Once used  by the Indian army, the fort was built in 1613 by Maharaja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha. The British ceded the fort to the maharaja of Scindia in 1858, but later exchanged it for Gwalior in 1866. There's nothing much to see, apart from the excellent views from the ramparts. Watch out for the band of aggressive monkeys by the temples here. Just below the walls as you approach the fort is a bizarre blood-and-guts diorama of the battle in which the Rani of Jhansi died.

The former palace of Rani Lakshmibai, consisting of arched chambers around an open courtyard, was built in the 18th century. In a famous incident at the palace, British troops stormed the building through a rear stable and masacred 50 of the rani's bodyguards. The palace is now a museum containing hundreds of 9th to 12th century sculptures. The durbar hall on the 2nd floor features an original painted wood-paneled ceiling.

On the road leading up to the fort is the large but the largely empty government museum. Its four galleries house an interesting collection of prehistoric tools; terracottas dating from the 4th century BC; and sculptures, costumes, and weapons from the Chandela dynasty.

    Other places of interest are Laxmi Tal, Gangadhar Rao ki Chhatri and Sri Kali Temple.