The “City of Warriors”, Jhansi, reminds us of the valour of “Rani Laxmi Bai, one of the greatest freedom fighters in the history of Indian struggle for independence. Founded by Raja Bir Singh Deo, who built Jhansi Fort on a rocky hill in 1613 AD, it is named after the same fort. The city lies around the banks of the Pahuj River, in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, touching the boundary of Madhya Pradesh. The places to visit in Jhansi are filled with stories of India’s first war of independence.
Jhansi is also known as the “Gateway of Bundelkhand” and holds agricultural and industrial significance. It lies on the plateau of central India and the enriched land with minerals is suitable for species of citrus fruits and crops. It also houses steel-rolling mills and other manufacturing units, making it a major industrial hub.
The places to visit in Jhansi include forts, museums, ancient temples and parks. So, let’s explore some of the most popular tourist attractions, the best time to visit and how to reach Jhansi.
Best Time to Visit Jhansi
Located on a rocky plateau in central India, Janshi experiences extreme temperatures. The summer months (April-June) are scorching hot and the winter ones (December-January) are freezing. During the monsoon season (July-September), Jhansi receives heavy rainfall with high humidity, making it difficult for sightseeing and other outdoor activities.
The best time to visit Jhansi is pre-winter (October-November) and Spring (February-March), when the weather is pleasant, neither too hot nor too cold, perfect for exploring tourist places to visit in Jhansi. Moreover, the city hosts the popular Jhansi Festival in February, attracting tourists from all over the world.
Just a short drive from Jhansi lies the historic town of Orchha, a hidden gem known for its magnificent palaces, intricately carved temples and riverside cenotaphs along the Betwa River. The city is a must-visit for history lovers and photographers alike.
Another remarkable nearby attraction is Kuno National Park, one of India’s rising wildlife destinations. Located about 120 km from Jhansi, the park is home to Asiatic lions, cheetahs, leopards, and diverse bird species. With its vast grasslands and rewilding success stories, Kuno offers a thrilling experience for nature enthusiasts and those seeking an offbeat adventure close to Jhansi.
How to Reach Jhansi
Jhansi is located in Uttar Pradesh, sharing its borders with the state of Madhya Pradesh. The city is connected to major cities like Delhi, Kanpur, Gwalior and Lucknow through road, rail and air.
By Air:
Datia Airport, located about 29 km from Jhansi, is the nearest domestic airport offering regional connectivity. It is a convenient option for travellers flying in from nearby cities within Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Gwalior airport, at 119 km is the nearest airport to reach Gwalior. The airport also receives regular flights from major cities like Mumbai, Bhopal, Agra, Varanasi and Jaipur. For international travellers, there are connecting flights available from Delhi International Airport to Gwalior Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Jhansi.
By Rail:
Virangana Lakshmibai Railway Station (VGLB), located in Jhansi, lies on the Delhi-Mumbai route and has excellent connectivity through frequent trains.
Some of the trains that pass through the route are Shatbadi Express, Malwa Express, Gatimaan Express, Mahakaushal Express, Kushinagar Express, Tamil Nadu Express, GT Express, Mangla Express, Punjab Mail, Dadar-Amritsar Express, Jhelum Express, Karnataka Express, Kerala Express and Goa Express.
By Road:
The city of Jhansi, situated on National Highway No. 7, is well-connected by roads with nearby cities and states. You can either self-drive, take a taxi or a bus to Jhansi. There are various state and privately owned buses from the cities, including Gwalior (102 km), Madhogarh (139 km) and Agra (233 km). If you wish to visit one more destination in your road trip, then the places to visit in Agra are perfect for you in 1 day. You can easily find budget-friendly hotels in Agra for a comfortable stay before beginning your journey.
Places to Visit in Jhansi
1. Rani Mahal:
A palace where it all began for Rani Laxmi Bai! Although she lived in this palace for a span of just four years from 1853 to 1857, it was the same place where the Indian freedom fighters approached her to take over the leadership of the Revolt of 1857. The palace witnessed some of the most iconic incidents in India’s history. It is the same place where the Rani met the famous British lawyer John Lang in 1854 for her legal battle against the East India Company. During one of the meetings, she exclaimed her famous slogan, “Main Apni Jhansi Nahi Dungi”.
