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Orchha is a town in Madhya Pradesh near the banks of Betwa river. The medieval city of Orchha seems to have frozen in time, its palaces and temples still retaining their original grandeur. Orchha had the distinction of being the capital of one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms of Central India. The Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, founded the city, located by the side of the beautiful Betwa River, in the 16th century. The word Orchha means 'hidden'. When the Tughlaqs, who were ruling Delhi in the 15th century, pushed the Bundelkhand rajas out of Garkhundar, they retreated to distant Orchha.
Orchha travel offers detailed information on the important tourist destinations, dinning and accommodation facilities and means of transportation of the town. Orchha is a small town in the Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh, which is situated at a distance of 120 kilometers from Gwalior and 178 kilometers from Khajuraho. The best time to visit Orchha is between October and March.
Orchha was founded in 16th century by Rudra Pratap, a Bundela chieftain. The rich historical legacy of the town is preserved in the beautiful stone sculptors and the ancient forts and buildings of the town. The travel to Orchha provides the tourists with an opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the town. One must tour Orchha to discover the rich architectural splendor of the town.
A travel to Orchha would take you to a scenic destination where austere hills rise in striking contrast with the lush green surrounding along the limpid flowing river Betwa. Tourist attractions in Orchha still retain much of their pristine charm.
History
The story of Orchha is associated with the local Bundela kings. it's a chequered history. The Bundela dynasty was founded by one in every of the local Rajput princes within the 11th century. Garkhurar was the sooner capital of the Bundelas.
The Bundelas ruled the central a part of India from Orchha, from 1531 to 1783. Raja Rudra Pratap moved the capital of the Bundelas to Orchha in 1531. The association of the Bundelas with the Mughals created many problems for the Bundelas.
Bir Singh Deo, the king of Orchha from 1605-27, got into dangerous trouble with the good Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1602, when he was linked to Prince Jahangir, the son of Emperor Akbar. Mughal forces virtually destroyed the state of the Bundelas.
However, matters changed in 1605, when Akbar died and Jahangir became the Mughal Emperor. In 1606, Emperor Jahangir visited Orchha. For the following 22 years until 1627, Bir Singh Deo had good relations with the Mughals.
When Shahjahan became the Mughal Emperor in 1627, Bir Singh resisted against the Mughals. However, this revolution was recorded by Aurangzeb, the then 13-year old son of Shahjahan. Though the Mughals destroyed the Bundelas, they recovered their lost empire. In 1783, the Bundela kings moved their capital to Tikamgarh.
Tourist Attractions
Here we can find list of prominent Orchha tourist attractions. One time capital of Bundelas (northern Madhya Pradesh), Orchha was main power center. Royal family was living here thus many construction work took place within Orchha and its surrounding areas. Broadly we can categorize Orchha tourist attractions as Cenotaphs, Temples, Fort, Palace, River bank and wildlife sanctuary. It means lot of variety in a small but magical tourist destination. It is best combination of nature and heritage tourism. Let us read about them. Cenotaphs : There are many Chhatris or Cenotaphs (empty tombs) built as homage to various rulers of Orchha. Chattris were located on the bank of Betwa river. In Hindu religion, Chhatri is built at the point where dead-body was cremated.
Raja Mahal: Raja Mahal was built by the Madhukar Shah in 17th century. Madhukar Shah is believed to be religious and there are many mural paintings on religious themes inside the palace.
Jahangir Mahal : It was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo and it is a fine example of Mughal architecture and Hindu architecture. It was made in honor of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, when he was visiting Orchha. Jahangir spend just one night in this palace.
Chaturbhuj Temple : Chaturbhuj Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the architecture is a blend of temple, palace and fort structures. It construction begun during reign of King Madhukar Shah and completed during rule of his son Vir Singh Deo. Its a massive structure built in main township, just close to boundary of Orchha fort complex.
Betwa River : The town of Orchha located on the banks of the Betwa river and it adds to the beauty of this heritage site. It is the lifeline of Orchha. Presence of river is the main reason for establishment of Orchha as a capital city. Here tourists can do rafting, subject to sufficient water-level.
Lakshmi Temple : The Lakshmi Temple is a unique architecture; a blend of fort and temple. The frescoes inside the temple are most amazing to see.
Ram Raja Temple : Ram Raja Temple in Orchha is a famous one; here Lord Rama is worshiped as a king and the temple is inside a palace. In all over India, we can find various Rama temples where Lord Rama is worshiped as God but their are very few place where Rama is worshiped as a King. This is the special feature of this temple.
Bir Singh Ju Deo Cenotaph : One can find cenotaphs for each ruler of Orchha. This one is dedicated to Bir Singh Ju Deo who ruled from 1605 - 1627 AD.
Mural Paintings : Mural painting inside Jahangir Mahal. Frescoes and mural paintings are a main part of the interiors of the buildings in Orchha complex.
Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary : It is a small wildlife sanctuary, located just across the Betwa river. Tourists can easily visit this wildlife sanctuary by paying entrance charges. Here we can find wild animals like Spotted Deer, Sambar, Jackal, Wolf, Birds etc. Form this wildlife sanctuary, we can have best picture of Orchha cenotaphs so carrying camera is highly recommended.
Best Time to Visit
Orchha is a heritage tourism destination so can be visited throughout the season. Still tourists have their own best time to visit Orchha. According to their personal choice and circumstances they decide when to visit any tourist destination. Here we have tried to offer some valuable information about all three seasons which will help tourists to decide their plan to visit. Summers of Orchha are extremely hot and exhausting due to rocky surrounding. Its a arid region and vegetation is poor which maked us feel more hot during tour. The temperature ranges from 23°C to 47°C in the months of March to June. A visit to Orchha is generally avoided during these months. July marks the beginning of Monsoon season in Orchha and lasts till September. The rains bring newness and rejuvenating greenery to the place. Winters approach Orchha in December and lasts till February. The climate is pleasantly cool and the temperature ranges from 9°C to 35°C. Winters are the apt season for sightseeing in Orchha. It is accessible to tourists for most time of the year. However, the best time to spend a fulfilling holiday in Orchha is during the winter time.
Madhya Pradesh Tourism got its name because of its geographical position, being located in the centre of India. However, it's tagline 'The Heart of Incredible India' has more to do with the fact that it houses facets of the whole of India into this state. From the historical monuments to modern amenities, culture, food and people- this state gives a taste of entire India packed within its geographical boundaries.
Madhya Pradesh is one of the few states that is surrounded by other states on all its sides. It lies in the plain regions of the country and occupies one of the oldest parts of the Indian Subcontinent which was once the land of the Gonds called the Gondwana. Every twelve years the grand fair of Kumbh Mela is organised here. Madhya Pradesh has some spectacular historical places in its region, of which a temple made of glass in Indore is quite famous. Ujjain, a sacred city for the Hindus, is a renowned place in the world as it is one of 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Madhya Pradesh is particularly famous for its Khajuraho temples which exhibit the erotic sculptures depicting the ancient India Kama Sutra text. The great Sanchi Stupa constructed during King Ashoka's reign is situated here in Bhopal. The Bandhavgarh National Park which houses the Barasingha and the Tigers reserve is also located here.
