Orchha Travel Guide

Relaxed Village with Palaces Aplenty

Ratings:

5 out of 5 (1 votes)

Reviews:

1   Add your review

Orchha, which means ‘hidden’ was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, who chose this stretch of land along the Betwa river as an ideal site for his capital. It was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the wonderful tiered palace that is the Jehangir Mahal. Large and impressive cenotaphs were built by the Bundela rulers to remember their dead and these grace the area too.

Today there are few shops a handful of hotels and restaurants and though the population is around 9000 Orchha remains a village.

Attractions in Orchha

The Jehangir Mahal was built in the 17th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha whilst the Raj Mahal’s plain exterior is crowned by chhatris; inside are exquisite murals. Other attractions include the Rai Parveen Mahal a low, two-storeyed brick structure designed to match the height of the trees in the beautifully landscaped gardens, the Chaturbhuj Temple set upon a massive stone platform, the Laxminarayan Temple which contain the best of Orchha's wall paintings and much more.

Activities in Orchha

Allow at least 2 nights in Orchha if you have the time. The area is littered with great things to see as well as being a lovely place to relax. It’s a great place to walk and the countryside is unspoilt as well as the more usual guided sightseeing tours of the famous buildings.

Relaxing

Go for a walk along the Betwa River in late afternoon – monkeys and birds in the trees, kids on bikes returning from school and the peace of the riverbank. Unbeatable.

Getting Around

Orchha is tiny – get around on foot.

Orchha Reviews