The famous Tourist Places in Banda , Uttar Pradesh include Maheshwari Devi Temple, Navab Tank Banda, Kalinjar Fort, Bhuragrah Fort and Bamdev Temple.
About Banda
Banda is a district located in the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. It is situated in the Bundelkhand region, which is known for its historical and cultural significance. Here are some key details about Banda:
- Geographical Location: Banda is located in the southern part of Uttar Pradesh, bordering the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. It lies between the coordinates 24° 3′ and 25° 25′ North latitude and 79° 21′ and 80° 47′ East longitude.
- Administrative Division: Banda is an administrative district in Uttar Pradesh and falls under the Chitrakoot Division. The district is further divided into multiple tehsils and blocks for administrative purposes.
- History: Banda has a rich historical background and has witnessed the rule of various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Guptas, and Chandels. It was an important center during the medieval period and was ruled by the Bundela Rajputs. Later, it came under British colonial rule.
- Economy: The economy of Banda is primarily agrarian, with agriculture being the main occupation of the local population. The region is known for the cultivation of crops like wheat, pulses, oilseeds, and sugarcane. Banda is also rich in natural resources such as limestone, granite, and sandstone, which contribute to its mining industry.
- Places of Interest: Banda is home to several historical and religious sites. Some notable attractions include the Banda Fort, a centuries-old fort built by the local rulers; the Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, which is known for its diverse flora and fauna; and the famous Chitrakoot Dham, a revered pilgrimage site associated with Lord Rama.
- Culture and Festivals: The cultural heritage of Banda reflects a blend of various traditions and customs. The people of Banda celebrate various festivals, including Diwali, Holi, and Eid, with enthusiasm. The region also has its unique folk music and dance forms, which are performed during festivals and cultural events.
- Transportation: Banda is well-connected by road and rail networks. The district has its railway station, called Banda Junction, which is an important railhead in the region. Several national and state highways pass through Banda, facilitating road connectivity to nearby cities and towns.
Tourist Places in Banda
Maheshwari Devi Temple
Banda, Uttar Pradesh is home to a significant temple known as the Maheshwari Devi Temple. Situated in the Chowk area of the city, this temple is considered one of the Goddess Shakti Peethas. It is believed that the goddess Maheshwari manifested herself in the form of a stone rock at this sacred site.
The Maheshwari Devi Temple attracts hundreds of devotees daily, who visit to seek blessings and experience spiritual solace. The temple holds immense religious and cultural importance in the region.
A major highlight of the temple is the grand fair organized during the Shardiya and Chaitra Navratri festivals. These religious festivals witness a large influx of devotees from distant places who come to pay homage to the deity. The fair creates a vibrant atmosphere, filled with devotion, rituals, and various cultural activities.
The Maheshwari Devi Temple in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, serves as a prominent religious destination, drawing devotees and visitors throughout the year. Its association with the Shakti Peetha and the annual fairs during Navratri make it a significant site for spiritual seekers and devotees of the goddess Maheshwari.
Navab Tank Banda
Located approximately 3 kilometers south of Banda City in Uttar Pradesh, the Nawab Tank holds historical significance in the region. It was constructed by the Nawab of Banda, which is why it is named Nawab Tank. This tank still retains water and remains in use today.
One notable feature of the Nawab Tank is the platform that was built for the Nawab’s throne. It is said that the Nawab would sit on this platform and enjoy the festivities of the Kajli Fair with his wives. The Kajli Fair is a local event celebrated with enthusiasm and cultural fervor.
Adjacent to the tank, there are two other places worth visiting. The first is Van Vihar, a park situated in front of the tank. This park offers a serene environment and provides visitors with an opportunity to explore nature’s beauty.
The second place is the Flora Nursery, which is known for its exquisite collection of plants and flowers. Visitors can purchase plants and flower seeds at a minimal cost. The beauty of this place leaves a lasting impression on tourists, making it a cherished memory.
Both the park and the Flora Nursery offer free entry to visitors, allowing them to explore and enjoy the attractions at their leisure. These places in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, provide a tranquil and scenic experience for nature enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Kalinjar Fort
Kalinjar Fort, situated atop a hill in Banda district, is a treasure trove of historical monuments and idols. Built by the Chandelas, this fort showcases the grand architecture of the Chandela dynasty. Inside the fort, there are numerous buildings and temples, including a unique temple dedicated to Neelkanth Mahadev.
The fort’s majestic palaces and intricately designed canopies exemplify its grandeur. It is believed to be the abode of the Hindu god Shiva. The fort has witnessed the ebb and flow of history throughout different eras. In ancient times, it was under the rule of the Jejakbhukti kingdom. Over time, it gained fame under various names such as Kirtinagar, Madhyagarh, Sinhalgarh, and Kalinjar. The fort faced attacks from Mahmud Ghaznavi, Qutubuddin Aibak, and Humayun, but remained unconquered.
