• The history of Orchha is linked with the local Bundela rulers. It has a chequered history. The Bundela dynasty was founded by one of the local Rajput princes in the 11th century. 
• Garkhurar was the earlier capital of the Bundelas. The Bundelas ruled the central part of India from Orchha, from 1531 to 1783. Raja Rudra Pratap moved the capital of the Bundelas to Orchha in 1531. 
• The association of the Bundelas with the Mughals created many problems for the Bundelas. Bir Singh Deo, the ruler of Orchha from 1605-27, got into serious trouble with the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1602, when he was associated with Prince Jahangir, the son of Emperor Akbar. 
• Mughal forces all but destroyed the state of the Bundelas.
• However, the situation changed in 1605, when Akbar died and Jahangir became the Mughal Emperor. In 1606, Emperor Jahangir visited Orchha. 
• For the next 22 years until 1627, Bir Singh Deohad good relations with the Mughals. In 1627, when Shahjahan became the Mughal Emperor, Bir Singh revolted against the Mughals. 
• However, this revolt was put down by Aurangzeb, the then 13-year old son of Shahjahan. 
• Though the Mughals defeated the Bundelas, they revived their lost empire. In 1783, the Bundela rulers shifted their capital to Tikamgarh.

• There are a number of tourist spots in Orchha. The main attraction of Orchha is the Orchha fort complex, located on an island on River Betwa, having a number of palaces to visit within it. 
• A four-arched bridge leads to the fort complex on the island. The Jahangir Mahal, which was built by Bir Singh Deo in the early part of the 17th century to mark the visit of the Mughal Emperor, is an important monument of this fort. 
• It is known for its delicate work on one hand and balanced with strong masonry on the other. Raj Mahal, the second palace in this fort complex is well known for its murals, depicting religious themes. 
• The Rai Parveen Mahal, dedicated to the 17th-century poetess-musician, is the third palace within this complex and is set amongst well-laid gardens.
• There are a number of interesting temples to visit in Orchha. The Raja Ram Temple, which was formerly a palace, is an important tourist spot. According to legend, Lord Ram appeared in dream of the then ruler Madhukar Shah. 
• The ruler subsequently brought an idol of Lord Ram and placed it in this palace, before installing it into a temple. However, when the time of installation approached, the idol refused to move from its present place. 
• The king had to recall his dream, which had indicated that the idol would remain in the place, where it was first placed. 
• Thus this palace became a temple and Lord Ram is worshipped here as a king. The Chaturbhuj temple in Orchha was the original destination of the idol of Lord Ram. 
• This temple has been decorated with religious symbols on the outside, while the interiors are stark. The Laxminarayan temple is a unique blend of temple and fort architecture. 
• The frescoes within this temple depict social and secular themes. These frescoes have retained their vibrant colors.
• The Phool Bagh is a well-laid garden and was the resting place of the erstwhile Bundela rulers. This garden has fountains, pavilions and ingenious water ventilation system. 
• Orchha has 14 chhatris or memorials for its rulers, situated near the KanchanGhat on River Betwa.
• The Shahid Smarak commemorating the martyrdom of Chandrashekhar Azad, the great freedom fighter, is an important place to visit.

• The town of Orchha in Madhya Pradesh is located on the banks of Betwa River. Owing to a rich history that dates back to the 16th century, Orchha offers adequate attractions to the tourists. 
• Moreover, Orchha also provides easy access to other Cities in Madhya Pradesh that have their own set of attractions. 
• These Excursions from Orchha have become an inherent part of the Tour to Madhya Pradesh.
• The Ken River, flowing through the Wildlife Sanctuary called Panna (174 kilometers from Orchha) is the home of a species like crocodiles, turtles and a variety of fishes. 

• The Tiger Reserve of Panna is the home of species such as the tiger, leopard, spotted deer, Sambhar. The reserve forest also exhibits as many as 300 species of birds.
• Jhansi is one of the nearest Tourist Attractions in Madhya Pradesh. The place houses a Fort built in 1613 A.D. by Maharaja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha and Rani Mahal, which was the residence of Rani Lakshmibai which today, has been transformed into a museum that contains hundreds of sculptures.
• Gwalior, situated 118 kilometers from Orchha is famous for the Gwalior Fort and the Man Singh Palace.
• Khajuraho (168 kilometers from Orchha) is also famous for the Khajuraho Temple that is more than a thousand years old.
• Datia is famous for the fort of Bir Singh Deo called Gobind Mandir that resembles the one at Orchha built in the year 1626. The site lies 46 kilometers from Orchha.
• Barua Sagar, 17 kilometers from Orchha, has a fort built in 1730 by the Raja Udait Singh that stands on a beautiful lake.
• Garh Khundar, situated 30 kilometers from Orchha, also has a fort built by Bir Singh Deo of Orchha on top of the hill and a lake.
• Shivpuri, known as the old summer capital of the Scindias, has the Chhatris tombs and the Madhav National Park as its major attraction that lie 104 kilometers from Orchha.
• Deogarh and Sonagir are famous for their Hindu and Jain Temples located at the respective distances of 160 and 56 kilometers from Orchha.

By flight

• Nearest Airport is Khajuraho Airport (HJR) – 143 kms from Orchha.

By road

• Orchha is located at the turning between Jhansi and Khajuraho. Road connectivity is good between them.

By train

• Jhansi railway station is the nearest railway station to the site, 18 km away from the same.