Orchha : Orchha is a town in Niwari District of Madhya Pradesh, Orchha is situated in northern part of the Madhya Pradesh. Orchha was established in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput rulers, Rudra Pratap, who selects this stretch of ground along the Betwa river as an ideal site for his capital.
The town is steeped in history and is well-known for its palaces and temples constructed in the 16th and 17th centuries. The architectural magnificence of the memorials in Orchha reproduces the glory of its leaders. The Betwa River flows through the city.
The Betwa River, on whose banks Orchha lies, and the forests around it attract tourist to this site.
Orchha is famous religious centre of Hindus. It is known for its religious and cultural heritage. The following places are famous in the town.
The best to visit Orchha is between October and March.
Laxmi-Narayan Temple : The Laxminarayan temple, one of the three most important temples in Orchha is a beautiful tourist attraction of the place. It shows a wonderful and matchless mix of temple and fort architecture. Although the temple is dedicated the Goddess Laxmi, there is no statue of the Goddess kept in the temple.
History of Laxminarayan Temple : Veer Singh Deo had constructed the attractive Laxmi Narayan Temple about 1622 but due to poor maintenance, the situation of the temple soon worsened. It was rebuilt by Prithvi Singh in 1793. This temple was devoted to Goddess of wealth, Laxmi, and in the internal chambers of the temple, Veer Singh made arrangements for offering sacrifices for Laxmi.
Description of Laxminarayan Temple The Laxminarayan Temple in Orchha is constructed, with the use of lime mortar and bricks, in an excellent blend of temple and fort design. There are frescos and pictures inside the walls of the temple that are a blend of Mughal and Bundela shape of sculpture. These frescos show certain communal and worldly themes. Inside the Laxminarayan temple, the carvings are presented in a geometrical form and there are pictures from the life of Lord Krishna, decorated with animals and flowers.
Chattris of Orchha : The Chhatris or the cenotaphs in orchha are one more of the various historical tourist magnetisms in Orchha. These are monuments of the rulers of the Bundela and There are 14 Chhatris or monuments to the rulers of Orchha, grouped beside the Kanchan Ghat of the river Betwa. These 14 chhatris are best looked from the narrow path bridge. The Chhatris of Orchha are the most downhearted ruins of the town in Madhya Pradesh.The memorials still tell of the ancient rulers, their victories and their stories.
Sundar Mahal : It is a attractive palace, which was constructed by Prince Dhurbhajan, the son of Raja Jhujhar Singh. It is known to be a pilgrimage site.
Phool Bagh : Phool Bagh stands the indication of the aristocracy of the Bundela rulers. It was a summer retreat of the Orchha rulers. It was constructed in the memory of Dinman Hardaul, who expired as a martyr.
Ram Raja Temple : Ram Raja Temple is one of the greatest temple in Madhya Pradesh. The temple had once been a palace belonging to Madhukar Shah.The Ram Raja Temple is maybe the most important although unusual of all the temples in Orchha.
This is the one only temple in the country where Rama is worshipped as a king that too in a palace. Legends believe that Lord Rama came to the dream of the King and this guide him to bring the statue of Lord Rama to the palace. After establishism the statue in the palace, the king changed the palace into a temple.
Dinman Hardaul's Palace : Dinman Hardaul's Palace of Orchha in Madhya Pradesh tells volumes about the respect and love between brothers. An architectural wonder of the earliest period, the Dinman Hardaul's Palace bears relics to the rich spiritual history and cultural origin of the place through the earliest period.
Raj Mahal : This palace is situated at the right of courtyard and was constructed in the 17th century by Madhukar Shah, who was a religious predecessor of Bir Singh Ju Deo. The most well-liked characteristic of this palace are the big towers crowned by �Chhatris� present in its external premises and the bravely colored wall paintings present in its interiors. These wall painting or animated paintings are based on many spiritual themes. The insides of the Raj Mahal are also wrinkled with fragments of mirrors that are plastered all over its ceilings and walls. There is also one more section of �Sheesh Mahal� or palace of mirrors present in the Raj Mahal.
Rai Parveen : The Rai Parveen Mahal in Orchha was constructed by Maharajah Indrajit Singh 1618. One of the major tourist attractions in Orchha, the Rai Parveen Mahal is a 3 storied attractive palace that has history surrounded in its each stone and brick. It also known as Rai Parveen Manika Bhavan and Anand Mahal Bagh, the old palace is dedicated to Rai Parveen - a famous and lovely poetess, musician and dancer. The Rai Parveen Mahal of Orchha is surrounded by lovely flower gardens and eye restful greeneries. It is said that Maharajah Indrajit was smitten by her attraction and constructed this palace in her respect.
Jehangir Mahal : One of the biggest examples of the Bundela architectural approach, the Jehangir Mahal is a must stay destination in Orchha. It built in 17th century by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo to memorialize the trip of ruler Jehangir to Orchha. The Jahangir Mahal also known as �Rani Mahal� is situated in the fort complex of Orchha and is mainly well-known for its paintings and architecture. Their well-built shapes are balanced by delicate chhatris and trellis work, the whole conveying an effect of amazing richness. It is a five storied palace constructed in accord to the Hamam Saras of Agra.
Chaturbhuj Temple : The superb architectural construction of the Chaturbhuj Temple was constructed during the years of 1558 and 1573 by The Raja Madhukar Shah at the persistence of his wife, Maharani Ganesh Kunwar. Chaturbhuj Temple put up with ruins to the rich religious history and architectural heritage of the old period.
Orchha Sanctuary : The Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh is one of the must visit tourist destinations in this area. This is a destination with a difference and is a treat for all the wild life and nature lovers.
Chandreshekhar Azad Memorial : The Chandreshekhar Azad Memorial also referred to as Shahid Smarak is a monument in Orchha that memorialized the martyrdom of freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad.
Jujhar Singh Palace : The Jujhar Singh Palace was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo and is said to be one of the 9 palaces that he constructed for his son, Nauchauki. This palace is a three-storied structure constructed in a rectangular plan with big halls and rooms structuring a part of its ground floor�s interiors.
Palaki Mahal : This palace was constructed by Raja Veer Singh Ju Deo during the period between 1605 and 1627. The Palaki Mahal is located in the front of Hardaul Bethaka and has got its name due to the palanquin top present in its structure.
How to Getting there:-
By Air: The nearest airports are at Gwalior (120 km), Gwalior is connected with regular flights from Delhi, Bhopal and Indore.
By Train : Nearest railhead is Jhansi (15 km), on the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai main lines. All major mail and express trains helt on Jhansi.
By Road : Orchha lies on a diversion from the Jhansi-Khajuraho road. Regular bus services connect Orchha with Jhansi (15 Km), Khajuraho (175 km) and Tikamgarh (90 Km). Tempos and taxis are also available form Jhansi.
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