The word Orchha means hidden. Orchha is a small yet interesting town situated on the banks of Betwa river in the North of Madhya Pradesh, . Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy to the ages. The town was once covered with thick forest from all 4 sides and was discovered by Bundela rulers only in the year 1531. It also served as a capital to the Bundela Kingdom. It is dotted with numerous temples and marvelous palaces built in 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. The city was built by the Bundela rulers are deemed as the best example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Steeped in rich history, little is known about the rich golden past of Orchha, founded by the Rajput king Rudra Pratap Singh of the Bundela dynasty in 16th century A.D. The early part of 17th century witnessed a fierce battle between the Mughals under the leadership of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his opponent led by King Jujhar Singh. This ferocious battle added a new chapter to the pages of the history of the city when Orchha was ceded by the Mughals rulers who ruled the city around 6 years.
Then it was the turn of the ferocious Marathas in the 18th century who went on annexing all the States of Bundela except Orchha. The year 1783 added another page to the history of the place when Tehri became the capital of Orcha. Hamir Singh was accorded the position of Maharaja and he reigned between 1848 and 1874. But the city experienced the sweetness of all round development when Maharaja Pratap Singh became the King in 1874. He contributed a lot in various irrigation work and other sites to make this city hall mark of speculative temples, forts and palaces.
The main attractions in Orchha are magnificent palaces and massive temples. Most of the places of interest are situated very close to one another making it less tiring for tourists to enjoy the grandeur of these monuments. Jehangir Mahal is the most significant palace whereas Chaturbhuj and Lakshminarayan temples are buggiest attraction among the tourists.
Tourists love to visit the nearby island in River Betwa that has a large and spectacular 17th century fort on it. Besides, the historic city of Jhansi is also just 19 kilometers far from here, other famous places to visit is Jhansi Fort also Rani Jhansi's Palace. Since the city is situated on the banks of Betwa River, the climate even during summers is not too hot. The winters do get a pleasantly cold during the nights but the days are pleasurable enough to have a comfortable trip inside the city. After visiting the monuments, palaces and temples, the tourist may opt to visit at the river. A cataract near the bridge with gentle, rounded rocks is the ideal place for stopover and savour the soothing flow of the Betwa river. The reverie must end well before the sun set. For there is also the lure of the forest waiting to be explored. The road from the bridge (on the river) goes right through the dense growth. Feel the pulse of the wilderness just there, only a few minutes’ drive from the city, as the road winds on to the second bridge on the other side of the island. Back in the village; join the procession headed for the temples. While at dusk, or if the moon is full, a walk near the water’s edge will revive the memory of the Bundela chiefs treading beside the silhouette of their imposing constructions.
October to March
Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Raj Praveen Mahal, Ram Raja Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Phool Bagh, Dinman Hardaul's Palace, Sunder Mahal, Cenotraphs, Shahid Smarak.
Jehangir Mahal: Built by Bir Singh Deo is probably the most striking palace in Orchha with its elegant hanging balconies, countless windows with stone pierced screens and a beautiful gateway decorated with turquoise tiles. It was built in honour of Mughal emperor Jehangir during his visit to Orchha.
Raj Mahal: The first palace within the Orchha citadel was built by Raja Rudra Pratap.
Rani-ka-Mahal: Bbuilt for Madhukar Shah's wife, is of notable interest. Her ornate bedroom was decorated with beautiful murals depicting scenes from Ramayana and various incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
Rai Praveen Mahal: The painted palace of was built for the beautiful courtesan and poetess, Rai Praveen, by Raja Indramani, who had great affection for her.
Sheesh Mahal: Built in the 18th century has little of its past splendour, but offers sweeping views of the town from the terraces. It's a heritage hotel now.
Laxmi Narayan and Chaturbhuj Temples: While the former temple has elaborate murals in typical Orchha style.
14 cenotaphs or Chhattris: 14 cenotaphs or Chhattrisof the kings of Orchha on the riverbanks of Betwa are best viewed from across the bridge.
Martyr's Memorial: Martyr's Memorial of Chandrashekhar Azad, the great hero of the Indian independence struggle.
Dauji-ki-haveli: Significantly stands out.
Phool Bagh: The walled Phool Bagh or Flower Gardens is a cool summer retreat.
By Air: Nearest airports is Gwalior 125 kms.
By Rail: Near redhead is Jhansi 20 kms, train routes to Delhi, Gwalior, Agra, Bhopal and Varanasi.
By Road: Jhansi:18 kms, Khajuraho: 180 kms, Delhi: 455 kms, Gwalior: 125 kms Agra: 225 kms.
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