Orchha is a small town, situated on a rocky island in the Betwa River. The town was founded in 1501 by the Bundela Rajput chieftain Rudra Pratap Singh. Orchha is one of the few places in India where a medieval town's skyline — domes, shikharas, cenotaph spires — has survived largely intact above the present settlement.
Places
Orchha Fort Complex
The Orchha Fort complex occupies a rocky island in the Betwa River. Within the complex are three principal palaces built across different reigns. The Raj Mahal, The Jahangir Mahal, and The Rai Praveen Mahal. These are the most architecturally ambitious building in Orchha.
Timing: Open daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹750 (cash at counter). Camera — ₹400 (non-commercial). Entry is free for children below 15 years
Open in Maps
Ram Raja Temple
The only temple in India where Lord Ram is worshipped as a king rather than a deity — and the only temple in India where armed police provide a guard of honour at aarti. The temple is the living heart of Orchha — the town's daily rhythm follows its aarti timings.
Timing: Open daily, 8:80 AM – 1:00 PM and 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Open in Maps
Chaturbhuj Temple
A temple built between 1558 and 1573, originally intended to house the Ram idol that now resides in the Ram Raja Temple. Because it never received its idol, the Chaturbhuj Temple has no active worship and functions as a monument.
Timing: Open daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Included in the Fort Complex ticket
Open in Maps
Laxmi Temple
A temple built by Bir Singh Deo in 1622. The structure is architecturally unusual — its plan combines the fortified exterior of a military stronghold with the interior layout of a temple. The defining feature is the murals: the interior walls and ceilings are covered with paintings
Timing: Open daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Included in the Fort Complex ticket
Open in Maps
Bundela Chhatris (Royal Cenotaphs)
Fourteen cenotaphs built in honour of the Bundela rulers and their families, clustered along the Kanchan Ghat on the right bank of the Betwa River below the fort. Chhatris are cenotaphs — memorial structures erected at the cremation sites of royalty, not burial grounds.
Timing: Open daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Included in the Fort Complex ticket
Open in Maps
Getting There
Orchha is well connected to Jhansi by road and rail. Whether arriving or departing, use the station codes, airport, and bus terminal information below.
Orchha — Stations, Airport & Bus Stands
Rail Station: Orchha Railway Station (ORHA) | Jhansi Junction (JHS)
Airport: No commercial airport in Orchha. Nearest airport is Gwalior Airport (GWL)
Bus Terminal: Orchha Bus Stand
By Train
Search "Jhansi" as your origin (if departing) or destination (if arriving). Jhansi Junction (JHS) is the primary station. From Jhansi station, hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to Orchha. Choose a train based on journey duration, departure time, and class availability.
By Flight
Search by city name across IndiGo and Air India. The nearest airports are Gwalior (GWL) at 120 km or Khajuraho (HJR) at 175 km. From either airport, hire a taxi or take a bus to Orchha.
By Bus
Buses (AC or non-AC) operate from the bus terminal — head to the counter and ask for your destination. Or, use app-based platforms such as redBus to search and book buses on your route. Private operators are listed — prefer buses with ratings of 4★ or higher.
India Manual is produced by Intodia. All content follows a continuous review cycle and is free from commercial influence, ads, or any affiliate arrangements. All fees and charges listed on this page are applicable to foreign nationals only.
in India