:: :: :: H O L I D A Y S U N L I M I T E D ::: W E S T I N D I A -- J H A N S I -- ::: :: :: :: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


	:: W E S T I N D I A > J H A N S I ::

	Brief -
	The gateway to Bundelkhand, Jhansi is linked with the legend of its fiery queen, Rani Laxmibai who in the 1857 war against British, led her troops into battle, striking a blow for Indian independence and laying down her life for the cause. It is ideally located and is a convenient transit point for various rewarding excursions and fascinating destinations like Orchha, Shivpuri, Deogarh and Khajuraho. Now adding another dimension to this splendid destination is the Jhansi festival that displays the arts, crafts and culture of the region.

	History -
	Jhansi is a city that is linked still with the legend of its fiery queen Rani Laxmibai. In the 1857 war against the British, she led her troops into battle, striking a blow for Indian independence and laying down her life for her cause.

	Culture -
	The Jhansi festival is a lively arts and cultural event held annually in February / March. It is a locally organised program of music, arts and dance. Jhansi is also known for the Feast of Jude on 28th October when thousands of desperate pilgrims converge on Church of St Jude to plead their case to the patron saint of lost causes.

	Climate & Geographical Location -
	Jhansi is hot in summer and cool and pleasant in winter. Located along the border of Madhya Pradesh, just 101 km south of Gwalior.

	How to Reach -
	Rail, road and air connect Jhansi. By air, the nearest airports are at Gwalior at 103 km and at Khajuraho at 175 km, which is well connected with Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Dibrugarh, Goa, Guwahati, Mumbai, Patna and Varanasi through direct flights or connections through intermediate stations. By rail, Jhansi is the main railhead and lies along the Bombay - Delhi route on Central Railway. Jhansi is well linked with Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, Kanpur, Varanasi, Gwalior, Agra, Bhopal, Indore and other parts of the country. By road, Jhansi is situated on National Highways No. 25 and 26 and is well connected with the entire country.

	: T O U R I S T P L A C E S :

	Jhansi Fort -
	Once used by the Indian army, the Jhansi fort located upon a rocky hill was built originally by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in 1613. The British ceded the fort to the Maharajah of Scindia in 1858, but later exchanged it for Gwalior in 1866. There is nothing much to see except from the excellent views from the ramparts. Today, it also houses a collection of sculpture and provides an excellent insight into the eventful history of Bundelkhand. Just below the walls as one approaches the fort is a bizarre blood-and-guts diorama of the battle in which the Rani of Jhansi died.

	Orchha -
	Orchha in Madhya Pradesh was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Chieftain, Rudra Pratap Singh, who built this new capital on a large wooded island on the River Betwa. A city frozen in time, it carries the remains of the fortland palaces that speak eloquently of its time of glory and the splendid legacy of art and culture. Though little more than a village today, stepping back in time, into Orchhas fortress and palaces is an enjoyable experience.

	Sonagiri -
	45 km from Jhansi, this sacred Jain hill Sonagiri lies 3 km to the north west of Datia in Madhya Pradesh. There are some 77 Jain Temples, built along the hill and its slopes, which date back to the 17th century. Of these, the temple dedicated to Chatranatha, the 8th of the 24 Tirthankaras is the most beautiful.

	Others -

	BARUSAGAR - 24 km from Jhansi, enroute to Khajuraho, Baruasagar is the historic spot where the battle between the Peshwas troops and the Bundelas was fought in 1744. The place is named after the Barusagar Tal; a large lake formed about 260 year ago.

	DATIA - 34 km from Jhansi, Datia in Madhya Pradesh is an ancient town mentioned in the Mahabarat as Daityavakra. The main historical monument here is the seven-storied palace of Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo, built atop a hill with a splendid view over a lake.

	PARICHHA - Parichha Dam, built on the River Betwa, is a placid stretch of water that runs to Notghat Bridge, is ideal for water sports. The whole area is rich in scenic beauty, surrounded as it is with farmland and unbroken stretches of woods.

	RANI MAHAL - This was the palace of Rani Laxmibai. A fine collections of Sculptures belonging to the period between 9th and 12th centuries AD has been housed here by the Archaeological Survey of India.

	SAMTHAR - Formerly called Samshergarh, Samthar lies at a distance of 66 km from Jhansi. It was an independent principality under the great Gujar warriors of the 17th and 18th centuries.

	SHIVPURI - 101 km from Jhansi lies Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh, the summer capital of the Scindia rulers of Gwalior. Located on the main Delhi - Bombay highway, Shivpuris dense forests were once used by the Mughal emperors as their hunting grounds.

	STATE MUSEUM - The Museum has interesting collections of terracotta, bronzes, sculptures, prehistoric tools, arms, manuscripts, paintings, costumes and coins of gold, silver and copper from the Chandela dynasty. It is closed on Mondays and second Sundays of every month.

	TODI FATEHPUR - The fort covering an area of 5 acres, is built on a hillock and is surrounded by three massive stone walls. It is divided into 4 main parts.