KALINJAR

THE INVINCIBLE FORT
Situated at a distance of 280 km from Jhansi, this town and the fort, which have had strategic important since the earliest of times, are located in the ancient land of Jejakbhukti, which is an integral part of Bundelkhand. The fort, a stronghold of the Chandelas from the 9th to the 15th century AD, remained an invincible citadel, prized for its location, right uptil the time of the Mughals.

During its eventful existence, the fort was subject to numerous attacks by Mohammed Ghazni, Qutb-Ud-Din Aibak and Humayun who invaded this stronghold of the Chandelas. It was Akbar who finally conquered it in 1569 and bequeathed it as a gift to Birbal, one of his “nine jewels”. From Birbal, it went to Chhatrasal, the legendary Bundela warrior and then to Hardev Shah of Panna.

In 1812 it fell into the hands of the British. This fort with its romantic and extraordinary history is well worth a visit. The township of Kalinjar was also once enclosed within a high rampart wall with four gateways, only, three of which exist today. These are popularly known as the Kamta Dwar, Panna Dwar and Rewa Dwar.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

Forts
Kalinjar Fort:
Situated on a high hillock in the Vindhyan Ranges, the fort was approached through seven gates or check posts before entering the main fort area.

These splendid gateways are the Alam Darwaza or Alamgir Darwaza, Ganesh Dwar, Chandi or Chaburji Darwaza, Budha Bhadra Darwaza, Hanuman Dwar, Lal Darwaza and Bara Darwaza. Within the fort are the remains of two palaces, the Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal.

Among places of interest within the main fort area are Sita Sej, a small cave containing a stone bed pillow for use of hermits; Patal Ganga the reservoir cut in rock; Pandu-Kund, where water truckles from horizontal rock strata’s crevices.

Bhairon-Ki-Jharia, with the colossal figure of Bhairon carved on the rock face- more popularly known as ‘manduk Bhairav’ and Mrigdhara or ‘antelope’s spring’- a small pool in the inner chamber of the rampart, where figures of antelopes can be seen under trickling water.
Koti Tirth and the Budha-Budhi Taal, said to possess great healing powers, are among the important pilgrim centers at Kalinjar.

Temples
Nilkanth Temple:
It was built by Chandela ruler, Parmardideva, with the rock-cut Swarga Rohan Kund, where, in a niche stands the colossal 18 armed, 17 feet broad and 24 feet high figure of Kaal-Bhairav, ornamented with a garland of skulls.

Vankhandeshwar Mahadev Temple:
This temple, located at the source of the Shivasari Ganga is also well worth a visit.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Nearest airport is Khajuraho - 130 km.

Rail: The nearest railway station is Atarra- 38 km.

Road: Buses and private taxis are available for Kalinjar from Banda, Satna and Chitrakoot.

Local Transport: Tempo, Rickshaw,Tonga.

PLACES TO STAY

There are quite a few good accommodation options available at Kalinjar, varying from resonable deluxe room hotels to budget hotels. One can also check out the nearby cities for luxurious options.

NEARBY CITIES

Atarra- 38 km
Khajuraho : 130 km

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area: 25 sq. km.
Population: 4000 (1991 census).
Altitude: 381.25 m above sea level.

Clothing:
Summer: Cottons.
Winter: Woollens.