Majestic Orchha

realise your childhood fantasy – travelling back in time!

Palaces, Forts & Temples

RudraPratap, the Bundela Rajput Chief, established Orchha in the sixteenth century. He chose a parcel of land on the banks of Betwa River for his capital. Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo was among the most remarkable rulers who constructed a palace Jehangir Mahal which was crowned by the elegant Chhatris.

One can get a spectacular view of cenotaphs and rising spires of temples. In Raj Mahal and Lakshmi Narayan Temple, several vivid murals having several secular and religious themes, make the ceilings and walls alive.

There are some memorials and little shrines which strewn along the areas with emotional and distinct history in each, have timeless appeal and old world charm. The ancient town seems frozen in time, with its many monuments continuing to retain their original grandeur even to this day. Here you will find some of the most fascinating temples and palaces that will help you realize a childhood fantasy – travelling back in time ! A relaxed evening on the banks of the Betwa glides you to Paradise.

Orientation

Orchha combines the architectural beauty of a medieval town with the secluded charm of a village. It was once the capital of the Bundelas; Raja Rudra Pratap chose this striking site, which was easy to defend from its strategic position, after the abandoned his former capital at Gard Kundhar.

The enchanting citadel of Orchha, rising regally over the flat Bundelkhand countryside, is all of 500 years old. Its picturesque setting on an artificial island on River Betwa makes it a must-visit destination on any tourist itinerary.

Apart from the fort`s historicity, the tiny Orchha village itself is a quaint riverside vacation spot and seems infused with an air of romantic nostalgia. In addition to the fort, the Bundela royal dynasty was also responsible for getting temples as well as cenotaphs builts here. These atmospheric monuments – now in various states of disrepair – make for an impressive collection and a pleasure to roam about in. Orchha also has facilities for rafting. Everything in Orchha is pretty much at walkable distances. The village`s main street is flanked by houses, many with tidy white borders and neatly swept verandahs. Beyond the village, a road leads to the River Betwa where a small bridge spans its waters. As the Betwa, which flows from Bhopal, traverses a largely non-industrial countryside, it is fairly blue and clean here. You are likely to see washed saris as well as turbans belonging to pilgrims spread out on the riverside rocks for drying. Across the river bridge is a protected forest a delightful patch of green on the gushing river, with siblime views of the Bundela cenotaphs. To the lefa, a path meanders through the woods to the confluence of the Betwa with River Jamuni.