Orchha is a town in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh. It was founded by Bundela Chief, Rudra Pratap Singh in 15th century. He is the first king of Orchha. This place is most famous for Chhatris, Palaces, and temples. Orchha means hidden. Before it was founded it was covered in Bundelkhandi. So it was named as Orchha. People believe that Lord Ram is their emperor. They say that during the regime of Lord Ram in the day time he rule Ayodhya and during the night time he comes to Orchha.
What to see in Orchha :
Fort complex: This is most important place to visit by every person. It consists of Rai Parveen Mahal, Jehangir Mahal, and Raj Mahal. Architecture on these Mahals is so beautiful. Jehangir Mahal was built to welcome Jehangir to Orchha. Raj Mahal was built by Madhukar Shah in 17th century with crowned Chhatris and Plain exteriors.
Phool Bagh: This is the summer recreation to the kings of Orchha. As a memorial for the prince of Orchha this was built. It is eight pillared palace. Fountains in the middle of the palace are so attractive.
Ram Raja Temple: Here Lord Ram is worshipped as King. Once in this place, Palace was built by Madhukar Shah Ruler. It is believed that one day Lord Rama came in his dream and said not to remove the temple. So it is again reconstructed.
Laxmi Narayana Temple: This is the largest temple in Orchha. It is the combination of Fort and temple structures. Laxmi Narayana Temple was built by Vir Singh Deo in 1622.
Sunder Mahal: This is one of the attractions of Orchha. Sunder Mahal says the lover story of Prince Dhurbhajan (Hindu) with a Muslim lady. Architecture of this Mahal is so attractive.
Jujhar Singh Palace: This one of the 9 palaces built for Nauchauki by his father King Vir Singh Dev. It is in rectangular shape.
What to see around Orchha:
Cenotaphs: In the memory of Orchha rulers 14 Chhatris were built here. It is located 4kms away from Orchha.
Datia: It is locate 41kms away from Orchha. This place is famous for Buglamukhi Devi Temple, Jain centre, Sonagiri, Gopeshwar Temple, Shri Peetambra Devi Temples.
Rai Parveen Mahal: It is located 3kms away from Orchha. This was constructed in 1670 by Raja Indramani. It is dedicated to Poetess Rai Parveen.
Jhansi: A fort on a top of Bangira hill most famous here. This was the capital of Rani Laxmibai. From this place she led first war of independence against Britishers in 1857.
Getting to Orchha: This place is well connected with Khajuraho, Gwalior, and Jhansi through roadways. Government buses, private buses, Taxis are available to reach Orchha. Jhansi is the nearest railway station. This place is well connected with Bhopal, Lucknow, Jammu, Pune, Ahmedabad, Indore, etc… Nearest airport is located at Gwalior.
Getting around Orchha: Buses, taxis, autos are available to visit the surrounding places of Orchha.
Best time to visit Orchha: Best time to visit this place is between October to March.
Where to stay in Orchha: All type of hotels such as budget hotels, midrange hotels, luxury hotels are available. Some resorts along with backwater resorts are also available. Best hotels in Orchha are Amar Mahal Hotel, Bundelkhand Riverside, The Orchha Resort, and Sheesh Mahal.
Where to eat in Orchha: Limited restaurants are available. Almost all the restaurants serve only vegetarian food. Very few restaurants offer non-vegetarian. Continental, Chinese and Indian cuisines are available.