1) WHAT IS TOURISM??

Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines
tourists as people who "travel to and stay in places outside their usual environment for more than
twenty-four (24) hours and not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes
not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited." Tourism is a
dynamic and competitive industry that requires the ability to constantly adapt to customers' changing
needs and desires, as the customer’s satisfaction, safety and enjoyment are particularly the focus of
tourism businesses. The tourism industry is divided into five different sectors:

 Accommodation
 Food and Beverage Services
 Recreation and Entertainment  
 Transportation
 Travel Services

2) GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN INDIA:

India is probably the only country that offers various categories of tourism. These include
history tourism, adventure tourism, medical tourism (ayurveda and other forms of Indian
medications), spiritual tourism, beach tourism (India has the longest coastline in the East)
etc. Explore India - choose the locales of your choice, and see what each state has to
offer. Lose yourself in the wonder that is India. Meander through lands steeped in
chivalry and pageantry that begin before recorded history. Explore modern cities that
have grown organically from the roots of a multi-hued past. Make a pilgrimage to holy
shrines that echo with tales of antiquity. Frolic on a vast array of golden beaches that dot
an enviable coastline, washed by two seas and an ocean. Sport with adventure in style.
Let the jungle lure you to a fascinating world at a diverse array of wildlife sanctuaries and
national parks....... this is the wonder that is India.

If one is to think about the impact of India's economic growth on tourism in the country, one
needs to study this feature as part of the larger picture of the developing world's contribution to
this fiscal boost. While some economists may attribute the success of Indian economy to the
profits generated by the tourism sector, which in turn were boosted by innovative marketing,
brand-building and strategic planning of tour packages, other thinkers may credit the rise in
number of MNC's and diversifications of the Indian open industries norm as being the chief
cause. However, if the WTO (World Tourism Organization) is to be believed, as many as 698
million people have traveled to a foreign country in 2000 and have spent over US$ 478 billion
while on tour. Now, logically presuming India too had a share in that pie, however big or small it
may be, it would be acceptable to conclude that this free spending of disposable incomes, on the
rise in India too, has been a major reason for the way in which people in India are spurring on
economic growth and the tourism sector therefore, cannot be left out either. The above factors
have been collectively responsible for boosting our country's economic reserves and the impact
of India's economic growth on tourism is increasingly being felt in specialty sectors like spiritual
tourism, spa tourism, student/senior citizen or family vacation plan segments in tourism as well
as (surprise, surprise!) adventure tourism! Better amenities and modernization of roads,
infrastructure in hotels, local lodging options, accreditation of genuine travel operators and
guides etc., training being imparted by government and private sector individuals interested in
developing specific regions for tourism promotion and encouraging global gains for India have
all been strategized well. These policies put in place after significant contribution from field
experts like market watchers, tourism ministry and education and foreign affairs ministry support
systems are governed by the needs of tourists visiting India for a certain cultural flavor, yet, not
be deprived of comforts, hygiene, security and conveniences that are world-class. Indian tourism
receipts combined with better passenger transport systems and customized food and lodging
preferences taken into consideration by exclusive tour operators has meant a niche segment of
the country's top travel agencies generating considerable income for their industry. No wonder,
as things stand, tourism has become the number one export earner, ahead of automotive
products, chemicals, petroleum and food for India and this would not have been possible without
the combining of governmental, community and private industry powers through diversification
in the economy. This diversification of economy is a sign of health for India as a developing
nation fast emerging as a major player in the tourism sector, which has got a shot in the arm
thanks to better management at local and urban levels. The only issue of concern is that should
India or any of its major tourism generating regions become dependent for its economic survival
upon one industry, it can put major stress upon this sector and its people, who may be compelled
to perform well consistently. One solution for easing the burden of India's welcome economic
growth off the shoulders of the locals is for our developing country to explore other resources,
apart from embracing specialized tourism pockets, as a way to boost the economy.

3) FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM:

Tourism development in India has passed through many phases. At Government level the
development of tourist facilities was taken up in a planned manner in 1956 coinciding
with the Second Five Year Plan. The approach has evolved from isolated planning of
single unit facilities in the Second and Third Five Year Plans. The Sixth Plan marked the
beginning of a new era when tourism began to be considered a major instrument for
social integration and economic development.

