Orchha is one of the best-kept secrets of central India and an easy add-on to Khajuraho or Gwalior. The Bundela kings built the Jahangir Mahal and Raj Mahal palaces in the 16th and 17th centuries, and their royal cenotaphs line the river. It is small enough to walk.
Highlights
- Jahangir Mahal and Raj Mahal palaces
- Ram Raja temple and its evening aarti
- Chaturbhuj temple, with views from the top
- Royal chhatris on the Betwa at sunset
- Light and sound show at the fort
What to eat
- Bundelkhandi thali
- Malpua
- Simple dhaba food in the bazaar
Where to stay
A few heritage hotels and guesthouses in town, plus MP Tourism properties.
Getting there
Jhansi railway station, 16 km away, has fast trains from Delhi and Agra. Gwalior airport is about 120 km away.
Tips
- Buy the composite ticket for the palace complex.
- Combine with Khajuraho (about 4.5 hours) or Gwalior Fort.
Best time to visit
Oct-Mar. See what else is good in October and our best time to visit India guide.
Places to see in and around Orchha
14 places within 40 km. Tap I’ve been to add them to your India passport.
- Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha Temple, 0 km
- Jahangir Mahal, Orchha Palace, 0 km
- Jhansi Fort Fort, 14 km
- Barua Sagar Tal Lake, 11 km
- Matatila Dam Landmark, 39 km
- Ram Raja Temple Temple, 0 km
- Sukwa Dukwa Dam Landmark, 20 km
- Orchha Fort complex Fort, 0 km
- St. Jude's Shrine, Jhansi Temple, 13 km
- Rai Praveen Mahal Palace, 1 km
- Jarai-ka-Math Temple, 8 km
- Unao Balaji Sun Temple Temple, 25 km
- Rani Mahal Palace, 13 km
- Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary Wildlife sanctuary, 0 km
Food to try in and around Orchha
Madhya Pradesh favourites to look out for.
- Poha and jalebi
- Dal bafla
- Bun kabab
- Nalli nihari
- Rogan josh
- Ladoos
- Sugarcane juice
- Ratlami Sev GI: speciality
- Jhabua Kadaknath Black Chicken Meat GI: speciality
- Morena Gajak GI: sweet
The full food passport, state by state.
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