Beautifully nestled in Bundelkhand near the Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh border is the historic city of Jhansi. The city is more than an ode to 1857’s Indian Independence struggle. It is actually the launchpad for tourists to explore hidden temples, tranquil rivers, ancient forts, and India’s grand architecture. Whether you are looking for a half-day or a full-day weekend getaway, the surrounding countryside is perfect for it. Wondering which? Here is a list of the best places to visit near Jhansi.
Best Weekend Getaways Near Jhansi
1. Orchha
Orchha is a beautiful city in Niwari of Madhya Pradesh state and was established in 1501 by a Bendela Rajput ruler, Rudra Pratap Singh. It is famous for its stunning Rajput-Mughal Architecture, grand 16th-century palaces, and the unique Ram Raja Temple.
Distance: 18 km, approximately 30 minutes from Jhansi
Highlights:
- Orchha Fort Complex: This is a sprawling medieval fort complex which is known to house the ornate Jehangir Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, and Raja Mahal.
- Ram Raja Temple: This is the only temple in India where Lord Ram is worshipped as a king and not as a god.
- Laxmi Narayan Temple: The Laxmi Narayan Temple is a unique structure that beautifully blends sacred temple architecture. As a part of the daily ritual, the king here is offered gun salutes.
- The Royal Chhatris: There is a collection of 14 majestic cenotaphs built right along the banks of the Betwa River. It is built in honor of the past Bundela Rulers.
- The city is famous for traditional Madhya Pradesh specialties and Bundelkhandi dishes. Do not miss out on Mawa Bati, Malpua, Bafla, Bhuut Ki Khees and Puri Sabzi.
Also Read: Best Time To Visit Jhansi: Weather, Tourist Season & Things To Know
2. Datia
Datia is a well-known ancient city serving as the headquarters of the Datia District in northern Madhya Pradesh in India. The city is often known as “Laghu Vrindavan” or “small Vrindavan” because of the numerous religious shrines and historic temples it houses.
Distance: 30 kms, approximately 45 minutes from Jhansi
Highlights:
- Bir Singh Palace or Datia Fort: This is a massive stone palace built by Raja Bir Singh Deo in the year 1614. It is known for its Bundela-style designs, paintings, and architecture.
- Bankhandeshwar Temple: It is believed that this temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is said to be dating back to the Mahabharata era.
- Shri Pitambara Peeth: Shri Pitambara Peeth is one of the most revered 51 Shakti Peethas, which attracts huge crowds. It is a famous temple complex that is dedicated to Goddess Dhumavati and Goddess Baglamukhi.
- Sonagiri: Sonagiri is a famous Jain pilgrimage center located in the Datia district. It is 60 km away from Gwalior and features a cluster of 100 white marble temples fromthe 9th century onwards.
Also Read: Orchha Travel Guide: Top Attractions & Tips
3. Gwalior
Gwalior is a well-known, major historic city in northern Madhya Pradesh. It is revered for its royal palaces, hilltop fort, and rich classical music heritage, especially Hindustani music. The city was ruled by many dynasties, including the Scindias.
Distance: 100 kms, approximately 2 hours from Jhansi
Highlights:
- Gwalior Fort: Known as “pearl in the fortress of Hind,” as well as “ Gibraltar of India,” this fort houses ancient temples and palaces. It has earned these names for its massive strength and strategic hilltop design.
- Jai Vilas Palace: Jai Vilas Palace is a massive 19th-century royal palace and is known as one of the grandest palaces in India. Its architecture is inspired by Tuscan, Italian, and Corinthian styles and features a huge Durbar Hall and crystal chandeliers.
- Tomb of Tansen: The Tomb of Tansen in Gwalior is the final resting place of Miyan Tansen. He was a renowned 16th-century musician and also one of the nine gems (Navratna) in Mughal Emperor Akbar’s court.
- Sun Temple: The Sun Temple in Gwalior is an architectural tribute to the Sun Temple in Odisha’s Konark. Its exterior structure is made using red sandstone, while the inner sanctum is made using marble.
- The city is famous for lip-smacking treats like Samosa, Kachori, bedmi puri, mawa bati, and laddoo.
4. Khajuraho
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu and Digambara Jain temples in Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for its breathtaking stone carvings and world-renowned erotic sculptures. These temples were built between 950 and 1050 CE by the Chandela dynasty. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a masterclass in ancient Indian architecture. The carvings depict everyday life, animals, musicians, teachers, and so much more. Its Nagara-style design features soaring spires or shikharas that are built with mathematical precision.
Distance: 175 kms, approximately 3.5 hours from Jhansi
Highlights:
- Kandariya Mahadev: It is the largest and the tallest temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It features thousands of detailed sculptures and elaborate spires.
- Lakshmana Temple: It is an exceptionally well-preserved important Vaishnavite shrine. It is known for its showcase of architectural symmetry and fine friezes.
- Chausath Yogini Temple: It is the oldest surviving granite temple in this area and is dedicated to 64 tantric goddesses, which is how the name, Chausath Yogini, was coined.
- Parsvanath Temple: It is the largest Jain temple in the eastern cluster, which is known for detailed non-erotic external sculptures.
- Chaturbhuj Temple: It is a Hindu temple and is famous for housing a massive structure of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu’s structure is a serene 9-foot-tall four-armed structure, which gives it the name Chaturbhuj.
Also Read: Khajuraho Travel Guide
unstumbled Author’s Note
Talking about the best weekend getaway destinations from Jhansi, visit Orchha for architecture and historical walks. If you ask me, I would say you must visit Datia for ancient architecture and pilgrimage. I have visited Gwalior and enjoyed a full-day heritage exploration, and Khajuraho for culture and sculpture art.
Summing Up
The surrounding countryside of Jhansi offers an amazing blend of rich history, architectural marvels, and natural beauty, and we have listed the best getaways. So the next time you visit Jhansi, try to explore its surrounding cities as well for a complete cultural and historical experience.
