"Keeweechic's Orchha" a Orchha Travel Page by keeweechic

Orchha is a small town in Madhya Pradesh on the road between Khadjuraho and Jhansi which was founded around the 16th century. It was once the capital of the Bundelkhand region. A Bundela Raiput chieftan by the name of Rudra Pratap founded the town as his capital. It remained the capital until 1738 which the Bundela King abandoned the town in favour of Tikamgarh.

The town sits on the banks of the Betwa river, actually on an island and is surrounded by hills and lush vegetation which provided necessary forest disguise during the violent medieval years. The richness and importance of the town can be seen in the crumbling palaces and chhatris which are dotted around the surrounding area. Probably the most notable of the palaces is the Jehangir (or Jahangir) Mahal which was built in 1626.

Orchha is a sleepy little town, steeped in the past, its name actually means “Hidden”. It is probably overlooked by most but definitely work a stopover or just a visit enroute to Jhansi or Khadjuraho.