Discover the glory of courage. Discover the magic of love.

Discover the human side of God. Discover Bundelkhand.

Majestic forts, magnificent temples, abundance of sculptures, ancient lakes filled with historic tales, pilgrimage sites from the Ramayana, a huge display of rich cultural and much more to keep you busy. Bundelkhand is a perfect place to evade the world, where you unwind an drown yourself in the depths of culture and history, undisturbed by modernity.

Jhansi is the gateway to Bundelkhand. It was a stronghold of the Chandela kings but lost its importance after the eclipse of the dynasty in the 12th century. It rose to prominence again in the 17th century under King Bir Singh Judeo of Orchha. However, its greatest claim to fame is its fiery Queen Rani Laxmi Bai, who led forces against the British in 1857 and sacrificed her life for the cause of India's independence. Jhansi is an ideal base for exploring the historic and natural treasures of Bundelkhand.

Attractions

Jhansi fort - Witness to valour

King Bir Singh Judeo of Orchha built this 17th century fort on top of a hill, as an army stronghold. The fort has been a witness to the fiery battle led by Queen Laxmi Bai. There are beautiful temples of Lord Shiva and Ganesha inside the fort. The Karak Bijli and Bhawani Shankar cannons of the Queen are kept here. (Timing: 6.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.)

Govt. Museum

Weapons, statues, dresses and photographs that represent the Chandela dynasty and a picture gallery, are the highlights of the museum.

Closed on every Monday and second Sunday of the month. Tel.: 2330035.
Timings : 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., 7.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. (Summer) :

Rani Mahal

The palace of Queen Laxmi Bai is a fine piece of traditional architecture, which has now been converted into a museum. It houses a collection of archaeological remains of the period between the 9th and the 12th century A.D.
(Tel.: 242325 Timing; 7.00 a,m. to 5.30p.m.)

The City of Lakes-Mahoba

Mahoba, 140 km from Jhansi, is associated with the Chandela kings who ruled over Bundelkhand between the 9th and the 12th century. The Chandelas, best remembered for the temples they built at Khajuraho (M.P.), were also great warriors. At Mahoba, the impregnable hilltop fort and the lakes they created are considered to be engineering feats. The wonderful water management system of the Chandela period can still be seen here. Mahoba was also a prominent cultural centre. Ballads praise its days of glory and narrate the inspiring saga of Alha and Udal, the two legendary warrior brothers who sacrificed their lives for the honour of their land. There are many places of historical and archaeological interest, besides the numerous lakes that dot the rocky islets. The temples of Mahoba are built in the same style as the Khajuraho temples. There are also some Jain shrines, built around the 12th century A.D.

Kakramath Temple

This granite temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located at the Madan Sagar. Its basic architectural plan is similar to the temples found at Khajuraho. The Madan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, stands nearby.

Sun Temple at Rahila

This 9th century granite temple lies to the west of Rahila Sagar, an artificial lake credited to Chandela ruler Rahila, who ruled between 890 to 910 A.D. Though in a ruined state today, the temple is a fine example of early Pratihara architecture in the area.

Maniya Dev Temple

This temple dedicated to the tutelary deity of the chandelas, stands on the bank 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 sufi saint who came from Arabia in 1252 A.D., is nearby.

Lakes

Kirat Sagar, constructed by Kirtivarman between 1060 A.D. and 1100 A.D., has fine embankments with granite steps. Madan Sagar, constructed by Madanvarman between 1128 A.D. and 1165 A.D., is very picturesque. Other lakes include Kalyan Sagar, Vijay Sagar and Rahila Sagar.

Gorakhgiri

This is the hill where Guru Gorakhnath once resided with his disciples. The spot is ideal for rock-climbing and picnics.

Betel Research Centre

Situated on Chhatarpur Road, it is a branch of N.B.R.I., Lucknow. Here one can see betel farming in its various stages.

Tales in sculptures: Kalinjar

The name that reminds of the rich historic and mythological past of the Bundelkhand region. The massive fort of Kalinjar, was of strategic importance during medieval times. The ramparts of this fortified architectural marvel is pierced by four gateways, only three of them; the Kamta Dwar, Panna Dwar and Rewa Dwar exist today. Dotted with several architectural and sculptural marvels, this historic fort is well worth a visit.

