Orchha
The medieval city of Orchha, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, seems to have frozen in time, its palaces and temples still retaining their original grandeur. The city, located by the side of the beautiful Betwa river, was founded by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, in the 16th century.

The word Orchha means 'hidden'. When the Tughlaqs, who were ruling Delhi in the 15th century, pushed the Bundelkhand rajas out of Garkhundar, they retreated to distant Orchha.

Apart from the famous landmarks like Jehangir Mahal, the Laxminarayan Temple, the area is peppered with fascinating little shrines and memorials, all of which add to the overwhelming feeling of nostalgia, the city evokes in the visitor.

Places to visit
The Ram Raja temple is one of the famous temples in Orchha. This palace - turned - temple has an intriguing legend attached to it, according to which Lord Ram came in, the then ruler Madhukar Shah's dream, following which he brought a statue of the god, from Ayodhya to his capital. Prior to its installation in a temple, the idol was kept in a palace. Subsequently, the idol refused to move and the king recalled the god's edict, that the idol would remain in the place, where it was first placed. This temple is, therefore, the only one of its kind, where Ram is worshipped as a king. The Chaturbhuj temple was the original destination of the image, that went on to remain in the Ram Raja temple. Lotus emblems and other religious symbols dress the exterior of the temple, while the sanctum is starkly plain, which only serves to emphasize its sanctity. The Laxminarayan temple sports an interesting fusion of fort and temple architecture. The interiors contain the most exquisite of Orchha's wall paintings. These murals deal with a plethora of themes, specifically spiritual and secular. Though centuries have elapsed since their conception, the paintings have retained their original vibrant quality.

Other highlights of Orchha are the shrines of Siddh Baba ka Sthan, Jugal Kishore, the Janki Mandir and the Hanuman Mandir at Ohharedwara.

How to Get There
By air
The nearest airport is Gwalior (120 km), connected with Delhi, Bhopal, Indore and Mumbai. Khajuraho (170 km) is linked with Delhi, Agra, and Varanasi.

By rail
The nearest railhead is at Jhansi (16 km), on the Mumbai - Delhi and Delhi - Chennai lines. All major mail and express trains stop at Jhansi.

By road
Orchha lies on the Jhansi - Khajuraho road. Regular bus services connect Orchha with Jhansi. Autorickshaws are available on hire from Jhansi for a tour of all the tourist spots in Orchha.

Where to Stay
Hotel Sheesh Mahal (M.P.T), Betwa Cottages (M.P.T), Hotel Mansarovar (SADA), Hotel Palaki Mahal (SADA), Sattar Yatri Niwas (SADA) are some of the available means of accomodation.

Contact
Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
Head Office - Bhopal; 4th Floor, Gangotri, T.T.Nagar, Bhopal - 462003
Tel : (0755) 554340 - 43 Fax: 0755 - 552384