10 Best Things to Do in One Day Tour of Orchha India

After a road trip of 2 hours from Chanderi, team Times Passion Trail arrived at Orchha. Sun had long bid goodbye and faint moon light enveloped the town. All I could see was a temple outline!

Orchha is a beautiful riverside town of Madhya Pradesh India. It was founded by King Rudra Pratap Singh of Bundela dynasty. The word Orchha means hidden; true to that word even today it is hiding from the sight of travelers! This city deserves a visit, even of a few extra days if possible, to enjoy the slow and quiet lifestyle of the people residing here.

As the day broke I could see how well the name Orchha – hidden – fitted this town. Magical medieval aura hangs on totally ignoring the competing sky rise buildings in other contemporary cities.

Chaturbhuj Temple Orchha Madhya Pradesh

Things to Do in Orchha

A rough Orchha itinerary!  I went through the list of places to visit in Orchha. If you are still wondering if Orchha is worth visiting, I have listed all places you can see in a day in Orchha. Here it is!

But then a true traveler never sticks to his plans. What is a travel if one doesn’t linger on in places that charm you beyond words!

• Photography of Chhatri from riverside – 5.30am to 7am
• Orchha Fort Complex with Rai Parveen Mahal and Phool Bagh will take 4 hours
• Cenotaph tour will take an hour.
• Lunch at Bundelkhand Riverside Resort – 1 hour
• Orchha wildlife sanctuary – 2 hours
• Shopping (optional 1 hour)
• Offbeat to Baobab tree in a field (optional 2km to and fro, time 1 hour)
• Temple tour will take 3 hours. End the day with evening aarti at Raja Ram Mandir.
• Dinner and rest at Amar Mahal Hotel

Oldest bridge in Orchha

Photography of Cenotaphs from Betwa Riverside

There are 3 ways to capture the majestic chhatri of royal family members of Bundela dynasty.

One is to arrive at the place early in the morning and capture the reflections of Chhatri off the near still waters of Betwa River. You can see how the color of the facades change as sun’s morning rays falls on them.

Long before the sun’s rays were out we had set off for the Betwa riverside to capture these changing shades.

If you are not an early riser you can avail the boating facilities during the day and capture these architectural marvels of Orchha.

Yet another way would be to visit during sunset and capture the silhouettes against dramatic skies in the background, much like how you would capture the Angkor Wat during sunrise.

Photography of Chhatri in Orchha

Orchha Fort Complex

If you have time to see only one sightseeing spot in Orchha then let it be the Fort Complex. Within 2 to 3 hours you would have seen the Raja Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal (which has a hotel). Each of them is an architectural gem!

There is lot of climbing and walking, take a good heavy breakfast before you start.

Timings: Open from 9am to 5pm. Sound and Light Show – 7.30pm (English) and 8.45pm (Hindi)
Entry Fee: 10INR for Indians, 250INR for Foreigners 25INR for Camera, 200INR for Video and 100INR for Sound and Light Show.

Raja Mahal Orchha

King and Queens of Bundela dynasty resided in Raja Mahal till 1783.

Once the interior of Raja Mahal had boasted of riot of colors and paintings etched in lime mortar, but today they are in ruins. There were grand mirrors and portraits of members of royal family, sadly today nothing remains. It has a haunted look.

View from Jahangir Mahal Orchha

Jahangir Mahal

Jahangir Mahal was built in 17th century AD when Bundela King Vir Singh Deo built the structure as a symbol of warm reception of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The palace has 100 rooms with delicately carved windows and pillars on red and yellow sandstone. Entry to this palace is grand with turquoise tiled walls, finely etched doors depicting Indo-Islamic influence.

Sheesh Mahal

As you climb the stairs towards Jahangir Mahal you will cross the Sheesh Mahal in your left. It once had royal accommodation for King Udait Singh. Now it has been converted into a hotel. I picked up couple of water bottles here.

There are many steps to climb, not recommended for people with weak knees.

Rai Praveen Mahal and Phool Bagh

Still not satiated with palaces? Other interesting old palaces to visit are:

Rai Parveen Mahal

You can explore the Rai Parveen Mahal, a short distance away from the Fort complex. It is much smaller than the ones for Queens of Bundela dynasty. The Mahal was constructed by Raja Indramani for Rai Parveen a poetess and court performer known for her enchanting beauty.

Phool Bagh

Phool Bagh is a part of the Fort Complex but you have to walk a bit around the Fort complex to get to the 8 pillared Palace with multiple fountains and garden. Not very well cared is the impression I got.

Phool Bagh Orchha

Cenotaphs or Chhatris of Orchha

There are 14 cenotaphs, locally called as chhatris on the western banks of Betwa River. The grand architecture confused me to believe they were some smaller palaces. They are in fact memorials for the departed Bundela royal family members. Cenotaph of Bir Singh Deo stands separately by the edge of Betwa River and has different architectural pattern.

