Explore Orchha: Overlooked Architectural Wonder in India
Do you ever wonder how it would feel if you could travel back in time?
No, we are not suggesting you something out of the science-fictions here. But have you ever considered traveling to Orchha? In this quiet town nestled by the banks of the Betwa river in Madhya Pradesh, time seems to have come to a standstill!
Orrcha does not find a place among the typical travel itineraries. Nor would you find its mention in the list of popular architectural wonders of India. Yet, those who love exploring offbeat travel destinations India are sure to be taken in by the grandeur of its ornate temples, stone palaces and fading murals.
Orchha tourism is the perfect fit for those who want to explore our country’s rich mediaeval past beyond the usual tourist circuits. Even for those who are interested in things beyond history, the picturesque town offers a captivating blend of gentle hills, sparkling lakes and quiet river banks, made richer by its grand past.
Read on as we breakdown one of the finest hidden gems in India and explore its best kept secrets!
A Brief History of Orrcha
Before we wander through the captivating destinations of Orrcha, let us pause and explore the rich history that has given this destination its regal splendor.
Orrcha, which literally means the “hidden place”, was founded in 1531 by Raja Rudra Pratap Singh. It may sound comparatively new among the historical towns in India, but it has been the background to some very dramatic chapters that are worth remembering even today.
While Raja Rudra Paratap Singh was the first one to establish the Bundela Dynasty in the throne of Orrcha, there is very little of his reign that could survive the rampages of time. The golden period of Orrcha history and architecture flourished under Raja Bir Singh Deo, who did not shy away from risks to establish a stronger hold over the region.
In fact, his keen interest in making himself an ally of the Mughal empire is reflected in rising spires and massive structures that marry the Islamic influences with Rajput architecture. Let us take a look at some of the top attractions where you can experience these unique styles and more.
Top Attractions in Orchha: A Walk Through Time
Jahangir Mahal
Believed to have been built as a celebration of Emperor Jahangir’s visit to the region, the Jahangir Mahal today occupies the center of Orrcha’s architectural marvel. Even a cursory look at it depicts how this Indo-Persian inspired palace tried to reflect the region’s acquaintance with the Mughal Empire.
Completed in 1598, this masterpiece features a three-storied edifice with luxurious halls, elegant porches and majestic balconies that offer a panoramic view of the surroundings. Do not miss the mighty elephant structures with bells on their trunk that greet you right at the main entrance known as the Hindola Dwar.
Even imagination fails when you think of how grand this palace must have looked in its heydays!
Raja Mahal
Standing just adjacent to the Jahangir Mahal complex is another captivating architectural wonder known as the Raja Mahal.
There is a sound reason that both these marvels feature among the top places to visit in Orchha. Here too you get to witness a different kind of fusion between Mughal and Rajput architectural styles, bringing you the best of Indian craftsmanship.
The walls are adorned by ornate murals, featuring memorable moments from Hindu mythology. The sheer size of the Durbar Hall can give you a fair idea of how powerful this empire was during its time. Do not miss out on noticing the finely carved pillars that has been supporting the Durbar Hall since ages.
No wonder this place is regarded both as a cultural and historical landmark.
Chaturbhuj Temple
As you wander through the mystical lanes of Orchha, you will be greeted by several ancient temples. Of course, most itineraries cannot cover all the temples. But if you want to experience the finest Orchha Temples, here is the one that you can start with.
Chatubhuj means “one with four arms”. As the name suggests, the temple is home to Lord Vishnu, who is known as the preserver god in Hindu mythology. This temple holds a unique place not just in Orchha but among all temples in India as it features one of the tallest spires among Hindu temples. Thanks to this stand-out feature, you can actually spot the temple even from miles away!
Ram Raja Temple
The only temple in India where Lord Rama is worshipped as a king, this temple in Orchha beckons both tourists and devotees. Interestingly Ram Raja Temple is also the only known temple in India where a God is given even the official guard of honour!