The Darbar Hall of the Palace is one of the most attractive parts, decorated with vibrant colours, so visit the Rani Mahal for its beautiful architecture and history.
2. Jhansi Fort:
Spread over a vast area of 15 acres, the Jhansi Fort is one of the most iconic places to visit in Jhansi. Crafted from solid granite, the fort is built upon the rugged terrain of Bhangra Hill by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo of Orchha. The fort played a significant role in the First War of Independence in 1857 as one of the centres of resistance against the British.
The fort attracts tourists and historians, offering them a glimpse into the war strategies and architecture of the 19th century. The ten majestic gates, including the most legendary Bhanderi Gate, offer access to the fort.
3. Jhansi Museum:
One of the famous museums in India, the Jhansi Museum, was constructed around the late 19th century. The museum offers a glance into the roots of Indian history during the colonial period. Also known as the UP Government Museum, the museum is dedicated to Rani Lakshmi Bai.
However, it also casts light on the history of the Bundelkhand region and is home to the artefacts from the 4th century BC to pre-modern India. So, if you are looking for a place to learn about the rich cultural heritage of India, especially the Bundelkhand region, the museum is a must-visit place for you.
4. Panchatantra Park:
If you are looking for places to visit in Jhansi with your kids and family, Panchatantra Park is the perfect place to explore. It will not only entertain your kids, but will also take you back to your childhood. As the name suggests, the park is based on the “Panchatantra” book by Vishnu Sharma, which is a part of childhood stories for generations.
Here, you will witness various vibrant, colourful animal-themed slides for children and a jogging track for adults, making it a perfect spot for early morning jogs and picnics with family.
5. Cenotaph of Raja Gangadhar Rao:
Built after the death of Raja Gangadhar Rao by his queen, Rani Lakshmibai, in 1853, the Cenotaph of Raja Gangadhar Rao is one of the famous places to visit in Jhansi. The site is surrounded by lush greenery and located near the Mahalakshmi temple beside the Lakshmi Lake in Jhansi.
The place holds great significance in the historic and cultural heritage of the city, offering an insight into the 18th-century architecture. The best time to visit the cenotaph is from October to March.
6. Mahalakshmi Temple:
If you are looking for religious places to visit in Jhansi, the Mahalaxmi Temple is located on the banks of Laksmi Tal. This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of good fortune, wealth and prosperity.
The temple not only attracts Hindu devotees but also historians and tourists to admire its beautiful architecture. The temple is decorated with sculptures of Hindu deities and intricate carvings.
7. St. Jude’s Shrine:
Devoted to St. Jude Thaddeus, the St. Jude’s Shrine is a Roman Catholic Latin Rite shrine built by Francis Xavier Fenech. It is located in the Cantonment area of the city and is one of the popular Catholic churches in Jhansi.
The most important event the church hosts is the celebration of the Feast of St. Jude on 28th October every year.
8. Karguvanji Jain Temple:
Another historic place to visit in Jhansi is the Karguvanji Jain temple, a 700-year-old temple. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Digambar Jains. The temple houses the biggest idol of Prashvanatha (the 23rd Tirthankara), whose symbol is a snake.
Located on the Jhansi-Kanpur highway, the discovery of the temple has an interesting history behind it. According to the legend, during the time of the Peshwas, a man named Shri Singhai Nanheju dreamt about the idols hidden underground at the site, further leading to the construction of the temple.
9. Barua Sagar Fort:
One of the most stunning places to visit in Jhansi, Barua Sagar Fort, was a summer retreat of the Rajas of Orchha. The Fort, along with a large lake, was built by Bundela Raja Udit Singh of Orchha between 1705 and 1707 CE, approximately 22 km southeast of Jhansi.
The fort, admired for its beautiful architecture, includes various palaces and temples. The scenic backdrop of Barua Sagar Lake adds a charming touch to the landscape, making it a perfect spot for photoshoots.
Thus, places to visit in Jhansi offer an insight into the rich heritage and the lives of bravehearts who dedicated their lives to the country’s freedom struggle. These places are perfect for a family getaway, pilgrimage or educational trips. Agra is just over 200 km away from Jhansi, so if you want to take a tour, you can make a pit stop. There are many budget-friendly hotels in Agra that you can choose from.
If you wish to visit nearby cities around Jhansi, you can check places to visit in Uttar Pradesh for a memorable getaway!
