Orchha Palace: Pride of Bundelkhand

I am sure Orchha and Jhansi series travel blogs has been refreshing for you. If you haven't read them, here is the link Betwa river side, Jhansi Fort. For quite a time Orchha Palace near Jhansi was waiting for its mention on this blog. Joking :) The palace commands a very strong connection with history. Let’s take a small refreshing dive in the past.

Vir Singh Deo and the Orchha Mahal:

Vir Singh Deo was one of the finest Rajput rulers of Bundelkhand particularly Orchha province. A contemporary of Akbar, Vir Sing Deo kept raising his voice against the Mughal despotism. To hold back the uprising, Akbar sent his son Jahangir with a sizable army towards Orchha which was the nucleus of rebellion.

Vir Singh Deo lost the battle and had to surrender to Jahangir. The palace erected by Vir Singh Deo on the banks of River Betwa became Jahangir Palace or Jahangir Mahal.

Quite interesting: Auli in Uttarakhand has an artificial lake at 7500 feets. The lake water is used to create artificial snow and spray on Auli Ski slope. Click the link to read more about Auli.

Legacy of Jujhar Singh:

But the story doesn't ends there. Jujhar Singh, the son of Vir Singh Deo secured freedom of Orchha from the Mughals. Later, cruel Aurangzeb invaded Orchha. Jujhar Singh had to escape. His female family members were taken as war bounty by Aurangzeb and his two sons were converted to Islam. Jujhar Singh’s third son was murdered after he denied converting to Islam. Aurangzeb converted the royal palace in Orchha into Mosque.

That’s all with history of Orchha Mahal. Lets begin with my account from Orchha.

The Paratha spree:

As I have mentioned in earlier post that I was in Jhansi to attend my friend's wedding. Utilizing this opportunity, I along with my other 3 friends planned for Orchha visit. We took an auto rickshaw from Jhansi Elite Circle to Orchha, Madhya Pradesh.

Reached the place and sat in a small restaurant on the right hand side of the road, just before the stone bridge which leads to Orchha Mahal.

Do you like Parathas?

Aloo Paratha, Gobi Paratha, Paneer Paratha, Lasoon Paratha any of them. If Yes. Then the last restaurant in the building towards Orchha Mahal is the place for you. I bet you will like all of them! And yes do not forget to ask the restaurant man for Baingan chatni J

We ate like we were hungry for months. The lunch seemed never ending. Nobody was willing to stop. In fact when the boy mistakenly brought two parathas which we hadn’t ordered, we made sure he doesn’t take it back. Very few places in India serve such delicious and affordable Parathas.

Orchha Mahal:

Finished with the lunch, we moved ahead and crossed the stone bridge to reach the entrance of the Orchha Palace. Took four tickets for us and one ticket of Rs. 50 for Camera.

The palace is huge and grand with hanging balconies and gardens. A spectacular view of the river Betwa can be seen from the terrace of the place. The palace is decorated with lots and lots of windows and symmetrical architectures.