Mahoba is 140 km from Jhansi and associated with the Chandela kings who ruled over Bundelkhand between the 9th and the 11th centuries. The Chandelas, who are best remembered for the now world-famous temples they built at Khajuraho, were also great warriors. At Mahoba, the impregnable hilltop fort and the lakes they created are considered engineering feats and their water management systems can still be seen. Mahoba was also a great cultural centre. Ballads praise its days of glory and narrate the inspiring saga of Alha and Udal, two brothers who sacrificed their lives for the honour of their land.

Today, the town is known for its fine betel leaf cultivation and granite rocks. There are many places of historical and archaeological interest as well as scenic lakes dotted with rocky islets. The temples of Mahoba are built in the same style as the Khajuraho temples. There are also a number of Buddhist and Jain shrines at Mahoba
 





  • Area: 8.1 sq. km.

  • Population: 56000 (1991 census)

  • Season: October-February

  • Clothing: Summer - Cottons; Winters - Woolens

  • Language: Hindi, Bundeli

  • Festivals: Sawan Kajali Mela

  • Local Transport: Cars/Jeeps/Auto-rickshaws/Cycle-rickshaws/Tempo

  • STD Code: 05281

Air

Nearest airport is Khajuraho - 65 km.

Rail

Mahoba is connected by broad gauge railway lines. 1107/1108 Bundelkhand Exp (Gwalior- Varanasi); 1449/1450 Mahakaushal Exp (Delhi-Jabalpur); 1069/1070 Chambal Exp.

Road

Mahoba is connected by road to all major cities. State Highway No. 44 also passes through Mahoba. Some major road distances are : Chitrakoot - 125 km. Kanpur - 155 km, Jhansi 165 km, Allahabad - 245 km, Lucknow - 240 km, Khajuraho - 65 km, Banda - 52 km and Kalinjar - 130 km.
 

Kakramath Temple

This well-preserved granite temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located at the Madan Sagar, Its basic plan is similar to the temples of Khajuraho. the Madan Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu stands nearby.

Vijay Sagar Pakshi Vihar

5 km from town, this picturesque bird sanctuary has been developed on the shores of Vijay-Sagar, built by Vijay Pal Chandela (1035-1060 AD)

Sun Temple at Rahila Sagar

This 9th century granite Sun Temple lies to the west of Rahila Sagar, built by Chandela ruler Rahila who ruled between 890 and 910 Ad. Though in a ruined state today, it still stands as the finest example of early Pratihara architecture in the area.

Manaiya Devi Temple

This is the temple of the tutelary deity of the Chandelas and stands on the shores of Madan Sagar, near the fort. In front of it is a monolithic granite, pillar, 18 ft. high and 1.75 ft wide at the base. The shrine of Pir Mubarak Shah, a Muslim saint who came from Arabia in 1252 AD, is nearby

Lakes

Kirat Sagar, built by Kirtivarman between 1060 AD and 1100 AD, has fine embankments with granite steps. Madan Sagar, built by Madan Verma between 1128 AD and 1165 AD, is very picturesque.

Other lakes include Kalyan Sagar, Vijay Sagar and Rahila Sagar.

Gokhar Hill

This is the hill where Guru Gorakhnath resided with his disciples. It has dramatic granite rock formations, with caves and waterfalls. The spot is ideal for climbing and picnics.

Other places of interest include the Jain and Buddhist shrines, the Alha Udal Chowk, Barichandrika Devi Temple, Ram Kurd, Suraj Kurd and Shiva Temple at Katheswar. The Betel Research Centre at Chhattarpur Road, a branch of NBRI Lucknow, is interesting as Betel farming can be viewed in various stages of development here.

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