Raja Mahal (5 Km) -
Built during the 17th century, the Raja Mahal has withstood the test of time without losing its charm that transports you back to one of the golden eras of history. The palace is constructed beautifully with impeccable architecture and breathtaking grandeur. Resided by the erstwhile kings of Orchha, the palace has kept the soul of India's most eminent royalty intact through all these years. The palace has magnificent towers and spectacular murals which will make a visit here an absolute delight for any art enthusiast.
Ram Raja Temple (4 Km) +
This beautiful Ram temple has an intriguing history behind it. The Idols which were supposed to be installed in the magnificent Chaturbhuj Temple were kept on the ground where this temple now stands.But once kept on the ground, the idols could not be budged. This marked the place holy and a temple was constructed where the idols were kept. Ram Raja Temple has a serene architecture, adorned with a marble courtyard and colorful walls.
The Royal Chhatris (Cenotaphs) (6 Km) +
Situated on the banks of Betwa river, Chattris is a set of magnificent royal tombs of the Maharajas, placed on a platform and supported by the pillars. The charm of Chattris is best experienced when it is viewed from a narrow bridge on the opposite side of the river, from where the entire reflection of the tombs can be seen. The domes are adorned with exquisite paintings, which add to the alluring appeal of Chattris which has attracted tourists since years.
Chaturbhuj Temple (5 Km) +
Built in 875 AD during the reign of Gurjara Pratihara dynasty, this famous temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The name literally means the one with four arms, and Lord Vishnu has been referred as Chaturbhuj in various Hindu texts. This temple has beautiful architecture and it consists of a sanctum with pancharatha Sikhara, a vestibule and a porch. This temple has another curved tower with a small porch.
Jehangir Mahal (5 Km) +
Built as be a garrison and citadel for the Mughals to allow greater control over the Bundela region, this palace was completed in 1598 by Bharath Bhushan after he defeated Vir Deo Singh of Bundela. This place is a classic example of Mughal architecture. The domes are built according to Timurid customs and the gates or Iwans are large enough to allow entry of War elephants. Also, the relatively higher position compared to surrounding area made this palace a very important palace for the Mughals.
Rafting and Boating in River Betwa (5 Km) +
Rafting in the river Betwa is also possible and the rafting starts from the boat club. Tickets are arranged through MP tourism and are available at the Betwa retreat or at the Hotel Sheesh Mahal. It could cost you around Rs. 1000 per hour or more per raft and a single raft would take 1-6 persons.
Rani Mahal (14 Km) +
Wrapped in elegance and magnificence that only befits the royalty, the Rani Mahal of Orccha is an enchanting fortification right from the pages of the history bygone. The fort is beautifully embellished with intricate carvings and colorful paintings which make quite the statement about the art and artists of Uttar Pradesh. Translating to 'the queen's palace', this destination once served as the royal quarters for the wife of Raja Madhukar Singh, and its last occupant was Rani Laxmi Bai herself. The palace has now been converted into a museum.Spread over a vast area and surrounded by splendid gardens, the architecture and presence of the Rani Mahal is quite humbling. The entire palace is beautifully decorated with detailed stonework on the outside, while the inside holds mesmerising illustrations and murals of holy epics like the Ramayana. Since the palace is now a museum, you can easily access these precious artefacts and learn more about the history of the place. The museum has paintings from the ninth and twelfth century and also houses various scriptures. Built against the backdrop of the beautiful Betwa river, the Rani Mahal of Orccha is a must visit for one and all.
Chandrashekhar Azad Memorial (4 Km) +
A monument built in honor of one of the greatest freedom fighters of all time- Chandrashekhar Azad, this memorial is a true representation of what the revolutionary hero stood for. It also houses a life-size bronze statue of Chandrashekhar Azad.
Lakshminarayan Temple (5 Km) +
The Lakshminarayan Temple has a unique architecture which is a blend of a fort and a temple moulds. The temple houses stunning murals which depict mythological, spiritual and secular themes( an art lover's delight) and also a lot of post-mutiny paintings. The temple also has a flagstone path which straightaway connects it to Ram Raja Temple.
Nature Trail (5 Km) +
This 12km long nature trail in the Orchha Natural Reserve can be a beautifully enriching experience. This is part of a beautiful river island spread across 44 sq km surrounded by Jamni river and Betwa river. One needs to buy a ticket from the office of the Reserve between 8am-6pm and the entry costs are very low. The trail is well-marked and signposts are regularly posted. It's also a good place to just cycle around. One can also spot few monkeys, peacocks and even deers in this area. Turtles could also be spotted near Ret Ghat on the banks of Jamni river.
Dauji ki haveli (8 Km) +
The centre of trading activities, Orchha gave birth to a new class of people- the Merchants. Intelligent and influential as they were, they used their wealth to build stunning monuments which were replicas of the palaces in which the royalty lived. Dauji ki Haveli is a stunning example of one such building constructed by the Merchants. It looks like a miniature version of the Royal Palace, the architecture of this mansion as magnificent as the bigger haveli. Dauji ki haveli houses beautiful murals which have been well-preserved over the centuries.
Sunder Mahal (6 Km) +
A small palace which is almost in ruins today, the air in this haveli has a quaint serenity. The ruins testify the time that has passed since Dhurjban, the son of Jhujhar resided there. He was a Hindu who converted into Islam after getting married to a Muslim girl in Delhi. He spent latter part of his life living in this haveli, praying and meditating, only to come out as a popularly known and revered saint.
Phool Bagh (16 Km) +
A beautiful garden complex depicting the aesthetic qualities of the Bundelas, this place has multiple fountains culminated in an 8-pillared palace pavilion. The fountain's working is very intricate as the water collects in the Chandan Katora and it then supplies droplets of water through the roof making it look like rainfall. This garden was used as a summer retreat by the kings of Orchha. This garden was built as a memorial for Prince Dinman Hardaul who had committed suicide to prove his innocence to his big brother.
After the completion of your tour, you will be dropped back to your place within Orchha city limits.