(Tourism) Uttar Pradesh Tourism: Discover the human side of God. Discover Bundelkhand

Uttar Pradesh Tourism: Discover the human side of God. Discover Bundelkhand

History
The Queen's Jhansi

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.

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Courtesy : Up-tourism.com