In 1569 AD, Akbar successfully captured the fort and gifted it to Birbal. Later, it came under the control of the Bundel king Chhatrasal and subsequently Hardev Shah of Panna. Finally, in 1812, the fort fell under British occupation.
One of the main attractions within Kalinjar Fort is the Neelkanth Temple. It was constructed by Chandela ruler Paramaditya Dev and houses a blue stone Shiva lingam along with a giant 18-arm statue. On the pathway to the temple, visitors can admire carved statues of Lord Shiva, Kaal Bhairav, Ganesh, and Hanuman. Historians Radhakrishna Bundeli and Beedi Gupta mention that it is believed Shiva drank the poison that emerged during the churning of the sea at this very spot. The Shiva lingam in the temple has a unique feature of continuously oozing water.
Apart from the Neelkanth Temple, Kalinjar offers other attractions such as Sita SEZ, Patal Ganga, Pandava Kund, Budha-Buddi Tal, Bhagwan SEZ, Bhairav Kund, Mrigadhar, Kotithirtha, Chaube Mahal, Jujhotia Basti, Shahi Masjid, Murti Museum, Wauchope Tomb, Ramkatora Tal, Bharachar, Mazar Tal, Rathore Mahal, Ranivas, Tha. Matola Singh Museum, Belatal, Sagra Dam, Sher Shah Suri’s Tomb, and Humayun’s cantonment. These sites add to the rich historical and cultural heritage of Kalinjar Fort in Banda district.
Bhuragrah Fort
Situated across the Ken River, the Bhuragarh Fort stands as a testament to the historical significance of Banda. Believed to have been built with brown stones by Raja Guman Singh in the 17th century, the fort played an important role during the freedom struggle. Every year, on the auspicious occasion of “Makar Sankranti,” a fair known as “Natbali Ka Mela” is organized at this site.
The Bhuragarh Fort is located on the banks of the Ken River, offering breathtaking views of the sunset. Its historical importance is linked to the reign of the Bundela dynasty, specifically associated with Hridaya Shah and Jagat Rai, sons of Maharaja Chattrasal. Kirat Singh, the son of Jagat Rai, undertook the repair work of Bhuragarh Fort in 1746 AD. None Arjun Singh served as the caretaker of the fort.
In 1787 AD, Nawab Ali Bahadur I assumed control of the Banda domain and engaged in a war against None Arjun Singh in 1792 AD. The fort briefly came under the Nawab’s rule, but it was later reclaimed by Rajaram Dauwa and Laxman Dauwa. After the demise of None Arjun Singh, Nawab Ali Bahadur once again took control of Bhuragarh Fort. Following the death of the Nawab in 1802 AD, administration was handed over to Gaurihar Maharaj.
The Bhuragarh Fort gained significant prominence during the Great Freedom Struggle against the British Empire, which commenced on June 14, 1857. Led by Nawab Ali Bahadur II, the resistance movement in Banda saw fierce battles with the British forces. Revolutionaries from Allahabad, Kanpur, and Bihar joined forces with the Nawab in this fight. Notably, on June 15, 1857, the revolutionaries assassinated Joint Magistrate Cockrail. On April 16, 1858, General Whitlock arrived in Banda, engaging in a fierce confrontation with the revolutionary army. Around 3,000 revolutionaries lost their lives during the war within the fort. The brave Nuts (acrobats) from Sarbai also sacrificed their lives in the conflict, with their graves found within the fort. Numerous graves of other revolutionaries can be found in the vicinity of the fort, serving as reminders of their courageous fight for independence.
Bamdev Temple
The Bamdeo Temple derives its name from the sage Bamdeo Rishi, who is mentioned in Hindu mythology as a contemporary of Lord Rama. According to legend, Bamdeo Rishi had his hermitage at the fort on top of a hill. The temple is located in the Kho of Bambeshar Pahar.
One of the main attractions of the Bamdeo Temple is a large and ancient Shivling (a representation of Lord Shiva) that is situated within the temple premises. The Shivling holds historical and religious significance, drawing devotees and visitors to seek blessings and spiritual solace.
The temple’s association with Bamdeo Rishi and its location on top of a hill make it a place of reverence and tranquility. The Bamdeo Temple serves as a reminder of the ancient roots of Hindu mythology and attracts devotees who seek a connection with the divine.
Disclosure : Source of Information about the Tourist Places in Banda is https://banda.nic.in/
