Orchha is literally means "hidden place", a small town enshrouded in dhak forests, is essential stop en route to or from Khajuraho. The place is a former capital of the Bundela Rajas and remains an architectural gem, 18km southeast of Jhansi. The place is embellished with desolate temples, palaces and chhatris in midst of jungle. Clustered around the foot of the exotic ruins, the sleepy village of nearly painted houses, market stalls and a couple of attractive hotels makes an excellent spot to unwind after the hassle of northern cities.


It was the capital of Bundela rajas from the 16th century to 1783. The most prominent one is Bir Singh Deo who ruled the place from 1605 to 1627 and established massive Jhansi Fort. Bir Singh also built Jehangir Mehal to please Mughal emperor. Orchha witnessed blood, war and sacrifice of the Rajputs of the Bundela dynasty, who ruled over Orchha for over two centuries. Orchha became a symbol of love and valor and evolved as a stronghold of Rajputs dynasty. It is also believed that Rajput prince intended to sacrifice their life to goddess Vindhyavasini.

Sights And Activities

Palaces
Its quite an amazing thing to observe numerous monuments sprang up in a small town. The 17th century, Jehangir Palace is perhaps the most beautiful one. It represent a zenith of medieval Islamic architecture. Raj Mahal whose rooms are decoarted with painted Rama, Krishna and Orchha royalty wrestle, hunt, fight and dance across the walls and ceilings. Downhill more smaller mahals are no more diminutive. Raj Praveen Mahal and Palki Mahal are two palaces adorned with beautiful garden compound.

Chatturbhuj Temple
For some people Chatturbhuj temple is the greatest attraction of Orchha, located right opposite the Raja Mahal. Chatturbhuj means four arms and the temple is dedicated to four armed deity. It is little unlikely to other Hindu temple as there is enough space inside the main sanctum.

The Phool Bagh Garden
It is located beside the Palki Mahal, stand memorial to Dinman Hardol son of Bir Singh Deo who died to prove his innocence to his elder brother Jhujhar.

Nature Walk At The bank Of River
Apart from usual palace, temple sightseeing, strolling on the bank of river Betwa can't be dismissed. The city Orchha was founded on the bank of this river and all the monuments dotting the landscape on either side of the river.

Bundel School Of Paintings
Bundela paintings are one of the most vibrant arts of India. If you are a big aficionado of Indian paintings, this is the place. The exterior and interior of the temples are embellished with vibrant murals covering a wide variety of religious and secular themes.

Rafting And Trekking
MP tourism organise river rafting. Also you can trek down 12km track loops through the 45 sq km national park. it's entered on the far side of the bridge southeast of town.

Temple Sightseeing
There are three temples: Ram Raja Temple, Chatturbhuj Temple and Lakshmi Narayan Temple.