Jhansi - The City of Rani Laxmi Bai
Jhansi has an interesting history of its own and it is well worth exploring the fort here. Jhansi is sometimes referred to as a non-descript town that is often used as a footstep for travelers on their way to other destinations. Set in the state of Uttar Pradesh it is in all actuality considered one of the most important cities in the state and you can even spend a Holiday in Jhansi.
In fact, the city holds a place of great importance for many Indians as it is at the place where a valiant queen by the name of Rani Lakshmi Bai fought on the front lines against the British during the revolt in 1857.
Tourism in Jhansi
Jhansi is well known for the Jhansi fort which was built in 1613. Today it is one of the foremost tourist attractions in the region and as an added bonus for art lovers, it houses a collection of sculptures that depict the history of the region. Locally the people believe that Jhansi grew up around this fort which sits on a large outcrop of rock. It is here at Jhansi fort that became the seat of the siege after the revolt of 1857. The fort has somewhat of a bloodthirsty history, it was here that the mutiny was started against the British rule and many of the British residents and citizens of the fort were murdered here in the name of freedom.
The Rani Mahal is another place that houses some stunning sculptures mainly dating from the 9th to 12th centuries. Anyone interested in sculpture, history, and art would be well advised to visit both of these places along with the museum of Jhansi which has some amazing regional antiques, manuscripts, arms, gold, silver and copper coins.
Geography of Jhansi
Situated in the area that has three-national highways running through it means that Jhansi is well situated to be connected to the rest of India and to be a brilliant tourist destination. Despite the area having a reputation for being home to “goons and bandits”, the city is growing and fast becoming the heart of Uttar Pradesh. Many people have an extremely hard life in this region due to its climate and topography which has Lead to a lack of cultivatable land and even less water. Despite this, the area has some brilliant tourism prospects and is not to be overlooked while you are planning your tour to India.
Being set on a rocky plateau Jhansi experiences rather extreme temperatures. The land is suitable for many citrus species and this has been a vital resource here. Crops grown here include wheat, pulses, peas, and oilseeds. The monsoon is heavily relied on to provide much-needed water for irrigation.
While situated in a somewhat unwelcoming terrain this has provided the opportunity for different backdrops compared too much of India and the land here is still stunning albeit in a different way to what many would expect. Singularly beautiful with its rocky outcrops this area has some brilliant opportunities for photography and will feel as if it is being explored for the first time.
Facts:
Area: 5024 sq. km
Altitude: 280 meters
Geographical Location: 25.4333 N 78.5833 E
Climate: extreme differences between cold winters and hot summers
Rainfall: 50 cm
Primary Rainy Season: July to September
Temperatures: 4c-47c
Language: Hindi
Population: 504,292
