Jhansi

Historic sites

Uttar Pradesh

39°C / Clouds

History
Places to visit
How to reach

Jhansi is one such destination that has the tendency to set your mood right with its colloquial charm and cultural significance. This city is situated in the south of Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and is built on the banks of the Betwa and Pahuj rivers.

Apart from its cultural prominence, Jhansi is known for the fearless Queen of Jhansi - Maharani Laxmi Bai aka Jhansi ki Rani. She is considered to be one of the most valiant warriors in Indian history who fought with great chivalry against British rule in the mutiny of 1857.

The city of Jhansi mainly gets its name from the Jhansi Fort which was built by Raja Bir Singh Deo in 1613.

Many of you won’t know but originally, this region was named Balwantnagar. It is these kinds of facts and other historical musings that mainly attract tourists to this city. So, if listening to all this, you also want to explore this city, then you should know that the best time to visit Jhansi is between the months of November to March.

History of Jhansi

Historically, the prominence of Jhansi as a glorious city can be traced back to the 18th century. This was the timeline when we can say most of the significant events related to our country’s history had happened.

However, even before the 18th century, great rulers had walked and ruled upon this soil. For instance, in the 11th century, the Chandela Kings had conquered the land of Jhansi.

Coming back to the time of Rani Laxmi Bai, Raja Gangadhar Rao had married her and named Manikarnika, aka Rani Laxmi Bai.

As they didn’t have a son together, the British government decided to annex the state which led to great political tension. Soon the battlefields were set and war became inevitable.

By 1857, Laxmi Bai was leading a mutiny against British rule. However, in 1858, she was martyred on the battlefield while facing the Britishers.

Major Attractions in and Around Jhansi

1. Jhansi Museum

Jhansi museum was constructed in the second half of the 19th century. So, if your aim is to know more about Indian history and its roots then a visit to this museum is a must. The artifacts here date back to the 4th century BC along with several exquisite artworks of modern India. The entry fee for the museum is INR 5 but foreign nationals need to shell out INR 25. INR 20 extra for taking the camera inside.

2. Jhansi Fort

Jhansi fort was built in the 17th century and is a classic example of Rajput medieval architecture. It saw massive destruction with the onset of 1857 mutiny. However, today it is considered a popular tourist spot nationally and opens up a lot of opportunities if you want to know about the heritage of our country.

3. Orchha Fort Complex

It is a small town located at a distance of about 16 km from Jhansi. It is referred to as one of the architectural marvels of the past, and that is the reason why lots of tourists come here to see it on an annual basis. The Orchha Fort Complex is home to various monuments like Raja Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Rai Praveen Mahal, and many others.

4. Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary

It is situated on the banks of Betwa and Jamini. Here, you will be finding a great variety of endangered species like leopards and tigers. For nature lovers and wildlife photographers, this place is a paradise.

How to Reach Jhansi

Jhansi is a historically profound place that sees a great footfall of tourists on an annual basis. It is located at a distance of 477, 1,079, 1,195, 1,685 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Check out the travel details below on how you can reach Jhansi via public transport.

By Air

The nearest domestic airport to Jhansi is the Gwalior Airport (GWL) situated at 100 km and the closest international airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The Gwalior Airport is the civil enclave airport and is also the fourth largest in all of Madhya Pradesh. From the airport, you can easily book an online taxi, or board a bus to reach your destination.

Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Gwalior

By Train

If you are planning on traveling by train, then deboard at the Jhansi central railway station. Several trains connect Jhansi to other cities like Delhi, Chennai, Pune, Gorakhpur, and others. Due to this, it is also considered one of the busiest railway stations nationally. From the station, you will need to cover the remaining distance by some means of public transportation. There are autorickshaws and tempos readily available from the railway station.

From Lucknow - Board Pushpak EXP SPL from Jhansi Junction and deboard at Lucknow NE
From Kanpur - Board Kushinagar SPL from Kanpur Central station and deboard at the Jhansi Junction
From Mumbai - Board Mangladweep Exp from Panvel and deboard at Jhansi Junction

By Road

Planning a trip via road to Jhansi would be a great experience, especially if you are traveling with your loved ones. It is well connected with other Indian cities by accessible roadways and national highways. According to your budget, you can plan a trip by booking interstate/private buses or book a taxi. The Jhansi Bus Stop is situated about 4 kilometers from the city center. Otherwise, you can also take your own vehicle to reach here.