Very few tourists traveling on a Golden triangle tour package visit Mahoba, a hidden jewel which can be covered with while on a Delhi, Agra, Jaipur itinerary.
Mahoba was one of the three capitals (besides kalingar and Khajuraho) of the Chandela Kings, who ruled the Bundelkhand region in the 10th- 131th centuaries. Some theories suggest that Mahoba derives its name from ‘Mahotsav Nagar', or the city of festivals, though it has also been referred to as Kekaipur, Ratanpur and l'atanpur. Amongst other things, Ntahoba has long been known for its production of paan (betel leaf); in fact, records from the time of Emperor Akbar note that Mahoba's tribute to the Mughal ruler included 12,000 paan leaves!
Today, Mahoba is a town of about 80,000, distinguished by its many man-made lakes, built by the Chandela kings. Among these are Vijay Sagar, Kirat Sagar, Rahila Sagar and Kalyan Sagar. There are two beautiful, Chandela-era temples near Madan Sagar, called Kakramath (dedicated to Vishnu) and Manaiya Devi. Also here is the dargah of Pir Mubarak Shah, a 13th-century Sufi saint. Near Rahila Sagar are the ruins of a 9th-century Sun temple, while Vijay Sagar has a charming bird sanctuary, Vijay Sagar Pakshi Vihar, around its banks.
Mahoba district is also known for its Jain sites, especially a cave-shrine in Gokhar Hill that contains 24 magnificent rock-cut sculptures of the Jain tirthankaras. The hill is also associated with Guru Gorakhnath, a Hindu yogi said to have meditated here in either the 8th or 11th centuries.
Charkhari, 30 kms east of Mahoba town, offers a glimpse of the grandeur of Bundela royalty, with forts and palaces built along languid lakes.
For more information on destinations that could be combined with Golden Triangle tour packages contact Swan Tours, One of the leading travel agents in India.