Like most of the kids these days my almost 7-year-old Dotty, is obsessed with Disney princesses. She’s grown up listening to stories about damsels in distress being rescued by courageous men. So when we were on our Delhi to Kanha family Road trip we made a conscious decision to make a stopover at Jhansi to give her a first hand account of how courageous and brave Jhansi ki Rani was. Jhansi Fort – A Testament of Courage and Honor stands tall even today depicting the saga of how a true queen can stand and fight for the honor of her Kingdom.
The Fort Entrance
History
The construction of Jhansi fort was started in 1613. It was a stronghold of the Bundela Empire. Later on it was offered as a reward to other rulers and over a period of years with different rulers and mismanagement, Jhansi suffered maladministration and was left with in a poor financial position.
The city of Jhansi flanked by the fort walls
In the year 1838, it came under the Rule of King Gangadhar Rao, who was a good administrator and Jhansi started flourishing again. In 1842, he married Manikarnika Tambe (Rani Laxmi Bai after marriage). After the death of King Gangadhar Rao, the British East India Company refused to accept his adopted son as an heir and hence the Jhansi fort became a part of British India.
Paanch Mahal Interiors
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Jhansi ki Rani – Rani Laxmi Bai
The Chambers inside the Fort
After taking over Jhansi, the East India Company made Rani Laxmi Bai leave the fort. She however revolted and during the 1857 uprising, she again took control of the fort and led an army against the Britishers. The Britishers eventually besieged and captured the fort back. Jhansi ki Rani then had to make a gallant escape with her adopted son atop her faithful horse Badal before they destroyed the city. The place from where Jhansi ki Rani jumped over the fort walls is marked and shows how courageous and determined she was.
Kirkees or Windows on the fort walls for defence
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Jhansi Fort
The historical city of Jhansi lies in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. Jhansi Fort was built by the Bundela King and ruler of Orchha, Raja Bir Singh in the 17th century. It’s a fortress built on a hilltop called Bangira within the city walls of Jhansi. There are 10 gates to get access to this fort. There are temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha inside the fort that are still worshiped by locals. This 15 acre fort is in the heart of Jhansi city and a mere 3 kms from Jhansi Railway Station.
The massive Iron Gates
The fort entrance gate is protected by huge iron gates and the ticket counter is right next to it. Once you enter via this imposing structure you can view the fort and get a feel of the history attached to it. There are many interesting places inside the fort which are worth visiting.
The gardens in front of Kal Kothri
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Pannch Mahal
The existent 3 floors of the original 5 floors of Paanch Mahal
This palace had 5 stories out of which 2 were destroyed by the Britishers. Presently only 3 stories exist. The ground floor was used by Jhansi ki Rani as a conference room. She stayed in the first floor corner rooms.
Kadak Bijli
This was the canon that was used during the revolt of 1857.
Tomb of Gulam Gaus Khan
The Tomb of Gulam Gaus Khan, who was killed defending the fort
A trusted adviser and master gunman, Gulam Gaus Khan served Jhansi ki Rani and was killed by the Britishers while protecting Jhansi. His grave is also present inside the fort walls.
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Jumping Point
This is the point from where Jhansi ki Rani jumped off on horseback to save herself from the British soldiers.
Kal Kothri
These cells were constructed by the Maratha Empire and were used as prison rooms. Later on the Britishers also used these for the same purpose by adding one more floor to it.
Flag Point
The Tricolor stands tall
This is where the Indian Tricolor was flagged off after India got Independence. Even today the fluttering flag stands as a testament to the struggles that were attached to it.
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Entry Tickets
The rates for entry tickets are Rs 50/- for Indian Citizens and Rs 300/- for Foreign Nationals.
Children in the age group of 10-15 are charged Rs 15/-
This was used as a court by the Britishers
How to Reach Jhansi
By Road
Like any other city in Uttar Pradesh, Jhansi is well-connected by roads to all the major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Agra. Public and private buses regularly ply to Jhansi. Also, you can easily drive your way here, like we did all the way from Delhi.
