Introduction:
Deogarh Mahal was converted into a hotel by the present owner Rawat Nahar
Singh. A part of the Mahal is still occupied by his kin. The family is closely
associated with the hotel and personally supervises and monitors the on
goings. The care is reflected in the minutest details which have made Deogarh
a benchmark of Heritage Hospitality in Rajasthan. Every guest here is special
and is treated with the customary Mewari hospitality.History: Deogarh being centrally located. Deogarh is a convenient base for day trips to the famous Kumbalgarh fort or the Jain Temples of Ranakpur. A Wooded principality, the seat of the chundawat clan of Sisodia Rajputs, and the seat of the deogarh school of paintings, this settlement is surrounded by bhil villages whose colorful way of life and celebration of festival is unique.
Deogarh Palace is family home to the present Rawat Sahib and Ranisahiba. Built by Rawat Gokal Dasji almost 200 years ago. Deogarh Palace is situated on a tranquil lake with Gokalgarh fort as its backdrop. It boasts of all the comforts and amenities of a modern home, suffused with traditional splendor.
Just 123 km from jhansi Deogarh lying in the present district of Lalitpur, is of great antiquarian, epigraphically and archaeological importance and has figured in the history of the Guptas, the Gurjara - Pratiharas, the Gondas, the Muslim rulers of Delhi, of Kalpi, the Marathas and the British.
Deogarh is situated on the right bank of the Betwa, at the western end of theLalitpur range of hills. The cliffs immediately overhanging the bank rise to a height of 300 feet and form along steep ridge of red sandstone. The river takes a deep curve to the west at this juncture and passes through the extremely picturesque country side. The water of the river is deep green here and a small island clad in rich verdure, located in the middle of the river, lends an added charm to the site. Places of interest :
Dashavatar Temple : The fine Vishnu temple at Deogarh belonging to the Gupta period, popularly known as the Dashavatar Temple is the earliest known Panchayatan temple of north India. The terraced basement above the high temple plinth is adorned with a continuous row of sculptured panels. A highly carved doorway with Ganga -Yamuna figures lead to the sanctum or garbhagriha. Three big rathika panels set in the side walls have Vaishnava mythological scenes carved in high relief - the Gajendra moksha panel, Nara-Narayan tapasya and the Anantshayi Vishnu. The Dashavatar Temple at Deogarh is noted for being the first northern Indian temple with a shikhara or spire. Only the lower part of the shikhara remains today.
Manastambha - Jain Temple Jain Shrines : The group of 31 Jain temples, though of a later date, are no less remarkable. The site was a Jain centre from the post-Gupta times up to the 17th century. Panels depicting scenes from Jain mythology,Tirthankara images, a Manastambha (votive pillar), Ayagpatta (votive tablet) Sarvato bhadra pratima (Jaina images visible from all sides) and Sahastrakuta (pillar carved with a thousand Jaina figures) are found here.
Exursions
:Chanderi,
Located Madhya Pradesh, is famous for its gossamer-like saris. It also has fine examples of Rajput and Sultanate architecture. A magnificent Mughal fort dominates the skyline. Among the interesting sites are the Koshak Mahal, the Badal Mahal, the Jama Masjid, and several ancient Jain temples.
Barua Sagar
Is named after the Barua Sagar Tal, a large lake created about 260 years ago when Raja Udit Singh of Orchha built the embankment. The Barua Sagar Fort, picturesquely located at a height, commands an excellent view of the lake and surrounding landscape. The town is situated on the road to Khajuraho from Jhansi.
Orchha
Orchha is a 16th-century city in Madhya Pradesh located on the banks of the Betwa River. The temples and palaces here are fine examples of Bundela architecture.
