Major tourist places of Budelkhand Tourist Circult of U.P.

Describe the location of major tourist places of Budelkhand Tourist Circult of U.P.

India is a land of rich heritage and diverse culture. Each region has its own unique history, architecture, and traditions. One such fascinating region is Bundelkhand, located in the southern part of Uttar Pradesh and northern part of Madhya Pradesh. In Uttar Pradesh, the Bundelkhand region is known for its ancient forts, historic temples, natural beauty, and rich tribal culture. To promote tourism in this lesser-known but significant area, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has developed the Bundelkhand Tourist Circuit. in simple words the location of the major tourist destinations that come under the Bundelkhand Tourist Circuit in Uttar Pradesh, along with the historical and cultural importance of these places.

What is the Bundelkhand Tourist Circuit?

The Bundelkhand Tourist Circuit is a part of the state's tourism development initiative to highlight the heritage, natural sites, and ancient architecture of Bundelkhand. The circuit includes some famous and some lesser-known towns of southern Uttar Pradesh which fall under Bundelkhand geographical region.

The major districts of Bundelkhand region in Uttar Pradesh are:

·        Jhansi

·        Lalitpur

·        Mahoba

·        Chitrakoot

·        Hamirpur

·        Jalaun

·        Banda

Let us now explore the main tourist destinations in each of these districts with their location details.

1. Jhansi – The Historical Capital of Bundelkhand

Location:

·        Jhansi is located in the southwestern part of Uttar Pradesh, near the border with Madhya Pradesh.

·        It is well-connected by NH-44, railways, and the newly built Jhansi Airport.

Major Tourist Attractions:

1.Jhansi Fort:

o   Built by Raja Bir Singh Deo in the 17th century.

o   Famous for its connection with Rani Laxmibai, the great warrior queen of 1857.

2.Rani Mahal:

o   A beautiful palace where Rani Laxmibai lived.

o   Located in the city center of Jhansi.

3.Government Museum:

o   Showcases weapons, statues, dresses, and coins from the Chandela period.

o   Near Jhansi Fort.

4.St. Jude’s Shrine:

o   A famous Roman Catholic Church attracting many Christian pilgrims.

o   Located near Cantonment area.

5.Barua Sagar Lake and Fort:

o   Situated 20 km from Jhansi.

o   A peaceful place with historical significance and scenic beauty.

2. Lalitpur – Gateway to Ancient Temples

Location:

·        Located to the south of Jhansi, bordering Madhya Pradesh.

·        Accessible via rail and road.

Major Tourist Attractions:

1.Deogarh:

o   Famous for Gupta period temples and Jain sculptures.

o   Located on the banks of Betwa River, around 33 km from Lalitpur city.

2.Dashavatara Temple:

o   An important Vishnu temple of the Gupta era.

o   Considered as one of the earliest Hindu stone temples in North India.

3.Neelkantheshwar Temple:

o   A Shiva temple located on a hilltop, around 25 km from Lalitpur.

4.Talbehat Fort:

o   Located on the Jhansi-Lalitpur road.

o   Built by the Bundela kings and surrounded by a beautiful lake.

3. Mahoba – The Land of Chandela Kings

Location:

·        Mahoba is located in the southeast of Uttar Pradesh, near Hamirpur and Banda districts.

·        Lies on the Jhansi-Khajuraho road and is well connected by rail.

Major Tourist Attractions:

1.Kakramath Temple:

o   An ancient temple built in the Khajuraho style.

o   Dedicated to Lord Shiva.

2.Sun Temple (Rahila Sagar):

o   Built in the 9th century by Chandela king Rahila.

o   Located near Rahila Sagar lake.

3.Gokhar Hill:

o   Known for caves and shrines of Shaiva and Jain traditions.

o   Offers panoramic views of Mahoba region.

4.Madan Sagar and Vijay Sagar Lakes:

o   Man-made lakes built by Chandela rulers.

o   Beautiful picnic spots with historical touch.

