Centre, Madhya Pradesh govts allot over ₹100 crore to develop Orchha as global tourist destination

Orchha in Madhya Pradesh has been allotted a budget of ₹25 crore under the Swadesh Darshan Yojana 2.0, to develop it as a global tourist destination given its selection under UNESCO’s Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) initiative.

 

Adopted in 2011, the initiative provides a framework for managing heritage resources in dynamic urban environments. The focus is not just on the preservation of the built environment but also includes the entire human environment, including tangible and intangible heritage, cultural diversity and socio-economic factors. 

 

The Union government has recommended Orchha’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the year 2027–28.

 

Orchha, which lies on the banks of Betwa river, was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput Chief, Rudra Pratap. Here, the river splits into seven channels, also called the Satdhara. One belief is that this spoliating up is nature’s way of honouring the seven erstwhile chiefs of Orchha. The town is dotted with temples and palaces. One of its most prominent temples is the Ram Raja temple where Lord Ram is worshipped both as a god and as a king. One of its most visually striking features is the chhatris or the cenotaphs – constructed in honour of its erstwhile rulers.

 

The development plan for the town includes a tourism experience centre near the Topchi Ki Haveli with a 3D model of Orchha, displays of the historical journey of Orchha through panels, a booking kiosk, children’s play area and a cafe. A market will be made available in the form of Hunarshala. Here, visitors will be able to not just buy souvenirs, but can watch them being made, and will also be able to try their hands on the same. An open air amphitheatre will also be part of it.

 

All this will come with enhanced convenience for tourists that includes entry plazas on both sides of the bridge between the parking and the fort group, with facilities for e-charging stations and QR-based ticketing.

 

The state government’s budget is supplemented by ₹99.92 crore from the Centre for capital investment. This money is to go towards the development of tourism facilities,  renovation of bridges, conservation of temples/monuments and development of museums. Hop-on, hop-off buses will also be introduced along with audio guides and a feedback mechanism for each monument.

Tourism