The bucolic town of Orchha, snugly embraced by the River Betwa, boasts history, splendid architecture and a scenic setting. Meaning ‘hidden place’, Orchha’s patchwork of palaces, chhatris, havelis, shrines and gardens sits in resplendent seclusion amid scrub-like jungle. The town is no longer the redoubtable bastion it once was – most of the buildings, redolent of medieval splendour, wear a rather ramshackle look but are no less charming for that. Orchha is a beguiling sight at sunrise and sunset – and bathed in moonlight.
The soul of Orchha (besides the atmospheric town square) is the popular Ram Raja Temple, regarded by Hindu devotees as the abode of Lord Rama. Many thousands of Hindus flock to this 16th century shrine. Meanwhile, for adventure lovers, there is the Betwa. Though it does not have the cachet, nor offer the thrills and spills, of the grand Himalayan rivers, the Betwa still presents an enjoyable rafting experience, and is ideal for those who are new to the adventure activity.
Orchha is 15km from Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh), and lies midway between Gwalior and Khajuraho.

History

Founded in 1531 by Maharajah Rudra Pratap Singh, the first ruler of the Bundelas, Orchha was the capital of the erstwhile princely state, in central India, of the same name. And it was under Rudra Pratap that the architectural flowering of Orchha began, high noon being reached under the celebrated Bir Singh Deo, whose rule saw the construction of 52 forts and palaces.

Geography

Orchha is located on an island, on a bend in the River Betwa, and encircled by dense forest cover.

Weather

Orchha’s climate is similar to that of much of the plains of north India – baking, hot summers and pleasantly cool winters.

How to reach

From Jhansi’s bus stand (18km), one can take a bus, taxi, Tempo or an autorickshaw (Jhansi is connected to Delhi by the New Delhi-Bhopal Shatabdi). If you’re arriving by bus from Khajuraho, hail a Tempo at the turning for Orchha on the main road. Taxis run from Agra, Gwalior and Khajuraho.

Getting Around

Orchha and surrounds is small enough to be covered on foot or by bike/cycle. Autorickshaws are also a convenient option, if you’re so inclined.