About Orchha
18
km southeast of Jhansi, Orchha stands on the banks of the river Betwa.
Orchha was the erstwhile capital of the Bundela rulers. Orchha is like an
architectural jewel in the state of Madhya Pradesh. A Rajuput leader Rudra
Pratap began the construction of Orchha but unfortunately, he could not
complete it as he was killed in his attempt to rescue a cow from the
clutches of a tiger. Today Orchha is an exquisite village of beautifully
painted houses, bustling market places and splendid Govenrment hotels.
Climate
Orchha has a temperate climate. Summers extend from April to June and are
not too hot. November to February is the winter time and the weather during
this period is cool and pleasant. Southwestern monsoons arrive in
July-September. October to March is the best time to visit Orchha.
Major Attractions
» The Raj Mahal - The construction of the Raj Mahal
was initiated by Rudra Pratap and completed by his successor Madhukar Shah.
There are two rectangular courtyards inside the palace. The second courtyard
is more sensational in appearance.
» The Jehangir Mahal - The Jehangir Mahal was
built by Bir Singh Deo to commemorate the visit of the Mughal emperor
Jehangir to the place. Erected in the 17th century, the palace has ornate
gateway and the frontage is encrusted with turquoise tiles. The stairway
bears two stone elephants holding bells in their trunks to announce the
arrival of the emperor. The palace is a three-storied structure and consists
of balconies, terraces and apartments.
» The Rai Praveen Mahal -
The Rai Praveen Mahal was built by Raja Indramani for his concubine in mid
1670s. The palace is a two-storied brick apartment. The palace is set amid
the lawns of the Anand Mahal Gardens. This beautiful structure lies to the
north of the Seesh Mahal.
» The Sheesh Mahal -The Sheesh Mahal was built
during the early 18th century. The palace was erected as an exclusive
country retreat for Raja Udait Singh. After India gained her independence,
the property was inherited by the State Government. The Mahal stands between
the Raj Mahal and the Jehangir Mahal.
» The Chhatris or the Cenotaphs - The Chhatris were
built traditionally in memory of the former Bundela rulers. The cenotaphs
wear a magnificent look when viewed from the opposite bank of the river
Betwa. The full reflection of these cenotaphs in the Betwa is simply
stupefying.
Shopping
The town of Orchha is paved with numerous shops, stalls and markets. The
Square in Orchha is a popular point for transaction of business in the open
air market. Various beautiful handicrafts and souvenirs can be had at the
shops and stalls.
Accommodation
Talking about accommodation, Sheesh Mahal can prove to be a fabulous one.
The Mahal has a restaurant as well. One can also find beautiful Betwa
cottages by the Betwa river. There are even CPWD and Irrigation Department
guest houses. The only 5-star hotel in Orchha is the Orchha Resort.
How To Reach
» Air - Gwalior, which is located at a distance of
25 km from Orchha, is the nearest airport.
» Railway - Jhansi railway station is just 18 km
away from Orchha. Jhansi is located on the main Delhi-Mumbai and
Delhi-Chennai route.
» Road - Orchha lies on the Jhansi-Khajuraho Road.
There are regular bus services from Jhansi to the other major parts of
Madhya Pradesh.
