beauty and talent reached the Mughal court as well. Legend has it that once emperor Akbar sent orders for Rai Parveen to be sent to Delhi. Since the Orchha kingdom was under the supremacy of the Mughals, the command could not be disobeyed and Rai Parveen departed for Akbar's court in 1602.

The poetess, however, did not shy away from expressing her feelings and wrote a couplet that read "Viniti Rai Praveen ki, suniye Shah Sujan, juthi patar bhakat hain, bari, bayas, swan." This was indicative of the message that Rai Parveen was the beloved of another person and it would be against the dignity of the emperor to use her. Akbar was impressed with her intelligence and allowed her to return to Orchha laden with gifts and prizes. Today, a sound and light show is organised in the fort that relates the story of Rai Parveen.

Rai Parveen Mahal

Jehangir Mahal

This palace-cum-fort was built by king Bir Singh Deo in honour of Mughal emperor Jahangir in the 17th century. The massive structure is a three-storeyed building built with red and yellow sandstone. It has 236 chambers laid around a central courtyard, out of which, 136 lie underground. The floors ascend or descend in a random manner, creating a visual spectacle. Huge bastions standing in four corners and a gigantic wooden gate complete its fort-like aura.

 

Jehangir Mahal

Raj Mahal

Reflecting a mix of Rajput and Mughal architecture, the Raj Mahal is a majestic palace that is noted for its striking work of stone jaali. It houses two audience halls, the Durbar-e-Khas and the Durbar-e-Aam, which echo with vestiges of their past grandeur. Every year, thousands of visitors from various parts of the world pay a visit to Raj Mahal. On the top floor, one can marvel at the remains of exquisite mirror work on the walls. When sunlight falls on these mirrors, they create a surreal effect, lighting up the entire chamber. It is truly a sight to behold. Earlier, the palace acted as a lavish abode of royalty and is marked by its elevated balconies. The architectural genius is particularly noteworthy in the various floors that are interconnected by risen paths which are proportional tiers on all the four sides. The entire structure of the palace has towers and domed pavilion

 

Raj Mahal

Sawan Bhado Pillars

Locally known as natural air-conditioners, these two pillars highlight an ingenious cooling system. They are perforated on the top to catch the wind, while their lower parts were once connected to a water reservoir. It is said their design has been inspired by Persian architecture style.

Sawan Bhado Pillars

Diwan Hardaul's Palace

This palace with its domes, delicate pillars and spires stands to the north of the Ram Raja Temple. Its walls are painted yellow and a stone vessel stands right in front of the palace. According to locals, the vessel used to be filled with chanderi (sandalwood paste) every morning. The palace is a symbol of martyrdom and worship. Legend has it that Dinman Hardaul was the second son of the ruler of Orchha. He gave up his life to prove his innocence to his elder brother Jhujhar, who believed he was having relations with his companion. After his death, the prince was worshipped as god.

Diwan Hardaul's Palace