Orchha (Madhya Pradesh) lies 15 Kms away from Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) and is on the banks of the Betwa River. It used to be the Capital city of the Bundela rulers. The town is famous for its Temples and Palaces built in the 16th and 17th century. The monuments still retain their grandeur and seem frozen in time. The glory of the Bundela rulers are aptly visible in Orchha in it’s preserved heritage. Other than culture one may also enjoy nature, adventure and the sunset from the banks of River Betwa which flows near Orchha.
The Bundela King, Rudra Pratab Singh, founded Orchha in 1531 A.D. The Fort at Orchha was built during his rule and the Chaturbhuj Temple constructed by one of the Queen of Orchha – Queen Ganesh Kuwar – at the time of Emperor Akbar’s reign.
Things to do (Activities)
15 Kms from Orchha the fort has temples & cenotaphs within its precinct and epitomises the glory of the Bundela Kings through paintings and stone carvings. Some parts of Raja Mahal here were converted to Ram Raja Temple – the only temple in the country where Lord Rama is worshipped as King Rama. In the fort are also Jahangir Mahal built in 1605 and Rai Parveen Mahal built for a nautch /poetess girl Rai Praveen.
Ram Raja Temple
Built in the 16th century by Madhukar Shah, in whose dream Lord Rama appeared, thus he constructed the temple in his fortress. This is the only Temple in India where Lord Rama is worshipped as King Rama. The temple is opened every day with gun salutes as a mark of respect to King Rama.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was built in the 16th century. A large part of the temple is incomplete. The temple was to be dedicated to Lord Ram but the idol of Lord Ram would not budge from the Queen’s palace hence the temple was then dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is located opposite Orchha Fort.
15 Kms from Orchha on the Betwa River Bank are 14 cenotaphs (Chhatris), representing the tombs of the Chandela kings. Good time to visit is during sun-set.
Dinman Hardaul Palace
Built for a brother as a symbol of love. King Jhujhar Singh’s wife, on the kings urging poisoned Hardaul Singh- King’s brother as the later suspected Hardaul of having an affair with the queen. The king later realised his mistake and built a memorial to pay tribute to his deceased brother. The Palace is located near Raja Ram Temple.
Betwa River and Kanchana Ghat
Betwa River flows through Orchha and one can enjoy breathtaking sunsets from the banks and tranquility. Kanchana Ghat on the riverfront with the 14 cenotaphs located here, is also a popular place for a visit.
The sleepy town of Orchha has the above and other hidden gems, and is worth a visit as a stand alone destination or a stopover enroute to Khajuraho.
The city of Gwalior is the nearest for domestic flights from and to all major Indian cities.
Jhansi is the nearest railway Station, around 15 Kms from Orchha. From Jhansi one can connect to all major cities in Madhya Pradesh as well as major rail junctions across India travelling on fast express trains.
Orchha lies 119 Kms from Gwlior, 205 Kms from Sagar, 336 Kms from Jabalpur and 195 Kms from Khajuraho. All these cities are well connected to the rest of the country by good highways.