Lying on the banks of Pahuj or Pushpavati River in the utmost south of Uttar Pradesh state, Jhansi is one of the most historic cities of India. Jhansi is also known as ‘Gateway to Bundelkhand’. Historically, Jhansi is famous for being the place of heroic Maratha Kingdom. Lakshmi Bai, the Queen of Jhansi was a courageous and one of the most eminent freedom fighters of India who fought with the British during the first war of independence in 1857.
Jhansi is the motherland of several other patriotic and brave freedom strugglers who have immense contributions in the Indian struggle for independence.
Main Attractions in Jhansi
- Jhansi Fort and Jhansi Museum – Situated on the top of Bangira hill, the Jhansi Fort or Jhansi ka Qila is a fortress extending over 15 acres. Following the Indian style of Architecture, the fort was built by Raja Bir Singh in the 17th century. There is also a large museum inside the fort which houses a splendid collection of sculptures and art works revealing about the rich culture and history of Bundelkhand. The Jhansi Fort is also the venue for the famous annual Jhansi Mahotsav.
- Rani Mahal – One who visits Jhansi must visit this Palace of Rani Lakshmi Bai also known popularly as the Rani Mahal. Cherishing the memories of Rani Lakshmi Bai and some archaeological remains of the 9th to 12th century, the palace has now been converted into a Museum. The second floor of this palace is a huge Darbar Hall which is famous for wood paneled painted ceiling.
- Lakshmi Bai Temple – Situated at the Lakshmi Tal outside the Lakshmi Darwaza, the temple dedicated to goddess Mahalakshmi is the most popular shrine of the city. During the festival of Deepawali, the temple is flocked by devotees who come here for offering their prayers to the deity every year. The other most eminent temple of Jhansi is the Ganesh Temple.
- Maharaja Gangadhar Rao ki Chatri – The monument which is another major tourist attraction of Jhansi was built by Rani Lakshmi Bai dedicating it to her husband Maharaja Gangadhar Rao who was the king of Jhansi.
- U.P. Government Museum – Located in the historical city of Jhansi, the U P Government Museum treasures the remains of Chandela Dynasty who ruled Jhansi in the 10th and 11th Century. The artifacts exhibited in this museum date back to as old as the 4th century B.C.
Other important places near Jhansi
- Orchha
- Chirgaon
- Gwalior
Festivals and Fair
Jhansi Mahotsav which is organized jointly by the state govt.’s tourism department and the district administration of Jhansi every year in the month of February or March is a great delight for all those who are fond of poetry, culture and tradition of Jhansi. Several dance and music performances featuring the culture of Bundelkhand are presented during the festival.
The state government also organizes a three day flower and vegetables exhibition in the month of February every year. All the vegetables and flowers growing in and around Jhansi can be found in this exhibition.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Jhansi is between the months of October and March that is also the time for winter season in this city. Though the winters here are slightly cold but yet they are pleasant and better than the seasons of summers and monsoon for the visitors.
How to reach
Air – Jhansi has no airport of its own. The nearest airport is Gwalior airport at a distance of 97km from Jhansi, however, there are no regular flights from rest of the country for this airport.
Rail – Jhansi has three railway stations, viz. Jhansi Junction (JHS), Moth (MOTH), Nivari (NEW). All these are well connected with trains to and from all the other major towns and cities of the country.
Road – Jhansi is very well connected with rest of the country by way of roadways. The city possesses a strategic position in the roadways network of India since the conjugation of five national highways happens to be in Jhansi. These are NH-12A; NH-25; NH-26; NH-75; and NH-76. Also state and private transport buses are available for Jhansi from all the major towns and cities of Uttar Pradesh.
