ORCHHA

 

 Orchha, The heritage city of Madhya Pradesh is blessed with great cultural majesty. Bundela Rajputs played a prime role in well establishing this historic place.  Flourished by the flowing waters of River Betwa, the city with impressive scenic locale was chosen as the capital by one of the great rulers called Rudra Pratap.  

 

 The alluring remnants in Orchha would speak about the rise and fall of the great dynasties. The architectural development witnessed by Orchha is highlighted by the vast collection of stunning age old monuments and relics.

 

 The royal splendour is boasted by many beautiful palaces. Jehangir palace is an extraordinary structure built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo to mark the visit of Mughal Emperor Jehangir. The Mahal encloses the eye-catching cenotaphs of great ornamental brilliance. The devotional aspect of Orchha is evoked by the Laxminarayan Temple, Ram Raja Temple and Chaturbhuj Temple. The city houses some forts which were built to keep a watch on the city and to protect it from invaders. The Jhansi fort and the Barua Sagar Fort are the great examples of the artistic talents of the past world. The spectacular eye-catching aspect is the Mural painting. Finest Mural paintings decorate the walls of the Laxminarayan Temple and Raj Mahal with spiritual keynotes and secular themes. 

 

 Orchha is a veritable heaven with panoramic vistas, woody background and good climate. The unparalleled beauty of Orchha is attributed by the presence of the Phool Bagh. 

 

 This place with rich architectural splendour amuses the tourists with its elegant congregation of historic places. Orchha is indeed a favourite destination for history buffs and nature lovers.

                                                   PLACES TO SEE

Jehangir Mahal : This palace was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo to mark the visit of Mughal Emperor Jehangir in the 17th century. The beautiful chhatris with delicate works is the prime attraction of this palace. 

Raj Mahal : This 17th century palace built by Madhukar Shah is located at quadrangles to Jahangir Mahal. Spectacular Cenotaphs and murals beautify the palace. 

Rai Parveen Mahal : Raja Indramani built this palace for his beloved love Rai Parveen. The two-level palace is spectacularly surrounded by trees and magnificent landscapes. 

Chaturbhuj Temple : The temple can be reached only by steps as it is constructed on an elevated platform. The idol of Lord Rama can be seen in this temple. Lotus emblems and other religious symbols can also be found.

Laxminarayan Temple : Lakshminarayan temple imbibes the character of both temple and a fort. The inner walls of the temple are adorned with the beautiful paintings and colourful murals. Murals encompass both spiritual and secular themes.  

Phool Bagh : Phool Bagh is a lush garden with a spectacular fountain row is built in authentic Bundela style. The presence of the underground palace enhances the beauty of this place.

Chhatris (Cenotaphs) : Kanchan ghat on the River Betwa houses the memorial of 14 Orchha kings.

Raja Ram Temple : This is a huge palace which consist of the idol of Lord Rama. 

Sunder Mahal : There is a legendary story behind this temple which says that son of Jhujhar named Dhurjban gave up Hinduism and took up Islam for his love towards a Muslim girl and married her. Later he became a saint. This palace now in ruins is a prime devotional centre for muslims. 

Jhansi fort : Jhansi fort is located on Bangra hill in Balwantnagar. It arouses immense curiosity in the minds of people. Fort was constructed in the 16th century by Bir Singh Ju Deo. Within the fort premises are Karak Bijli Toup (Tank), Rani Jhansi Garden, Shiv temple and a Mazar of Ghulam Gaus Khan, Moti Bai and Khuda Baksh.

Barua Sagar Fort : This fort is majestically placed amidst the bewitching landscapes. The fort offer panoramic view of an ancient lake called Barua Sagar Tal. This fort is about 25kms from Orchha. 

By Air : Gwalior is the nearest airstrip about 120 kms from Orchha.

By Bus : The city of Jhansi is well connected by regular tempos and buses from Orchha.

By Rail : Jhansi about 16kms from Orchha has the nearest railway station.