We were also surprised to discover that Bhoramdeo Temple near Raipur -- dedicated to Lord Shiva and which dates from the tenth or twelfth century -- served as the template for the famed Khajuraho temples.
The temple has a beautiful setting, among forests and a river, and intricate erogenous sculptures, which are also found in the nearby temple, Mandwa Mahal.
Equally awe-inspiring are the medieval temples of Sirpur, or Shripur as it was known when it was the capital of the South Koshal kingdom. The spaciously laid out seventh century Lakshmana Temple, one of the country's few brick temples, is still pretty intact.
Sirpur, an important centre of Buddhism, was visited by Chinese scholar Hiuen Tsang in the seventh century. The Archaelogical Survey of India is presently carrying out excavations in this area and a student apprentice was kind enough to give us a guided tour of the site, though it was past closing time.
Also read: You will love Varkala beach!
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