Things To Do In Jhansi

Jhansi is a historic city in UP. It is placed right in the centre of Bundelkhand. It is the city where nationalists such as Rani Laxmi Bai along with Nana Sahib and Tantya Tope pioneered the freedom struggle in India that started with the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857. Since then Jhansi is synonymous with the fiercest woman fighter in the country, Laxmi Bai, the queen of Jhansi. Of course there are several things to do in Jhansi and these include visits to the Jhansi Fort located on the top of a hill from where one can enjoy one of the finest views of the city. But, there are several other things to do as well and these are discussed below. 

The Jhansi Fort was built in the 17^th century by the king of Orchha, Bir Singh Judeo. The fort was built on top of a hill so that it could serve the purpose of a stronghold for the army. Jhansi Fort was witness to the fierce battle that was led by the queen of Jhansi, Laxmi Bai. The sound and light show, which is organized at the Jhansi Fort, is a very interesting pictorial representation of her life and India’s Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 that heralded the War of Independence. The show is held at different timings during summer and winter.

The Mahalaxmi Temple is a temple in Jhansi that was built in the 18^th century for the worship of Devi Mahalaxmi. One of the greatest tourist attractions, the temple is crafted exquisitely. Since the temple was built way before Rani Laxmibai, it has been witness to several historic events.

Barua Sagar Fort is about 21 km away from Jhansi. The fort is a historic place where the Bundelas fought against the Peshwa and his troops in 1744. It has been named after the lake Baruasagar which was created around 260 years back. The fort has a commanding view of both the lake and its surrounding areas.

This is a fine museum that has a separate gallery on the life of Rani Laxmi Bai besides photographs, dresses, statues and weapons of the Gupta period. It also has coins and terracotta as well as bronzes, paintings and manuscripts. It is closed for viewing on every Monday and the second Saturday of each month.

This Chhatri or Cenotaph (war memorial) is one of the major sightseeing places to visit in Jhansi. Rani Laxmi Bai built this memorial following the death of her husband, Raja Gangadhar Rao. It holds the love and respect the queen had for her deceased king, and it was also a slap on the face of the British, who were after usurping the kingdom.

Sipri Bazaar is an important market in Jhansi. It has more than 100 restaurants, several gyms and many other shops for purchasing varied goods. The best part is that Sipri Bazaar is only 1 km away from the railway station. You can shop for several attractive items in Jhansi. Some of these are curios and antiques besides artefacts and royal paintings. Jhansi is well known for beautiful glass bangles and other forms of intricately made handicrafts as well.

Lazeez Fine Dining Restaurant, Haveli Restaurant and Black Mud Restaurant and cafe are all good restaurants in Jhansi. The latter two are vegetarian restaurants while the third has a Hukkah Lounge as well. The cuisine of Bundelkhand is typical, wherein very little oil is used. Popular dishes are anvaria, thopa, maheri and poori ke laddoo. Ras kheer is a dessert that is very popular here. It is made with millets, milk and the extracts of the Mahua flower.

Between February and March of every year Jhansi celebrates an event that lasts for a week. The event, Mahotsav, is organized jointly by the UP Tourism Board and the district administration. Music, drama shows and dance recitals are staged as a part of showcasing the cultural aspects of the historic city.