The fort: A historical treasure house

Situated at a height of 700 ft. in the Vindhya ranges, this old and massive fort is accessible through seven gateways: the Alamgir Darwaza, Ganesh Dwar, Chandi or Chauburji Darwaza, Buddha Bhadra Dwar, Hanuman Dwar, Lai Darwaza and Bara Darwaza. Within the fort are the remains of two palaces the Raja mmmm Mahal and the Rani Mahal, as well as several other places of interest. These include the Sita Sej, a small cave containing a stone bed and pillow once used by hermits, a reservoir known as Patal Ganga, Pandu-Kund, where water trickles from the horizontal crevices of stratified rocks, Buddha-Buddhi Taal, the water of which is believed to possess healing qualities, Bhairav-ki-Jharia or Manduk Bhairav with the colossal figure of Lord Bhairav carved on the rock, the Mrigdhara or Antelope's spring, situated within an inner chamber of the rampart and Koti Tirth pond, an important bathing site, as lepers are believed to be cured by its water.

Neelkanth Temple

According to mythology, Lord Shiva, after consuming poison that emerged from the churning of ocean, came here and rested for some time. To commemorate the event, Chandela ruler Parmardideva built this temple. A big Shiva linga is installed here. The outer part of the temple with its fine carvings testifies the grandeur it once had. In a niche by the rock-cut Swargarohan Kund, stands a colossal 18-armed, 17 feet broad and 24 feet high image of Lord Kal Bhairav.

Deogarh: A tryst with spirituality

Deogarh is situated on the right bank of the Betwa river, at the western end of the Lalitpur range of hills. It is of great antiquarian, epigraphical and archaeological importance. It remained in glory during the reign of the Guptas, the Gurjara-Pratiharas, the Gondas, the Muslim rulers of Delhi, the Marathas and the British. Here one finds the remains of a magnificent Lord Vishnu Temple, dating back to the Gupta period and several Jain temples. The architecture and sculptures of ; these temples display a high level of craftsmanship.

Attractions

Dashavatar Temple

This fine temple of the Gupta period, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is the earliest known Panchayatan temple in north India. The figures of the Ganga and the Yamuna adorn the carved doorway leading to the sanctum sanctorum. The carved panels along the side walls depict scenes from Vaishnava mythology.

Jain Temples

There are 31 Jain temples, all situated inside the Fort of Karnali, on the hill overlooking the river Betwa. The site was a Jain centre from the 8th to the 17th century.

Archaeological museum

The museum has a fine collection of sculptures related to Jain mythology.

Chitrakoot: Ram's footprint in time

Ram Ghat

Situated on the bank of the Mandakini, this Ghat is the most frequented one in Chitrakoot. The evening Aartrperformed here is particularly worth seeing.

Kamadgiri

This sacred hill is of great religious importance and is believed to be the original Chitrakoot. The Bharat IVlilap Temple is located here. Circumambulation of Kamadgiri is the most important ritual for the pilgrims who come here to seek blessings.

Sphatik Shila

Two immense rocks mark this picturesque spot. It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama and Sita used to sit and watch the beauty of Chitrakoot's serene surroundings.

Hanuman Dhara

One of the most revered places located on a steep hillside. It is approachable by a flight of 360 steps. Here, the waters of a natural spring fall on an idol of Lord Hanuman.

Janki Kund

An unusal cave over the Mandakini river, it is said to be the place where Goddess Sita used to bathe.

A trip to Gupt Godavari

19 km (in M.P.).This is a tiny rivulet which flows into a tank at the end of an underground cave. The source of this rivulet remains a mystery. It is believed that Lord Rama and his brother Lakshman held court here during their exile.

Ram Darshan

It is a worth visiting place, where different aspects of Lord Rama are attractively exhibited through sculptures.

Orchha

Picturesquely flanked by the river Betwa, Orchha lies just TO km. off the Jhansi-Khajuraho road in M.P. A full day return journey can be planned for Orchha. the Raj Mahal, the Rai Parveen Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Ram Raja Temple, Chaturbhuj temple are engaging sites here.

Baruasagar

24 km from JhansI, on the route to Khajuraho, Baruasagar is a historic spot, named after the Baruasagar Tal, a large lake formed about 260 years ago. A fine old fort, built by Raja Udit Singh of Orchha, picturesquely situated on an eBfjfcfnce, commands an excellent view of the lake and the surrounding landscape. To the northeast of the lake are the ruins of two old Chandela temples. Also situated in the vicinity, is the Later Gupta period temple, Jarai-ka-math, which is dedicated to lord Shiva and Parvati and is lavishly ornamented with massive stone sculptures.

Datia

34 km from Jhansi, Datia is an ancient town which finds mention in the Mahabharat as "Datiyavarka". The main : historical monument here is the seven storied palace of Raja Bir Singh Judeo, built atop a hill with a splendid view over a lake. A temple with Mughal style frescoes and the Gopeshwar temple are other attractions. Datia is also a pilgrimage spot for the devotees of Sidhhapeeth Shri Peetambara Devi.

Ganesh bagh

Located 11 Km from Chitrakoot, on the Karvi-Devangana road, near Bankein Siddhapur village, is Ganesh Bagh. Here an exquisitely carved Lord Shiva temple, ruins of a residential palace and a seven storied Baoli, built during the reign of the Peshwa Vinayak Rao, stand in mute testimony to the splendid forms of art and architecture that once flourished in this area.

