Orchha
Orchha - Blend of Nature & History
Geographically speaking, Orchha might be a small region. However, this land is saturated with heritage, culture, and beauty. For 300 years, this land has been an icon of cultural prosperity. Orchha’s economy revolves around agriculture. This land has been under the control of Mughals and Rajputs. This fusion has given way to many architectural marvels like temples, cenotaphs, palaces, and others. This laid-back land gives more opportunity for those who want to run away from commercialization and get lost with nature.
Among the famous attractions of Madhya Pradesh, Orchha is another hidden beauty and an important one too. Orchha became an important destination in the 16th century, by the Bundela Dynasty. This was the time when most of the ancient structures were built.
By end of the 17th century, the Mughals took over the region and created many military structures and palaces. The Maratha, who came after Mughals introduced many technologies and irrigation milestones to create a better economic base for Orchha.
Top Luxury Train Cover Orchha
Maharajas' Express Train
- Indian Panorama : On Day Five - In the Morning, Tourist are taken to Orchha on a road trip.
Highlights Of Orchha In Luxury Train Tour
- City tour covering eminent tourist attractions like Orchha Fort and others.
- Village safari to enjoy traditional lifestyle and local culture.
- Tuk-tuk ride through the region.
Specialty of Orchha
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Architecture
Orchha is famous for Mughal-Rajput influenced structures. The historic temples of the land give a peek into the Rajput culture of the region. The architectural marvels give a glimpse of the engineering abilities of the ancient artisans.
Major architectural beauties of the land are Ram Raja Temple, Chhatris, Chaturbhuj Temple, Laxminarayan Temple, Rai Praveen Mahal, Raja Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, and others.
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Spiritual Heritage
In general, Hinduism is divided into two major groups; one who follows Lord Vishnu and the other who follows Lord Shiva as the main God. Orchha is the pilgrimage destination for Vishnu followers. This is the only land in India, where Lord Ram is celebrated and worshipped as a king.
Hinduism is the dominating population of this heritage land. This is the only land where you can find temples with cannons. The Laxmi Narayan temple has cannon slots over its roof for protection.
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Cuisine
The cuisine of Orchha is famous for rich use of spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, asafetida, and others. The cuisine of Orchha has a distinctive flavor thanks to the unique cooking methodologies, which are primitive culture of Madhya Pradesh.
Top delicacies to try here are chakkikishaak, khoprapak, mawabaati, malpua, and others. The famous Kalakand originated from Orchha. This cuisine shows more interest in desserts than the main course. They consume desserts along with the main dish. Even biriyani is served with a dessert here. Apart from rice, corn is a staple food here. The local cuisine of Orchha is linked with tribal cooking methods of the land.
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Festivals
As mentioned before, Orchha is a major pilgrimage destination for those who worship Lord Vishnu as the supreme power. Top festivals pertaining to any avatar of Lord Vishnu is celebrated with zeal here. Top festivals to enjoy here are Ram Navami, Diwali, Dussehra, and others.
If you wish to enjoy the cultural activities of the land, it is best to visit during Dussehra. Most of the festivals of this land are celebrated during winter and early summer (October to April).
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Culture
Orchha is a historic land nourished with cultural beauty. A walk through the villages of Orchha would give you a nostalgic look with the traditional houses, ancient temples, fortified walls, and others.
Orchha is the living example of Bundela culture which is a fusion of Mughal and Rajput styles. Local dance styles to enjoy here are Diwari, Badhaiya, Ravala, Horse dance, Pahunai, and others.
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Shopping
Metal works are the iconic artwork of this land. Top souvenirs to buy here are metal Dokra artworks, masks, mural paintings, toys, home décor items, and others.
Climate of the land
Orchha is a land-locked region. Thus, summers are hot, humid and dry. Winters are cool and pleasing. Summer starts in March and ends in June. The temperature can go as high as 48 degrees C. Monsoon starts in July and ends in September. The region receives very little rainfall and this is why the land focuses on irrigation. You can expect monsoon to be dry and humid with occasional rainfall. Winter starts in October and ends in February. The temperature is mild and pleasing. The temperature can fall as low as 24 degrees C in winter.