10 Tourist Spots and Attractions in Orchha You Must Visit!
Orchha is a beautiful heritage town. There are many tourist attractions in Orchha that should feature on your must-visit list!
Orchha lies on the banks of the Betwa River, on the Jhansi – Khajuraho road. It is approx. 16 – 18 km from Jhansi in Madhya Pradesh, India.
A look at this culturally rich town and you will see glimpses of its significant history, architecture, and splendour, which is evident till today.
LOVE FOR ORCHHA
Therefore, it is the reason Orchha is quite popular with tourists who are drawn to Orchha’s memorable tourist spots. And they are awestruck by its beautiful palaces, temples, forests, and the Betwa River.
History Revisited: Orchha’s Architecture, Forts and Temples
The Bundela Rajput Chieftain Rudra Pratap founded Orchha around the 16th century. And the then ruling Bundela dynasty had it as the capital city.
Here are some tourist attractions in Orchha you should check out if you are planning a trip to Orchha.
WHAT TO SEE IN ORCHHA?
Popular Tourist Spots and Places to See in Orchha, Khajuraho, MP
The Jehangir Mahal, Orchha
Built in the 17th century, the Jehangir Mahal is an important historical monument. Bir Singh Deo built it to welcome the Mughal Emperor Jehangir to Orchha.
The most striking feature of this Mahal is its beautiful entrance. For example, its facades are covered with turquoise tiles, innumerable windows, terraces, onion-shaped domes, and spacious balconies.
Raj Mahal, Orchha
Known for its beautiful murals, the Raj Mahal is part of the Orchha Fort Complex. It is a strong reminder of Indian religious beliefs.
Rai Parveen Mahal, Orchha
Beautified by green and lush gardens, the Rai Parveen Mahal is an architectural dedication to the well-regarded poetess and musician of the 17th century.
Sunder Mahal, Orchha
Today, a pilgrimage site, the Sunder Mahal became the residence of the Prince of Jhujhar after he married a Muslim girl and converted to Islam.
Ram Raja Temple
If you do not visit the Raja Ram Temple, your trip to Orchha is incomplete. Because here Lord Rama is worshipped as a King. According to legend, the temple was earlier a palace of the ruler Madhukar Shah.
LOOKING BACK
Lord Rama appeared in the ruler’s dream, after which Madhukar Shah brought an idol of Lord Rama into his palace.
However, to everyone’s amazement, the idol did not move from its original place when it was time to install the idol within a temple. Shah realised that Lord Rama had indicated that the idol would remain in its original place (where it was first kept).
Hence, the palace turned into a beautiful temple. And till date, it is a revered sacred shrine. Thousands of devotees come here to pray to Lord Rama.
Dinman Hardaul’s Palace in Orchha
Just like all other palaces and monuments in Orchha, the Dinman Hardaul’s Palace, too, has a rich history and past that evokes tremendous interest among visitors and tourists.
Hardaul was a saintly prince after whom the palace was built.
Laxminarayan Temple
This is an architectural masterpiece connected with the Ram Raja Temple. And it stands out for its attractive wall paintings and murals.
Chaturbhuj Temple
The temple was originally built on a large stone platform for the installation of Lord Rama’s idol. However, after the installation of the idol, the temple became home to a four-armed God, Chaturbhuj.
Phool Bagh
As is evident from its name, the Phool Bagh is a beautiful flower garden. It served as a comfortable and beautiful resting place for the Bundela rulers. Incidentally, it is next to the Palki Mahal in the city of Orchha in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh.
In addition, there are lovely fountains as well as pavilions at the Phool Bagh.
Chhatris
If you are in Orchha, do visit the 14 Chhatris, created in memorial of the rulers who left their mark on Orchha town. You will find these famous Chhatris near the Kanchan Ghat on River Betwa.
Some other palaces in Orchha include the Sheesh Mahal, now converted into a hotel.
Some places to stay in Orchha include small hotels run by the Government, guest houses and the Bundelkhand Riverside hotel which is one of the finest hotels here.
HOW TO REACH ORCHHA IN MADHYA PRADESH?
Orchha is well connected by road, rail, and air. Gwalior and Khajuraho are the nearest airports. The Railway junction is at Jhansi.
IN CONCLUSION
A visit to Orchha in Madhya Pradesh, India promises to be a wonderful experience, especially if you are a history or architecture enthusiast.
Have you visited Orchha? Tell us about your experiences!
Are you looking for a talented and experienced travel writer? Write to us