Kalinjar Fort, Banda - One of the safest fort made by humans

Kalinjar Fort is a great historical fort situated on the top of Kalinjar hill. The word Kalinjar comes from the Sanskrit word Kalanjar which means destroyer of time. According to history it was called Kirti Nagar in Satya Jug, Madhya Garh in Treta Yug, Singhol Garh in Dwapar Yug and now it is called Kalinjar in Kali Yug.

Kalinjar Fort is a splendid, magnificent historical part of Bundelkhand. Now, it is under the Archaeological Survey Department of India. It is a 5.5 kilometers of fortress area situated 1200 feet high from ground level. This is one of the safest forts made by humans because of its double safety 5.7 kilometers wall.

It is the largest and most amazing fort of the medieval period where different architectural designs and styles of different times such as Gupta style, Pratihar style, Chandela’s Panchayat Nagar style are seen.

Attraction

Kalinjar Fort is one of oldest forts of India. It has a huge area to explore. One of its greatest attractions is the unique Neelkanth Mahadev temple. Paramaditya Dev, a Chandela ruler built it. The Shiva Linga of this temple which is made out of blue stone and an 18-arm statue of the temple is worth visiting. Besides, statues of Lord Shiva, Kaal Bhairav, Hanuman and Ganesha that are carved on the stone are on the way to the temple.

Moreover, you can explore Sita SEZ, Patal Ganga, Pandava Kund, Budha-Budhi Tal, Bhagwan SEZ, Bhairav Kund, Mrigadhar, Kotitirtha, Chaube Mahal, Shahi Masjid, Murti Museum, Wauchope Tomb, Ramkatora Tal, Bharachar, Mazar Tal, Rathore Mahal, Ranivas, Belatal, Sher Shah Suri’s Tomb and Hanuman cantonment and others.

This fort is a storehouse of numerous history. If you love to explore historical places then this one is heaven for you. Kalinjar Fort is a picturesque view. A huge, wonderful fort on the top hill is like a picture. A different part of this fortress is the perfect background for photos. If you love photography, then you should visit this place.

History

According to Mythology, after consuming poison in the Samudra Manthan Lord Shiva’s throat turned blue. Then He came to Kalinjar and defeated the Kaal (achieved victory over death). That is why the Shiva temple of Kalinjar is called Neelkanth and this place is considered to be a holy one.

During the time of Gautam Buddha, the Chadi dynasty ruled this fort. The Maurya Empire absorbed it and came to be known as Vindhya-Avati. Eventually it came under the Shunga dynasty and Pandu dynasty rulers. Gujara Pratihars controlled it and remained until the Nagabhata ii ruled. Chandela was their Mandalik King.

According to a Persian historian the Kalinjar town was established by Kedar Raja. But it came to prominence during Chandela’s rule. So, according to Chandela legends this fort was established by Chandela rulers and they were tilted as Kalinjaradhipati which means the Lord of Kalinjar. Kalinjar Fort was attracted by Mahmud Gajnabi (1023), Badsha Humayun (1530), and Sher Shah Suri (1543). Sher Shah Suri died by an explosion of gunpowder from his own cannon while he was attracting Kalinjar fortress.

Akbar captured the fort in 1569. It was under Mughal rule until Marathas captured it. In the 18th century Peshwa Bajirao captured the fort by defeating Mughals. Finally in 1812, the fort was under British rule until India got independent.

Inside/Outside Views

Kalinjar is a huge fortress area on the top of the hill. There are some points to understand about this large fortress. It has 7 huge gates named as Alam Gate, Ganesha Gate, Buddha Gate, Hanuman Gate, Lal Gate and Bada Gate. Now Bada gate is used for entrance.

First of all Chaubay Mahal is seen which is made out of yellow sand stones. Its entrance is 3.5/4 feet only, which signifies that when you enter someone’s home you should keep your ego and attitude outside. Then comes Rani Mahal. It was built in the Bundel time. It is a two storeyed building with a yard and corridor with beautifully curved pillars. Vanket Vihari Mandir on the side of Rani Mahal. It’s a rectangular temple with domes. But it has no idol of any gods inside.

Rang Mahal and Jakira Mahal are situated side by side. Moti Mahal which is almost destroyed now. Kotitirth is a water body where water is always filled and Mrigadhara where water always flows from an unknown source and 7 deer curved on the stone in this erection. Pather Mahal Masjid, Budha-buddhi Tal and many others to visit are in the fortress area. View of Kalinjar mountain is also very awesome and picturesque. It is enough to make you free from your monotony and hazards.

Opening Hours

Monday 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM

Tuesday 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM

Wednesday 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM

Thursday 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM

Friday 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM

Saturday 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM

Sunday 8.00 AM – 6.00 PM

How to Reach

By Air: Khajuraho airport is the nearest to reach Kalinjar Fort. It is 100 kilometers from the fort.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Banda Railway Station which is 65 kilometers from Kalinjar Fort. Atarra railway station is also convenient to reach the fort.

By Road: U.P Roadways BUS station Banda is the nearest bus station, which is 65 kilometers from Kalinjar Fort. Direct buses are available from Khajuraho, Panna and Chitrakut. That will reach the fort within 2-3 hours.

N.B : No public transport will drop you to the main gate of the fort. For that private transport must be booked.

Tips for Travellers

Must carry a water bottle and food because there is no source of drinking water and any food stall around.
Don’t visit the dense forest area. Wild animals can do harm.
Carry necessary medicine.
Try to get a private vehicle because the fort area is about 5.5 kilometers. It’s quite impossible to visit by walking.
Carry an umbrella.
Take a guide for getting complete details about this fortress and for a better direction.

FAQ