Orchha

The capital of a renowned principality, Orchha is a palatial and fortified city located in the central Indian region of Bundelkhand, 15 kilometers from Jhansi. It sits on a now semi-arid plain on the banks of the Betwa River, a tributary of the Yamuna, which flows through the Orchhay Plateau. An oasis of tranquility, it is one of the most authentic destinations for cultural tourism in the country. The city is famous for its enormous palace-fortress situated on a temporary island in the Betwa River. The island is surrounded by a crenellated wall, and the palace-fortress complex comprises several buildings constructed at different times. Among these, the most notable are the Rajmandir (Royal Temple) and the Jahangir Mahal. Elsewhere in the city, there is an unusual array of temples and tombs, including the Chaturbhuj Temple, built upon a large stone platform.