Over five centuries of history repose lightly on the time-stained cavalcade of palaces and temples by the Betwa. Timeless, lovely, quiet Orchha. even today, you can see why Bundela chieftain Raja Rudra Pratap Singh, in the early 16th century, chose to transform this little hamlet into his bastion. It remained hidden deep in the pelt of a jungle, on a strategically positioned river island, ready to repulse the battle cry of any Bundela foes.
But now Orchha (literally, ‘hidden gem’), long-abandoned as a royal bastion, is being gently nudged out of its slumber. And what better way to do it, than with a festival that seamlessly melds the history, heritage and all-prevailing sense of tranquillity in the city.
The maiden cultural banquet of Namaste Orchha, which unfurled on the banks of the Betwa in early March, packed in a slew of thrilling opportunities—over three days one could soak up the charming offerings of this ancient citadel.
Launched by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Namaste Orchha is an alluring addition to the state’s cultural calendar. After all, the city was acclaimed as the ‘Best heritage City’ at the National Tourism Awards 2017-18, and was shortlisted to be a unesco World heritage Site last year.
When I first visited Orchha many years ago, I found it to be one of the prettiest little townships in the state. Its raffish charm and spectacular architecture, coupled with murals on derelict palaces and havelis, had made for a lovely experience.
This story is from the April 2020 edition of Outlook Traveller.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2020 edition of Outlook Traveller.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Temple Trail In Bali
The allure of this Island lies in its people and the culture it embodies
THE Snake WHISPERER
SNAKEMAN ROMULUS WHITAKER'S MEMOIR TAKES READERS ON A JOURNEY THROUGH HIS LIFE, DELVING INTO HURDLES SUCH AS HABITAT DEGRADATION AND CULTURAL DISPARITIES CONCERNING WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
TIMELESS BENGALI CUISINE AT AAHELI
A culinary oasis nestled within the iconic Peerless Hotel on Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Aaheli is known for an exceptional dining experience
HOW GREEN IS GREEN?
THE PHENOMENON OF GREENWASHING INVOLVES DELIBERATELY FALSIFYING INFORMATION ABOUT THE GREEN CREDENTIALS OF A PRODUCT, SERVICE OR COMPANY. WHAT CAN TRAVELLERS, THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY AND TOUR OPERATORS DO TO FLUSH IT OUT?
IMMERSIVE UNSEEN INDIA
HAVE YOU EVER GONE FORAGING IN THE DESERT? OR LEARNT POTTERY WITHOUT A POTTER'S WHEEL? ON YOUR NEXT TRIP, TRY SOMETHING YOU'VE NEVER TRIED BEFORE
DISCOVER STUNNING ECOTOURISM DESTINATIONS IN TAMIL NADU
Experience the wonders of nature and wildlife while being mindful of the surroundings by visiting these amazing ecotourism destinations
AT HOME IN SPITI
AMIDST SPITI'S TOWERING PEAKS AND BARREN LANDSCAPES, THESE HUMBLE ABODES SERVE AS BRIDGES BETWEEN CULTURES, FOSTERING MEANINGFUL INTERACTIONS AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
HIMALAYAN HEIGHTS
In the shadows of the high Himalayas, take a slow, green holiday this summer... Along the way, discover why eco journeys are much more rewarding than you thought!
TEA, TATTOOS, AND TRADITION
PHEJIN KONYAKWHOSE ANCESTRY TRACES BACK TO HEADHUNTERS-RUNS THE ONE-OF-A-KIND KONYAK TEA RETREAT IN NAGALAND
THREADS OF CHANGE
In an exclusive interview, Nand Kishore Chaudhary, Chairman and Managing Director of Jaipur Rugs, shares the story behind the brand, his journey and more