Orchha - A Hidden Gem of Madhya Pradesh
Famously known as the city of palaces, Orchha is home to some of the fanciest and most dreamy forts which will take you back in the historical era of Rajputs and their herculean valor. And not just forts, Orchha is also home to many temples as well thus, quite naturally, it becomes a popular attraction among tourists and devotees alike.
The literal meaning of Orchha’s name translates into the hidden palace. Sometimes also referred to as Urchha, this town of hidden palaces lies in the Niwari district of the state and is believed to be established in 1501 by the then Bundela Rajput Chief Rudra Pratap Singh.
History of Orchha
Undoubtedly, Orchha is a popular historical town situated in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. Going back in time, we get to discover that it has been ruled by the Mughals and the Rajputs of the Bundelkhand region and has seen a glorious history that has lasted even till now.
One of the highlighting factors of Orchha is the medieval architecture of the olden times. And if you have been thinking that Orchha is just famous for its medieval history, then, it is not like that. Yes, as it was this very place, this soil, where the freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad used to practice his pistol shooting and combat skills.
Major Attractions in and Around Orchha
1. Jehangir Mahal, Orchha Fort
The Mahal was built by the Mughals for the purpose of allowing more strategic control over the Bundela region. It is said that this palace was completed in 1598 by Bharath Bhushan after he defeated Vir Deo Singh of the Bundela region. With this, we can say that it is a great place to visit and know extensively about our Indian heritage and medieval culture.
2. Ram Raja Temple
Raja Ram Temple has got an interesting history behind it. According to the story, it is believed that the idols which were supposed to be installed in the Chaturbhuj Temple were kept on the same ground where this temple is now standing. However, once kept on the ground, the idols could not be moved due to the intervention of some divine force. So, this place was marked as holy and it was decided to construct a temple here. And it is to witness the oozing historic charm of the Ram Raja Temple, that tourists flock here on an annual basis.
3. Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha
The Chaturbhuj Temple was built in 875 AD and has been dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The word Chaturbhuj literally means four-armed and Lord Vishnu has been referred to as the divine being with four arms. A few key highlights of the temple are its sanctum along with Pancha Ratha Sikhara, a vestibule, and a porch.
4. Rafting and Boating
Did you know that it is possible to go rafting and boating in this magnificent river! The tickets are arranged through MP tourism and are available in the Betwa retreat. However, the rates are slightly on the higher side and can cost you around INR 1000 for a ride.
5. Cenotaphs (Chatteris)
These beautiful cenotaphs are sited on the banks of the Betwa River. These are essentially a set of magnificent royal tombs which once upon a time belonged to the then Maharajas. And now for many years, this place has been successful in attracting lots of tourists. For any history lover, this place is a must-visit.
Things to Do in Orchha
- Explore the grand palaces and temples.
- Watch the Sound and Light Show at Orchha Fort.
- Go river rafting on the Betwa River.
- Enjoy sunrise and sunset at the cenotaphs.
- Take a nature walk in Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Shop for Bundeli handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Taste local delicacies like Bundeli Thali and street food.
Best Time to Visit Orchha
- October to March (Winter) – The best time to visit due to pleasant weather.
- July to September (Monsoon) – The surroundings become lush and green.
- April to June (Summer) – Can be quite hot, but good for budget travelers.
How to Reach Orchha
Known for its historical grandeur, Orchha is mostly known for its architectural wonders. Perhaps, it is due to their love for history that so many tourists come to explore this place. Orchha is located at an approximate distance of 498, 1,074, 1,200, 1,689 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can travel to Orchha via the following means of public transport.
By Air
For traveling via air, you will need to deboard at the Gwalior airport (GWL), situated 100-150 km away. It is fundamentally a civil enclave airport at the Maharajpur Air Force station. Considered the fourth largest airport in Madhya Pradesh, this airport is fairly well-rooted with other Indian cities. As you deboard at the airport, take a cab or some other means of local transportation to travel here.
By Train
For traveling by train, you will need to deboard at the Jhansi railway station (JHS) sited 10-15 km away. It is one of the most prominent railway stations in the city of Jhansi and lies on the main Delhi-Chennai along with the Delhi-Mumbai line. It is well-connected to other Indian cities. As you deboard at the station, take a cab or some other means of local transportation available to reach your predetermined destination.
By Road
Orchha is connected by well-maintained motorable roads and national highways to other Indian cities. For traveling here, you can consider booking a private bus, hire a cab, or if suitable as per your budget, you can consider taking your own vehicle here.
- Jhansi - 16 km via NH539
- Shivpuri - 113 km via Shivpuri-Jhansi Road
- Gwalior - 123 km via NH44
- Kanpur - 234 km via NH27
Frequently Asked Questions about Orchha
Q: Where is Orchha located?
A: Orchha is famous for its historical palaces, temples, and cenotaphs. It was once the capital of the Bundela dynasty and is known for the Ram Raja Temple, where Lord Rama is worshipped as a king.
Q: Where is Orchha located?
A: Orchha is located in the Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh, India.
Q: How many days are enough to explore Orchha?
A: A 1-2 day trip is ideal to explore Orchha’s temples, forts, cenotaphs, and enjoy activities like river rafting and nature walks.
Q: What is unique about the Ram Raja Temple?
A: It is the only temple in India where Lord Rama is worshipped as a king, and the temple functions like a palace with a guard of honor.