Referred in many places as the Orchha Temple, the complex exudes a sense of peace that is hard to miss. Architecturally, this temple too features the Indo-Islamic style that is an iconic hallmark of Orchha. The multi-storied structure is adorned with intricate carvings, a generous number of sculptures along with domes and turrets.
The site is immensely revered by the locals as on important religious place
Cenotaphs (Chhatris)
Lying by the northern bank of the Betwa dynasty, there is stretch of now forlorn monuments that literally immortalizes the rulers of this land. These are the cenotaphs of the Bundela dynasty, more popularly known as the Orchha chhatris.
Fourteen in number, these monuments were made in keeping with the Rajput tradition of building funeral monuments for important rulers. But if you imagine these chattris are similar to the airy and open structures you may have seen in Rajasthan, then you must definitely include this place among the things to do in Orchha.
The enclosed structures subvert the existing tradition and stand out as another unique feature of the place. Today some critically endangered vultures have sought home among these relics of the past. Do plan a trip to this place either at sunrise or sunset to experience the full magic of its riverside location.
Offbeat Experiences in Orchha
If you are someone who likes to escape the usual touristy trails, this section is especially for you! The Orchha off-beat experiences are steeped in the beautiful hues of nature, offer a deep insight into the local culture and leaves you with a tantalizing taste of the region’s flavours.
Not too far from the cenotaphs, the river Betwa flows offering a serene tranquility to all the visitors. Choose a quiet corner by its banks and lay out your picnic mats or set out for a boating session while enjoying the cool breeze from the river that flows all year long.
For nature lovers, there is another interesting attraction in Orchha that is in fact counted among the top adventure activities in Madhya Pradesh. You may have already guessed it by now we are referring to the Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary. Its deciduous forests are home to a wide variety of birds including Indian rollers, parakeets and peacocks. Do keep ample time with you when you are visiting here as spotting birds often takes a bit of luck and a lot of patience.
Apart from that there are several heritage walks Orchha and cycling trips that you can take both with established organizers or just by yourself as per your convenience. Though often ignored in most itineraries, we strongly recommend browsing through the local markets of Orchha for a true experience of the local culture. The Dokra metalwork are excellent souvenirs that you can bring back home!
Best Time to Visit Orchha
As Orchha lies in the semi-arid central plateau region of India, the best time to visit Orchha is from November to February when the temperature remains pleasant for your travels. While we strongly suggest our readers to avoid the unforgiving summer months, many off-beat travelers like to wager with the weather and visit the place during the monsoon months.
Another Orchha travel tip that we have for you is planning your trip during festivals such as Ram Navami, when you can enjoy the best of both the Orchha weather and its culture.
Getting to Orchha: How to Reach
Wondering how to reach Orchha?
Owing to its central location, Orrchha is well connected by road and rail, making this gem easily accessible to all its visitors. The nearest railway station is in Jhansi which is merely 15 km away, with regular trains from all major induna cities.
For those who may opt for a road journey, there are well-maintained highways that connect Orchha to major cities such as Gwalior, Khajuraho and Delhi. For travel to Orchha from Jhansi or local transportation, one can choose tuk-tuks and rental bikes which are easily available.
Where to Stay in Orchha
Orchha as a destination is comparable to the top Indian heritage sites. But what stands out is that this quiet town offers wide options for travelers of every budget. From luxury heritage stays in Orchha such as Amar Mahal and resorts to budget accommodation and homestays, you can choose one as per your convenience and travelling style!
Final Thoughts
Didn’t we say time travel is possible? A visit to Orchha can confirm that it is not merely a destination, it is truly an escape from the monotony of our fast-paced modern worlds! It is a place that beckons you to explore its many secrets at an unhurried pace and make memories that you can treasure just as much as the grand architecture! Have you been to Orchha already? Share with us your experiences in the comments below. Happy traveling😊
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