A Tour of Orchha

Orchha is a city frozen in time. It was founded by the Bundela Chieftain, Raja Rudra Pratap in the 16th century. He and the succeeding rulers of Orchha commissioned the construction of many beautiful palaces and temples here in the 16th and 17th century.

Orchha has three beautiful palaces within its fort complex. The Jahangir Mahal was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to commemorate the visit of Mughal emperor Jahangir to Orchha. The Raj Mahal was built by Madhukar Shah, the deeply religious predecessor of Bir Singh Ju Deo. The plain exteriors of this are surprisingly in contrast with the exquisite interiors laden with murals on a variety of religious themes.

The Rai Parveen Mahal was built for Rai Praveen, a poetess and musician, who was the beautiful paramour of Raja Indramani (1672-76). This palace is a low two-storeyed brick structure.

Orchha also has tall spired temples. The Ram Raja Temple, with its soaring spire and palatial architecture, is surely one the most unusual in India. It is also the only temple in the country where Lord Rama is worshipped in the form of a King.

The Chaturbhuj Temple, built upon a massive stone platform, has beautifully carved exteriors with lotus emblems and other symbols of religious significance.

You will also visit the Laxmi Narayan Temple which is an interesting synthesis of fort and temple moulds. The interior contains the most exquisite of Orchha's wall paintings, which have been excellently preserved.

The lovely town also has 14 beautiful Chattris (cenotaphs) or memorials to the rulers of Orchha, lined up on the Kanchana Ghat of the River Betwa.