Monsoon paints vibrant Bundelkhand heritage with glorious green strokes

The onset of monsoon transforms the otherwise dry and rugged Bundelkhand into a lush green belt of eye-pleasing temples, forts, caves, dams, gardens, palaces and rivers.

Bundelkhand earned the tagline "utterly enchanting, majestically marvellous" for its well defined geographical spread, cultural profile and historical past in two states of India - Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

A great news for Bundelkhand has come from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) which has predicted an 'bove normal monsoon' this year. If this materialises, the farmers, locals, government administration and tourists can thank heavens. The parched land of 'Bundeli' deserves a heavy downpour, for rain is what can empower the land's two main financial strengths - farming and tourism.

AURA OF BUNDELKHAND CIRCUIT

This monsoon season, Bundelkhand has got your travel plans covered. Why would not one plan make a trip to this resplendent destination where lush greenery blends with ancient regal comforts?

You can book travel packages via Uttar Pradesh Tourism, or make your own arrangements to visit the magnificent 'Bundelkhand Circuit' that comprises of major destinations like Jhansi, Deogarh, Lalitpur, Kalinjar, Chitrakoot, Kalpi, Mahoba, Sukhwa-Dukhwa and Barua Sagar.

Bundelkhand gets 90 per cent of all its rainfall between June and October. The months of maximum rainfall have been July and August.

MONSOON GREENERY

Monsoon season is the one time when visitors get to enjoy the sound of water-filled rivers in Bundelkhand and can soak in greenery that sprouts in most places. That's the magical touch adequate rainfall gives Bundelkhand, a place that attracted kings and sages alike, centuries ago.

JHANSI - GATEWAY TO BUNDELKHAND

You can plan your trip in a way you spend a few rain soaked days in Jhansi. Feel the patriotic fervour of the 1857 revolt led by Rani Laxmi Bai at the Jhansi Fort. Near to the fort is the Rani Mahal, the abode of the Queen. The light and sound show at the Maharani Laxmi Bai Park is also a must see. Other major attractions include visits to Ganesh Temple, State Museum and St Jude's Shrine.

Once you travel out of Jhansi on Mahoba road, you can also visit the 9th century Jarai Ka Math temple dedicated to Goddess Shakti. Barua Sagar lake and fort are also places you can visit, and are only a few kilometres ahead. A few kilometres off Jhansi, there are also many dams like Pahuj Dam, Parichha Dam, Sukhwa-Dukhwa Dam, Talbehat & Matatila Dam. Glistening water and serene surroundings will greet you there.

DEOGARH AND LALITPUR - FORT, SCULPTURES AND CAVES

Deogarh is situated on the banks of Betwa river is the 'Fort of the Gods' or Deogarh, about 120 km from Jhansi, near the Lalitpur range of hills, and the Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary is on the way. Near the sanctuary, you can also visit an ancient Dashavatar Temple of the Gupta Period. As you proceed to Deogarh, you can see a hill that hosts 31 well-maintained Jain temples, dating back to the 9th century.

In Deogarh, the Deogarh fort is a must visit and there, you can climb down the steps to spend a nice evening by the Betwa river.

When you get back to Lalitpur, you can explore Dargah Hazrat Sadan Shah and the Chhatrapal Jain temple. Other attractions in Lalitpur district are the ancient Varah Temple and Kurainyabeer Temple, new discoveries in Deogarh like Lord Buddha's beautiful rock-cut images near the present Jain temple complex, the forest area in Patan Valley known as 'Pandav Van' where the Pandavas are believed to spend their exile, Muchkund Cave near the Betwa river valley and the rock-cut sculpture of Lord Narsimha located inside Dudhai forest.

KALINJAR - DESTROYER OF TIME

Monsoon season is the best time to visit and drown in the beauty of the hilltop fortress of Kalinjar that lies 69 km from Banda and 280 km from Jhansi. It is believed that Lord Shiva slayed the God of time here.

Standing on the ramparts of the grand fort, you can enjoy the vast expanse of the sprawling rain-fed green of the farms below and the foothills of the Vindhyas. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in the fort premises houses an imposing Shivaling, besides many beautiful sculptures of gods and goddesses on its stone walls.

MAHOBA - MIX OF 'PAAN' AND 'PAANI' ENGINEERING

This ancient capital of Chandelas lies 140 km away from Jhansi. As you travel to Mahoba during the rainy season, you will see many hillocks and shimmering lakes surrounded by fields of flowers and lush greenery. The Mahoba Fort stands atop a hill. A series of man-made lakes built by Chandelas and filled satisfactorily with the monsoon rains, are considered brilliant engineering feats for their successful water management systems.

The soul-stirring ballads of the Bundelkhandi warrior brothers Alha-Udal owe their origin to Mahoba. There is also the 9th century ancient Sun Temple made of granite at Rahila village, 2 km from Mahoba, which is a sight to behold. The town is also well-known for its betel cultivation. Mahoba is described as a land of lakes, which look particularly eye-pleasing during monsoon.

Now, if you are ready to discover the glory of courage, the magic of love, and the human side of God, then you are all set to discover Bundelkhand.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article.