4. Chitrakoot – The Spiritual Gem

Location:

·        Located on the border of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

·        Lies in the southernmost part of Banda district in Uttar Pradesh.

Major Tourist Attractions:

1.Ramghat:

o   Located on the banks of Mandakini River.

o   Famous for evening aarti and boat rides.

2.Kamadgiri Hill:

o   Believed to be the original Chitrakoot mentioned in Ramayana.

o   Pilgrims perform parikrama (circumambulation) around the hill.

3.Gupt Godavari:

o   A cave shrine where Lord Rama and Lakshman are believed to have lived.

o   Water flows mysteriously inside the cave.

4.Hanuman Dhara:

o   A spring and temple on a hill dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

o   360 steps lead to the top with scenic views.

5.Bharat Milap Temple:

o   Marks the spot where Lord Bharat met Lord Rama during exile.

5. Banda – Rich in Natural and Historical Sites

Location:

·        Lies to the north of Chitrakoot, on the right bank of the Ken River.

·        Connected by rail and road.

Major Tourist Attractions:

1.Bhuragarh Fort:

o   Built by local kings.

o   Located on a hill near the Ken River.

2.Kalinjar Fort:

o   Around 60 km from Banda city.

o   One of the most important forts in Indian history.

o   Believed to be unconquerable and contains temples, palaces, and caves.

3.Rangir Temple:

o   Located near Banda, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

4.Ken River Picnic Spots:

o   Ken River flows through picturesque landscapes, especially during monsoon.

6. Hamirpur – Land of Rivers

Location:

·        Located between the Betwa and Yamuna rivers.

·        Lies to the west of Banda district.

Major Tourist Attractions:

1.Sumerpur Ghat:

o   A popular riverbank and religious place on the Yamuna River.

2.Chaura Devi Temple:

o   Located on a hill near Yamuna river.

3.Siddhpeeth Baba Rangdas:

o   A popular shrine visited by devotees from nearby regions.

4.Natural river islands:

o   Formed in the Yamuna and Betwa rivers, often visited by local tourists.

7. Jalaun – A Quiet Cultural Town

Location:

·        Lies to the north of Hamirpur and Jhansi, close to Kanpur and Auraiya.

·        Well-connected through Orai railway station.

Major Tourist Attractions:

1.Orai Fort:

o   An old fort now in ruins, showcasing Bundeli architecture.

2.Raja Mungra's Tomb:

o   A historic site with interesting folklore.

3.Indramani Mandir:

o   A popular Hindu temple in Orai town.

4.Natural tanks and ponds:

o   Several old water tanks used for religious functions and picnics.

Other Unique Features of Bundelkhand Region

·        Bundeli Language and Culture:

o   The local language Bundeli is widely spoken.

o   Folk songs, dances, and festivals are colorful and deeply rooted in tradition.

·        Festivals and Fairs:

o   The Ramayana Mela in Chitrakoot, Mahoba Fair, and Jhansi Mahotsav are major events that attract tourists.

·        Handicrafts and Cuisine:

o   Bundeli jewelry, clay items, and pickles are famous.

o   Local food includes bajra rotis, kadhi, and seasonal sweets.

How to Visit the Bundelkhand Tourist Circuit?

·        By Road: National Highways and state roads connect all the cities.

·        By Train: Jhansi, Orai, Banda, and Chitrakoot have railway stations.

·        By Air: Jhansi and Chitrakoot have nearby airstrips and are expected to have regular flights soon under UDAN scheme.

Tourists can plan a 7-10 day trip covering all the districts, especially during the cooler months of October to March.

The Bundelkhand Tourist Circuit of Uttar Pradesh is a hidden treasure of India. It offers a blend of history, spirituality, natural beauty, and folk traditions. From the heroic tales of Jhansi to the serene ghats of Chitrakoot, and from the architectural marvels of Deogarh to the hill forts of Banda, this region is full of enriching experiences.

With proper planning and promotion, Bundelkhand can become a major tourist destination both for domestic and international travelers. Anyone interested in exploring ancient India, rural life, and religious heritage should definitely visit the Bundelkhand circuit.