Jhansi is one of the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh considering it’s historical importance. Also the best places to visit in Jhansi are Historical in nature. However, these sites also have a great archaeological relevance. The art and aesthetics have always been an integral part of any Kingdoms in India. Forts, temples and other edifices show how skilled and the sculptures of this place were that these masterpieces still stand tall.
Jhansi
Jhansi is an ancient city in the state Uttar Pradesh. It falls in the Bundelkhand region. Jhansi is also said to be the “City of Rani Lakshmibai” and and also the “Gateway to Bundelkhand”. The places in Jhansi hold a great historic importance. Most of the best place to visit in Jhansi that we will talk about in late in this post, reminds us of the sacrifices made by Indian revolutionists. Although those great personalities are not anymore still these places reminds us of their contribution.
About Jhansi
In the 11th century AD. Jhansi was under the reign of the Chandelas and it’s name was Balwant Nagar. Under the reign of Raja Bir Singh Deo in the 17th century Jhasni was at it’s height of fame. Mohammad Khan Bangash attacked the then ruling king Maharaja Chattrasal in 1729. He was helped by Peshwa Bajirao 1 and succeeded in defeating the Mughal army. As a token of appreciation Maharaja Chattrasal gifted a part of kingdom to Peshwa Bajirao 1. Jhansi thus came under the rule of the Peshwas. Maharaja Gangadhar Rao ascended the throne of Jhansi in 1838. More information about Jhansi can be found on the official website of Jhansi.
Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmibai
The importance and role of Jhansi in the Indian independence struggle –
Maharaja Gangadhar Rao married Manikarnika Tambe (a girl from Varanasi) in 1842. According to Marathi customs she was renamed “Lakshmibai” after marriage.
She had a son in 1851 named Damodar Rao who died after 4 months. She later adopted Gangadhar Rao’s cousin’s son, Anand Rao who was later renamed Damodar Rao.
The British refused to accept him as the heir to the throne and applied the “Doctrine of Lapse”. The British wanted to take Jhansi under their control but the Braveheart queen stood in their way. She led the fight against British rule in the revolt of 1857.
How to reach Jhansi
Jhansi Transport
• Jhansi is well connected by Railways. The road and air connectivity is also very good so this place is easily accessible. You can reach Jhansi by your choice of transport as each of them is available in Jhansi.
The nearest airport in Uttar Pradesh is the Kanpur airport which is 228 km away. Gwalior airport in Madhya Pradesh is 102 km away.
• Jhansi has a network of five highways from different directions.
• Trains are available all the time and for every part of the country.
Top Places to visit in Jhansi :-
Jhansi fort
The fort was constructed by Veer Singh Ju Deo Bundela, the ruler of Orchha in 1613. The last ruler was Gangadhar Rao before the British took it under it’s control. The fort has 10 gates. Rani Lakshmibai used the Bhanderi Gate during the revolt of 1857 to escape. The 10 gates are:
- Khanderao Gate
- Datia Gate
- Bhanderi Gate
- Unnao Gate
- Bada Gaon Gate
- Lakshmi Gate
- Sagar Gate
- Orchha Gate
- Saiyar Gate
- Chand Gate.
Timings : 7 a.m to 6 p.m all days of the week.
Orchha fort
Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, the orchha fort is at a distance of 15 kms from Jhansi. The fort was built by the Bundela King, Rudra Pratap Singh. The fort has many monuments and palaces surrounding it such as Raja Mahal or Raja Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, a temple, gardens and pavilions.
Timings : 8 a.m to 5 p.m for week days. The Fort remains open 24×7 on Sundays.
Chaturbhuj temple
Chaturbhuj literally translates to “the four armed god”. It is dedicated to Lord Rama (an avatar of Vishnu). The construction of the temple was started by Madhukar Shah. His son, Vir Singh Deo completed the construction in the 16th century. The temple was built for Rani Ganesh Kumari, wife of Maharaja Madhukar Shah who a devotee of Lord Rama.
More Places near Jhansi
Rani Mahal
This fort is situated in the city of Jhansi. It means “the queen’s palace”. Raghu Nath 2 of the Newalkar family built this fort. Rani Lakshmibai resided in this fort during her lifetime.
Timings : 9:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m on all days.
Ram Raja temple
Rani Ganesh Kumari was a devotee of Lord Rama and this temple was built for her as she has had a dream in which Lord Rama expressed his wish to have a temple made for him. The queen went to Ayodhya in order to bring an idol of Lord Rama for the temple. As the construction of the temple was ongoing she installed it in her palace and after the temple was constructed the idol could not be shifted from the palace. It is the only temple where Lord Rama is worshiped as a king.
Timings : 8 a.m to 12:30 p.m and 1 p.m to 8 p.m on all days of the week.
