As per history, Bundela Chief Rudra Pratap Singh founded Orchha in 16th century. Orchha was occupied by Mughals between1635 to 641. In 1783, Tikamgarh became the capital of Orchha state. This Tikamgarh is todays Tehri. It was Maharaja Pratap Singh who contributed to the development of Orchha state. This small kingdom was merged with Union of India in 1950, after India’s Independence, making Orchha a part of Vindhya Pradesh State, which later became part of Madhya Pradesh State in 1956. Orchha now is reduced to a thin population. However, the Madhya Pradesh government has taken care to protect the rich architectural heritage of Orchha. Best For:
Forts
Temples
Architectural Heritage
Summer is hot in Orchha where the temperature reaches a maximum of 47.7 degree centigrade with a minimum of 24.9 degree centigrade, making it warm even in the nights. Winter experiences a maximum temperature of 24.5 degree centigrade and nights are cooler. Minimum temperature in winter reaches a low of 9.1 degree centigrade. Average rainfall in Orchha is around 40 inches.
Best time to visit: October to March
The hotels may accept Credit cards. The place is small and there is not much to spend at except for the smaller shops. Hence, it is advisable to carry cash in Indian Rupees.
Apart from the Visa to enter India, no special documents are required to go around Orchha.
By road To reach Orchha, take a diversion from the Jhansi-Khajuraho road. Orchha is just 16 Kms away from Jhansi and lot of buses ply from Jhansi to Orchha. One can hire a taxi as well. By air Orchha has no airport. However, Gwalior which is 119 kms from Orchha has an airport and flights connect to Delhi, Bhopal, Indore and Mumbai. Another airport is at Khajuraho170km away and is connected with Delhi, Agra and Varanasi By rail Orchha has no railway station either. The nearest railway station is the Jhansi railway station, which is 16km away from Orchha.
Orchha has lot of places to visit. The tourist itinerary generally starts with the visit to the fort complex. There are three palaces of 17th century in this fort complex on the island over the Betwa river. Jehangir Mahal is rich with its umbrella shaped domes. This fort houses an archaeological museum. Another palace is Raj Mahal with interiors of exquisite murals. The third palace is Rai Parveen Mahal with beautiful gardens.
There are many temples in Orchha. Some of them are Chaturbhuj Temple, Ram Raja Temple, Laxminaryan Temple etc.
There are 14 Cenotaphs along the Kanchan Ghat of river Betwa. Phool Bagh or the Flower Garden
Where To Eat:There are some good hotels with 3 star facilities. One can stay there and eat as well. Even if one is not staying there, restaurants facilities can be availed. Many other small hotels are located near Ramji Mandir. One can enjoy good food in the Sidhartha Hotel rooftop-restaurant. Orchha Resort on the river bank offers excellent food. One can enjoy the royal dinners in the open at the Sheesh Mahal in the fort.
Where To Stay: Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development offers good accommodation for tourists at Rest Houses at Jhansi and Orchha. One can contact the tourism department for reservations. The Orchha Resort and Sheesh Mahal are good options . You can also try Betwa Cottages and Amar Mahal if you want to spend less.
The nearest interesting place is Jhansi, which also has historic importance. Other popular destination to cover from Orchha is Khajuraho.
