#Orchha is a town in Niwari district of #MadhyaPradesh state, India. The town was established by Rudra Pratap Singh sometime after 1501, as the seat of an eponymous former princely state covering parts of central & north India, in the Bundelkhand region. Orchha is the erstwhile capital city of the #Bundela rulers. Orchha was founded in 1531 (the 16th century AD)[3] by the Bundela Rajput chief, Rudra Pratap Singh,[4] who became the first King of Orchha, The town is steeped in history and is famous for its palaces and temples built in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The architectural splendor of the monuments in Orchha reflects the glory of its rulers. Orchha meaning ‘hidden palace’ is a fascinating place and well worth a visit. There are relatively few tourists and only half-hearted hassle, it is a relaxing place to stay. Orchha is at a distance of 174 kms from #Khajuraho. Orchha lies on the Betwa River, 80 km from Tikamgarh & 15 km from Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh. #Adventure#junkies too can have a good time in Orchha who can experience #riverrafting and #boating in Betwa river.
Rafting in Betwa starts from the boat club, for which tickets are arranged at Hotel Sheesh Mahal and Betwa Retreat. #Tourism is centered around temples like the Chaturbhuj Temple that was built during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar, by the queen of Orchha, Ganesh Kunwar while Raj Mandir was built by ‘Raja Madhukar Shah’ during his reign, 1554 to 1591. The Ram Raja Temple is built on a square base and has an almost entirely plain exterior, relieved by projecting windows and a line of delicate domes along the summit.
The Jahangir Mahal is built on a rectangular base and is relieved by a circular tower at each corner surmounted by a dome, while two lines of graceful balconies supported on brackets mark the central stories. The Jahangir Mahal is considered to be a singularly beautiful specimen of Mughal architecture. Raja Mahal inside the Orchha Fort Complex, this 17th-century masterpiece is a great work of art. The windows and arcade passages of Raja Mahal are designed in such a way that sunlight entering the palace creates different temperatures and moods throughout the day.
There are many secret passages inside the palace too. The Ram Raja Temple has an intriguing history behind its formation. Legend says that idols of Lord Rama were to be installed in the Chaturbhuj Temple, but as the temple was under construction, the idols were kept inside the queen’s palace for the time being. Afterward, when people tried to shift the idols, they refused to move. Also worth visiting is the Rai Praveen Mahal, named after the Nightingale of Orchha, a famous singer, and poet in the court of king Indrajit Singh.
The king built this beautiful palace in honor for her queen. The palace has numerous picturesque scenes of Nritya Mudra, which are the poses and postures of Indian dance. Rai Praveen Mahal also has a Tope Khana or cannon foundry, which was used to guard the palace from any outside threat. Another place worth visiting is Phool Bagh is a garden complex that depicts the decorative architecture of the Bundelas. It has intricately designed fountains all around in an eight-pillar pavilion.
Sheesh, Mahal is a royal accommodation that was built by King Udait Singh and is now converted into a hotel. Numerous cenotaphs or chhatris dot the vicinity of the fort and the Betwa river. Elsewhere about the town, there is an unusual variety of temples and tombs, including the Chaturbhuj temple, which is built on a vast platform of stone.[1] The more unguarded and neglected of these buildings are popular hangouts for tropical bees, wasps, and other such excitable stinging creatures.
Well-connected road and rail with air connectivity provided by #Gwalior, Orchha is a must-visit place. There are several hotels and lodges beside the luxurious palace hotels that provide accommodation at reasonable rates. The tourist must try out the local food available at restaurants. Tourists can also visit the Orchha #wildlife sanctuary to watch wild animals and nature at its pristine best.