But it was only after the 80’s that tourism activity gained momentum. The Government
took several significant steps. A National Policy on tourism was announced in 1982.
Later in 1988, the National Committee on Tourism formulated a comprehensive plan for
achieving a sustainable growth in tourism. In 1992, a National Action Plan was prepared
and in 1996 the National Strategy for Promotion of Tourism was drafted. In 1997, a draft
new tourism policy in tune with the economic policies of the Government and the trends
in tourism development was published for public debate. The draft policy is now under
revision. The proposed policy recognises the roles of Central and State governments,
public sector undertakings and the private sector in the development of tourism. The need
for involvement of Panchayati Raj institutions, local bodies, non-governmental
organisations and the local youth in the creation of tourism facilities has also been
recognised.

The other major development that took place were the setting up of the India Tourism
Development Corporation in 1966 to promote India as a tourist destination and the
Tourism Finance Corporation in 1989 to finance tourism projects. Altogether, 21
Government-run Hotel Management and Catering Technology Institutes and 14 Food
Craft Institutes were also established for imparting specialised training in hoteliering and
catering.

Tourist Attractions

India is a country known for its lavish treatment to all visitors, no matter where they
come from. Its visitor-friendly traditions, varied life styles and cultural heritage and
colourful fairs and festivals held abiding attractions for the tourists. The other attractions
include beautiful beaches, forests and wild life and landscapes for eco-tourism, snow,
river and mountain peaks for adventure tourism, technological parks and science
museums for science tourism; centres of pilgrimage for spiritual tourism; heritage trains
and hotels for heritage tourism. Yoga, ayurveda and natural health resorts also attract
tourists.

The Indian handicrafts particularly, jewellery, carpets, leather goods, ivory and brass
work are the main shopping items of foreign tourists. The estimates available through
surveys indicate that nearly forty per cent of the tourist expenditure on shopping is spent
on such items.

Thrust Areas

In order to speed up the development of tourism in the country several thrust areas have
been identified for accomplishment during the Ninth Five Year Plan (1997-2002). The
important ones are development of infrastructure, products, trekking, winter sports,
wildlife and beach resorts and streamlining of facilitation procedures at airports, human
resource development and facilitating private sector participation in the growth of
infrastructure.

Organisation

The organisations involved in the development of tourism in India are the Ministry of
Tourism with its 21 field offices within the country and 18 abroad, Indian Institute of
Tourism and Travel Management, National Council for Hotel Management and Catering
Technology, India Tourism Development Corporation, Indian Institute of Skiing and
Mountaineering and the National Institute of Water Sports.
Boosting Tourism

Some of the recent initiatives taken by the Government to boost tourism include grant of
export house status to the tourism sector and incentives for promoting private investment
in the form of Income Tax exemptions, interest subsidy and reduced import duty. The
hotel and tourism-related industry has been declared a high priority industry for foreign
investment which entails automatic approval of direct investment up to 51 per cent of
foreign equity and allowing 100 per cent non-resident Indian investment and simplifying
rules regarding the grant of approval to travel agents, tour operators and tourist transport
operators.

Celebrations

During the Golden Jubilee celebrations of India as a Republic, the Ministry of Tourism
made special efforts to publicise the tourism potential of India. The first-ever Indian
Tourism Day was celebrated on January 25, 1998. Bauddha Mahotsav was organised
from 24th October to 8th November 1998. The Year 1999 was celebrated as Explore
India Millennium Year by presenting a spectacular tableau on the cultural heritage of
India at the Republic Day Parade and organising India Tourism Expo in New Delhi and
Khajuraho. The Wong La Millennium was held from April 1999 to January 2001. A
special calendar of events has been formulated for highlighting contributions to
Millennium events by various places in all the States. An official website of the Ministry
of Tourism has also been created for facilitating dissemination of information on tourism.

Constraints

The major constraint in the expansion of international tourist traffic to India is non-
availability of adequate infrastructure including adequate air seat capacity, accessibility
to tourist destinations, accommodation and trained manpower in sufficient number.

