Relive the 14the century by visiting the city of myths and tales: Orchha

The literal meaning of the word Orchha is “Hidden Place.” This name has most rightly been given to this city, which is located in the Tikamgarh district in Madhya Pradesh, as it is hidden deeply amongst the dark Dhak woods In the Bundelkhand region, once a seat of a former princely state Orchha was considered to be a very prominent place. This town was founded by the great Bundela chief Rudra Pratap in the year of 16th century. Rudra Pratap later on became the first Raja of Orchha.

The accessibly to Orchha has been improved over time. If one wishes to reach Orchha through airways then the airline could be taken up to the nearest airport which is in Khajuraho. However if one wishes to reach this place through railways then a train could be taken to the nearest railway station, Jhansi, which is very important railway station of central India. Orchha has good road connectivity to other major cities of Madhya Pradesh like Jhansi, Khajuraho and Gwalior, which is at a marginal distance of 120 kms

There are many popular tourist attractions in Orchha like the Chhatries, the DInman Hardaul’s Palace, the Laxminarayana Temple and the Sunder Mahal. Present in a group of fourteen, the Chhataries, which are monuments that serve as reminders of the rulers of Orchha, are placed on the Kanchanalak Ghats of the Betwa River. The Denman Hardball’ palace has very famous story attached with it. Legend has it that when Jhujhar, the elder son of Bir Singh, started doubting the sanctity of relationship between his younger brother , Hardaul and his wife then Hardaul gave up his life as a proof of innocence. Since then the people started worshipping him as god at the shrines that look platforms and were built in his veneration, in Bundelkhand. In addition to these other popular places that attract many tourists are the Laxminarayana temple and the Sunder Mahal. The Laxminarayan temple is connected to another popular temple, the Ram Raja Temple by a stone path. The architecture used in this temple is a clever amalgamation of the designs used in forts and temples. In the inside one could get to see the famous Orchha murals depicting spiritual topics. The Sunder Mahal, although in ruins today, is a famous destination among the Muslim pilgrims.