Orchha

Orchha is dramatically positioned on a rocky island, enclosed by a loop of the Betwa river. It was founded in 1531 as the capital of the Bundela kings but abandoned in 1738.
There are three notable palaces, three beautiful temples and 14 beautiful cenotaphs built along the Betwa river. The site is also strewn with little shrines and memorials all contributing to nostalgia and fascination that is Orchha.

Highlights

Chaturbhuj Temple

The Orchha temples are a unique blend of fort and temple styles. Chaturbhuj is dedicated to Vishnu and has huge arcaded halls for massed singing, and a soaring spire.

Jahangir Mahal

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This is an excellent example of Rajput Bundela architecture. This many-layered palace has 132 rooms off and above the central courtyard and an almost equal numberr of subterranean rooms. This square sandstone palace is extravagantly embellished with lapis lazuli tiles and ornate screens.

Orchha Cenotaphs

Lying along the Kanchana Ghat of the Betwa river are 14 beautiful cenotaphs, or chhatris, of the Orchha rulers.

Ram Raja Temple

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This former Royal Palace is now a temple dedicated to Lord Ram where he is worshipped not as God but as a King. The best times to visit are in the early morning and evening during the daily Aarti ceremony. It is said that Lord Ram resides in Ayodhya by day and sleeps in Orchha at night.

Hotels

Discover the wonderful variety of places to stay in India; including some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, intimate boutique hotels bursting with local character, charming homestays where you’ll have a chance to interact with local families, converted forts & palaces, fabulous lodges and heritage havelis.

Orchha Resort

Tours

Below are a selection of our favourite sample itineraries that we have created based on our experiences of travelling extensively throughout India. As with all our tours, every aspect can be tailor-made to your individual requirements.

To follow