Orchha Tourism

Explore Orchha, a popular tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh, famous for its historical significance and architectural wonders, including the Orchha Fort, palaces, temples, and chhatris.

The fort complex boasts a harmonious blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere. Within this fort, you'll discover remarkable structures like the Jahangir Mahal, built to welcome the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, and the Raja Mahal, the former royal residence adorned with intricate frescoes, Ram Raja Temple, the only temple in India where Lord Rama is guarded by a police force and honoured by gun salute every day.

Raj Praveen Mahal is another architectural marvel in Orchha. It was built in honour of Raj Praveen, a renowned singer in the king's court. The palace is known for its exquisite carvings and its upper floor, where visitors can witness artistic depictions of Indian dance gestures. The picturesque Betwa River flows gracefully alongside Orchha, providing a tranquil setting for visitors. You can enjoy a serene boat ride and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings. For those seeking adventure, white-water rafting on the Betwa River is an exhilarating experience. Moreover, Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary is another place for the adventure-seekers who love to explore the forests by planning a jungle safari.

Other than the historical architectural wonders, Orchha is also a paradise for food lovers, especially those who love to try out spicy dishes. One such place for them is Jharokha Restaurant, which is run by the government and situated at the royal guesthouse. The must-try dish here is Dal Maharani. Other than the food, staying at Sheesh Mahal, strolling around the stunning Phool Bagh and learning the recipes of Madhya Pradesh by joining a cooking class are other amazing things to do in Orchha.

Top Tourist Attractions in and around Orchha

• Orchha Fort
• Raja Mahal
• Ram Raja Mandir
• Raj Praveen Mahal
• Chaturbhuj Temple

Orchha Fort

One of the main tourist attractions in Orchha, Orchha Fort is an architectural marvel situated in the District of Nivadi within an island at the confluence of the Betwa River and Jamni River. This heritage destination is a testament to the art, skills and craftsmanship of the Bundela dynasty. Constructed in 1501 AD by Rudra Pratap Singh and later expanded, this historical treasure exhibits a fusion of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. Its most iconic structure, the Jahangir Mahal, was built to honour Emperor Jahangir by Bir Singh Deo in 1605. Raj Mahal, the royal residence, boasts “pepper pots and domes.” Other must-visit places within the complex are Raja Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Phool Bagh.

Raja Mahal

A sightseeing tour inside the Orchha Fort in Nivadi District will let you explore the Raja Mahal, which is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Orchha. Built in the early part of the 16th century, it served as the royal residence of the Bundela kings until 1783. This elegant palace showcases a simple and unembellished exterior, whereas its interior features murals depicting social and religious themes. Moreover, the interiors are adorned with depictions of various Hindu deities (Lord Vishnu), mythological scenes, and intricate geometric patterns, featuring mirrors in the ceilings.

Ram Raja Mandir

Orchha sightseeing tour within the Orchha Fort complex cannot be completed without visiting Ram Raja Mandir, which was built by converting a part of Raja Mahal. The temple is the only temple in India where God Rama is worshipped as a king and guarded by a police force. Not only that, he is honoured by a gun salute every day. As per legends, the temple was built under the command of Rani Ganeshkuwari, who had a dream of Lord Rama directing her to build a temple for him. The temple is now considered a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus and receives around six lakhs tourists per year.

Raj Praveen Mahal

One of the top things to do within the Orchha Fort Complex is to visit Raj Praveen Mahal, which is another palace known for its stunning architecture and beautiful carvings. It was constructed by King Indrajit Singh in tribute to Raj Praveen, who was the beautiful wife of Raja Indramani. Raj Praveen was an excellent artist, dancer and a famous singer in King Indrajit Singh’s court. The palace has two levels, and the upper floor showcases artistic scenes of Indian dance gestures. Additionally, there's a place in the palace called a "cannon foundry" (tope khana) which was once used to protect the palace from attackers.

Chaturbhuj Temple

One of the top things to do in Orchha other than visiting Orchha Fort is exploring Chaturbhuj Temple, which is situated just outside the fort. The name of the temple depicts two words, Chatur and Bhuj, which means “one who has four arms.” The construction of the temple was started under the command of Madhukar Shah, for his wife Rani Ganeshkuwari and it was completed by his son Vir Singh Deo. The temple was initially built to honour Lord Rama, who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu but it now houses an image of Radha Krsihna. One of the notable features of this temple is its Vimana, which is the tallest one among the Hindu temples in the country.

Best Time to Visit Orchha

The best time to visit Orchha tourist places is between September and March when the temperature lies between a minimum of 9 degree and a maximum of 24 degree celsius.