Jhansi Fort, Jhansi - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 4 km from Jhansi Junction, Jhansi Fort or Jhansi ka Kila is an ancient and historical fortress situated in the heart of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. Atop Bangira hill, Jhansi Fort is the landmark of Jhansi town and also one of the top places to visit in Jhansi.

Jhansi Fort was built by Raja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha in 1613 CE and served as a stronghold of the Chandela Kings from 11th to 17th century AD. In the 18th century, Jhansi served as the capital of Maratha province and later the Princely State of Jhansi from 1804 to 1853 CE. The fort was the residence of the great Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi, who fought the British East India Company during the 1857 War of Independence. This fort has been a witness to the fiery battle led by Rani Lakshmi Bai. During the mutiny, the queen and her army fought fiercely for two weeks.

Sprawling over an area of 15 acres, the fort is built in the north Indian style of architecture. Jhansi Fort has thick granite walls and several bastions with mounted cannons. Earlier, the wall of the fort used to surround the entire city of Jhansi and had ten gates. Some of these are Khanderao Gate, Datia Darwaza, Unnao Gate, Jharna Gate, Laxmi Gate, Sagar Gate, Orchha Gate, Sainyar Gate and Chand Gate. Many of the gates have disappeared with time, but some still stand and the places near the gates are still popular by the names of the gates.

Among the places of interest within the main fort area are Ganesh Mandir, Panch Mahal, Karak Bijli Cannon and Shiva Temple. Ganesh Mandir is the place where Rani Lakshmi Bai married Raja Gangadhar Rao and the Rani used to worship regularly. Karak Bijli is a lion headed canon measuring 5.5 meters by 1.8 meters and was operated by Ghulam Gauz, one of the faithful soldiers of Rani's army. The Fort also houses the Panch Mahal, which was the place where Rani Lakshmi Bai lived with her husband Raja Gangadhar Rao until his death. In the fort premises one can also see the Jumping Spot. From this place, Rani Lakshmi Bai fled with her son on the horseback when British surrounded the Fort of Jhansi.

A Sound & Light Show is held every evening in the fort premises. The show depicts various facets of history of Jhansi and encapsulates the events that took place during the First War of Indian Independence, 1857, and the life of Rani Lakshmi Bai.

Entry Fee: Rs.15 for Indians & Rs. 200 for Foreigners

Sound & Light Show Fee: Rs.50 for Indians & Rs. 250 for Foreigners

Fort Timings: 6 AM to 6.30 PM

Sound & Light Show Timings: 7.30 PM (Hindi) & 8.30 PM (English) in Summer and 6.30 PM (Hindi) & 7.30 PM (English) in Winter