If you are lucky you can spot vultures here as these cenotaphs are home to vultures. We spotted owls, parrots, pigeons, squirrels too in these cenotaphs.

Times Passion Trail in Cenotaphs

Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary

If you are a wildlife lover Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary is the right place for you to spend some quality time. Just beside the River Betwa, it is home to Deer, Blue bull, Monkey, Wild pig, Jackal, Nilgai, Sloth Bear and several species of birds. It is a small place, so purely a matter of luck if you can get some sightings.

Nevertheless it is recommended for good nature walks and boating in Betwa River. We got see owls in the nearby cenotaphs. Plan a visit towards evening to witness the mesmerizing sunset behind the cenotaphs.

Timings: 9am to 5.30pm
Entry Fee: 40INR for Indians, 350INR for Foreigners

Orchha wildlife sanctuary

Orchha Temples Madhya Pradesh

Chaturbhuj Temple Orchha

Stand anywhere in the town of Orchha the grand Chaturbhuj Temple is visible and is often a reference point for directions around. The temple was built to house the idol of Lord Rama but after some strange twist of incidents the idol of Lord Ram remained in Raja Ram Temple nearby.

In place of Lord Ram, an idol of Lord Vishnu was installed in Chaturbhuj Temple. It was constructed on a colossal platform, hence it gets the elevation. The roof top of this temple offers majestic views of the town around.

Chaturbhuj temple orchha

Raja Ram Mandir Orchha

This is a sacred place for Hindus. Here Lord Ram is worshiped as a King and not as an avatar of Lord Vishnu. He is depicted as a king, has a sword in his right hand and a shield in the other.

By all means you can enter following proper dress code. A Guard of Honor by local policemen for King Ram is held every day. Time yourself to witness this ceremonial event and also the mesmerizing evening Aarti offered.

The facade is plain compared to the rich interior which was Rani Mahal, queen’s palace a part of the Orchha Fort Complex. No photography is permitted inside.

Popular belief is that if worshipers look at the left foot’s big toe then their wish gets fulfilled!

Lakshmi Narayan temple Orchha

For architecture lovers, history buffs and the spiritually inclined this temple is a must visit. A mix of fort and temple elements, this is a geometrical wonder. It has an octagonal central tower residing within a triangular temple and housed in a square compound. I am sure this has got you interested.

All the above 3 temple are located within walking distances from each other and can be done in a span of 3 hours unless you really want to linger on at any one of the temples for a longer period of time.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple Orchha

Baobab Tree – Offbeat in Orchha

If you are feeling more adventurous you can set off on a cycling tour around the town of Orchha. All above mentioned place can be reached by cycling around the town. For an offbeat sight, a nature’s wonder, cycle northwards towards Jhansi to see a 500 year old Baobab tree in a field.

It is sure to amaze you with its monstrous proportions. Local people there believe the Baobab Tree was planted by Maharaja Vir Singh Dev almost 500 years ago.

Check: Google Maps for Location of Baobab Tree

Baobab Tree – Offbeat in Orchha. Picture by Dr Shaunak B Shah

Souvenirs from Orchha

If you wish to pick just one piece of art from Orchha I suggest you have a look at the tribal art work, the Gond Paintings.

The Gondi people are among the oldest tribes whose origin can be traced to the pre-Aryan era. The paintings are mainly animal themed. The scrolls of paintings can be easily rolled up and packed.

Alternately you can visit Mrignaynee Emporium which sells the various art and handicrafts of Madhya Pradesh.

Souvenir – Gond artwork

Places to Stay in Orchha

Here are a couple of Orchha hotels where I stayed and had food during my tour of this city.

Bundelkhand Riverside Heritage Resort

The Bundelkhand Riverside Heritage hotel is a premier Heritage hotel on the banks of the River Betwa in Orchha. They have river facing rooms; the guests can hear and see the River flowing past.

We had authentic Bundelkhand cuisine for lunch here in the esteemed company of members of royal family of Orchha.

Bundelkhand Heritage resort

Amar Mahal Hotel Orchha

Amar Mahal of Orchha is more a palace than a hotel! Some of the rooms have view of cenotaphs and River Betwa. The architecture, interior decor rich with Bundela paintings and art by skilled craftsmen are amazing. The hotel boasts of good mix of art, culture and heritage of Madhya Pradesh.

We had a comfortable night’s stay in Amar Mahal. Both dinner and breakfast had yummilicious healthy menu.

Amar Mahal Orchha

Location and How to Reach Orchha

The nearest airport to Orchha is Khajuraho. Several airlines connect Khajuraho to other major cities of India. The nearest railway station is Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh which is an important junction in central India. Orchha is well connected by good roads.

You can hire public and private vehicles to tour around. Bikes too can be rented for cycling tour of the town of Orchha.

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