Will we encounter dacoits on the way?” I ask Omprakash Narwaria, my guide for the day, only half in jest. I had spotted some speeding motorcyclists with guns slung jauntily on their shoulders.
It is a foggy winter morning. we are on the road on a short drive from Gwalior, about 30 kilometres, to the once dacoitinfested Morena district in Madhya pradesh. He smiles. “Not at all. people here carry shastra (arms) as a status symbol, so rest assured. But, of course, daakus (dacoits) have a key role to play in the story of the temples we are about to visit today.”
This is a story of an unlikely collaboration between the dreaded dacoits of Chambal, Madhya Pradesh, and Indian government functionaries. Or is it a story of one man and his fearless team? Of near superhuman efforts to bring to life some hitherto unheard-of beauties of Indian heritage? Or a tale of once-mighty dynasties that built these temples. whichever way you look at it, one cannot help but be filled with awe when you first see the beautiful and forgotten structures.
Narwaria is quiet, sombre even. He works with the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) Gwalior office, and was a part of the team that worked on restoring the temples. He also has a Master’s degree in Archaeology. I am fortunate to have him as our guide for the day—he is quite patient, forever willing to answer my constant queries.
This story is from the May 2020 edition of Outlook Traveller.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2020 edition of Outlook Traveller.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
8 Unique Indian Temples
"From Ancient Rock-cut Relics To Incredible Sculptures To A Celebration Of Feminine Divine Power, Here Are Eight Remarkable Temples That You Should Add To Your Bucket List
A Temple Trail In Bali
The allure of this Island lies in its people and the culture it embodies
THE Snake WHISPERER
SNAKEMAN ROMULUS WHITAKER'S MEMOIR TAKES READERS ON A JOURNEY THROUGH HIS LIFE, DELVING INTO HURDLES SUCH AS HABITAT DEGRADATION AND CULTURAL DISPARITIES CONCERNING WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
TIMELESS BENGALI CUISINE AT AAHELI
A culinary oasis nestled within the iconic Peerless Hotel on Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Aaheli is known for an exceptional dining experience
HOW GREEN IS GREEN?
THE PHENOMENON OF GREENWASHING INVOLVES DELIBERATELY FALSIFYING INFORMATION ABOUT THE GREEN CREDENTIALS OF A PRODUCT, SERVICE OR COMPANY. WHAT CAN TRAVELLERS, THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY AND TOUR OPERATORS DO TO FLUSH IT OUT?
IMMERSIVE UNSEEN INDIA
HAVE YOU EVER GONE FORAGING IN THE DESERT? OR LEARNT POTTERY WITHOUT A POTTER'S WHEEL? ON YOUR NEXT TRIP, TRY SOMETHING YOU'VE NEVER TRIED BEFORE
DISCOVER STUNNING ECOTOURISM DESTINATIONS IN TAMIL NADU
Experience the wonders of nature and wildlife while being mindful of the surroundings by visiting these amazing ecotourism destinations
AT HOME IN SPITI
AMIDST SPITI'S TOWERING PEAKS AND BARREN LANDSCAPES, THESE HUMBLE ABODES SERVE AS BRIDGES BETWEEN CULTURES, FOSTERING MEANINGFUL INTERACTIONS AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
HIMALAYAN HEIGHTS
In the shadows of the high Himalayas, take a slow, green holiday this summer... Along the way, discover why eco journeys are much more rewarding than you thought!
TEA, TATTOOS, AND TRADITION
PHEJIN KONYAKWHOSE ANCESTRY TRACES BACK TO HEADHUNTERS-RUNS THE ONE-OF-A-KIND KONYAK TEA RETREAT IN NAGALAND