Walks in India: Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
This post is part of a series on ‘Walks in India‘.
Place: Orchha
Highlights: Cenautaphs, Riverside Walk, ancient palaces and temples
Season: November to February, when it is not hot.
Time of the day: Evening – 3pm to 6pm
Distance: Approximately 3kms
Difficulty: Easy
Map. This is an interactive map of the walk. Zoom in to get a closer look. Click on the blue markers to identify of each location.
View Walks in India – Orchha in a larger map
Places to see and walking map of Orchha
The Walk.
With inputs and photographs from Celine.
Orchha is a small town in Madhya Pradesh near Jhansi. It is full of history and ancient structures, but has still not been part of any major tourist itinerary.
Begin the walk from the southern edge of the town at the Chhatris, cenotaphs of Orchha’s rulers. The Chhatris are located close to Betwa River; pay a visit to the river before walking northwards into the town. You can also cross the river using a bridge near the chhatris.
Walk north to the town, which is full of ancient temples and palaces. Visit the 17th century Chaturbhuj Temple, where you can walk up to the roof for panoramic views of Orchha town and the meandering river. Turn right here, cross the arched bridge and enter the enclosure of the Orchha Fort Complex that houses Jehangir Mahal and Raj Mahal. Visit Jehangir Mahal for its impressive Bundelkhand architecture and Raj Mahal for its beautiful painted ceilings, both are major attractions of Orchha. Nearby is the Rai Parveen Mahal, built in early 17th century for the lady of Raja Indramani.
Return to the center of the town and walk past Phool Bagh, near which
are the wind-catching tall towers popularly called Sawan Bhadon. Walk beyond the town for a kilometer to get to Laxminarayan Temple, which was built in 17th century.
The walk ends at Laxminarayan Temple.
You may need to find a way to get to Chhatris to begin the walk, and to get back from Laxminarayan Temple to your hotel. If you are planning a round trip from your hotel, add another 1.5km to your itinerary. A few well known hotels in Orchha are located to the south of the town, not very far from the Chhatris.