ORCHHA

A town in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh state, India. Orcha combines the architectural beauty of a medieval town with the out-of-the-way charm of a village. Orchha’s grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy to the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, who chose this stretch of land along the Betwa river as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris.

From here the view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular. Complementing the noble proportions of their exteriors are interiors which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting. In the Laxminarayan Temple and Raj Mahal, vibrant murals encompassing a variety of religious and secular themes, bring the walls and ceilings to rich life.

History of Orchha

Orchha is a small town located in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India. It was founded in the 16th century by Rudra Pratap Singh, a Bundela Rajput chief. The town was the capital of the Bundela dynasty, which ruled over the region from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Orchha is known for its beautiful palaces, temples, and monuments, which are a testament to the artistic and architectural skills of the Bundela dynasty.

Best Time to Visit Orchha

Orchha is a beautiful town located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The best time to visit Orchha is during the winter season, from October to March. The weather during these months is pleasant and comfortable, with an average temperature ranging from 10°C to 27°C. The days are sunny, and the nights are chilly, making it perfect for exploring the town’s monuments and temples.

During the winter season, you can also witness the grand celebrations of the Ram Raja Temple, which is the only temple in India where Lord Ram is worshiped as a king. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is a sight to behold. It is advisable to avoid visiting Orchha during the monsoon season (July to September) as the town receives heavy rainfall, which can disrupt travel plans and make it difficult to explore the place. The summer season (April to June) can be quite hot and uncomfortable, with temperatures soaring up to 45°C.

Places to Visit in Orchha

Orchha Fort: Built in the 16th century, this fort complex is home to numerous temples, palaces, and gardens. Some of the notable structures within the fort include the Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal.

Chaturbhuj Temple: This temple is famous for its massive idol of Lord Vishnu, which stands at 9 feet tall.

Ram Raja Temple: This temple is unique in that it is the only temple in India where Lord Rama is worshiped as a king.

Rai Praveen Mahal: This palace was built by Raja Indrajit Singh for his lover, Rai Praveen. The palace is now a popular tourist attraction.

Betwa River: The Betwa River runs through Orchha, and a walk along its banks offers stunning views of the town and its surroundings.

Phool Bagh: This garden complex was built by Raja Bir Singh Deo and features numerous fountains, trees, and flowers.

Laxminarayan Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and features stunning architecture and intricate carvings.

Palki Mahal: This palace was built for the queen to watch processions and is now used as a heritage hotel.

Dauji ki Haveli: This haveli (mansion) is known for its beautiful frescoes and paintings.

Sound and Light Show: The Sound and Light Show at the Orchha Fort is a popular attraction that brings to life the history and legends associated with the town.

Things to Do in Orchha

1. Visit the Orchha Fort and Palace complex.
2. Explore the Chaturbhuj Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu
3. Witness the stunning architecture of the Raj Mahal.
4. Take a boat ride on the Betwa River.
5. Visit the Ram Raja Temple, the only temple where Lord Ram is worshipped as a king.
6. Explore the Cenotaphs or Chhatris, dedicated to the rulers of Orchha.
7. Enjoy a sound and light show at the Orchha Fort in the evening.
8. Visit the Raja Ram Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Ram and his wife Sita.

How to Reach Orchha

Here are some ways to reach there:

By Air: The nearest airport to Orchha is the Gwalior airport, which is approximately 140 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to reach Orchha.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Orchha is Jhansi Railway Station, which is approximately 18 km away. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Orchha.
By Road: Orchha is well-connected by road to major cities in Madhya Pradesh and neighboring states. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from cities like Jhansi, Gwalior, Khajuraho, and Bhopal to reach Orchha.

Orchha to Khajuraho :

Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh, India, is famous for its temples that represent a unique blend of architectural brilliance and artistic expression. Khajuraho’s reputation stems from the synthesis of architectural forms, the cultural diversity depicted in the sculptures, and the historical significance of the Chandela dynasty. The appeal of historical workmanship, the spiritual symbolism embedded in the art, and the cultural richness encased inside the stone walls of these extraordinary temples bring people from all over the world.

Distance Orchha to Khajuraho :- 172 km Approx.