Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary

Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary is a 45.02 sq km protected area on the banks of the Betwa River near Orchha town in Niwari district, Madhya Pradesh. Established in 1994, it encompasses dry deciduous forest with teak, kardhai and riverine vegetation along the Betwa floodplain. Known for diverse fauna including nilgai, jackal, sloth bear and over 200 bird species, it offers nature trails and river views adjacent to Orchha's historic monuments.

Visitors can expect a compact riverine forest sanctuary on an island formed by the Betwa and Jamni rivers near Orchha town. The landscape features dry deciduous teak forest, grasslands and riverbanks with walking trails and jeep tracks. Visitors can see diverse birds, nilgai, jackals, monkeys and other small mammals, enjoy Betwa River views, photography and nature walks, and combine the visit with nearby Orchha palaces and temples located just outside the sanctuary boundary.

Notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1994 by the Government of Madhya Pradesh, covering 45.02 sq km along the Betwa River. The area lies in the historic Bundelkhand region and forms the natural forested backdrop to the 16th-17th century Orchha princely town established by the Bundela rulers.

Located adjacent to the heritage town of Orchha, the sanctuary shares the cultural landscape of the Betwa River, which is significant to the town's temples and palaces. It represents the natural heritage of Bundelkhand and complements the cultural tourism circuit of Orchha.