Among the various tourist places in Madhya Pradesh, Orccha stands out for many reasons. The once upon a time historical capital of the Bundela Rajput Kings, the city has a story to say in every nook and cranny. The main medium through which the history of the city is spoken out to its tourists is its ancient monuments and forts; one can delve into India’s rich past of glorious times by simply visiting these places.
Besides, Orchha is a city that is resplendent with hills and lush greenery, where you can capture Nature in her full mirth and exuberance. So before you plan a trip to this historic wonderland, here are some of the popular must-visit tourist spots in Orchha:
Jhansi Fort- You must have heard the popular tale of the fierce ‘Jhansi ki Rani’ in Indian history. This fort is now a remnant of the times when the erstwhile heroine fought some of the most dangerous battles. It was built nearly four centuries ago and occupies an area about 49 acres. The fort stands proudly as an example of intelligent architecture and is regarded as one of the best protected areas in India. There is also a museum inside this fort that has some spectacular sculptures giving an informative insight about Bundelkhand’s history.
Chaturbhuj temple- Let us shift to the spiritual aspect of Orchha in the olden times. Built in the 17th century by the Bundela Rajput kings, this temple is a brilliant piece of architecture that is no less than a fort! The temple is of an impressive height with the topmost floor giving you a fabulous view of the entire city of Orchha.
Orchha fort- When you will first see this fort, you may initially think it to be a replica of the Edinburgh Castle in UK! But that is not true; it is yet another popular fort in Orchha that is breathtakingly beautiful. Situated on the Betwa River, this magnificent structure has many temples and palaces inside it. The main component parts of this fort are the Raj Mahal, Jahangir Mahal and Rai Parveen Mahal. Each of these Mahals has its own specialty- If asked which one is the most historic monument in the history of forts in Orccha, Raj Mahal is the clear winner! Rai Parveen Mahal is the palace that was dedicated to a woman named Rai Parveen; King Indramani was so allured to her charm and beauty that he built this palace in her name, almost like the story behind Taj Mahal (Shah Jahan built it for Mumtaz). Jahangir Mahal is especially noted for its balconies and the enticing view of Orchha from them.
Orchha wildlife sanctuary- Like any other sanctuary, Orchha wildlife sanctuary is also a reserve, sheltering various species of animals and birds. Besides, this sanctuary is also one of the most popular tourist spots in Orchha. Built in 1994, animals like sloth bear, langur, tiger, blue bull and others find peaceful shelter here. This place is also home to more than 200 species of birds, including migratory birds like black swan, kingfisher, quail and many more. Apart from being blessed with abundant flora and fauna, the beauty of Orchha wildlife sanctuary lies in the flowing waters of River Betwa, that completes the beauty of this place.We recommend an evening visit here as the scenic beauty of the sunn setting down behind the Chattris ( cenotaphs ) is a photographer’s delight.
Chattris- Chattris are actually cenotaphs or opulent tombs of the earlier Indian kings. The chattris don’t look like any ordinary tombs so at your first glance, you might mistake it as any other royal Orchha fort! These royal structures are many in number and are built on the banks of Betwa. You can get the best view of the Chattris and gaze at their beauty, if you stand on the bridge that is on the opposite side of the river.
Conclusion- Connect with i4u Travel Services,the Madhya Pradesh Tourism specialist for your holiday requirements for Orchha.
