Orchha
Orchha Travel Guide
About Orchha
Orchha, a historic town in the Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh, India, blends medieval architectural beauty with village charm. Founded in the 16th century by Bundela Rajput ruler Rudra Pratap, Orchha served as the capital of the Bundela dynasty. The town is famous for its stunning palaces, temples, and cenotaphs along the Betwa River.
Best Time to Visit Orchha
The best time to visit Orchha is from October to March when the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 27°C. The Ram Raja Temple festival, celebrated with great enthusiasm, takes place during this period. Summers (April to June) can be extremely hot, while monsoons (July to September) bring heavy rainfall, making travel difficult.
Places to Visit in Orchha
Orchha Fort
Built in the 16th century, this fort complex houses significant structures like Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal.
Chaturbhuj Temple
Famous for its grand 9-foot idol of Lord Vishnu, this temple showcases remarkable architecture.
Ram Raja Temple
India’s only temple where Lord Rama is worshipped as a king, making it a unique religious site.
Rai Praveen Mahal
A beautiful palace built by Raja Indrajit Singh for his beloved Rai Praveen, now a popular attraction.
Betwa River
Offers picturesque views of Orchha and is ideal for peaceful walks along its banks.
Phool Bagh
A stunning garden complex featuring fountains, trees, and flowers, built by Raja Bir Singh Deo.
Laxminarayan Temple
A temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its intricate carvings and stunning murals.
Palki Mahal
A historic palace built for the queen to witness processions, now a heritage hotel.
Dauji ki Haveli
A beautifully preserved haveli featuring exquisite frescoes and paintings.
Sound and Light Show
A fascinating evening show at Orchha Fort that narrates the town’s history and legends.
Things to Do in Orchha
- Explore the grand Orchha Fort and palace complex.
- Visit the Chaturbhuj Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Admire the stunning murals inside Raj Mahal.
- Take a scenic boat ride on the Betwa River.
- Witness the unique worship at Ram Raja Temple.
- Visit the iconic Cenotaphs (Chhatris) dedicated to Orchha’s rulers.
- Experience the Sound and Light Show at Orchha Fort.
How to Reach Orchha
By Air
The nearest airport is Gwalior Airport, about 140 km away. Taxis and buses are available for travel to Orchha.
By Train
The closest railway station is Jhansi, 18 km away. From Jhansi, taxis and buses provide easy connectivity to Orchha.
By Road
Orchha is well-connected by road to major cities like Jhansi, Gwalior, Khajuraho, and Bhopal. Regular buses and taxis are available.
Distance from Orchha to Khajuraho
Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its intricately carved temples, is approximately 172 km from Orchha.