Poor visitor experience, particularly, due to inadequate infrastructural facilities, poor

hygienic conditions and incidents of touting and harassment of tourists in some places are
factors that contribute to poor visitor experience.

To sum up, Indian tourism has vast potential for generating employment and earning
large sums of foreign exchange besides giving a fillip to the country’s overall economic
and social development. Much has been achieved by way of increasing air seat capacity,
increasing trains and railway connectivity to important tourist destinations, four-laning of
 roads connecting important tourist centres and increasing availability of accommodation
by adding heritage hotels to the hotel industry and encouraging paying guest
accommodation. But much more remains to be done. Since tourism is a multi-
dimensional activity, and basically a service industry, it would be necessary that all wings
of the Central and State governments, private sector and voluntary organisations become
active partners in the endeavour to attain sustainable growth in tourism if India is to
become a world player in the tourist industry.

PHYSICAL:

A national strategy for the development of tourism has recently been developed for synergizing the activities
of different infrastructure sectors, the state governments and the private sector for tourism development. The specific components of
the strategy include::

CULTURAL:

India has been mainly conceived as a cultural tourist destination, but it has diverse tourist attractions which
need to be developed. A conscious policy has, therefore, been adopted to diversify and improve tourism products of
India, including cultural tourist attractions.
The schemes implemented through state governments for product development are:

(A) Promotion of fairs and festivals, rural craft, melas, etc.

(B)refurbishment of monuments and environmental planning;
(C )flood lighting/son et lumiere (SEL) shows;
(D)development of pilgrim centres;
(E)development of adventure sports facilities;
(F)designation of special tourism areas; and
(G)development of specific circuits through external aid.

CASE STUDY:
Tourism destination of Madhya Pradesh:
Madhya Pradesh is a state steeped in history. As you visit the tourist places in Madhya
Pradesh, you may feel like leafing through the pages of Indian history. Age-old past unfolds
before you offering you enchanting glimpses to the chapters of glory and richness.

In fact tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh offers an enchanting mix of historical palaces and
forts, exquisite architecture on temples and rare wild lives, which you can't chose but love and
return only to come back.

Madhya Pradesh is a state located in the central part of India and is a remarkable combination of
spellbinding history, scenic natural beauty and strategic urban planning. This state has diverse
topographical features that range from undulating hill ranges to swift rivers. There are also
several heritage sites having historical monuments revealing the rich past. Thus, there are many
tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh dotted all over the towns and demand a visit by the
tourists. The prominent tourist destinations of Madhya Pradesh are Bandhavgarh Park,
Khajuraho, Kanha National Park, Karera Bird Sanctuary, Mandu, Orcha, Panchmarhi, Panna
National Park, Sanchi, Shivpuri National Park, Ujjain and Chitrakut.

To begin with, Khajuraho would be a good idea. This small town is home to a range of splendid
Hindu and Jain temples. The walls of this temple have sensual and erotic engravings depicting
human sexuality and other themes. These are said to have been built by the Chandela rulers in
the 10th century and reflect the Chandela dynasty’s admiration for creative art. These are the
must watch tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh for the visitors.

Sanchi is one of the most venerated Buddhist places in India and features various stupas and
monasteries. The most prominent attraction located here is the ‘Great Stupa’ that houses the
relics of Lord Buddha. Besides, Ashoka Pillar, Gateways of Sanchi, Buddhist Vihara, Gupta
Temple and Sanchi Museum are also worth catching a glimpse by the tourists on a tour to
Madhya Pradesh.

The Bandhavgarh National Park occupies an important place among the Madhya Pradesh tourist
attractions and is the natural habitat of a diverse range of exquisite flora and fauna. The wildlife
lovers are certainly going to love this place. Many wild creatures can be spotted here such as
tiger, leopards, rhesus, gaur, chital, dholes, nilgais, wild boars and a range of magnificent birds.

Panchmarhi is another lure for the nature lovers, most popular for its soaring peaks, deep gorges,
lush green forests and breathtaking sunsets. It is a hill station and should not be missed out if you
are traveling to Madhya Pradesh during the summers. Ujjain holds a prestigious place for the
pilgrim travelers as it is one of the holiest cities of India and is also a venue for the Kumbh mela,
the most important fair held in India. Several temples located here are Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir,
Mahakaleshwar Temple, Kaliadeh Palace and Gadkalika Temple. The Bhimbetka Caves are
some of the most interesting places to visit in Madhya Pradesh. You will come across awe-
inspiring paintings on the walls that date back to the prehistoric period.

The tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh are varied and have much more to offer to its tourists
than they might even expect. Whether you are a nature lover, a pilgrimage traveler, a historian or
an archaeologist, your experience is going to be an enriching one in Madhya Pradesh.

GWALIOR,JHANSI and ORCHA:

GWALIOR: About Gwalior

Gwalior City is a District in Madhya Pradesh State near Âgra.  The new section of the
city called Lashkar.  Lashkar is few miles South from the old city.  It is the site of
factories producing cotton, yarn, paint, ceramics, chemicals, and leather products. The
nucleus of Gwalior is a citadel crowning an isolated rock about 91 m (300 ft) high, 3.2
km (2 mi) long, and 823 m (2700 ft) wide. The rock is said to have been a strong hold for
more than Ten Centuries and Old city is located in the Eastern base of the rock. The old
city is covered with white sandstone Mosque, Palaces, rock temples and statues of
archaeological and architectural interest. The Jiwaji University was built in Gwalior in
the year 1964. Gwalior City was the Capital of the princely State of Gwalior until 1948
and the summer Capital of Madhya Bharat State from 1948 to 1956.  When Madhya
Bharat became part of Madhya Pradesh, it become separate District. According to Census
2001, population of the District is 1629881 .

Gwalior's history is traced back to a legend in 8th century AD when a chief tain known as
Suraj Sen was struck by a deadly disease and cured by a hermit-saint Gwalipa. As a
gratitude for that incidence, he founded this city by his name.  The new city of Gwalior
became existance over the centuries.  The cradle of great dynasties ruled the city
Gwalior.  With different Dynasty, the city gained a new dimension from the warrior
kings, poets, musicians, and saints who contributed to making it renowned throughout the
country. The city is also the setting for the memorials of freedom fighters such as Tatya
Tope and the indomitable Rani of Jhansi. Today the old settings stand side by side with
the trappings of modernity.
Art and culture
Gwalior is a well acknowledged place of art, associated with historic as well as contemporary
evidence. In August 2005 a mural created by Aasutosh Panigrahi and five other artists was
acknowledged as World's Largest Indoor Mural by the Guinness Book of Records.

Gwalior holds an unparalleled reputation in Sangeet. Greatest ever classical singer (Dhrupadiya)
was Baijnath Prasad alias Baiju Bawra, who lived in Gwalior for his whole life under the
patronage of Man Singh. Baiju was born in Chanderi and was cremated there only, got the
training of music in Brindaban under great Swami Guru Haridas ji. He was Court Musician of
Gwalior along with Nayak Charju, Bakshu, and others.

Tansen, born in Behat, trained in music at Vrindavan, served Raja Ramchandra Waghela of
Bandhawgarh, then went to Agra under the patronage of Akbar. After the death of Tansen in
Fatehpur Sikri and cremation in Agra, the ashes were buried in Gwalior. Tansen Samaroh is
held every year in Gwalior.

Ustad Natthu Khan, Hassu Khan, Haddu Khan, Nissar Hussain, Rehmat Khan, Shankarrao
Vishnu Pandit, Ramkrishna Buwa Vaze, Rajabhaiyya Poonchhwale, Krishnarao Pandit, lived
here and spread the magic of music. Renowned artiste Mrs. Malini Rajurkar, who is keeping the
flame of Hindustani music alive today, also belongs to Gwalior.

Sarod Maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is also from the royal city of Gwalior. His grandfather
Ghulam Ali Khan Bangash became a court musician in Gwalior.

'Late Vijay Singh Akolkar' (died in 1969)one of the best sitarist in that time.He is belonging to
shahi pariwar(Jhagirdar) Now, one of the great Hindustani classical singers, Dr. Ishwar Chandra
Karkare who is fourth generation of artists poets and musician family, lives here and his classical
music is full of spiritual joyousness.

Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, the conference on Marathi Literature were held once in Gwalior city.
It was presided by President of the Conference writer Kusumavati Deshpande (and wife of Kavi
Anil) in 1961. She was the first female president of the annual Sammelan since its inception in
1878.

Culturally Gwalior is the confluence of two rich cultures Bundeli and Braj. Bundelkhand covers
Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Sagar, Shivpuri, Guna, Sheopur and adjoining areas.

[edit] Ahiri dance

This dance is related to people who have traditionally been in the business of cattle herding. In
different parts of the state these people are known by different castes such as Ahir, Baredi, Gwal,
Rawat, Raut, Gwala etc. These people believe that they are descendants of Krishna.

[edit] Main festivals

All national festivals, Diwali, Holi, Makara Sankranti, Eid-ul-Fitr, Rakhi,Mahavir jayanti and
other local ones like Nag-Panchmi, Ahilya Utsav, Ganesh Utsav, Gudi Padwa (Marathi new
year), Navratri, Dussehara, Durga Puja are celebrated with equal enthusiasm. Last decade has
seen a rise in celebration of events like Valentine's Day, Rose Day and New Year's Eve.

Gwalior also celebrates Rang Panchami quite differently. This festival is celebrated five days
after Dulendi or Holi. This is also celebrated like Dulendi, but colors are mixed with water and
then either sprinkled or poured on others.

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in a unique way in Gwalior city. People of Gwalior arrange a
carnival of floats (known as "Jhanki" in local Hindi language) in various places of city.

Makar Sankrant is a 'Kite Festival' on 14 January each year; people fly kites and compete to cut
each other's kites in sky.

JHANSI: Jhansi is a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is about 415 km from Delhi and 292 km
from Lucknow, and the gateway to Bundelkhand. Jhansi grew in popularity during the reign of the
Marathas because of the heroics of its valiant queen, Rani Lakshmi Bai. She had valiantly fought against
the Britishers during the 1857 revolt.

Jhansi was first known as Shankargarh, when Orchha was the capital of Bundelas. In a bid of
strengthening the security of Orchha, its king Raja Bir Singh Ja Deo had constructed a fort on a hill in
Shankargarh. And it was when he looked at the site for the new fort from his Orchha palace that he
realized the place looked like a jhain-si (blurred shadow). And this is how Jhansi got its present name.

This fort is none other than the famous Jhansi Fort. Jhansi fort was built in 1613 and today has a
wonderful collection of sculptures that depicts the history of Bundelkhand. It is said that Jhansi grew
around this fort which crowns a neighboring rock. There are many sculptures of the 9th to 12th
centuries found in the Rani Mahal too. The museum of Jhansi houses regional antiques like sculptures,
manuscripts, paintings, arms and silver, gold and copper coins.

Jhansi is the administrative seat of Jhansi Division and District. It was with the dream project of the Ex
Prime Minister of India, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee of developing highways that great led to a huge
improvement in the progress of Jhansi. You find the East-West Corridor, and the North-South Corridor
connecting Kashmir and Kanyakumari, passing through Jhansi. And with this, it brought with itself a
sudden rush in both the real estate and infrastructure of Jhansi. There is also a Greenfield airport in the
list of near future projects of Jhansi.

Culture:
Jhansi Festivals
Besides visiting the numerous places of attraction of Jhansi, while in Jhansi, you find many festivals that
keep you busy here. All you have to do is to go traveling around Jhansi during these festivals where you
get to witness the local culture, customs and rituals better.

The state government of Jhansi’s tourism department organizes the Jhansi Mahotsava. This festival is a
week long event that takes place at the end of February or beginning of March. You get to see dance and
music performances during the festival that highlight the culture of Bundelkhand. These performances
include alha songs, suata and rai dance along with different competitions, a food festival, a handicraft
fair, etc.

The main events of this Jhansi festival are held in an open air auditorium that is found near the state
archeological museum during evenings. You can admire the fort that stands in the background of the
auditorium in its splendour of yellow light that gives a spectacular view of the night.

This Jhansi Mahotsava is a treat to people interested in poetry culture and tradition of Jhansi. This is
because these performances bring back memories of legends that have excelled in the field of poetry.
The highlights of the competitions include rangoli competition, mehandi competition and recipe
competition. These competitions are held in the state archeological museum premises while the
handicraft fair and some other competitions are held in the Rani Lakshmi Park.

