Page 238 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

236  CENTR AL INDIA

2 A Tour of Bundelkhand

Gwalior and the adjoining region of Bundelkhand, named
after the Bundela Rajputs, make up a culturally distinctive
area in Central India. Countless forts and monuments, situated
in a boulder-strewn landscape of great beauty, still echo
with stories of the pageantry of the Bundela Rajput courts,
and the valour of warriors such as the Rani of Jhansi (see p199).
The area’s glorious history and refined artistic traditions
are reflected in the architectural treasures of Gwalior, the
medieval city of Orchha, and the hilltop temples of Sonagiri. 1 Gwalior
The capital of many
dynasties since the 8th
century AD, Gwalior (see
2 Pawaya Agra p232) is the most splendid
The remains of an of the “gateways” to the
ancient fort can be Bundelkhand region.
seen in this capital
of the Nag kings
(3rd century AD) from
the highway at Dabra. 3 Sonagiri
This impeccably maintained
complex of 77 Jain temples
is approached through a
thriving pilgrim settlement.
Dabra Sind
5 Jhansi
The town is known
for its impressive fort
and the heroic Rani
4 Datia Lakshmibai, who
This erstwhile died leading her
Bundela capital troops against the
is surrounded British in 1858.
by numerous
small lakes, and BUNDELKHAND
has scenically
located palaces Betwa
on hillocks.
Key
Tour route Khajuraho
Other roads
River

6 Orchha
The temples,
cenotaphs and tiered
Tips for Drivers 0 kilometres 20 palaces of Orchha are
0 miles 10 perfect examples of
Length: 120 km (75 miles). Bundelkhand architecture.
Stopping-off points: Gwalior,
Sonagiri, Datia, Jhansi, Orchha
and Taragram provide convenient 7 Taragram
stop overs. There is a petrol pump A fascinating
at Dabra, after Gwalior. State handmade paper
tourism hotels and guesthouses factory here is
are available at Gwalior, Datia an interesting
(Tourist Motel, (07522) 238 125), experimental
Jhansi and Orchha. Local buses centre aimed at
run between the major stops. upgrading local
craftsmanship.

236-237_EW_India.indd 236 26/04/17 11:44 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.6)
Date 12th July 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm