Orchha was the erstwhile capital city of the formidable Bundela kings, located in
Tikamgarh District of
Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for its 16th and 17th century palaces and temples. Orchha is about 120 km south-east of
Gwalior.
The word Orchha means ‘hidden’. Flanked by Betwa River, this historical city is believed to have been founded by Rudra Pratap of the Rajput clan. Later, during the reign of his descendants, the city was prospered and the present face was built.
Also known for its Bundela mural paintings, Orchha has many outshine painting works and sculptures on the walls of temples and palaces. 26615Jehangir Mahal, an exemplary work of Rajputan architecture, was built in memory of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
Shahid Smarak, the martyrdom of Chandra Shekhar Azad - the great freedom fighter, is worth visiting. Other interesting places are Phool Bagh, Chaturbhuj Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Ram Raja Temple and Rai Praveen Mahal.
Excellent lodging facilities are available in and around the city, of which Orchha Resort is the best.
Gwalior Airport, the nearest, has flight services to Delhi, Agra and Varanasi. Jhansi Junction Railway Station is the nearest railhead. Regular buses connect Orchha with Jhansi, Chhatarpur and Tikamgarh.