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By Train
Jhansi is a major station on the Delhi To Chennai route and its also well-connected to all the major cities in the country by rail.
By Air
Jhansi does not have an airport. The closest airport is Gwalior which is about 103 kms from Jhansi. There are regular flights to Gwalior from Delhi, Mumbai and Jabalpur. The closest International airport is Delhi which is 425 kms away.
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Best Time to Visit Jhansi
Jhansi is on a rocky terrain hence it experiences extreme weather. The winter months of October to March have temperatures in range from 4 degree C to 21 degree C. However, in mid December it gets too cold once the sun sets. The summer months are too hot with the temperature peaking up to 47 degree C. The best time to visit Jhansi is during the months of October to March when the weather is pleasant.
Where To Stay in Jhansi
Jhansi does not have many family friendly options to stay for families with kids. So, during our family road trip, we did not stay at Jhansi, instead we stayed at Orchha which is quite close to it. However, a few years earlier when we has visited Jhansi, we stayed at Nataraj Sarovar Portico which was a decent night’s stay.
Check out the accommodation prices at Jhansi here
Book your Stay at Jhansi
Have you also felt emotional being at Jhansi Fort? Do let us know about your experience at Jhansi or if we are missing something, please contact us or comment below and I will update this blog soon. Your comments and/or feedback are welcome.
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I can see why you chose to bring your daughter to Jhansi Fort! I had never heard the story of Rani Laxmi Bai and her bravery. Visiting the fort looks like a great way to spend a day – so much history there!
I love learning about the history of a place so thanks for sharing the back story of Jhansi Fort and Jhansi ki Rani. It looks so extensive, glad to have your guidance on the various sites within to be seen. Entry seems very reasonable.
I have never heard of Jhansi Fort. I do enjoy visiting forts, this one would definitely be high on my list to visit. The garden is pretty and the views are amazing.
In my opinion, you’re the ideal parent showing your daughter that not every princess is waiting to be saved. I loved learning about Jhansi ki Rani’s bravery. Plus each of these sites has such incredible architecture, but I mostly want to visit now to learn even more about Jansi ki Rani.
With the movie based on Jhansi ki Rani just round the corner, it will be great for people to learn more about this brave soul as well as the region that she defended. A wonderful and detailed post covering every aspect of a visit. I hope I get to make the most of it by visiting Jhansi soon.
I was planning to visit Jhansi Fort during my last trip to India but unfortunately time was too short. This article showed me again that I miseed out big time. Fortunately, I’ll be visiting again next month and I’ll definitely check it out 🙂
We Indians have grown up by listening many poetry and stories of brave Jhansi Ki Rani. Though I have not visited Jhansi fort but one day, I would love to visit as it must be interesting to see all those surroundings associated by Laxmibai. Great to see that you are showing your daughter the brave deed by Jhani ki Rani. It is true that a woman can also save or fight for her kingdom not always a damsel in distress.
I can’t praise you enough for telling your kid, the story of Jhansi ki Rani against the Disney’s damsels in distress!
Its indeed a great idea to visit the Jhansi fort with your little daughter,
I’d really want to take my daughter too there. Just a few days back I was reading her the story of Laxmi Bhai from Amar Chitra Katha.
I love stories and legends. They make visiting a place so much more interesting. The Jhansi fort looks like a place of great tradition. Showing your daughter how brave and courageous women can be was a great idea.
I really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us. I assure this would be beneficial for most of the people. I really appreciate this post thank you for sharing these type of posts.
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I really like the intension you showed to bring your daughter here consciously. Also very crisp blog with the right blend of history and information.
Thanks Ankita for your kind words. Jhansi is such an inspiring place. Tried to do justice to the brave heart Jhansi Ki Rani. Glad you liked it.