Orchha is a medieval town situated along the banks of the Betwa Rive and is elevated from the surrounding wooded countryside and approached by an arched bridge. The world ‘Orchha’ means hidden. Orchha was founded by the Bundela chief Raja Rudra Pratap in the 16th century as his capital. It remained the capital of the Bundela kings until the 18th century, when it was abandoned for Tikamgarh. Close-by, near the border of Madhya Pradesh, is Datia, site of the 7-storeyed palace of Bir Singh Deo. The temples and palaces of the Bundela rulers still retain their medieval grandeur. The palace walls are decorated with colourful frescoes executed in the manner of miniature paintings, and depict scenes from the popular legend of love between Radha and Lord Krishna. Masterpiece conceptions are the Ram Raja Temple, the only temple in India where devotees worship Lord Rama as a king, and Phool Bagh, an artificial cascade. Flight to Bhopal. capital of the province. Orcha's fort complex, approached by a multi-arched bridge, has three palaces set in an open quadrangle.The fortified cluster of dwellings, temples and shrines in Orchha bears testimony to a medieval legacy in stone. Not many people know about Orcha,reason being its a small town, bit off the beaten track but its amazingly beautiful. Once you get to Orcha its pretty hard to say bye to this town.
Major Sights
Palace Complex / Fort Complex
Located on a fortified island are three 17th Century palaces set in an open quadrangle. Divided into 3 parts, it consists of
•Jehangir Mahal
This palace was built by Raja Bir Singh Deo, to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir. Beautiful finely carved ochre sandstone with intricate floral and geometrical patterns.
•Raj Mahal
The builder Madhukar Shah was deeply religious and this is reflected in the Hindu murals on walls and ceilings inspired by the Ramayana, Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. Location of Hotel Sheesh Mahal is in a former guesthouse. The rooms are spread over several floors to separate males and females.
•Rai Praveen Mahal
Built for the poet and musician Rai Praveen, this palace is designed so that the height matched that of the trees in the surrounding gardens of Anand Mahal. Entry Charge
Ram Raja Mandir
This temple was originally built as a Palace. It is the only temple in India where Rama is worshipped as a king (Raja). There is a legend that Madhukar, Shah’s wife, brought a statue of the god which required a specially built temple to house it. When the Chatturbuj temple was ready the idol proved impossible to move so stayed in the Palace. (No bags, cameras, leather or fire arms inside)
Chatturbuj Mandir (Vishnu Temple)
This was the temple built to enshrine the image of Rama. Lotus emblems and other religious symbols provide exterior ornamentation. A climb up the dark corner staircases rewards with fantastic views.
Lakshmi Narayan Temple
On the hill is dedicated to Lakshmi, wife of Vishnu. The interior has well preserved murals. Palace complex ticket permits entry
Cenotaphs / Chhatris
14 Chhatries built as memorials to the rulers. Palace complex ticket permits entry
Sunder Mahal
This small palace, almost in ruins today is still a place of pilgrimage for Muslims. Dhurjban, son of Jhujhar, embraced Islam when he wed a Muslim girl at Delhi. He spent the latter part of his life in prayer and meditation and came to be revered as a saint.
Taragram
An environmentally friendly NGO employing local tribal women to make paper products from cotton scraps. Order greeting, XMAS, Birthday or business cards and these can be printed with your own designs in 4 hrs. Profits go towards the training and education of rural and tribal women.
Indian cooking class
Run by a local lady called Vandana in her house. Fantastic class, and worth taking. Easy to find her house in the town, ask anyone.
Rafting
If the river is flowing fast than Rafting can be done here, a very good option to go for. Conduct by Hotel Betwa Reterat, its a govt. run hotel. Situated on the bank of river opposite to Orcha resort. Contact betwa hotel for more details....
Transport
Orchha is not a big town and easy to walk around.
Shopping
There are plenty of small shops on the main crosssroad. Remember to BARGAIN.
‘Fake” bronze antiques and religious trinkets available. You might be lucky to uncover the occasional authentic piece.
Restaurants
These are a few suggestions:
Orchha Resort On the banks of Betwa River 5 stars - Indian/Continental ***
Betwa Cottages Opposite the Resort - Indian/Continental **
Sheesh Mahal In the Palace complex - Indian/Continental **
Ram Raja Restaurant Near the bridge on road to palace – Indian *
Bhola Restaurant In front of the post office, near the bridge - Indian *
Betwa Tarang Restaurant Above Bhola restaurant - Indian/Chinese/Continental **
* Cheap ** Standard *** Expensive
Other
Email : A few places around central crossroad area
Post At crossroad of town
ATM (Visa/MC) One SBI ATM on way to crossroad from River and now there is an another new ATM of Canara Bank.
Cash & T/C : Orchha Resort and Canara Bank will change major currencies
