Orchha, now a small hamlet in the state of Madhya Pradesh, was once the capital of the formidable Bundela kings who ruled over a large tract between the Ganga and Narmada in medieval times. According to legends, King Rudra Pratap chose this place situated on the loop of the river Betwa to make his capital in AD 1501. Located at a distance of 16 km from Jhansi, Orchha rises out of the hills and the greens surrounding it. The historical monuments of Orchha still retain their pristine charm and narrate stories of war and peace, of love and destruction. It is also a place famous for Bundela paintings, of which it was once a centre of activity. Nevertheless, Orchha is not all about history and legends; it is also about the natural splendour of a wonderful valley where the crystal-clear waters of the Betwa flow quietly along the banks for which solitude is a way of life.
Most of the attractions in Orchha are situated in the fort complex consisting of palaces, temples, cenotaphs, and memorials. The complex can be reached by a multi-arched bridge where you would find three palaces in a quadrangle. Raj Mahal or King's Palace was built by King Madhukar Shah, a contemporary of Emperor Akbar. Jahangir Mahal was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in 1606 to commemorate the visit of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Legends say that Rai Parveen Mahal was built by King Indramani for his favourite concubine Rai Parveen. Like Raj Mahal, Raja Ram Temple is also a contribution of King Madhukar Shah with a very unusual story behind it. Chaturbhuj and Laxmi Narayan temples are some of the other important religious attractions in Orchha.
Being a part of the Bundelkhand region of Central India, there are several historical and religious places in the vicinity of Orchha that can be visited on a daylong trip. Jhansi is a place closely associated with Rani Laxmibai who fought against the British during the Revolt of 1857. Her fort in Jhansi is a reminder of her courage and fighting spirit. Talbehat has a spectacular fort built by the King of Bar and Chanderi. Barua Sagar is a dam created on the Betwa River. Paricha is another dam on the Betwa River famous for its rich beauty. Deogarh (literally, the Fort of the Gods) is situated on the right bank of the Betwa River at the western end of the Lalitpur range of hills. Mahoba is associated with the invincible Chandela Kings, who are also credited with the construction of the Khajuraho temples. Chitrakoot is a pilgrimage associated with many legends of Lord Ram.
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