Architecture Walks

Bhoramdeo & Madwa Mahal Heritage Trail

A half-day walking circuit connecting the 11th-century Bhoramdeo temple with the 14th-century open marriage pavilion of Madwa Mahal and Cherki Mahal.

Ancient stone pillars and archaeological ruins along the Bhoramdeo heritage trail

While the main Bhoramdeo Temple commands widespread admiration, the surrounding archaeological circuit conceals two equally fascinating historical monuments within a one-kilometer radius: Madwa Mahal and Cherki Mahal.

The Route

1. Start at Bhoramdeo Temple: Begin at the main 11th-century sanctum in early morning light, admiring the three tiers of stone carvings. 2. Walk to Madwa Mahal: Follow the rustic dirt track 1 km south into Chapri village. Built around 1349 CE by King Ramchandra to commemorate his royal marriage to princess Ambika Devi of the Haihaya dynasty, Madwa Mahal resembles an open-air pavilion supported by sixteen carved stone pillars. Its plinth features 54 erotic relief panels, and an ancient stone slab preserves historic inscriptions of the royal lineage. 3. Cherki Mahal: Continue a further 500 meters into the edge of the bamboo groves to discover Cherki Mahal, an enigmatic 14th-century brick shrine built for a shepherd community whose name (cherki) honors their pastoral heritage.

Practical Tips

Wear sturdy walking shoes and carry sunscreen and water. Winter mornings (November through February) are ideal, as yellow mustard flowers bloom along both sides of the walking path.

Known For & Highlights

  • Madwa Mahal: 14th-century open-air 16-pillared wedding mandap
  • Cherki Mahal: Unique monolithic brick Shiva shrine
  • Inscriptions recording Nagavanshi king Ramchandra and queen Ambika Devi
  • Rural countryside trail winding through mustard and paddy fields
#things-to-do#heritage-walk#archaeology#temples#history#photography
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