Betwa river is one of the prominent river in Madhya
Pradesh apart from Narmada i.e. Maa Rewa, Chambal and Son. Betwa flows gently
on the Malwa plateau before merging into Yamuna in Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh.
Orchha is a beautiful ancient site along the banks of Betwa River in Madhya
Pradesh. The history of this place is traced back to the Ramayan era when Lord
Ram stayed here during his exile. Then, Betwa was known as Vetravati. A
beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Ram popularly called as Raja Ram mandir is
located some few meters away from Betwa banks.
Betwa river Orchha chhatri
How to reach Orchha?
Orchha is in Madhya Pradesh. The closest
railway junction to Orchha is Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh. Jhansi is some 20
Kilometers from Orchha. Jhansi railway station is well connected to all the
metros and other big cities of India. Once you are in Jhansi, hire an Auto
Rickshaw for Orchha. They charge around 80-100 rupees one way and 4 people can
easily get in.
Where to stay?
If you are NOT on a tight budget then Orchha is
the best place to stay. I haven’t stayed there but from a second source Orchha
Resort and Betwa Retreat are the two best hotels in Orchha. They are a couple
of minutes walk from the Betwa river bank.
If you are looking for budget hotels, I would
suggest staying in Jhansi city itself. You can get a range of options in Jhansi
city. When I was Jhansi I stayed in Hotel Chanda opposite to Jhansi public
garden.
Must visit places in Jhansi and Orchha?
Ok. Here are the list of must visit places in
and around Jhansi and Orchha.
Jhansi Fort – It’s big; keep 2-3 hours to see
the fort comfortably. This is the fort from where Rani Laxmibai on his horse
jumped from the fort wall with her son tied on her back.
Jhansi museum – Interesting stuffs related to
Bundelkhand history and art. Worth visiting.
Raja Ram Mandir, Orchha – Both old and new one.
Don’t the miss the old temple.
Orchha palace – Also known as Jahangir palace.
Betwa riverside, Orchha – Do you love sitting
idle and your gaze fixed at infinity, then this is the place you are looking
upon.
Let’s begin
This place was not in the original list. I feel
happy that I found didn’t missed this place. A number of Cenotaphs or Chattris
as it is called stands by the river bank. These were constructed by medieval
kingdoms and they are really a treat to our eyes.
Cenotaphs or Chhatris in Orchha
Chhatri in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Chhatris on the Betwa banks
The evening scene:
The evening scene was something like this. A
man with his rough bansi or fish lines was sitting on the lower stairs waiting patiently
for some movement in the nylon threads. An elderly lady holding the clothes of her
husband, while he takes dips in the river. Two three Sadhus cleaning
themseleves in the river. It was pretty less crowded.
When I climbed downstairs and neared the river,
the surrounding which was not that cold suddenly became wintry. Water was
amazingly cold. The freshness in the air made by the river became very evident.
I placed my camera back in my bag and sat there
for minutes to wash my mind. Such opportunities are rare. I feel the local guys
are lucky who can spend their time sitting by the Betwa.
That 15 minute will stay in heart for long.
On the bank of Betwa river
A Sadhu in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh.
Betwa River in Orchha
