Jahangir Mahal inside the Orchha Fort complex, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

© Mukul Banerjee Photography/Getty Image

Splendour etched in stone. Orchha Fort complex, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Welcome to the Orchha Fort complex in the town of Orchha in Madhya Pradesh. The construction of this complex was started by the Bundela Rajputs, including King Rudra Pratap Singh, the founder of the Orchha State, and later expanded by his successors. It features lush gardens and pavilions and structures like Raja Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Jahangir Mahal—seen in today's image. The Jahangir Mahal was crafted in 1605 by Bir Singh Deo, specifically to impress the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, who stayed as the Maharaja's guest for just one night.

This grand four-level palace merges Muslim and Rajput architecture and sits symmetrically in the fort's inner courtyard, crowned by eight large domes. Packed with rooms featuring arched openings, decorative platforms and beautiful lattice windows, it has a steep stairway leading up to the roof, offering views of the Betwa river and surroundings. Interestingly, with its pepperpot-like shape, openings at the top and domed features, it later inspired architect Edwin Lutyens in his design of parts of New Delhi.