More often than not, people wish to elope to a far away fairy tale land which offers them with solitude and peace, abstracting them from the hectic city life. A place that offers you with a sense of being ‘yourself’, the happiness of spending time with your children, taking your parents to temples, experiencing adventurous sports like river rafting and above all heaving a sigh of relief amidst the lap of nature.
‘Orchha’ meaning ‘hidden’ in Bundelkhandi language, symbolizes the rich cultural heritage of the country by the virtue of its palaces, temples, chattris surrounded by small hills and river Betwa endowed with beauty. Over the lapse of time, Orchha has become a center of tourist attraction, perhaps the most sought after tourist destination for people visiting Khajuraho or Jhansi.
Star Attractions:
Orchha indeed offers justification to the label, ‘medieval legacy in stone’ in a unique way. The place hosts a variety of palaces defined by the intricate art work paving its way to be recognized as a work of pristine perfection. Orchha’s grandeur has been captured in stone and is frozen in time. The Fort complex here has three palaces, the Jehangir Mahal and the Raj Mahal, conveying tales of extraordinary richness depicting the Mughal architecture along with Rai Praveen Mahal, an abode of love which adds a unique dimension to the beautiful sights the place caters the visitors with.
Further, Ram Raja Temple which is believed to be the only temple in India where Lord Rama is worshipped as a king is yet another priceless possession that holds religious significance in the lives of many. The mesmerizing appeal which Chaturbhuj Temple offers the visitors brings to light how beauty is captured in the most unexpected ways.
River Rafting: Orchha is the perfect destination to take some time off from the business suits, board meetings and to pump up some adrenaline in your veins with opportunities like river rafting, the river Betwa offers the adventure enthusiasts with.
Light and Sound Show: A mesmerizing light and sound show held at various destinations including Raj Mahal, Jehangir Mahal and the cenotaphs gives you an opportunity to explore the heroic tales of the past and unravel the mysteries buried in the forests having a long lasting impact in your memory forever.
This place has it all- a sense of serenity and tranquility that is unfailingly rejuvenating.
How to reach:
There are several trains from New Delhi to Jhansi that depart from Hazrat Nizammudin or New Delhi railway station. An auto rickshaw from Jhansi railway station or a taxi could be a convenient option. In addition to this, a number of tourist buses are working on 24X7 basis near the railway station that also come up with the facility of guide services in order to make the trip comfortable. Tourists who wish to visit Orchha from Khajurao can catch morning or evening express for Jhansi railway station.
Where to Stay:
Sheesh Mahal where once Bundelkhand kings resided is now a heritage hotel. The Orchha Riverside resort is amongst the most relaxing accommodations available here. Most of the riverside resorts here offer tent accommodation facing the river Betwa. Amar Mahal and Raj Mahal are further options worth checking out.
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Where to eat:
Majority of the restaurants here are found on the main road. Apart from this almost all the hotels have their in-house restaurants that serve Indian and Chinese cuisines. The non-vegetarian food served here deserves special mention. Moreover, the restaurants give you an experience that will fill you to the brim, and would leave an imperishable effect on your heart.
Best time to Visit:
The winters here are pleasantly cool whereas in summers the temperature mount up to 47 degree Celsius. October to March is the best time to visit this beautiful place.
Picture Courtesy : Rohan Parecha
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