The medieval city of Orchha, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, seems to have frozen in time, its palaces and temples still retaining their original grandeur. The city, located by the side of the beautiful Betwa river, was founded by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, in the 16th century.

The word Orchha means 'hidden'. When the Tughlaqs, who were ruling Delhi in the 15th century, pushed the Bundelkhand rajas out of Garkhundar, they retreated to distant Orchha.

Apart from the famous landmarks like Jehangir Mahal, the Laxminarayan Temple, the area is peppered with fascinating little shrines and memorials, all of which add to the overwhelming feeling of nostalgia, the city evokes in the visitor.

How to Get There

By air: The nearest airport is Gwalior (120 km), connected with Delhi, Bhopal, Indore and Mumbai. Khajuraho (170 km) is linked with Delhi, Agra, and Varanasi.

By rail: The nearest railhead is at Jhansi (16 km), on the Mumbai - Delhi and Delhi - Chennai lines. All major mail and express trains stop at Jhansi.

By road: Orchha lies on the Jhansi - Khajuraho road. Regular bus services connect Orchha with Jhansi. Autorickshaws are available on hire from Jhansi for a tour of all the tourist spots in Orchha. Places to Visit.