The city of Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh is a definite addition to every history buff or traveller who sets foot in this state. Sitting at the very south in the Bundelkhand region and built on the banks of the Betwa and Pahunch rivers, Jhansi is popular as the place where Rani Laxmi Bai, who is also referred to as “Jhansi Ki Rani”, lived and reigned. Jhansi gets its name from the Jhansi Fort built by Raja Bir Singh Deo who named it so as the rulers could only see a shadow atop a distant hill when gazing at the fort. The historical city was also the seat of the Chandela Dynasties power. Jhansi was originally known as Balwantnagar, which was a walled city built around a fort. These facts and the variety of monuments and essential landmarks down to the streets of the city show that Jhansi has a string of historical evidence which is dug deep into its roots and is one of the main reasons individuals are drawn to this city. Gwalior is the nearest biggest city to Jhansi, which lies in Madhya Pradesh and at a distance of 99 Km. The National Highway Development Project has given way to the Development of Jhansi, resulting in a real estate boom in the modern day. Currently, it is the 3rd cleanest city in Uttar Pradesh.

Places to Visit

Rani Mahal

Rani Mahal in Jhansi, translating to the queen’s palace, is the former residence and royal palace of Rani Lakshmi Bai. Built in the 18th century, a large part of this beauty was destroyed during the Indian Rebellion. However, it was later renovated into a museum with artefacts from the 9th century and life of Rani Lakshmibai. The architecture of Rani Mahal is utterly alluring. It is a two-tiered building with six halls which also includes the famous Darbar hall. It gives an elaborate picture of the history of India, the rulers, their tradition and the events that took place during the medieval times and henceforth.

Jhansi Fort

The Jhansi Fort is located at the top of Bagira, a hill situated in Uttar Pradesh in the northern part of India. It is a 17th-century architectural monument that has undergone royal construction followed by massive destruction in the first War of Independence against the British East India Company. Within the four-walls lay monuments like Baradari with astute and creative architecture, Kal Kothari or a dungeon for prisoners, Ganesha and Shiva temples and a museum that harbours remnants of the Chandela dynasty – weaponry, clothes and paintings. The streets are filled with bazaars and temples. There is also a war memorial paying tribute to martyrs, and the Rani Lakshmibai Park built in the memory of her poignant role in the freedom struggle.

Jhansi Museum

Jhansi Museum is one of the iconic museums of India constructed around the late 19th century that helps us to track down the roots of Indian history of colonial India. Jhansi Museum, also known as the UP Government museum, is known to have artefacts since the 4th century BC along with exquisite artworks of pre-modern India. Dedicated to Rani Lakshmi Bai, this museum not only illustrates the history of Jhansi but also throws light on the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. Over the years, Jhansi museum has become one of the major tourist attractions in Uttar Pradesh owing to the rich cultural heritage of India, particularly Jhansi.

Panchatantra Park

Panchatantra Park is an animal-themed park mainly for children in Jhansi based on the ‘Panchatantra’ book by Vishnu Sharma. Apart from several animal-themed slides for the children, this park also has a jogging track for adults. The park was developed by the Jhansi Development Authority on a vast stretch of a green patch in the middle of the city of Jhansi mainly for the children with exciting Panchatantra themed animal statues. Over the years, this has not only been an exciting spot for children but also adults for morning and evening walks where they can enjoy a soothing pollution-free environment, away from the hustle-bustle of the city.

Cenotaph of Raja Gangadhar Rao

The Cenotaph of Raja Gangadhar Rao, the Raja of Jhansi, was built after his death by his queen, Rani Lakshmibai in 1853. Raja Gangadhar Rao ki Chhatri is located near Mahalakshmi temple beside the Lakshmi Lake in Jhansi. The cenotaph is surrounded by a lush green garden, an adjacent pond and rich architectural designs. The reign of Gangadhar Rao lasted for a decade from 1843 – 1853 making this a site of historical magnificence that still stands to occupy the cultural heritage of Jhansi. Legend has it that Maharani Lakshmibai used to visit the Lakshmi temple every day. The structure stands in the middle with high walls carved hollow on all four sides with 18th-century architectural designs. The suggested time to visit the cenotaph is from October to March.

Orchha Fort Complex

The small town of Orchha situated 16 km from Jhansi in Madhya Pradesh emanates an architecturally historicized complex called the Orchha Fort Complex. It was built in 1501 AD by Raja Rudra Pratap Singh of the Bundela dynasty. It is a manifestation of Rajput and Mughal architecture flamboyantly decorated with latticed windows, projected platforms and balconies and mirrors on ceilings. Built by the descendants of the Bundela Dynasty, the Orchha Fort complex houses several monuments such as the Raja Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Rai Praveen Mahal and also gardens such as the Phool Bagh.

