Orchha is a town in Madhya Pradesh near 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.
Chaturbhuj Temple: Built upon a massive stone platform and reached by a steep flight of steps, the temple was specially constructed to enshrine the image of Rama that remained in the Ram Raja Temple. Lotus emblems and other symbols of religious significance provide the delicate exterior ornamentation. Within, the sanctum is chastely plain with high, vaulted walls emphasizing its deep sanctity. Find the hidden stairs to the roof for a view of the entire area. The young key-holder will unlock the door to the hidden stairs and take you up for some money and show you around which he supposed to do for free.
Ram Raja temple (closed during the afternoon): This is the center around which the life of Orchha revolves. The presiding Deity here is Lord Ram. The idols were meant to be installed in the magnificent Chaturbhuj temple, but when the idols, once kept on the ground(where they are today), refused to move. So a makeshift temple was built around it and is known as Ram Raja temple. It has an excellent courtyard, tiled with marble and the temple in pink and yellow colors, gives a bright look. No cameras or bags allowed inside.
Chhatris: There are 14 Chhatris or Memorials to the rulers of Orchha, grouped along the Kanchan Ghat of the river Betwa on the south end of town. You can climb up to the roof for views of the river.
A very small market starting from the main crossroads in the front of the ram raja temple where Handicraft, old coins, beaded chains, gemstones and Artifacts are being sold outside the Orchha fort complex. Locals comes here to sell their handmade products specially Bangles are very famous among foreign tourist. if you are good at bargaining, you can enjoy the shopping here.
There is a very good option for you for bathing in the river Betwa Local guide Anshu taking bath in the river Betwa. River rafting and toy ships are also available here for roaming into the river Betwa and seeing mesmerizing view of Orchha.
How to reach Orchha :-
From Agra,Delhi,Gwalior:- Take a train to Jhashi station, and then you have two options. The easier but more expensive option is you can hire a car or auto-rickshaw to Orchha which is 15KM away. By auto-rickshaw, it takes about 40 minutes; by car, 20 minutes. The listed price at the pre-paid taxi stand was 200 rupees, however, you’ll have to negotiate the price with the driver that you take. A cheaper way is to pile into one of the auto-rickshaws outside the train station which serve as a bus shuttle see if it’s going to the bus station, which should only cost 10 rupees this way. From the bus station there are other shuttle auto-rickshaws that head to Orchha for 20 rupees per person, though you might have to wait a few minutes till it leaves; they only go when full.
Good stay options are also available in Orchha. There are several free of cost Dharmshala for stay but they are not safe and lack of facilities are also there. so good option is that book hotel or room in resort of Betwa. There are various hotel listed on online booking portals. Orchha doesn’t have wine shops and chicken is also not allowed in this area.Best time to visit Orchha is from october to february.
If you are looking for a holiday trip that includes visiting Heritage places, shoppings, enjoying water sports welcome to the medieval city Orchha.