Samthar

66 km from Jhansi, Samthar was an independent principality under the great Guljar warrious of 17th and 18th century. The main attraction here is the grand Samthar Fort.

Khajuraho

Approximately 63 km. from Ivlahoba (in Madhya Pradesh), Khajuraho is known world-over for its rare gift to the world in the form of temples having the vibrant forces of life, love and joy depicted in pliant stone. The temples bear testimony to both the craftsman's artistry and the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela kings under whose rule they were conceived and constructed: These temples were erected over a period of 100 years from 950 A.D to 1050 A.D. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have; survived to date and constitute one of the world's greatest artistic wonders. Among the important temples are the Chausath Yogini temple, Matangeshwar temple, Varaha temple, Lakshman temple, Kandariya Mahadev temple, Vamana temple, Adinath temple, Chaturbhuj and Duladeo temples. The 116 feet high Kandariya Mahadev temple is the most magnificent of the whole group.

Chanderi

M.P. Chanderi is the home to the creators of the celebrated gossamer Chanderi Saris. Chanderi is also home to some of lecimens of Bundeli arechitecture. The Koshak Mahal, the Badal Mahal gate and the Jama Masjid are worth visiting monuments here.

Savor your journey

Bundeli food is any gourmet's delight. A special attraction being the mouth­watering combination of Urad Dal and Bada, a lightly fried Urad Pakora soaked overnight in water, Bada is garnished with mustard and served with a Chutney.

What to buy

Mahoba is known for its popular betel leaves. Chitrakoot offers the visitor a variety of trinklets and ritual items on sale. Silver fishes from Mahoba and metal chariots of Jhakhora are famed specimen's of craftmenship of Bundelkhand.

Where to stay

Jhansi has a wide range of accommodation from 3 Star down to budget. Mahoba, Deogarh, Chitrakoot have limited accommodation.

UP TOURISM ACCOMMODATION

• UPSTDC Rahi Veerangana Tourist Bungalow, Exhibition Ground, Jhansi. Tel.:2442402, Fax:2449473
• UPSTDC Rahi Tourist Bungalow, Deogarh.
• UPSTDC Rahi Tourist Bungalow.Chitrakoot. Tel.:224219, 224218
• UPSTDC Yatri Niwas, Chitrakoot (offers affordable accommodation for groups and is specially designed with facilities for self-cooking)
• UPSTDC Rahi Tourist Bungalow, Khajuraho Road, Mahoba. Tel.:244108

Business Hours

Government offices (Monday to Saturday) are open from 10.00 to 17.00. Shopping areas generally open from 10.00 to 20.00.

Tourist Information Offices

UP Govt. Tourist Office, Rahi Veerangana Tourist Bungalow Campus, Near Circuit House. Tel.:2441267.
UP Govt. Tourist Information Counter, Jhansi railway Station. Timing : 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
U.P. Govt. Assistant Tourist Office, Rahi Tourist Bungalow Campus, Chitrakoot Dham. Tel.:224219, 224218.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

How to get there

AIR: Nearest airports for Bundelkhand are : Gwalior (98 km. from Jhansi) and Khajuraho (185 km. from Chitrakoot, 140 km. from Kalinjar & 63 km. from Mahoba)

RAIL: Jhansi, Mahoba and Chitrakoot are well connected by an excellent railway network with all other major cities. The nearest railway station for Deogarh is Jakhlaun-13 km, which can be reached by Jhansi-Babina passenger train, while Lalitpur (23 km) is the most convenient railhead. The nearest railway station for Chitrakoot is Karvi-8 km. from where trains are available for important cities. The nearest railway stations for Kalinjar are Atarra-36 km and Banda-57km.

ROAD: Bundelkhand is well connected with a good network of roads. Jhansi, fails on National Highways 25 and 26,. Some major road distances from Jhansi are: Orchha 18 Km, Datia 28 Km, Lalitpur 93 Km, Khajuaraho 176 Km, Agra 221 Km, Lucknow 297 Km, Delhi 414 Km. From Deogarh : Lalitpur 23 Km, Matatila Dam 93 Km, Jhansi 123 Km. From Chitrakoot: Kalinjar 78 Km, Mahoba 127 Km, Allahabad 127 Km, Jhansi 274 Km, Lucknow 285 Km. From Kalinjar: Chitrakoot 78 Km, Khajuraho 140 Km, Allahabad 205 Km. From Mahoba: Khajuraho 65 Km, Chitrakoot 125 Km, Kalinjar 130 Km, Jhansi 165 Km, Lucknow 240 Km, Allahabad 245 Km.