Where is Orchha?
Orchha is located in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh state in Central
India. The city stands on the banks of the Betwa river in the Bundelkhand
region.
What is the city famous for?
The city is known all over for the massive and exquisite Orchha Fort
Complex. The magnificent temples and the awe-inspiring forts, built by the
Bundela ruler between 16th and 17th century, contribute greatly to the
never-failing charm of the city.
How will you gain access?
Gwalior (119 km) is the closest airport. There are regular flights from the
airport connecting Orchha to places like Delhi, Bhopal, Indore and Mumbai.
The nearest railhead lies at Jhansi (16 km), lying on the Delhi-Mumbai and
Delhi-Jhansi main lines. A good number of mail and express trains stop at
Jhansi. There are also regular bus services connecting Orchha to Jhansi.
What does the climate say?
The city of Orchha faces extremes of temperature. Temperature during the
summers touches a high of 45 degrees centigrade. During the winters, the
minimum temperature records 4 degrees.
What
magnetises people?
» Jehangir Mahal
The Jehangir Mahal was built by Raja Bir Singh Deo in the 17th century to
commemorate the visit of Mughal emperor Jehangir to Orchha. The delicate
Chhatris (Cenotaphs) and the trellis work impart great charm to the palace.
» Raj Mahal
The Raj Mahal is an splendid creation of Madhukar Shah, predecessor of Raja
Bir Singh Ju Deo. Built in the 17th century, the palace showcases some
brilliant mural to the astonishment of one and all. The painting depict
various religious themes.
» Rai Praveen Mahal
The Rai Praveen Mahal is named after Rai Praveen, the beautiful
concubine of Raja Indramani (1672-76). The palace consists of a main hall
and smaller chambers. The two-storey structure was designed to match the
heights of the surrounding trees. The landscaped gardens and the elaborate
water system are sure to steal away your heart.
» Chaturbhuj Temple
Built upon a huge masonry platform, the Chaturbhuj Temple was actually
constructed to enshrine the image of Rama that remained in the Ram Raja
Temple. The ornate exterior with exquisite lotus emblems is a sight to
behold. The temple draws myriad of devotees and visitors everyday.
» Phool Bagh
The exquisitely beautiful Phool Bagh is, of course, a joy forever. The
Bundelas are no more but the wonderfully laid-out garden stands as a
testimony to their cultivated aesthetic qualities. The garden wears an
enchanting look with the central row of fountains culminating into an
eight-pillar pavillion. The structure also defines an ingenious system of
water ventilation.
Which are the nearby hotels?
Orchha
Resort (175 km from Khajuraho Airport) is a 4-star stands on the banks of
river Betwa in pristine surroundings. The hotel provides its guests with
facilities like 24-hour room service, telephone, TV, round- the-clock
running water, health club, sauna, badminton/ tennis courts etc. The hotels
has a total of 34 rooms. Hotel Mansarovar (Main Market), Betwa Cottages (1.5
km from the city) and Hotel Sheesh Mahal are other hotels providing fabulous
accommodations.
Where should you shop?
Orchha lies on the Gwalior-Khajuraho road. The city is paved with a good
number of shops, stalls, markets and repair shops. The Square in Orchha is
one's opportunity to visit the temples, having a look at the business
transactions done in the open-air market.
