Orchha is a beautiful town in Tikamgarh district in the Indian State of Madhya Pradesh. The Bundela ruler, Rudra Pratap Singh in the 16th century, founded it. It was once a princely city in Central India, but now it is a small town, featuring spectacular temples and palaces. It attracts many tourists every year by its peaceful beauty. If you are lucky, you can get a room in any of the palaces in Orchha and can make your trip unforgettable.

 

 

Temples in Orchha:

Orchha has many inspiring temples, Ram Raja temple is one among them. It was originally a palace, so the traditional temple style of architecture cannot be seen in it. King Madhukar Shah lived in that palace. There is an interesting story attached to it Lord Rama appeared in the dream of the king to keep the idol of Rama inside the palace. The king then converted the palace into a temple. You would be surely impressed by the marble tiled courtyard and the stunning architecture of this temple.

Laxmi Narayan temple is another excellent tourist attraction of Orchha. It displays a matchless blend of temple and fort style of architecture. It was built by Vir Singh Deo in the year 1622 and was reconstructed by Prithvi Singh in 1793. The frescos in the walls of this temple belong to Mughal and Bundel forms of art. They represent secular themes. The brilliant colors used to paint these frescos are remained. You can also see carvings made in geometrical pattern and various scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. Chaturbhaj temple is the most important attraction of Orchha. The main deity of this temple is Lord Vishnu in the form of Chaturbhuj, which means god with four arms. Raja Madhurkar built it during the period between 1558 and 1573. It features a large cross-shaped hall, in which the devotees of Krishna Bhakti Cult meet. The spiral shaped shikharas adorn the sanctum of this temple. Raja Madhurkar contributed a Kalasha made of 100 pounds of pure gold. However, some robbers stole it.

The outer walls of the Chaturbhuj temple in Orchha are adorned by religious symbols. The temple has plenty of ventilation and space. You need to climb a steep flight of stairs to reach the temple. Hanuman temple is another must see place in Orchha. Raja Sujan Singh built it in the year 1717. The style of temple architecture is much similar to south Indian style of architecture.

 

Palaces in Orchha:

• Raj Mahal:

Madhurkar Shah built raj Mahal in 17th Century. The outside wall of this palace is plain. The interiors are richly decorated with frescos that are brilliantly colored. The paintings depict variety of religious themes. The palace boasts of luxurious rooms that have elevated balconies. Fragmented mirrors on the ceilings and walls adorn the interiors.

• Jahangir Mahal:

Bir Singh Deo built the Jahangir Mahal in the 17th century, to honor the visit of the Mughal emperor Jahangir. The elaborate ritual gateway leads you to the façade. The east-facing portico is covered with gorgeous turquoise tiles that would not allow you to take your eyes off. The flight of steps leading to the main hall is guarded by two magnificent stone elephants, which held bells in their trunks. Jahangir Mahal is a three-storied structure that is famous for its elegant balconies, porches and rooms. The interiors are adorned with stunning paintings of flowers, peacocks and geometric patterns. The palace boasts of countless windows and pierced stone screens, so it receives abundant ventilation. Eight huge fluted domes top the roof of this palace. A beautiful balustrade connects the domes. It features a small archeological museum in the ground floor.

• Rai Praveen Mahal:

Rai Parveen Mahal is the most beautiful palace in Orchha. Raja Indramani built it for his lover Rai Praveen, who was a great poet and musician. She was popularly known as the nightingale of Orchha. The Mughal emperor Akbar once captured her, but the King was greatly moved by her purity of love and he sent her back to Orchha. This palace is a two-storied structure that is located amidst awe-inspiring landscapes. The garden in this palace attracts number of tourists. It is octagonal in shape and its lovely flowerbeds would surely impress you. Another inspiring part of this palace is the second floor, where you can see various Nrithya Mudras of Indian classical dance.

 

Other tourist attractions in Orchha:

• Phool Bagh:

Phool Bagh is an enjoyable garden belonging to the royal family of the Bundelkhand dynasty. They used this palace to spend hot summers. The garden reflects their rich taste and sense. The garden has vivid flowerbeds. You can see a gorgeous structure, which was built to commemorate the great spiritual soul of Hardaul, who gave up his life for his brother.

The most popular tourist attraction of this garden is Chandan Katora, which is a striking fountain. The Bhadon towers are other well-known attractions, which were built to keep the indoors cool.

• Sunder Mahal:

Sunder Mahal is another exquisite palace in Orchha. It is now an important pilgrim center for Muslims. There is an adoring love story attached to this palace. Prince Dhurbhajan built it in the year 1627. The prince fell in love with a Muslim girl and later changed to Islam. He spent the last part of his life as a saint. His residence Sunder Mahal became a holy place for Muslims then.

• Shahid Smarak:

Shahid Smarak is a memorial of the great freedom fighter Chandrasekhar Azad. He lived in Orchha during 1926 and 1927.

• Hardol Singh Samadhi:

Hardol Singh Samadhi is also an important memorial in Orchha. Hardol was born in 1608 and he was the most talented son of Raja Vir Singh. After his father’s death, his elder brother Jujhar Singh became the king. However, he suspected his brother Hardol, as he was the most courageous son of Vir Singh. Hardol organized a huge army against the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, when he was only 19. When Hardol defeated Shah Jahan, he entered into a conspiracy with his elder brothers and poisoned him. People of Orchha accepted Hardol as the gospel and thousands of devotees worship his Samadhi every year.

 

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