On the banks of the Betwa River in Madhya Pradesh lies the village of Orchha. Roughly 500 km from Delhi, the village served as the capital of Bundelkhand between the 16th and 18th century.
Orchha in the local tongue, literally meant “hidden place.”
Orchha Fort Complex is built on an island citadel along the scenic boulder-strewn Betwa River.
How to reach Orchha
1) By Road :- Orchha is approximately 500 km from Delhi which takes around 8 - 9 hours to cover. Their is no direct train or flight connectivity which makes driving your own car most convenient option.
2) By Train :- Nearest railway station is Jhansi Station which is around 17 km from Orchha. It takes around 30 minutes to reach Orchha from Jhansi.
3) By Flight :- Nearest airport from Orchha is Gwalior and Khajuraho.
The Royal Chhatris
Orchha has 15 chhatris or memorials for its rulers, located near the Kanchan Ghat on River Betwa. The chhatris provide a beautiful view to tourists from the bridge on River Betwa, from where tourists can enjoy the look of the magnificent monuments and their reflection in the river.
Fifteen cenotaphs to the Bundela kings and members of their clan are located on the southern bank of river Betwa. Most of the cenotaphs are designed in Panchaytan style. They are constructed on an elevated square platform.
The Chattris or Cenotaphs were built to honour the dead ancestors of the Bundela rajas. The first raja of the dynasty, offered drops of his blood to the Goddess Kali and was called Bundela - "One who has offered drops". His decendants carried this name till the line was faded.
Orchha Fort Complex
Walking around the grounds of the palace area is free, as is entering most of the buildings. But if you want to enter the Raja Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, and several other sights, you have to buy a ticket.
There is a combo ticket available for the two palaces, plus several other sites including…
The camel stables and Rai Praveen Mahal (both in the palace area)
Cenotaphs of the Rajput rulers
Chaturbhuj Temple
Lakshmi Narayan Temple.
Jahangir Mahal
Built as be a garrison and citadel for the Mughals to allow greater control over the Bundela region, this palace was completed in 1598 by Bharath Bhushan after he defeated Vir Deo Singh of Bundela. This place is a classic example of Mughal architecture. The domes are built according to Timurid customs and the gates or Iwans are large enough to allow entry of War elephants. Also, the relatively higher position compared to surrounding area made this palace a very important palace for the Mughals.
Raja Mahal, Orchha Fort
Built during the 17th century, the Raja Mahal has withstood the test of time without losing its charm that transports you back to one of the golden eras of history.The palace is constructed beautifully with impeccable architecture and breathtaking grandeur. Resided by the erstwhile kings of Orchha, the palace has kept the soul of the India's most eminent royalty intact through all these years. The palace has magnificent towers and spectacular murals which will make a visit here an absolute delight for any art enthusiast.
Day 2 - Ram Raja Temple
It is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage and receives devotees in large numbers regularly and is also commonly known as Orchha Temple. It is believed that this is the only place where Lord Rama is worshipped as the ruler, that is, a divine king. Hence, the temple is known as the Ram Raja shrine.
As the locals believe King Mudhukar Shah Ju Dev (who ruled from 1554 to1592), was a Krishna devotee and his queen Ganesh kunwari, was Rama devotee. They were struggling to bear child. King suggested the queen that they should go on pilgrimage to Vridavan (Land of Shri Krishna). But Queen was a devotee of Lord Ram. The tussle between King & his Queen resulted in her being banished till she returned with Lord Rama as a child.
The Rani goes to Ayodhya to perform severe penance, throwing herself in the Sarayu river in desperation, till the Lord himself appears as a little boy, agreeing to accompany her to Orchha.
Chaturbhuj Temple
Built in 875 AD during the reign of Gurjara Pratihara dynasty, this famous temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The name literally means the one with four arms, and Lord Vishnu has been referred as Chaturbhuj in various Hindu texts. This temple has beautiful architecture and it consists of a sanctum with pancharatha Sikhara, a vestibule and a porch.
MPT Sheesh Mahal
Essentially the best heritage hotel operated by MPSTDC, Sheesh Mahal boasts of the best views of Orchha. Situated right next to the Jahangir Mahal, Sheesh Mahal is popular among domestic and foreign tourist alike for its exquisite suites - The Maharaja Suite, the Maharani suite apart from 4 other heritage rooms tastefully done in Bundeli tradition.
We enjoyed our Romantic Valentine's Day dinner at this hotel. Pictures are not doing justice to this place. It was so beautiful and it was my first ever experience to sit and dine in a palace hotel.
I would say everyone should visit Orchha at least once. One major thing to keep in mind if you are planning a trip to Orchha is to plan it in winters or monsoon as summers here are very hot. One of the locals recommended us to visit again during Monsoon as during monsoon the scenic beauty is enhanced multi folds.
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