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Jahangir Mahal, Orchha
Jahangir Mahal, Orchha
Orchha is located in Madhya Pradesh
Orchha is located in India
Country India
State Madhya Pradesh
District Tikamgarh
Elevation 552 m (1,811 ft)
Population (2001)
 • Total 8,501
 • Official Hindi
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
Telephone code 07680
Vehicle registration MP-36
Website www.ramrajatempleorchha.com

Orchha (or Urchha) is a town in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh state, India. The town was established by Rudra Pratap Singh some time after 1501, as the seat of an eponymous former princely state of central India, in the Bundelkhand region. Orchha lies on the Betwa River, 80 km from Tikamgarh & 15 km from Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh.[1]


Main article: Orchha State

Orchha was founded in 1531 (the 16th century AD)[2] by the Bundela Rajput chief, Rudra Pratap Singh,[3] who became the first King of Orchha, (r. 1501-1531) and also built the Fort of Orchha.[4] The Chaturbhuj Temple was built during the reign of Emperor Akbar, by the Queen of Orchha Ganeshi Bai,[5] while Raj Mandir was built by 'Madhukar Shah' during his reign, 1554 to 1591.[6][7]


Raja Mahal

Places of tourist interest[edit]

Chhatris on the bank of the Betwa River
Lakshmi Temple, Orchha.
Orchha palace cortile.



The Uth Khana (Camel Shelter) where the King's camels were stationed is right next to the fort and is a must-see. Tourists can also climb on the roof of the Uth Khana and get a fantastic view of Orchha town. The ruins behind the fort complex are an even greater sight. It makes a tourist travel back in time and is an integral part of a visit to Orchha. It houses the residences of various military officers, ministers (housing, roads), gunpowder factory, etc. Although most are in absolute ruins, a silent walk through the ruins can give one goosebumps.


In 2006, Orchha's buildings were being documented by the LIK Team of IIT Roorkee, India[9]

A community radio station, Radio Bundelkhand was launched in Orchha on October 23, 2008. It is an initiative of the Development Alternatives Group. The radio station broadcasts daily programs in the Bundeli dialect and devotes significant amount of its broadcast time to local issues, culture, education and the rich tradition of Bundeli folk music. The station is available on 90.4 MHz.

Forest. Department visiting place

★ Jantu Tower


★View point





Tourists who wish to visit Orchha from Khajuraho can catch the morning express which leaves at around 8 or 9 AM. Alternatively, they could also avail the afternoon express which leaves at around 12 or 1 PM. The train journey from Khajuraho is 5 hours and they will ideally have to get off at Jhansi and grab an autorickshaw or Tuk Tuk for Orchha (costs not more than INR 10-15). However, if the train halts at Orchha, they can also get off at the Orchha station and grab an autorickshaw to the temple complex.

See also[edit]


  1. ^ "Orchha". Tikamgarh district website. 
  2. ^ Orchha Tikamgarh district Official website.
  4. ^ Mausoleum of Raja Rudra Pratap, British Library.
  5. ^ Orchha British Library.
  6. ^ "UQconnect, The University of Queensland". Retrieved 23 July 2016. 
  7. ^ Raj Mandir British Library.
  8. ^ "Madhya Pradesh Destinations". Retrieved 23 July 2016. 
  9. ^ Mission Orchha Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee.

External links[edit]