INTRODUCTION
Hardol palace is located at Orchha town of Madhya Pradesh. It is located just adjoining to famous Chaturbhuj temple. It was one time residence of Hardol or Hardaul. He was younger brother of Orchha ruler Maharaja Jhujhar Singh and was very popular among society due to active involvement in social works. At the same time Hardol was brave military general of Bundela kingdom thus during his tenure, Orchha was a powerful independent kingdom. Due to its popularity, that time Bundela king Jujhar Singh made Hardol Baithak in courtyard of palace having statue of Hardol. Now a days, it is popular tourist attraction which is treated as holy temple and statue of Hardol is considered equivalent to god. Here local people have tradition to submit one marriage invitation card at Hardol temple so that his auspicious presence can be assured on event will become successful.
HOW TO REACH
It can be reached easily by different modes of transport. Just go through below given details:
Route |
Importance |
Distance (in Kms) |
Jhansi to Orchha |
Nearest Railway Station |
20 |
Khajuraho to Orchha |
UNESCO World Heritage Site |
180 |
Gwalior to Orchha |
Nearest Airport |
150 |
Panna national park to Orchha |
Nearest tiger safari destination |
200 |
HISTORY
History of Orchha is incomplete without referring Hardol's supreme sacrifice and devotion. During this time, Mughal ruler was Shah Jahan who was envious of Hardol's presence in Bundela kingdom and want to eleminate him by any way to weeken the kingdom. Thus they spread rumors in society that Hardol is having illicit relationship with the wilfe of Maharaja Jujhar Singh, who is his elder brother also. Where as in reality, he had considered Maharaja's wilfe as his mother. In sway of doubt, Maharaja ordered his wife to offer poisoned food Hardol to prove her innocense. When Hardol came to know about it, he deliberately consumed poisoned food to prove his innocense and ensure pride of Maharani. This was turning point of Bundela kingdom. Due to death of Hardol, wrong message went to
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Hardol palace can be visited throughout the year. It is located in Bundelkhand region thus here major tourist arrival can be experience in duration from October to March thus we can say it is the best time to visit Hardol or Hardaul palace. As Orchha is also treated as kingdom of Ram Raja thus travel during Diwali festival will be of added advantage. Here it is celebrated in grand way thus tourists can enjoy its best time.
ACCOMMODATION
Here we have option to stay at any hotel of Orchha town. As this palace is centrally located thus hotels like Orchha resort, Betwa retreat, Sheesh Mahal hotel, Amar Mahal are best suitable options for visitors.
NEXT TO
After visiting Hardol palace, tourists have option to visit many other local attractions which have important place in Orchha tourism like Chaturbhuj Temple, Raj Mahal, Chhatris (cenotaphs), Raja Ram Temple, Laxminarayan temple etc. If you have already covered all these places then cover other attractions of Madhya Pradesh tourism like Khajuraho temples (180 km), Panna national park (200 km), Dhubela museum, Tikamgarh cenotaphs, Chhatrasal cenotaph, Mastani Mahal, Datia, Gwalior etc.