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<\/a><\/p>\nAt 3:00 pm we met up with a local tour guide to visit Orchha. We walked over to the monuments behind the hotel.<\/p>\n
Absolutely stunning architecture from the 1500’s.<\/p>\n The area we visited used to be the cremation grounds for royalty and the buildings are called cenotaphs as memorials for the departed.<\/p>\n Perched atop several of the spires were huge nests of vultures, which are revered creatures here for their role in the environment. This particular species was on the endangered list a few years ago but has made a comeback. We thought they were statues until they moved!<\/p>\n Also circling the tops of the buildings were flocks of large green parakeets. Very magical!<\/p>\n The grounds had beautiful gardens with roses and canna lilies and were very clean and uncluttered, which enhanced our appreciation.<\/p>\n We left the cenotaphs and walked over to the Raj Mahal, one of the royal palaces also from the 1500’s.<\/p>\n The main gates had large spikes on it to deter attacks from elephants during times of war. Poor elephants!<\/p>\n Several of the interior buildings had beautiful paintings on the ceilings, which would have been duplicated on the rugs of the palace.<\/p>\n In other rooms there were paintings on the ceilings that depicted stories of the lives of the Hindu gods.<\/p>\n There were also large pools for water which would have been scented with rose and jasmine petals to provide fragrance to the royal court and keep the buildings cool.<\/p>\n One of the courtyards featured a large dance platform from earlier times.<\/p>\n Carvings of elephants encircled the guest courtyard, 108 of them as it is an auspicious number, trunks down in welcome for visitors.<\/p>\n We were able to climb up to higher levels to watch the sunset. More stone steps – just can’t get away from them – but wonderful views! I stayed on the ground and enjoyed everyone’s photos.<\/p>\n We paused for a snack and wondered what this last item on the dessert menu could be. We opted for a less extravagant ice cream dessert.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n