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What to see in Madhya Pradesh
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How to reach:
The nearest airport is Gwalior, around 120 kms, connected with Delhi, Bhopal, Indore and Mumbai.
The nearest railhead for Orchha is Jhansi, just 16 kms away.
Orchha lies on the Jhansi - Khajuraho road. Regular bus services connect Orchha with Jhansi. Important road distances are Shivpuri (117 kms), Bhopal (397 kms), Indore (491 kms), Jabalpur (399 kms), Agar (225 kms) and Delhi (435 kms).
Places to see
Jehangir Mahal
The Jehangir Mahal was built by Raja Bir Singh Ji Deo in the 17th century. The palace has intricate trellis work and delicate cenotaphs (chhatries).
Raj Mahal
Built by Madhukar Shah, the palace has a flight of stairways leading up to the turrets. the interiors are delicately carved depicting various religious themes.
Ram Raja Temple
One of the more famous temples of Orchha, it has an interesting legend attached to it, according to which the then Madhukar Shah brought a statue of Rama from Ayodhya and prior to its installation in the temple, kept it in his palace. The idol refused to budge the next day. So the statue has remained there ever since and this temple is the only one in India wherein Rama is worshipped as a king.
Phool Bagh
This lovely garden at Orchha has a central row of fountains which ends with an eight-pillared courtyard. There is a summer retreat below the Phool Bagh. Water droplets from the Chandan Katora, a bowl shaped fountain, filter through to the roof of the retreat giving an impression of rainfall.
Others
Other important places in Orchha include the shrines of Siddh Baba ka Sthan, Jugal Kishore, the Janki Mandir and the Hanuman Mandir
The temples and palaces at Orchha have still not lost their ancient flavour. The city is located on the banks of the river Betwa. The city is dotted with small shrines and memorials. A medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th and 17th century which have remarkably with stood the onslaught of time. Jhansi - Orchha - Khajuraho make a complete tourist circuit.
Madhya Pradesh is not called the heart of India only because of its location in the centre of the country. It has been home to the cultural heritage of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainisim and Islam. Innumerable monuments exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces are dotted all over the state. The National Parks of Kanha, Bandhavgarh and many others you can spot the tiger, the bison and a wide variety of deers and antelopes.
Chaturbhuj Temple with Raja Mahal behind Orchha
