Orchha The Hidden Gem! Poetry Carved in Stone!!

The erstwhile capital of one of the most powerful dynasties to ever rule in India is Orchha!
An important legacy left by the Bundela Dynasty which flourished in the early 16th Century, founded by Bundela Rajput chief Rudra Pratap.
Orchha's old world charm and medieval architecture with its many monuments continuing to retain their original grandeur even to this day casts a spell on you!

Here you will find some of the most fascinating temples and palaces that will help you realise a childhood fantasy – travelling back in time!
The historic  town nestled on the banks of river Betwa, is small and can be covered on foot, is a mute witness to the glorious times!

Steeped in history the town exists among the temples and palaces. The view from the windows of these monuments will leave you speechless, and for once you would feel to think that how kings and their families were living with such extraordinary comfort.
The ancient town seems frozen in time, and the buildings have a burnt look as if the heat of the central plains of India has left its mark!

Not on many tourist maps, but that only tells how unexplored it really is! Less crowd and more peace! Passing through the narrow winding roads, a time travel back to a more peaceful era is evident.

The city was impregnable with its natural defence of rugged mountains and dense forests with the Betwa running through! With all their military prowess the Mughals couldn't attack it!
In Sanskrit Betwa is Vetravati mentioned in the epic Mahabharata.

The Ram Raja Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Jahangir Mahal, Raja Mahal, Cenotaphs and Laxmi Mandir, hold you in awe!

Ram Raja Temple is very different from other temples. Here Lord Ram is the King. Addressed as Ram Raja Sarkar. He is given a gun salute three times a day during the aarti. No politician or big wig comes here with their "Laal Bati" ki gaadi! Here the Sarkar is Lord Ram!
There is a beautiful story to this....the Queen of Orchha was  a big devotee of Lord Ram, and she wanted Lord Ram to come from Ayodhya to Orchha. She built a huge Chaturbhuj Temple in his honour. Before agreeing to move to Orchha, there was a condition that Lord Ram had, he would remain in the place where he would be first brought. When the Queen reached Orchha, the Chaturbhuj temple was still under finishing touches…so she requested Lord Ram to be placed in the Palace next to the temple, later when they tried to move the idols, it was impossible to move them. As a result the Palace became the residence of Lord Rama and is currently known as famous Ram Raja Temple. This is the only temple which is a Palace in India where Lord Ram is worshipped as a King.

Built by the Bundela Rajputs, the 16th Century Chaturbhuj Mandir is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the four armed one! Right next to the Ram Raja Temple. A blend of Fort, Temple and Palace architecture. A multi storied structural view. The temple is noted for having one of the tallest Vimana among Hindu temples standing at 344 feet. A climb of 100 steps will  take you to the entrance of the temple.

Jahangir Mahal built in Indo Islamic architecture in the 17th century by Bundela king Bir Singh Deo as the symbol of friendship between him and Jahangir. The Palace was built in Jahangir's honour, his first visit to Orchha. 
The entrance of the palace is noticeable by traditional and artistic gateways. The front wall of the palace facing east is covered with turquoise tiles and Lapis Lazuli!
The magnificent Palace is a tourist destination for its grace and finest piece of architecture during the Bundela Dynasty.
Two stone elephants greet you at the entrance with a bell, which used to mark the entry of the king in the olden times!

The construction of Raja Mahal was initiated by Rudra Pratap Singh, the Rajput ruler of this region in the 16th century. But the task of completion of the construction was taken up later by his successors, the most popular among whom was Madhukar Shah.
The two rectangular courtyards in the interior of Raja Mahal, were used by the Bundela Queens. 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  India's most eminent royalty intact through all these years! Magnificent towers and spectacular murals which make a visit here an absolute delight for any art enthusiast!!

Situated on the banks of Betwa on Kanchana Ghat, are a set of magnificent royal tombs of the Maharajas, known as " Chattris" or Cenotaphs.
Built in Indo-Mughal style, these three storey buildings placed on a platform are open to all sides and have nicely designed domes or pinnacles. 
The magnificence of the Chhatris can be best viewed from the narrow bridge, across the Betwa, where one can see the full reflection of the amazing structure on the cool river water! Sunset views of the Chattris give them a golden hue, a sight not to be missed!!

Among the many jewels in the crown of this ancient town, the Lakshmi Temple stands true to Orchha’s name which translates to ‘hidden gem’!
This mix of a temple and fort is a geometrical wonder with an octagonal central tower residing within a triangular temple and housed in a square compound.
Its ceilings and walls beautifully painted depict stories of mythology, history and warfare.

An architect’s delight the temple may appear rectangular from the outside but is a perfect triangle within.
As the Raja of Orchha was supportive of the British, there are many paintings that depict their lifestyle and culture.
Illustrations from the siege of Jhansi can also be seen through the panoramic ceilings of the temple.

Similar to Raja Mahal, the ceilings of the temple depict stories of Mahabharata, Ramayana and victory of gods over demons. The terrace or top most part of the temple bear intricately carved domes and the windows feature keyholes that were probably designed to position archers and soldiers who could attack when needed.

The temple itself is located in a quaint corner of Orchha, secluded from other iconic spots I have mentioned.

Orchha is surrounded by dense forests, you can go bird watching in the nearby Sanctuary across the Betwa.
River rafting and boating are some of the water sports one can indulge in!

My dream of visiting Orchha fullfilled!

Stay: Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation's Hotels are very good, clean and comfortable.
They have two beautiful properties in Orchha, Betwa Retreat and Sheesh Mahal.
There are many pivate hotels too.

To Reach Orchha:
By Air: Gwalior is the nearest airport situated at a distance of 126 km. Delhi, Mumbai and Jabalpur are connected to Gwalior by air.
By Train: Jhansi is the closest railhead at a distance of 17 km.
By Road: Orchha is located at the turning between Jhansi and Khajuraho.

P.C. Pranati Kamani