Medieval dream setting in Orchha - Madhya Pradesh

When we sat in the first train the next morning, which started from Khajuraho station, I couldn't imagine experiencing another highlight in such a short time. It was once again very pleasant in the sleeper class here in the 'KURJ UDZ EXP'. This time it was only a 4-hour journey.

Just before arriving in Jhansi, I got into a conversation with a young couple who invited us to their home at the Jhansi station. There, we had some sweets, snacks, and chai. As we sat there, they told us that they would have visitors later and were preparing a delicious Indian meal on the side. After a good hour, we wanted to make our way to our actual destination, Orchha. However, they insisted that we should not leave until we have eaten, which we politely declined but they insisted.

It was simply delicious, especially the Chabati. After that, we were allowed to leave. But kindly, in the man's clothing. He not only dressed us in the attire of a Tuk Tuk but also accompanied us all the way to Orchha, which was 20 km away. He even forbade us from paying for the Tuk Tuk. I was speechless, but he didn't say another word. Then he bid us farewell and returned.

When I first looked around here, I realized that we had landed in another dream setting. Shortly after arrival, we identified our regular chai dealer. It was the owner of my guesthouse who operated a chai and sweet shop next to the entrance, where the whole family worked. We immediately made the shop our living room for countless breaks that we took here over the next two days, and of course, countless chai.

The following day, we went for a walk and quickly realized that we were in a medieval village. It was fantastic. The grand palace on the opposite island, which could be reached via a bridge. The grand Orchha temple in the center and the big surprise in the afternoon was the Lakshmi temple, which was already well restored and had many enchantingly beautiful paintings.

On the second day, we walked down to the river where there was another large temple spread over several buildings. What is particularly remarkable is the relaxed atmosphere here. This place has not yet been reached by the large tourist flow, which also turns the whole thing into a mystical experience in this place. In the afternoon, after another chai, it was unfortunately time to say goodbye. Anastasia had to move on. I still had time and visited the small temple behind the grand palace, from where the whole village is filled with beautiful mantras around the clock. In the evening, I made my way back to Jhansi railway station.