Bundelkhand’s Best-Kept Secrets: The Most Iconic Forts in Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh
Here’s a comprehensive list of all forts located in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, organized in a structured format, district-wise, and restricted strictly to Bundelkhand districts
✅ Bundelkhand Districts of Uttar Pradesh:
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Jhansi
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Lalitpur
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Jalaun
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Hamirpur
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Mahoba
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Banda
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Chitrakoot
🏰 Forts in Bundelkhand Districts (Uttar Pradesh)
📍 Jhansi District
| Fort Name | Current Status | Controlling Authority | Historical Significance | Tourist Accessibility | Restoration Work | Unique Features / Stories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jhansi Fort | Well-maintained | ASI | Rani Lakshmibai’s stronghold during 1857 Rebellion | Open to public (entry fee) | Maintained regularly by ASI | Rani Lakshmibai’s jump with her horse from the fort wall |
| Tehrauli Fort | Partially maintained | State Government | 17th-century Bundela architecture | Open to public | Planned renovation announced | Popular with photographers; scenic hilltop location |
| Bijna Fort | Partially maintained | Private Ownership | Bundelkhand-era stone fort | Limited access (permission) | None mentioned | Features an ornate stone entrance gate |
| Star Fort | Neglected | State Government | Military outpost-style architecture | Restricted | None reported | Unique star-shaped fortification |
| Ammargarh Fort | Partially maintained | State Government | Linked to ascetic warriors of the region | Open to public | None reported | Surrounded by massive natural rock formations |
📍 Lalitpur District
| Fort Name | Current Status | Controlling Authority | Historical Significance | Tourist Accessibility | Restoration Work | Unique Features / Stories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deogarh Fort | Well-maintained | ASI | Gupta-era fortification near temple complex | Open to public | Maintained by ASI | Near Dashavatara Temple; blend of religious and military site |
| Madanpur Fort | Partially damaged | State Government | Used by Chandela rulers | Limited access | None reported | Located amidst scenic Vindhyan ranges |
📍 Jalaun District
| Fort Name | Current Status | Controlling Authority | Historical Significance | Tourist Accessibility | Restoration Work | Unique Features / Stories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orai Fort | Neglected | State Government | Historic administrative center under Maratha rule | Restricted | None reported | Mostly in ruins today |
| Kalpi Fort | Partially maintained | State Government | Akbar-era construction; key role in 1857 Rebellion | Open to public | Proposed for restoration | Rani Lakshmibai passed through Kalpi en route to Gwalior |
📍 Hamirpur District
| Fort Name | Current Status | Controlling Authority | Historical Significance | Tourist Accessibility | Restoration Work | Unique Features / Stories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamirpur Fort | Mostly neglected | State Government | Administrative post for Maratha and British officers | Limited access | None reported | Located on the confluence of Yamuna and Betwa rivers |
📍 Mahoba District
| Fort Name | Current Status | Controlling Authority | Historical Significance | Tourist Accessibility | Restoration Work | Unique Features / Stories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahoba Fort | Partially damaged | State Government | Chandela capital before Khajuraho | Open to public | Some conservation ongoing | Famous for lakes and temples built around the fort |
| Rahila Sagar Fort | Ruins | Local Administration | Chandela ruler Rahila’s water fort | Restricted | None reported | Fort surrounded by Rahila Sagar lake |
📍 Banda District
| Fort Name | Current Status | Controlling Authority | Historical Significance | Tourist Accessibility | Restoration Work | Unique Features / Stories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalinjar Fort | Partially maintained | ASI | Ancient fort from Gupta to Bundela dynasty | Open to public (entry fee) | Major development planned (camping, light shows) | Includes temples, caves, inscriptions, and scenic hills |
| Bhuragarh Fort | Neglected | State Government | Built by Banda rulers; later part of Bundela territory | Restricted | None reported | Overlooks Ken River; part of 1857 Rebellion history |
📍 Chitrakoot District
| Fort Name | Current Status | Controlling Authority | Historical Significance | Tourist Accessibility | Restoration Work | Unique Features / Stories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chitrakoot Fort | Partially maintained | State Government | Mythologically linked to Ramayana | Open to public | Local upkeep in place | Spiritual-pilgrimage significance blended with military use |
✅ Summary:
Bundelkhand in Uttar Pradesh is home to over 18 historical forts, each contributing to the region's rich legacy—from the valiant tales of Rani Lakshmibai to Gupta- and Chandela-era masterpieces. While some forts are ASI-protected and tourist-friendly, others remain in ruins, awaiting restoration and recognition.
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