Madhya Pradesh


Deogarh Fort

Deogarh Fort

About:
  • Introduction to the Deogarh Fort

Deogarh Fort is an ancient and historically significant fort located in the Lalitpur District of Uttar Pradesh, India. The fort is perched on a hill along the Betwa River and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Deogarh is known for its architectural brilliance, blending Hindu, Jain, and Mughal styles, and houses several temples and sculptures dating back to the Gupta period. The fort is particularly famous for its association with Jainism and holds a treasure trove of intricate Jain sculptures and artifacts.

The Chanderi Fort dates back to the Mughal Period. The Muslim rulers took a lot of initiative to construct the fortification walls of the fort. The Mahals within the fort were built by the Bundela chiefs.



Below the fort, not far from the banks of the Betwa is a gigantic black-painted statue of Shantinath, one of the Jain pontiffs whose symbol, as at Gwalior, is an Antelope.

The Ghuri and Khalji sultans of Mandu left a number of interesting architectural monuments. The widespread use of recycled temple columns, a trabcated style and the small, domed kiosks found on a number of the buildings are also indicative of an early example of Rajput style.

Location info:
Address:"Chanderi fort located at Chanderi in Ashoknagar District of Madhya Pradesh state in India is situated at a distance of 127 km from Shivpuri
Coordinates:Approximately 24.5275° N, 78.2435° E.
Elevation: Situated on a hill, approximately 600 feet above the Betwa River.
Best time to visit: October to March

Climate/Weather:
Summer: Hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 45°C (March to June). Monsoon: Moderate rainfall with a lush green landscape during July to September. Winter: Cool and pleasant, with temperatures between 10°C and 25°C (October to February). Best time to visit: October to March, when the weather is ideal for sightseeing.

History:
Deogarh Fort dates back to the 6th century, during the reign of the Gupta Empire. The fort served as a stronghold for various dynasties over the centuries, including the Chandelas and Rajputs. The fort is known for its association with Jainism, as it became a prominent center for Jain scholars and followers. It houses several temples and sculptures from the Gupta and post-Gupta periods, representing Hindu and Jain deities. The fort later came under the influence of the Mughal Empire, adding Islamic architectural features to its historical landscape.

Interesting things to do:
Explore Jain Temples: The fort is home to several ancient Jain temples, known for their detailed carvings and sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras. Admire Hindu Temples: Visit the Dashavatara Temple, which is one of the earliest known Hindu temples and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is famous for its Gupta-era sculptures. Trekking: The fort is situated on a hill, making it a great spot for light trekking and exploring the rugged landscape around it. Photography: Capture the stunning views of the Betwa River and the surrounding countryside from the fort. Archaeological Exploration: Examine the ancient inscriptions and sculptures that provide insight into the Gupta and post-Gupta periods. 

Interesting things to Visit:
  • Dashavatara Temple
  • Jain Temples and Sculptures
  • Betwa River
  • Rock-cut Caves

Mobile range info:
Mobile network connectivity in and around Deogarh Fort is generally available, though some areas within the fort complex may have weak or patchy signals. Major service providers like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone offer coverage in the region.

How to reach?
By Air:The nearest airport is Gwalior Airport, located approximately 225 km away, or Khajuraho Airport (170 km away).
By Train: The nearest railway station is Lalitpur Railway Station, about 33 km from the fort. Trains from major cities like Jhansi, Bhopal, and Delhi stop here.
By Road: Deogarh Fort is well-connected by road to nearby cities like Lalitpur, Jhansi, and Orchha. Buses and taxis are available from these cities.

Nearest Visiting places:

Orchha (113 km):
A historical town known for its grand palaces, temples, and fortifications, Orchha is a must-visit destination near Deogarh Fort.

Jhansi Fort (123 km):
Located in Jhansi, this fort is associated with Rani Lakshmibai, a key figure in India’s first war of independence.

Nearest Petrol Pump:
The nearest petrol pump is located in Lalitpur, about 33 km from Deogarh Fort, along the road connecting Lalitpur and the fort area.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Check out the Circuit House, Dak Bungalow and Rest House near the bus stand. Also

  • MPT Tourist Bungalow, Lalitpur
  • Hotel Surya Palace, Jhansi
  • Orchha Resort
  • Local Guest Houses

Things to carry:
Comfortable walking shoes, as exploring the fort involves trekking through uneven terrain. Sun protection gear like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially during summer. Water bottles and light snacks, as there are limited refreshment options around the fort area. A camera or smartphone to capture the stunning architecture and views. Binoculars, if you enjoy birdwatching, as the area around the fort is home to several bird species.

Tips & Suggestions:
Visit during the cooler months (October to March) for a more comfortable experience, as summers can be very hot. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes, as exploring the fort involves walking and climbing steep areas. Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the fort and surrounding temples to fully appreciate the historical significance and beauty of the site. Carry enough water, as there may not be many vendors near the fort. Respect the historical and religious significance of the temples and sculptures; refrain from touching or damaging any structures.

Help Line/Phone Number:

Tourist Helpline:

1800-11-1363 (Toll-Free)

Local Police Station, Lalitpur:

+91 5176-272263