Explore the Historical City of Jhansi in India

There are many places of pilgrimage in India that has religious importance. However, some of the places having the patriotic importance can also be treated as the places of pilgrimage. There were many such patriotic personalities, whose native place can be called a place of pilgrimage due to the invaluable sacrifice made by such persons. One such person is Maharani of Jhansi known as Rani Laxmibai. She was one of the important freedom fighters in the mutiny of 1857 for the Indian freedom. The capital city of her kingdom Jhansi in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India has been a famous historical city to visit. Jhansi was the capital of Chndela rulers in the eleventh century. Subsequently, it became more famous during the rule of Rajvirsingh dev, who was the close friend of mogul king Jehangir. Jhansi became the center for the freedom fighters during the mutiny of the year 1857, when Rani Laxmibai fought with the Britisheres with all her force. Though, she was defeated, Jhansi has become one of the most important cities of India since then. It has now a population of around 400 thousands people.

Jhansi is well connected by air, train, and road. The nearest airport is Gwaliar that is around 60 miles away. You can reach here by train also via Gwaliar. However, the most convenient way to reach Jhansi is by road by traveling on national highway 25 and 26 in hired car or taxi or by State Transport buses. Jhansi is 132 miles away from Agra, 108 miles from Khajuraho, and 132 miles from Kanpur. The tourists visiting Jhansi can get all the information they want at the tourists information centers, located at railway station of Jhansi and also at Hotel Veerangana in the city of Jhansi. The hotels like Apna guest house, Chanda, Highway, Prakash, Jhansi, Sita, and Rajpalace are available for comfortable stay. We had stayed at Hotel Sita that charged us Rs. 1200 ($30) per day for a nice and cozy double room.

There are many sites seeing places to be visited at Jhansi. Most of them are historical in nature and refresh the memories of the mutiny of the year 1857 against the Britishers. The fort of Jhansi is the most important of all the places. This fort was made by the king Veersinh in 17^th century. The construction of the fort is quiet complicated so as to protect it from the enemy during war times. There is a large Bijli lake inside the fort that can provide ample of sweet water to the residents of Jhansi in case of the enemy attack. There is also a large well of sweet water in the fort. The roads inside the fort leading to various spots are also very confusing. That is why you must hire the guide services here to see this fort in detail. The large guns are kept at all the strategic locations for protection of the fort. There are many hidden underground passages in the fort, some of which can take you out of the limit of Jhansi. There is also a large museum inside this fort that has many specimens related to the mutiny of the year 1857. The original sword and the body protection kit, used by Rani Laxmibai can also be seen here in this museum. You may need one full day to view this historical fort. Rani Mahal is the next spot to be visited. This is the palace of Rani Laxmibai who was staying here till her death in the war against Britishers at the young age of only 24 years. One small museum is also here that has the specimens of ninth and tenth centuries. The government museum is also a spot to be visited. Orcha is the near-by excursion available to visit. It was the capital of King Veersinh. The palace of the king here is worth seeing. There is also a palace of mogul king Jehangir here at the bank of River Chetana.

Jhansi is full of historical places like palaces, forts, and the museums. The people interested in history of 17^th and 18^th century would love to visit this city of Jhansi in India.