St.Jude’s Shrine

St. Jude’s Shrine, located in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh is a Roman Catholic Latin Rite shrine and is devoted to St. Jude Thaddeus. It was built by Francis Xavier Fenech. It is in the Cantonment area of Jhansi and is one of the popular churches among the Catholic community in the state.Daily mass is conducted with much devotion and involvement at St Jude’s Shrine. Also, during 28th October of every year, Christians from all over the country gather here to celebrate the Feast of St. Jude.

Barua Sagar

Barua Sagar in the Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh is a modest town belonging to the Bundelkhand region. Apart from the lake, Barua Sagar is home to several ruins of forts and temples that were once the glory of the city. Named after Barua Sagar Tal, an alluring neighbouring lake, the town is of great historical significance. With breathtaking views from the vantage point of its hilly platforms, Barua Sagar is the perfect spot for trekking.

Karguvanji Jain Temple

Karguvanji Jain temple is a 700-year-old temple, resting amidst the vicinity of Jhansi city. It is an important pilgrimage for Digambar Jains, a sect that believes in renouncing all material things to attain salvation – including clothes. The full name of the temple is Shri Digamber Jain Atishaya Kshetra Sanvaliya Parasnath Karguvanji, Atishay Kshetra meaning a place of miracles. As the name suggests, the biggest idol installed is of Parshvanatha (the 23rd Tirthankara) whose symbol is a snake. Situated on Jhansi-Kanpur highway, Karguanji temple has an interesting history. The story goes back to the time of Peshwas when the dream of a man named Shri Singhai Nanheju led to the discovery of idols hidden underground. The temple also has an in house facility for pilgrims. The Dharamshala has about 100 rooms with the availability of semi-deluxe and deluxe rooms.

Rai Praveen Mahal

Rai Praveen Mahal upholds the historical legends of the former princely state of Orchha. It is located in a town called Tikamgarh and thrills the visitors because of its classic folk tales and majestic beauty. The palace is situated alongside the Betwa River and holds its charm because of the nearby greenery and the iconography and intricate artwork on the second floor. The two-storied Rai Praveen Mahal is approximately 80 kilometres from the centre of the Tikamgarh town only at a distance of 18 kilometres from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.

Must Try Food in Jhansi

1. Mughlai Restaurant Pinch Of Spice
2. Good Vibes Cafe
3. Indian Restaurant Joneys Place
4. Biryani at Golden Street Restaurant
5. Buffet at Bon Barbeque
6. Sankara Vegis Restaurant
7. Swastika Vyanjan & Tiffin Center
8. Bikanervala Indian Restaurant
9. Rooftop Cafe Roofmates
10. Bob Marley Cafe & Restaurant

How To Get Here

One of the most important tourist destinations in the country (and in the world), connectivity to Agra has been well developed and is continuously improving over time. Most tourists club Agra with Delhi and/or Jaipur and the road/train network is excellent from both of these places, as well from other places in India. Agra is a place of major historical importance and it is well connected to the other cities in India as well. For people coming from long distance, taking a flight to Delhi and driving from there is recommended.

By Air

The nearest airport is Kheria airport (8km) but it has a direct flight only to Gwalior and Khajuraho. If you are coming by flight, the nearest airports are in Delhi (4hrs), Jaipur (3 hours) and Lucknow (7hrs) 

Nearest Airport: Agra Airport (AGR) 

Tentative return flight prices to Agra Airport (AGR) from major cities in India.

By Road

Agra is situated on the Golden Triangle of the Tourist Circuit. It is connected to Delhi by NH2.The Taj expressway, one of the best roads in the country, connects Agra to Delhi via Greater Noida, and you can easily drive from Delhi to Agra in 3 hours. The Taj expressway is a great way to reach Agra if you are coming from Delhi. However, during the winter months, you should avoid using the expressway early morning and late night, since it is surrounded by dense fog causing frequent accidents. There are frequent buses from Delhi to Agra – most buses start from Anand Vihar terminus in Delhi.

By Train

There are four major railway stations in Agra, the most common being Agra fort and Agra cantt. These stations are very well connected to a lot of major cities, specially other tourist places nearby Agra for eg Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi etc. Taj express and Shatabdi are two of the fastest train on this route, establishing great connectiving with the national capital, and they have a good schedule for visiting Agra.