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Orchha
Orchha
16th c.
Bundela Capital
14
Royal Chhatris
1
Ram Raja Temple
3
Major Palaces
About Orchha
A river-side time capsule of Bundela glory
Orchha sits on the Betwa river, in Niwari district of MP, just across the border from Jhansi. Founded in 1531 as the capital of the Bundela Rajputs, the town is a stunning ensemble of palaces, temples and cenotaphs that remained almost untouched after the capital moved to Tikamgarh in 1783.
Orchha's signature image is its 14 royal chhatris (cenotaphs) reflected in the Betwa river at sunset. The town is also unique in India for worshipping Lord Rama as a king at the Ram Raja Mandir, with police salutes at the daily aarti.
At a Glance
Key facts and the best way to experience Orchha
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Location
Niwari District, MP — 16 km from Jhansi
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Famous For
Bundela palaces, chhatris, Ram Raja Mandir
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Best Season
October–March
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Time Needed
2 days (combine with Khajuraho)
Heritage & Legacy
A timeline of devotion, history and natural majesty
1531 — Bundela Capital
Raja Rudra Pratap Singh moves the Bundela capital to Orchha on the Betwa.
Madhukar Shah Era
His son expands the capital; the Ram Raja Mandir tradition begins after Rani Ganesh Kunwari brings a Rama idol from Ayodhya.
Akbar & Jahangir
Bir Singh Deo befriends Mughal prince Salim (Jahangir); the Jahangir Mahal is built in 1605 in his honour.
1783 — Capital Shift
Capital moves to Tikamgarh, freezing Orchha in time.
Modern Tourism
From the 1990s Orchha emerges as a heritage tourism flagship of MP Tourism.
Top Attractions in Orchha
Must-see places on your visit
Orchha Fort Complex
Three palaces — Raj Mahal, Jahangir Mahal and Rai Praveen Mahal — on a fortified island in the Betwa.
Royal Chhatris
Fourteen towering cenotaphs of Bundela kings line the Betwa — best photographed from the river at sunset.
Ram Raja Mandir
The only temple in India where Rama is worshipped as a king — receiving a daily armed police salute at aarti.
Jahangir Mahal
Raj Mahal
Chaturbhuj Temple
Lakshminarayan Mandir
Betwa Boat Ride
Phool Bagh
Sheesh Mahal Heritage Hotel
Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary
How to Reach Orchha
Well connected by road, rail and air across Madhya Pradesh
By Train
Nearest station is Jhansi Junction (16 km) — Vande Bharat, Shatabdi from Delhi, Bhopal and Agra.
By Air
Nearest airport is Khajuraho (172 km) or Gwalior (120 km).
By Bus / Road
Buses and taxis from Jhansi (16 km); self-drive easy via NH-44.
Places of Interest
Explore curated experiences around Orchha
Plan Your Orchha Trip Today
M.P. Holidays — your trusted Madhya Pradesh travel partner since 2016 — designs seamless Orchha itineraries, hotels and transport.
GET IN TOUCH
Certificate of Excellence for Year 2016
Certificate of Excellence for Year 2017
Certificate of Excellence for Year 2018
With Hon'ble Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan
Awarded by M.P Govt from last years
