Whenever I plan for a trip, I ensure to do proper research and reading about the place. This time, I was craving to explore some historical towns. Needless to mention, but India has no dearth of such towns. However, I was looking for something nearby to Delhi. Then, online searches recommended places in Rajasthan like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and others. Of course, I have visited these cities so many times that I know every nook and corner of them. Then, the more detailed searches gave me the option to visit Orchha, a medieval town situated in Madhya Pradesh. Its pictures, its history, its monuments, and its story intrigued me so much that I decided to visit the place. Then I started looking for travel options.

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Inside Orchha

Stepping off the train at Jhansi, a friendly taxi driver whisked me away to Orchha, a mere 16 kilometers away. The moment I arrived, I was transported into a bygone era. Majestic cenotaphs, remnants of a glorious past, lined the Betwa River, their red sandstone glowing in the afternoon sun.  Orchha, I soon learned, was once the capital of the Bundela Rajput kingdom, a land of valiant warriors and exquisite art. Everywhere I turned, stories unfolded: in the intricate carvings adorning the Raja Mahal, a testament to the royal opulence of a bygone era; in the imposing Jehangir Mahal, a masterpiece of Mughal-Bundela architecture; and in the serene Chaturbhuj Temple, where the air vibrated with chants and the quiet hum of devotion.

Beyond monuments

But Orchha's charm extended far beyond its grand monuments. Wandering through the narrow lanes, I stumbled upon quaint cafes serving steaming cups of masala chai and locals greeting me with warm smiles. The pace of life here was refreshingly slow, a welcome contrast to the frenetic energy of Delhi. In the evenings, I found myself drawn to the banks of the Betwa, watching the fiery hues of the sunset paint the sky. The gentle murmur of the river and the chirping of crickets created a symphony of tranquility, a balm to the soul.

Carrying memory

As my train journey back to Delhi began, I carried a piece of Orchha within me. It wasn't just the architectural marvels or the serene landscapes, but the soul of the place. It was the warmth of the people, the slow pace of life, and the feeling of being enveloped in a bygone era. Unlike the grandiosity of Jaipur or the opulence of Udaipur, Orchha offered a more intimate experience, a chance to truly connect with the essence of a place. It was a reminder that the most captivating destinations are often those waiting to be discovered, hidden gems that leave an indelible mark on your heart.

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Getting to Orchha from Delhi:

There are three main ways to get from Delhi to Orchha:

Train: This is the most popular and budget-friendly option. Several trains run daily between Delhi and Jhansi, the nearest railway station to Orchha (around 16 km away). The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours. Some popular trains on this route include: Shatabdi Express (Fastest option), Jhelum Express, Kerala Express, and several others. You can book tickets online through IRCTC: https://www.irctc.co.in/, a reliable Indian Railways website.

Bus: Several private bus companies operate between Delhi and Jhansi. The journey can take anywhere from 7 to 10 hours, depending on the bus type and traffic conditions. You can find and book bus tickets online through popular travel portals like MakeMyTrip (MakeMyTrip: https://www.makemytrip.com/) or directly with the bus companies.

Flight: While there's no direct flight from Delhi to Orchha, you can fly to Gwalior Airport (around 120 km from Orchha) or Raja Bhoj International Airport in Bhopal (around 270 km from Orchha). From either airport, you'll need to hire a taxi or cab to reach Orchha. This option is faster but also the most expensive.

Staying in Orchha:

Orchha offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are a few choices:

Luxury Hotels: For a luxurious stay, consider The Bundelkhand Riverside (The Bundelkhand Riverside: [invalid URL removed]) or Amar Mahal (Amar Mahal: [invalid URL removed]).

Heritage Hotels: Experience the charm of a bygone era by staying in a heritage hotel like The Jahangir Mahal (The Jahangir Mahal: [invalid URL removed]) or Raja Mahal Orchha (Raja Mahal Orchha: [invalid URL removed]).

Budget Hotels and Guest Houses: Several budget-friendly hotels and guest houses are available in Orchha. These offer basic amenities but are clean and comfortable. Popular options include Hotel Amar Mahal, Hotel Mohan, and Betwa Guest House.

Best time to visit:

Orchha gets quite hot in the summer months (March-June). Monsoons (July-September) can be pleasant, but some activities might be restricted. The winter months (October-February) offer the most comfortable weather.