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Orchha is a small yet interesting town situated on the banks of River Betwa in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh. Strewn around the area are little shrines and memorials, each with its own poignant history, each contributing to the nostalgic beauty is Orchha. Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time; a rich legacy to the ages. For on this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the places and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection.Besides, the historic city of Jhansi is also just 16 km away from here where you can see the famous Jhansi Fort and Rani Jhansi's Palace. Since the city is situated on the banks of Betwa, the climate even in summers is not too hot. The winters do get a bit nippy during the nights but the days are pleasant enough to have a comfortable trip inside the city.
Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain Rudra Pratap who chose this streatch of land along the Betwa river as an ideal site for his capital.The town was once covered with thick forest from all four sides and was discovered by Bundela rulers only in the year 1531. It also served as a capital to the Bundela Kings. It is dotted with numerous temples and palaces, which were built between 16th and 17th century. The monuments build by the Bundela rulers are deemed as the best example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatries. From here the view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular.
Tourist Places in Orchha
- Jehangir Mahal
- Raj Mahal
- Rai Parveen Maha
- Chaturbhuj Temple
- Laxminarayan Temple
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