Jhansi

Jhansi is a historical place of India, known by the name of the ‘Fiery Queen, Maharani Lakshmi Bai ‘ ‘The Jhansi ki Rani’ who played a pivotal role in ‘The First War of Independence in 1857’. It is known as the Gateway to Bundelkhand. The city is having a number of majestic historical sites, religious centres, monuments, water bodies and sanctuaries. The places of tourist attraction in and around Jhansi are: Jhansi Fort, Rani Mahal, Laxmi Tal, Laxmi Mandir, Rani Laxmi Bai Museum and St. Judes Church. Other nearby places of tourist attraction are Datia, Sonagir, Orcha, Shivpuri, Khajuraho, Gwalior and Agra.

Orchha

Orchha was founded in the 16th century on banks of river Betwa. On one side of the river is the Orccha city and the other side is the Teekam Garrh Forest range. The city is famous for the temple of ‘Raja Ram’. The city of Orchha consists of several buildings mostly constructed at the time of Bir Singh Ju Deo( 1605-1627) who built the exquisite Jahangir Mahal\Hardaul Mandir and Chatturbhuj Temple. This beautiful place is just 18 km away from Jhansi.

Datiya

Datia is the ancient town which is situated at a distance of about 20 km. from Jhansi. It has been mentioned in Mahabharat as ‘Daityavakra’. Datia is famous as a pilgrimage spot for devotees of Siddhapeeth ‘Shri Peetambra Devi’. The other historic monument at Datia is the seven storied palace of Raja Bir Singh Judeo built on the top of hill with splendid view all around.

Sonagiri

Sonagiri 10 kms form Datia and 30 Kms from Jhansi. It is known as place of jain temples. There are around 77 jain temples built along the hill and its slopes in 17^th century

Shivpuri; The Tiger Land

Shivpuri is widely known for its Madhav National park which covers an area of 156 sq. km. and has a varied terrain of wooded hills which offers an abundant opportunity for sighting a variety of wildlife. The predominant species in the park is the deer, of which offers an abundant opportunity of sighting a variety of wildlife. The predominant species in the park is the deer, of which the most easily sighted are the graceful Chinkaras and the Chitals, other important species being, Nilgai, Sambar, Chausigha, Blackbuck, Sloth Bear, Leopard and Langur. At one time Shivpuri was the summer capital of the Scindia, rulers of Gwalior. It is around 100km away from Jhansi, located on Jhansi-Kota national highway.

Chitrakoot

Chitrakoot is the celebrated pilgrimage town which is located on the northern spur of the Vindhyas. It has various mythological tales attached to it. It was the abode of lord Rama and Sita for eleven years when in exile. This holy city, the abode of the gods, is set in sylvan surroundings on the beautiful River Mandakini. It is dotted with innumerable temples and shrines today. The places of Tourist interest are Gupt Godavari, Sati Anusuya, Sphatik Shila, Janki Kund, Hanuman Dhara, Kamadgiri, Ram Ghat. Chitrakoot is around 200 Kms from Jhansi.

Khajuraho

Khajuraho or ancient "khajurvahaka" derives its name from the khajur tree (the date palm tree), which abounds in plenty in this region. This quiet sylvan retreat seems to have been an ideal religious sanctuary nestling in the lap of the Vindhya Mountains. The place, if pictures speak, is a thousand words, a magnum opus, an expression of Indian sculptures of yore. The founder of the Chandela dynasty Nannuka or Chandravarman constructed 85 temples dedicated to various gods on massive altars. These form the pride of Khajuraho even ten centuries later, making it a picturesque sight of architectural miracles and one wonders as to how the mortal minds and hands could have conceived and executed these fantasies on stone. The murals and motifs depict scenes from hunting, feasting, dancing and stress on the sensual and the erotic. Khajuraho is around 170 kms form Jhansi.

Gwalior

Situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior is the city of true royals, the Scindhias. City is well known for its majestic fort, considered as one of the best in the world. Gwalior is located at a distance of only 100 km from Jhansi and well connected by road and rail. The city is also the setting for the memorials of freedom fighters such as Tatya Tope and the indomitable Rani of Jhansi.

The Taj Mahal, Agra

Sheer poetry in marble. Majesty and magnificence, unrivalled. You've seen it often enough, you think. That glossy white marble building adorning a million brochures, pamphlets and posters. Be warned. Nothing can prepare you for your first sighting of the building. The Taj Mahal, the one and only one of its kind across the world. The monumental labour of love of a great ruler for his beloved queen. The ultimate realization of Emperor Shahjahan's dream. One of the wonders of the world. From 1631 A.D., it took 22 years in the making. An estimated 20,000 people worked to complete the enchanting mausoleum, on the banks of the Yamuna. For a breathtaking beautiful view of the Taj Mahal, see it by moonlight.

How to Reach

Jhansi is located in central part of India and very well connected to major via rail and road network. The nearest airport is Gwalior (100km) and Khajuraho (170km). The rail connectivity of Jhansi is excellent with very frequent trains to North, South, East and West. To avoid last minutes rush, the participants are requested to register early and plan travel in advance.