The Hidden Gem of Madhya Pradesh : Orchha

by Siddhi Vakharia (India)

A leap into the unknown India

India has always been renowned for its rich heritage and ancient culture. Orchha is an ancient town that give the impression ‘frozen’ in time, with its many monuments continuing to retain their original grandeur even to this day. It is a historical or heritage gem of Madhya Pradesh in the center of India. Getting to Orchha is easily accessible from Jhansi by road and railways as well as from Khajuraho and Gwalior by airways. Hotels in Orchha range from backpackers to riverside resorts, Palaces for royal experience and there is definitely something for everyone. The carving and architectural view of monuments are jaw-droopingly beautiful. I visited some few tourist spots, got a glimpse of its royal legacy, went on a couple of walking tours on my own, explored its literary heritage, chilled at river bank of Betwa, walked around old markets, experienced water adventure. One can come Orchha and not pay a respect to the Lord Ram, it’s next to impossible where Lord Ram is worshipped not just as a God, but also as a king. He even gets a gun salutation! The reflection of diversity and secularism, Sunder Mahal is one of the popular places to visit in Orchha where erstwhile prince-turned-saint. The Mahal is also a testament to the strong love between a Hindu Prince Dhurbhajan and his Muslim lover and the resistance that he experienced. Apart from the secularism with religious sentiments attached to the palace, the architectural grandeur of this Mahal is also praiseworthy. The Orchha Fort complex, which houses a large number of ancient monuments consisting of the fort, palaces, temple, and other edifices, were built by the Bundela Rajputs starting from the early 16th century by King Rudra Pratap Singh of the Orchha State and others who followed him. The fort complex, which is accessed from an arched causeway, leads to a large gateway and then followed by a large quadrangular open yard surrounded by palaces. These are Raja Mahal , Sheesh Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, a temple, gardens and pavilions. Notable architectural features in the fort complex are projected balconies, open flat areas and decorated latticed windows. The magnificent history of Orchha is displayed beautifully at the light and sound show at Orchha Fort. The brilliance of the medieval Indian architecture can be easily noticed when the palace turns into a digital orchestra in late evening. The features of Raj Mahal, Orchha include lavish royal accommodations of king that are marked by elevated balconies. The entire structure is marked by towers and domed pavilions. The interiors of the Raj Mahal are lined with fragments of mirrors and animated paintings which are plastered all over the walls and ceilings. Some of these are still in remarkable condition and can be witnessed even today. Sheesh Mahal is flanked on either side by the Raja Mahal and the Jahangir Mahal. This has lavish royal accommodation, which was built for king Udait Singh. It has now been converted into a heritage hotel by MPT (Madhya Pradesh Tourism).There are the group of chattris along the Kanchan Ghat of the River Betwa on the south end of the town, which are in Indo-Mughal style, these three storey buildings are open to all sides and have nicely designed domes or pinnacles. Cenotaph of Bir Singh Deo is the most popular of all because of its unique architecture and beautiful design. The domes of the cenotaphs are painted marvelously, which gives it an enchanting look. At a distance of 1.5 km from Orchha Fort, Rafting in Betwa River is one of the top things to do in Orchha. Orchha is one of the top heritage destinations in Madhya Pradesh as well as a top rafting destination in the state of Madhya Pradesh which is starts from the scenic Kanchan Ghat where MP Tourism organizes two river safaris at Orchha. This is the place where I feel royalty and glimpse of past time without time travelling within 48 hours.