Places to visit in Orchha

Chaturbhuj Mandir is dedicated to Chaturbhuj (a form of Lord Vishnu) and was built during 1605-26 by Bir Singh Deo. Rama Raja Mandir is another popular tourist destination in Orchha. This was built as a palace for Madhukar Shah’s Queen but was later converted to a temple where Lord Rama is now worshipped. Panchmukhi Mahadev Temple was built in the17th Century. It was constructed under King Virsinghdev Bundela’s patronage. Later this style of architecture became the typical pattern for the later Bundela structures. Maharaja Vir Singh built the Radhika Vihari Temple for Radhika Bihari.  Here, tourists can witness another beautiful work of Bundela architecture. 

Nature lovers can go on a walk in the Natural Reserve of Orchha. The 8km long walking trail winds through the deep forest. An entry fee is charged to enter the forest where tourists can explore on foot else you can also rent a bicycle. You will come across a wide variety of flora and fauna once you roam through the forest. Monkeys, Peacock, Monitor lizard and Deer can be observed frequently.   

This temple offers to you a divine and serene atmosphere. The temple was built by the then ruler Madhukar Shah. Originally, it was a palace that was dedicated to his wife and was a palace for the queen. But when she placed an image of Rama, it gradually came to be known as the worshipping place of Lord Rama. Here Rama is worshipped as a supreme king. Many Hindu devotees come here to pay their homage to the Lord.

Chhatris or the cenotaphs of Orchha rulers are built on the banks of the Betwa River and is a must see place for the tourists. There are 14 cenotaphs that lie near the riverbank. These are built in the Bundela style architecture by giving them temple like structures. But only Bir Singh’s resting place had been designed as a palace. A shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha can be found in the cenotaph of the Madhukar Shah. 

This fort is also known as Raja Mahal in Orchha. The entry ticket price is also very low. And with the same ticket tourists can visit other noted attractions like Lakhmi Narayana Mandir, Jahangir Mahal and the cenotaphs. Guided tour is also available at an extra cost. 

By visiting the Saaket Ramayana Kala Sangrahalaya, one will get to know about the cultural heritage of Orchha. The traditional tribal artwork, paintings and artifacts are preserved in the art gallery and is worth a visit. The 16th and 17th century old temples of Orchha also give you a feel of that time through the structures and architectural works. The Bundela style of architecture can be seen in many temples like Ram Raja Temple, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, in palaces like Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal or in Chhatris (cenotaphs). 

Natural attractions in Orchha include the Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary and the Phool Bagh. The walking trails through the Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary offers a great experience for the nature lovers. Small animals and birds can be spotted during a walk through the deep forest. A formal garden known as the Phool Bagh built by one of the Bundela rulers. A visit to this garden premise also offers tourists to experience the adjacent palace. 

This temple was built to honor the Chaturbhuj (four armed, a form of God Vishnu). This religious place was built by Bir Singh Deo I. The temple has a four-story structure and has a charm of its own. Tourists can catch a glimpse of Rama Raja Temple, Sawan-Bhadon and the nearby Nau Chowk from the top floor of this temple. This is another typical representation of Bundela architecture. A beautiful sound and light show is held here from March to October and from November to February. 

Orchha is known for its Bundela architecture that is a combination of Rajput and Mughal style. This palace like structure is full of stonework and architectural domes that is worth visiting. Raja Bir Singh Deo I built this palace but he decided to name it after Jahangir, his contemporary Mughal emperor and also his patron. As soon as the sun sets in, a light and sound show is organized in the palace premises. 

Madhukar Shah built this palace by a flower garden. This garden was also constructed under his patronage. The wind towers are popular monumental structures that were used as cooling systems. It is believed that these dastagirs are the only cooling system in India that was designed in Persian style. 

Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary is situated near the Orchha Fort. While visiting this sanctuary the beauty of flowing river Betwa can be also enjoyed, as the sanctuary is situated by this riverbank. Good for watching different birds and monkeys and other small animals. Tourists can take the beautiful walking trail through the forest. Phool Bagh or the flower garden has a historic association. King Virsinghdev Bundela built a palace and this formal garden. Tourists can also visit Anand Mahal Garden in Orchha. 

Ramayana Kala Sangrahalay is located in Baroodkhana, is a popular museum in Orchha that preserves various artifacts, traditional work of art and paintings that featured Ramkatha through various styles. This museum also has a rich collection of costumes, jewelry, masks and crowns that were used in Ramleela or Ramkatha. Aadivarta is a state museum that preserves various arts and crafts by the locals and the tribals of Madhya Pradesh. Both these museums of Orchha are maintained by Aadiwasi Lok Kala Academy. 

The various monuments associated with the temples and palaces bear the testimony of the glorious architectural works. The monument of Raj Mahal attracts many tourists and was built by Rudra Pratap in the 16th Century. The domes and towers of the palace are well curved out. The interior of these building has a fascinating work of art. Chhatris or cenotaphs of the late rulers have built-in temple or palaces and are evidence of the magnificent work of architecture of that time. The Chandrasekhar Azad Memorial in Orchha has been built in the memory of Chandrasekhar Azad, a freedom fighter who sacrificed his life seeking India’s Independence.