Fast Facts :

Situated : Uttar Pradesh, (India)

Major Attraction : Kalinjar Fort

Best Season : Around the year

Languages : English, Hindi and Bundeli

Kalinjar is located in the Basnda district, Uttar Pradesh. This place is known for its ancient fort. This fort is a crown on the top of Kalinjar.This huge fort has been used for historic battles.

The origins of this mighty fort is ensnarled in myths which finds its hold in the era of Lord Shiva and King Bharata.Historically the background of this massive fort is related with Chandella rulers of Bundelkhand.The Chandella lineage is proved as you can spot the polished stone as you enter the Neelkanth Temple.

Kalinjar was Chandella dynasties strong hold from the year 9th -15th century until the Mughal came in to power. During the reign of the Chandela Dynasty, this fort was attacked by Mohammad Ghaznavi in the year 1019 and 1022.Qutb ud din Aibak attacked this fort in the year 1203 and defeated Parmadideva, the last ruler of the Chandela Dynasty.Mughal Emperor Humayun also attacked this fort but Emperor Akbar finally succeeded conquering this fort in the year 1569.This fort was given to Birbal the beloved courtier of Emperor Akbar.Emperor Akbar considered him as one of the nine jewels. From Birbal this forced was passed on to Chhatrasal who was the legendary Bundela leader and from this leader to Hardev Shah, Panna and finally led to trap on to the hands of British in the year 1812.

The Kalinjar town was surrounded by walls thrusted by 4 gateways. The names of the gateways are followed as Kamta Dwar, Rewa Dwar and Panna Dwar.The entrance to this extravagant fort is at the foot of the mighty hill. On the right side of this fort is the Rathore Mahal, which was constructed by Emperor Akbar in the year 1583.The stony and steep path to the fort is marked by 7 gates Ganesh Dwar, Budha Bhadra Darwaza, Lal Darwaza, Chauburji Darwaz, Alamgir Darwaza, Bara Darwaza and Lal Darwaza.The sculptures figures on this fort has led to the names.

The top of the hill unfolds to a mile yearning plateau. It is said that over here the armies assembled. There are remains of Chhatris, Sati pillars, Raja and Rani Mahal.The palace of Raja Aman Singh is noted by huge courtyard binded by 2 rows of arches of peacock. This palace is now been converted in to a museum by the Archaeological Survey of India. Stone Relics, rare sculptures like Ganesh images, Vaishnavite deities and Shiva images are preserved inside this historic building.

There are several places, which will catch your attention like Sita Sej, which is a tiny cave with a pillow and a stone bed once used by the sadhus.The Patal Ganga, or the underground Ganga is a reservoir cut through the rock. The Pandu Kund where water drips from horizontal bandings in the hard rocks. There is the Budha-Budhi Taal it is a reservoir and the water of this reservoir is believed to have healing power that can cure dreadful disease of Leprosy. You would also see the Idol of Gajantak Shiva also known as Manduk Bhairon and also carving of Bhairvi on the hard rock. There is a big reservoir known as the Koli Tirth.These are some of the major pilgrimage centre at Kalinjar.

The most sacred shrine at Kalinjar is the Neelkanth’s Temple, which was constructed by Parmardideva.The path to this exotic Temple is signified by weathered inscription and authentic carved images of Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and Lord Kala Bhairon.

Above this authentic nature’s temple, there is a Swarga Rogan Kund, which is made up by cutting rock. In the corner of this kund, a huge 18-armed statue of Kal Bhairav is placed. The statue is decorated with a mala (garland) of skulls and the statue is 24ft high. This statue expresses the fearsome attitude of Lord Shiva. There is another Temple of Lord Shiva known as The Vankhandeshwar Mahadev Temple placed at Shivsari Ganga.

Excursions :

Chitrakoot : This place is 86 km away from Kalinjar.Located on the chambers of the Mandakini; this holy place is very popular amongst the devotees, which also has some significance from the epic of Ramayana.

Ajaygarh :

This place is 96km away from Kalinjar.This place was initially a jungle hill fort, to protect long beleaguers that had 5 monolithic gateways. The important sites inside this fort include Ajaypal’s temple and Paramal Tal constructed by Parmardidev.

Mahoba :

This place is 109km away from Kalinjar.This place is not so popular amongst the visitors but has got many lakes, which were created in the medieval period. In addition, you will see the popular Sun Temple placed at Rahilla that replicates the one at Khajuraho.

Khajuraho :

This place is 172km away from Kalinjar.This site is a world famous heritage site that was constructed by the Chandela Dynasty between 950 AD-1050AD.Varaha, Yogini,Kandaria Mahadev and Lakshman temples.

Accommodation :

Tourist Bungalows are available by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Accommodation at Chitrakoot, which is 86 km away.

The infrastructure facility is very limited at Kalinjar so it is advised to carry water and food throughout the journey. The market provides Milk, seasonal vegetables and tea.

General Information :

Area : 5sq km

Population : 4000

Height : 381.25mts over the sea level

Season : (September to February) the one prepare to trek can visit Kalinjar during the monsoons as it is worth.

Language : Bundeli, Hindi

Clothing : Winter season- (Woolen clothes)

Summer Season : (Cotton clothes)