Then there is the state vegetables and flowers exhibition that are worth visiting while in Jhansi. This is
basically an exhibition that lasts three days and is organized by the state government. The exhibition is
held in the state gardens of Narayan bagh during the month of February. On visiting the exhibition, you
find different types of vegetables, fruits and flowers found in and around Jhansi.

There are also many competitions held here in these categories, along with a home garden category.
There is no need of paying any fees for these events while farmers eagerly wait to show off their produce
in this exhibition. You find thousands of visitors during the event, making the place look like a mini fair.
The star attraction of the festival is the dog show where you find dogs of all categories participating for
the price.

ARCHITECTURE:

Attractions in Jhansi
Jhansi is a place worth visiting if you are a person who just loves history. Jhansi is a city of the
state of Uttar Pradesh housing forts and museums worth exploring. The Rani Mahal is found in
the heart of Jhansi, and was built by Raghunath II of Newalkar family. You find multicolored
paintings, artforms and artefacts of the 9th to 12th century here.
It was Raja Bir Singh Judao of Orchha who had built the fort of Jhansi in 1613, on a rocky hill.
And it is aruond this fort that the city of Jhansi was built. There was a wall of the fort all around
Jhansi city having ten gates. Though some gates have vanished with time, there are some existing
gates. However surrounding areas are still identified using the name of these gates.

The Government Museum of Jhansi is found in the heart of Jhansi and si surrounded by beautiful
parks. The city auditorium, Deen Dayal Sabhagar is found on one side while the Vrindavan Lal
Verma park, open air theater and Rani Lakshmi Bai Park on the other sides. There is also the
1857 Mutiny Memorial which offers a depiction of the 1857 mutiny through statues of metal
scrap.

The Government Museum has a huge collection of documents, paintings, sculptures of different
eras and thus has to be visited when in Jhansi to get acquainted with the history of Jhansi. The St.
Jude’s Shrine of Jhansi is very important to Catholic Christians as St. Jude’s bone is buried in the
cathedra’s foundation.

The St. Jude’s feast lasts for a week, with a procession on the last day of the fair. And it is for this
feast that devotees from as far as Goa, and people from all religions and faiths visit Jhansi on
October 28. when in Jhansi, make it a point to visit Orchha, a town in Madhya Pradesh. This
town is a photographer’s delight with its architectural ruins, small market and village. Make a
visit to the fort, Sheesh Mahal and Jehangir Mahal when in Orchha.

ORCHA:
Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy to the ages. In this
medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its
Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection.

Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, who
chose this stretch of land along the Betwa river as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding
rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a
tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris. From here the view of soaring temple spires and
cenotaphs is spectacular.

Complementing the noble proportions of their exteriors are interiors which represent the finest
flowering of the Bundela school of painting. In the Laxminarayan Temple and Raj Mahal,
vibrant murals encompassing a variety of religious and secular themes, bring the walls and
ceilings to rich life.
ARCHITECTURE: On a seasonal island on the bank of the Betwa River, which has
been surrounded by a battlement wall, stands a huge palace-fort. The fort consists of several
connected buildings erected at different times, the most noteworthy of which are the Rajmandir
and the Jahangir Mahal.

The Rajmandir is built on a square base and has an almost entirely plain exterior, relieved by
projecting windows and a line of delicate domes along the summit. The Jahangir Mahal is built
on a rectangular base and is relieved by a circular tower at each corner surmounted by a dome,
while two lines of graceful balconies supported on brackets mark the central storeys. The roof is
crowned by eight large fluted domes, with smaller domes between them, connected by an
ornamental balustrade. The Jahangir Mahal is considered to be a singularly beautiful specimen of
domestic Hindu architecture.[2].

Lakshmi Temple, Orchha.

Numerous cenotaphs or chhatris dot the vicinity of the fort and the Betwa river. Elsewhere about
the town there is an unusual variety of temples and tombs, including the Chaturbhuj temple,
which is built on a vast platform of stone. The more unguarded and neglected of these buildings
are popular hangouts for tropical bees, wasps, and other such excitable stingy creatures.