Welcome to Madhya Pradesh
the very heart of india
Orchha
Orchha’s opulence is well depicted by its spread out magnificent Palaces, Chhatris (Cenotaphs) and beautiful temples. Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chief captain Rudra Pratap. The location was selected by him along the Betwa river for his title of the subsequent rulers. Raja Bir Singh Deo was the most notable succeeding rulers. He built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal.
How to reach Orchha : Tour Enquiry
By Air : Khajuraho 170km and Gwalior 120 kms from Orchha are two nearest airport.
By Rail : The nearest railhead is Jhansi (20 Km)
By Road : Orchha is connected by regular buses with Satna, Harpalpur, Jhansi and Mahoba.
What to see at Orchha : Orchha’s fort complex,approached by a multi-arched bridge,has a set of three palaces in an open quadrangle. The most spectacular of these three are:
Jehangir Mahal : Built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th Century to honor the stay of Emepror Jehangir to Orchha. It’s well-built lines are compensated by delicate Chhatris and Trellis work. The art work represents an extraordinary richness.
Raj Mahal Situated to the right of the quadrangle this was built by Madhukar Shah, the deeply religious predecessor of Bir Singh Ju Deo. The plan exteriors crowned by chattries, give way to interiors with exquisite morals, boldly colorful, on a variety of relies themes.
Ram Raja Mahal Madhukar Shah’s wife once had a dream that she should install the idol of Lord Rama at Orchha, which she brought from Ayodhya. It was kept in the palace, now known as the Ram Raja Temple which is the only temple where Rama is worshipped as king.
Rai Praveen Mahal : Rai Praveen was the beautiful paramour of Raja Indramani (1672-76) and was a poetess and musician. She was sent to Delhi on the orders of Emperor Akbar, who was captivated by her. Emperor Akbar sent him back later as he was impressed by her love for Raja Indramani. The palace built for her is a low, two storied brick structure which is designed to match the height of the trees in the surrounding, beautifully landscaped gardens of Anand Mahal, with the octagonal flower beds and elaborate water supply system. Skillfully carved niches allow light into the Mahal which has a main hall and smaller chambers.
The other things to see at Orchha are Chaturbhuj temple, Laxminarayan temple, Phool Bagh, Diwan Haraul’s Palace, Sunder Mahal, Chhatris, Shahid Smarak. Tour Enquiry
Laxminarayana Temple The interior’s contains the most exquisite of Orchha’s, wall paintings covering the walls and ceiling of three halls, these murals are vibrant compositions and cover a variety of spiritual and secular subjects. They are in an excellent state of preservation with the colors retaining their vivid quality.
Chaturbhuj Temple : The temple with its wonderful improvised style, and its magnitude, dominates the town area of Orchha. As its name implies, it is dedicated to the “four armed” Vishnu and its layout visually reproduces these four arms. Built by Bir Sing Deo (1606-1627), the temple stands on a huge stone pedestal, about 15 ft high, reached by a large flight of steps leading up to a porch.
Chattries (Cenotaphs)
There are fourteen Chatrries or memorials to the rulers of Orchha grouped along the kanchan gaht of the river Betwa.
Sound and Light Show at Orchha : The sound and light show at Orchha is a thrilling experience. It takes you to the era gone by. It narrates the discovery of Orchha by a king on hunt and the rise and fall of the mighty kings, great battles, saucy romances and feats of valor. The show also gives you an interesting insight into the architecture, wall paintings and culture of Bundelkhand. Tour Enquiry
Best Season to visit Orchha : July to March.
We at Indian Excursion (Approved tour operator by Govt. of India) design and customizes tours for Orchha, Madhya Pradesh and rest of Indi as per ones needs, budget and requirements. You can directly email us at info@indianexcursion.in
