Orchha Fort, Orchha

Orchha Fort Complex, History Timings, Entry Fee, How to Reach

The Orchha Fort Complex is a historicised architectural complex located 16 kilometres from Jhansi in the Madhya Pradesh town of Orchha. Raja Rudra Pratap Singh of the Bundela dynasty constructed it around 1501 AD. With its latticed windows, projection platforms, balconies, and ceiling mirrors, it is a colourful example of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The Orchha Fort complex, which was constructed by the heirs of the Bundela Dynasty, contains grounds such the Phool Bagh in addition to a number of structures like the Raja Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, and Rai Praveen Mahal.

History of Orchha Fort

Over time, the fort complex was constructed by descendants of the Bundela dynasty. During Raja Madhukar Shah’s rule from 1554 to 1591, the Raja Mahal, also known as the Raja Mandir, was built. When Raja Vir Singh Deo visited Orchha, he erected the Jahangir Mahal as a thank you to the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. With a lavish depiction of the poet and musician Rai Praveen, whose beauty had captured his imagination, Raja Indrajeet Singh constructed the Rai Praveen Mahal in 1618. 

Originally constructed for Raja Udait Singh, the Sheesh Maha has been transformed into a hotel while retaining its Mughal-Rajput architectural design. In the summer, the Phool Bagh is a haven of flowers and a row of fountains with an antiquated cooling system.

Although there are tours that walk you through its history, there aren’t any audio guides accessible.
To avoid the rising summer temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius, it is advised to visit this fort in the winter and spring.

Architecture of Orchha Fort

It took more than a century to complete the Orchha Fort Complex. In 1501 AD, the colossal monument was first built as a fort for Raja Rudra Pratap Singh, a member of the Budela dynasty.

High ceilings with pavilions and ceilings with carved mirrors are features of the opulent home, along with projecting platforms and balconies, latticed windows, murals and paintings featuring gods and other mythological creatures. The Bundela dynasty’s succeeding rulers constructed the structures that came after.

Raja  Mahal

Royal families lived in the King’s Palace, Raja Mahal, or Raja Mandir until 1783. The interior is leisurely with paintings and murals featuring religious themes, legendary creatures, high ceilings, and walls with scattered mirrors, while the exterior maintains simplicity. Depending on the quantity of sunlight that entered, the palace’s architectural design allowed for changes in temperature and mood. The fort also has numerous built-in concealed passageways.

A Rama Raja shrine was built on a portion of the fort. This conversion is the subject of a historical legend. It was constructed between 1554 and 1591, during the reign of Raja Madhukar Shah. He worshipped Lord Krishna, and his queen, Rani Ganeshkuwari, worshipped Lord Rama. A local folktale states that the Chaturbhuj shrine was built when Lord Rama ordered Rani Ganeshkuwari to create a shrine for Him in her dream. In order to obtain a Rama idol for the temple, Rani Ganeshkuwari travelled to Ayodhya. Since the Chaturbhuj temple was still being built, she put it in her palace. However, she was unaware of the injunction that an idol that would later be deified must not be placed within the four walls of a palace.

The idol of Raja Rama would not be transferred after the temple was built. Thus, while the Chaturbhuj Temple remained unoccupied, that portion of the palace was transformed into Rama Mandir.

This is the only temple in the nation where Raja Rama is revered as a king while being a deity.

Jahangir Mahal

In 1605, Raja Bir Singh Deo finished building the four-story Jahangir Mahal. It was constructed as a thank you to the Mughal Emperor Jahangir for spending a night in Orchha. The Rajput and Mogul styles are combined in the architecture. Eight domes, latticed windows, projection balconies, and a steep stairway that offers a stunning view of the Betwa River flowing past adorn the symmetrically square design. The gateway is artistically ornamented in a classic style, and the entry is adorned with turquoise tiles. The palace features a modest archaeological museum with 16th-century artefacts.

Rai Praveen Mahal

The Jahangir Mahal is followed by the Rai Praveen Mahal. In 1618, Raja Indrajeet constructed it for Rai Praveen, his escort. In addition, she was an exceptionally attractive woman, a poet, and a musician. Another name for her was the “Nightingale of Orchha.” The walls of the Mahal are adorned with a rich depiction of her. Portraits of Raja Indrajeet riding a horse and of her in various dancing poses are also frequently viewed.

Sheesh Mahal

One side of the Jahangir Mahal and the opposite side of the Raja Mahal are adorned with the Sheesh Mahal. It has now been transformed into a hotel with striking colour schemes, a dining room with a high ceiling, and two royal suites with breathtaking city views.

Phool Bagh

The Phool Bagh is a garden glistening with colourful flowers and a line of fountains mystifying its beauty. Under the Phool Bagh is situated the ‘royal summer retreat’ where a raised bowl-shaped structure called the Chandan Katora is a base for water from which water droplets trickle down, creating a rainy semblance.

Timings and Entry Fee 

Indian nationals must pay INR 10 to enter the fort, but foreigners must pay INR 250.

The camera allowance charge is INR 25 and the videography allowance fee is INR 200.

Indian citizens must pay INR 10 to enter Jahangir Mahal, while foreign nationals must pay INR 30.

After the fort is closed, a popular visitor attraction is the Light and Sound Show. During the summer, the Light and Sound Show is scheduled from 7:45 to 8:30 p.m. in English and from 8:45 to 9:45 p.m. in Hindi. The designated hour in Hindi is 7:45 PM to 8:45 PM and in English, 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM throughout the winter. Adult admission costs INR 100, while children’s admission is INR 50.

All week long, the fort is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

It is advised to visit the fort between October and March in order to avoid the rising summer heat, which can easily reach 40 degrees Celsius.

How To Reach Orchha Fort 

The distance between Orchha and Orchha Fort is 600 meters, which is readily walkable. However, bus transit is not provided in Orchha. The Jhansi Bus Station is the closest bus stop. Hiring a taxi is the most practical and affordable way to travel the 16 miles between Orchha and Jhansi.

Additionally, there are no trains to Orchha. The closest train stations are Jhansi Junction, which is 14 kilometres from Orchha, and Barwasagar Station, which is 8 km distant. A cab can also be used to travel this distance. Gwalior Airport, located 108 kilometres away, is the closest airport. Hiring a cab is the most practical way to travel this distance.