Bundelkhand Circuit of Uttar Pradesh

Bundelkhand circuit, Jhansi Overview

Bundelkhand is a mountain range located in central India. Popularly called as the Bundelkhand Circuit, this region is divided between Madhya Pradesh and some parts of Uttar Pradesh. The circuit consists of five major cities namely, Bithoor, Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Kalinjar and Mahoba. Each of these cities has interesting places of visit, each with their own unique historic significance.

Bundelkhand lies sandwiched between the Indo-Gangetic plain in the north and Vindhya range in the south. Vindhya, Fauna and Bander are the three mountains with the highest peak at a height of 600 metres, intersects the plains of Bundelkhand. Bundelkhand circuit is flooded with monuments which hold stories of great kings and warriors, rivers, majestic forts, sacred temples, pilgrimage sites and many other historic places and sculptures.

Jhansi

Jhansi, a town known for valour and courage is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, at a distance of 104 kilometers from Bundelkhand. Jhansi lies amidst the rivers Betwa and Pahunj and is called as the gateway to Bundelkhand. Earlier named as Balwant Nagar, the town lost its importance in the 11th century. However, after the emergence of the warrior Rani Laxmi Bai who fought bravely for the freedom of India and sacrificed her life for the same, the city began to regain its recognition. Popularly called as Jhansi Ki Rani, she depicted a picture of bravery and still remains to be a woman of inspiration in the heart of many.

Jhansi, now a significant part of the Bundelkhand circuit is known for its places of historic significance. Most of these places revolve around the times of Rani Laxmi Bai and Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo. Some such places of interest are - Jhansi Fort, Rani Mahal, Maharaja Gangadhar Rao ki Chathri. It is also a city which portrays the rich culture and tradition of the state.

Bithoor

Bithoor is a town in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh located at a distance of 260 kilometers from Bundelkhand. It is believed that after Lord Vishnu reconstructed the universe, Lord Brahma chose to stay in Bithoor. Staying in this calm place, he is believed to have created mankind and completed the Ashwamedha Yajna. Thus, the town was called as Brahmavatra which was later modified as Bithoor.

Today, it is a quiet and beautiful town located in the banks of the river Ganges. With its serene and peaceful atmosphere, it serves as a great spot to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life that surrounds this small town. Being one among the five cities in the Bundelkhand circuit, it is a place of religious and historic significance. Many places in Bithoor are found to be mentioned in ancient and mythological manuscripts which adds another pinch of value to it. Some such pilgrimage spots to visit in Bithoor are - Valmiki Ashram, Brahmavart Ghat, Dhruva Teela, Nana Saheb’s palace.

Chitrakoot

Chitrakoot, meaning Hill of many wonders is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh at a distance of 253 kilometers from Bundelkhand. A district which was created just a couple of decades ago, is a place of religious and cultural importance. Within the deep forests in this district, Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman are believed to have spent their 14 years of exile. It is at this very city where Rama’s brother, Laxman invited him back to Ayodhya. Many religious figures and saints have spent their lives meditating in this sacred city to attain salvation.

This divine place attracts people from all over the state during auspicious Hindi festivals like Ramanavami, Amavasya, Deepawali. Apart from that, there are also various Yoga and Ayurvedic centres located in Chitrakoot. Being a place which radiates peace and tranquility, it is one of those cities in the Bundelkhand circuit which has a different level of appeal to it. Some of those places are - Ram Ghat, Janaki Kund, Kamadgiri, Bharat Milap.

Kalinjar

Kalinjar is a district in Uttar Pradesh, located at 239 kilometers from Bundelkhand. In Sanskrit, Kalinjar means Destroyer of time. According to the beliefs of Hindu, Lord Shiva drank poison after which his throat became blue. He then came to Kalinjar where he achieved victory over death. The city also had a rocky hill at the end of the Vindhya range which is believed to be holy. It casts a huge shadow over the grasslands making the entire scenery attractive.

This beautiful place has many significant places to visit within the city. It is another city in the Bundelkhand circuit which is of ancient and pious importance. Some interesting places to visit are - Kalinjar Fort, Neelkhand.

Mahoba

Mahoba which translates to the city of great festivals, is located 125 kilometers from Bundelkhand. It is another city in the Bundelkhand circuit which is known for bravery. Alha and Udal are two brothers who have sacrificed their lives for the honour of the land. Even to this day, people of the city sing ballads praising the courage of these boys. It was also the ancient capital of Chandela kings. Also popularly known for its gorgeous lakes, hills, valleys and holy temples, it is a city of beauty.

Some of the most popular places of visit in the district are - Sun temple, Sharda Devi Mandir, Madan Sagar, Kirat Sagar.