Orchha
Orchha is located in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh state, in the central region of India. It is situated in the Tikamgarh district. This town was part of a princely state of central India, in the Bundlekhand region. It lies in the Malwa plateau of Madhya Pradesh. The Betwa river flows through this town. It is 15 km from Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh state, India.
History:
Orchha is the erstwhile capital city of the Bundela rulers of Madhya Pradesh. The town has an eventful history and it is famous for its palaces and temples built in 16th and 17th centuries. Orchha’s grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy of the ages.
Orchha has a chequered history. The Rajput Bundela chieftain Raja Rudra Pratap had chosen this town as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding Bundela Rulers Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo ruled Orchha between 1607 and1627 and he had a good relationship with Mughals in this period of time.
The main tourist attraction is the fort complex situated on an island in the river Betwa. This fort complex has a number of sightseeing spots within it. Travelers can reach this island fort complex through a four-arched bridge.
Jehangir Palace:
The important monument of this fort complex is the Jehangir Palace which was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to mark the Mughals’ visit. Its strong masonry is counter balanced by delicate chhatris and trellis work.
Raj Mahal:
This second important palace to be visited within the fort complex was built in 17th century by a deeply religious predecessor of Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo, named Madhukar Shah. The Raja Mahal has plain exteriors crowned by chhatris and its interiors have exquisite murals depicting religious themes.
Raj Parveen Mahal:
The third palace within this fort complex is the Raj Parveen Mahal, which was built in honor of a poetess-musician named Raj Parveen. This Mahal is a two- storeyed brick structure designed in such a way that its height matches with the trees surrounding it. The octagonal flower beds within it are quite fascinating. Orchha also has lots of temples to be visited.
Chaturbhuj Temple
This temple was constructed to enshrine the idol of Lord Rama that was originally installed in Ram Raja temple. Religiously significant symbols comprise its delicate exterior ornamentation.
Ram Raja Temple:
The temple with its soaring spires and palatial architecture is one of the most unusual in India. It is the only place in the country where Lord Rama is worshipped as the king.
Laxminarayan Temple:
The Laxminarayan temple is a unique blend of temple and fort architecture .Its interiors have very fascinating wall paintings. These murals encompassing a variety of religious and secular themes gives richness to the walls and ceilings of the temple.
Phool Bagh:
The Phool Bagh is a well-laid garden with fountains, pavilions etc. This was the place of relaxations for the erstwhile Bundela rulers. Orchha also has 14 chhatris built as memorials to its rulers. They are situated on the banks of river Betwa.
The nearest railhead is Jhansi, located in the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai rail routes. Most trains stop here.
History:
Orchha is the erstwhile capital city of the Bundela rulers of Madhya Pradesh. The town has an eventful history and it is famous for its palaces and temples built in 16th and 17th centuries. Orchha’s grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy of the ages.
Orchha has a chequered history. The Rajput Bundela chieftain Raja Rudra Pratap had chosen this town as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding Bundela Rulers Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo ruled Orchha between 1607 and1627 and he had a good relationship with Mughals in this period of time.
The main tourist attraction is the fort complex situated on an island in the river Betwa. This fort complex has a number of sightseeing spots within it. Travelers can reach this island fort complex through a four-arched bridge.
Jehangir Palace:
The important monument of this fort complex is the Jehangir Palace which was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to mark the Mughals’ visit. Its strong masonry is counter balanced by delicate chhatris and trellis work.
Raj Mahal:
This second important palace to be visited within the fort complex was built in 17th century by a deeply religious predecessor of Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo, named Madhukar Shah. The Raja Mahal has plain exteriors crowned by chhatris and its interiors have exquisite murals depicting religious themes.
Raj Parveen Mahal:
The third palace within this fort complex is the Raj Parveen Mahal, which was built in honor of a poetess-musician named Raj Parveen. This Mahal is a two- storeyed brick structure designed in such a way that its height matches with the trees surrounding it. The octagonal flower beds within it are quite fascinating. Orchha also has lots of temples to be visited.
Chaturbhuj Temple
This temple was constructed to enshrine the idol of Lord Rama that was originally installed in Ram Raja temple. Religiously significant symbols comprise its delicate exterior ornamentation.
Ram Raja Temple:
The temple with its soaring spires and palatial architecture is one of the most unusual in India. It is the only place in the country where Lord Rama is worshipped as the king.
Laxminarayan Temple:
The Laxminarayan temple is a unique blend of temple and fort architecture .Its interiors have very fascinating wall paintings. These murals encompassing a variety of religious and secular themes gives richness to the walls and ceilings of the temple.
Phool Bagh:
The Phool Bagh is a well-laid garden with fountains, pavilions etc. This was the place of relaxations for the erstwhile Bundela rulers. Orchha also has 14 chhatris built as memorials to its rulers. They are situated on the banks of river Betwa.
The nearest railhead is Jhansi, located in the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai rail routes. Most trains stop here.
