Delhi-Orchha-Kahjuraho-Delhi( Part 3) A Photographic Journey

Ajaigarh Fort

The Ajaigarh fort is situated about 100 kms from Khajuraho. This fort is in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. From the town of Ajaigarh you need to climb about 600 steps to reach the fort. While climbing the stairs i was thinking 'this may be worth it'. It was Bakrid day so no guide was available and frankly we did not know much about the place anyway.

As we reached the fort we realized that all hard work had been in vain and from the gate which is called the Kalinjar Gate there was just nothing to see. We also did not find a soul at the place. We ventured further in the jungle only to realize that there was actually nothing to see.

We then decided to return and were deeply disappointed. On our way back near the gate we found Mr Pooran of the ASI, he told us that there is actually a lot to see but we will have to go about 2 kms in the jungle.

Part of the 600 stairs

View of the town from the fort

With no mobile signal, no information, not a soul around, and being deep in a jungle, i can assure you that the  2 kms stretch was scary. We were not even sure what we will see, how we will find whatever there is etc. After 2 kms into the jungle we saw what appeared like a temple.

Statue near the temple

Pond near the temple area

At the temple we found two gentlemen who told us that there is a place called Rang Mahal closeby. We decided to have a look at it and believe me, all the hard work of climbing the stairs just vanished.

The beautiful Khajuraho style temple

There is no information about what appears to be a temple but is called the Rang Mahal. As is with most places, ASI probably started restoration and then due to lack of will or money or both stopped midway. The place is in ruins but extremely beautiful nevertheless.

Stones with carvings of what must be parts of this heritage are lying in the jungle neglected.

Pond near the Rang Mahal

There is no water, no food , not a human being in sight. Packed lunch and enough water is a must. The fort is about 90 minutes drive past the Panna sanctuary, the road is good and this fort beautiful.