Places to visit in ORCHHA – Near by Delhi,In the heart of Bundelkhand lies a dwellings, temples and shrines bearing testimony to a medieval legacy in stone-Orchha.

STATE: MADHYA PRADESH
Monuments and Forests, Bundelkhand Beckons

Express leaving New Delhi for Bhopal. Four and a half briefly at Jhansi from where taxis and buses cover the short distance to Orchha. The right time of year is October to March Till not very long ago, visitors to the region passed it by on the way to Gwalior 120km away or the 178km drive to Khajarahoo. Now, It has been called a medieval legacy in stone.

Created by the Bundela Rajput chief Rudra pratap in the 16th century, Orchha lies in Madhya pradesh ,16km south of jhansi. Its cluster of fortified dwellings,temples and shrines,along the left bank of the Betwa river,are reminiscent of those hardy times.

To get there, it is best to board the early morning Shatabdi for those in a hurry, the returning Shatabdi Express enables even a day trip from Delhi.

Details of Tourist places to visit in Orchha –

Jahangir Mahal

A visit to Orchha is a journey back in time. The central feature of the village is Jahangir Mahal, a 17th century classic, that combines the ruler Bir Singh Deo’s eye for detail with sweeping views from its turrets. It is top in the list of tourist places to visit in Orchha.

Raj Mahal

On two other sides lie the Raj Mahal, built by the ascetic Madhukar Shah and Praveen Rai Mahal built for the beautiful companion of Raja Inder Mani.

Chattris

But for sheer contrast, there is little to equal the 14 elegant Chhatris that line the banks of the river in the distance. Best seen from the bridge connecting the massive midstream island, the image of the chhatris lingers long after the visit.

Lakshmi Narayan, Chaturbhuj and Ram Raj temples

And not far off, the imposing Lakshmi Narayan, Chaturbhuj and Ram Raj temples reinforce the Bundeli spirit in a profusion of ornamental paintings, Nearby, the village folk go about their lives, secure in the beliefs that have governed Orchha for years. It is top in the list of tourist places to visit in Orchha.

Betwa River

Having ‘done’ the monuments, one must head for the river. A cataract near the bridge with gentle, rounded rocks is the ideal place to stop a while and savour the soothing flow of the Betwa. It is top in the list of tourist places to visit in Orchha.

Forest

The reverie must end well before the sun goes down. For there is also the lure of the forest waiting to be explored. The road from the bridge goes right through the dense growth. One can fell the pulse of the wilderness just there, only a few minutes’ drive from Orchha, as the road winds on to the second bridge on the other side of the island.

Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary

The Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1994. It lies within the area through which the Betwa River flows. Unlike other vast wildlife sanctuaries, Orchha Wild life Sanctuary is comparatively smaller, around 25 kms long and 15 kms wide. It covers an area of around 46 sq.km. Yet the Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary gains importance due to few factors, which includes rich wildlife. Though one may not enjoy the pleasure of spotting tigers and leopards, yet one can find many interesting fauna like spotted deer, Blue Bull, Peacock, Wild pig, Monkey, Jackal, Nilgai, Sloth Bear and many such species.But what appeals more than anything is the Bird watching experience one gets to enjoy in Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary. In fact Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary is often referred as a Bird Sanctuary by main foreign and Indian tourists. There are about 200 bird species which could be found at the Orchha Sanctuary, which includes many in-house birds and various migrants from all over the World like peafowls, peacocks, swans, black swan, Jungle Bush Quail, minivet, stork, kingfisher, owls, woodpecker, geese, collared scops owls and many more.Apart from Bird Watching, Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary also offers many other adventure sport options including fishing, river rafting,canoeing, boating, trekking, camping and jungle trekking and hiking opportunities.

Back in the village, one can join the procession headed for the temples. If it is late in November, one may participate in the local Ram Vivah festival when trained horses perform amazing feats. While at dusk, or if the moon is full, a walk near the water’s edge will revive the memory of the Bundela chiefs striding out against the striding out against the silhouette of their impressive creations.

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FAST FACTS

· By Air : Gwalior is the nearest airport(120 km away)
· By Road : The nearest railhead is at Jhansi(19 km away)
· By Road : Orchha lies on the Jhansi-Khajuraho road,16 km from the Junction of NH 25 and 26.

WHERE TO STAY :

Cottages, resorts and hotels, with swimming pool and conference facilities, are available in Orchha.