Deogarh (Uttar Pradesh)

Deogarh being centrally located. Deogarh is a convenient base for day trips to the famous Kumbalgarh fort or the Jain Temples of Ranakpur. A Wooded principality, the seat of the chundawat clan of Sisodia Rajputs, and the seat of the deogarh school of paintings, this settlement is surrounded by bhil villages whose colorful way of life and celebration of festival is unique.

Deogarh Palace is family home to the present Rawat Sahib and Ranisahiba. Built by Rawat Gokal Dasji almost 200 years ago. Deogarh Palace is situated on a tranquil lake with Gokalgarh fort as its backdrop. It boasts of all the comforts and amenities of a modern home, suffused with traditional splendor.

Just 123 km from Jhansi Deogarh lying in the present district of Lalitpur, is of great antiquarian, epigraphically and archaeological importance and has figured in the history of the Guptas, the Gurjara - Pratiharas, the Gondas, the Muslim rulers of Delhi, of Kalpi, the Marathas and the British.

Deogarh is situated on the right bank of the Betwa, at the western end of the Lalitpur range of hills. The cliffs immediately overhanging the bank rise to a height of 300 feet and form along steep ridge of red sandstone. The river takes a deep curve to the west at this juncture and passes through the extremely picturesque country side. The water of the river is deep green here and a small island clad in rich verdure, located in the middle of the river, lends an added charm to the site.

Best Time to visit
September to February.

Languages
Hindi, English

Places of Interest

Dashavatar Temple
Dashavatar Temple is a fine architectural extravaganza dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is the earliest known Panchyatan temple in north India. The terraced basement above the high plinth is decorated with sculpted panels. The figures of Ganga and Yamuna adorn the carved doorway leading to the sanctum sanctorum. Three large carved panels along the sidewalls-the Gajendramoksha panel, the Narnarayan Tapasya, and the Anantshayi Vishnu-depict scenes from Vaishnava mythology. However, only the lower portion of the spire remains today.

Of somewhat later in origin than the Vishnu temple, but no less remarkable, are the 31 Jain temples here. They are situated inside the Karnali Fort on the hills overlooking the Betwa. The site was a Jain center from the sixth to the 17th century. The temples abound in panels depicting scenes from Jain mythology, Tirthankara images, votive pillars, votive tablets, Jain images visible from all sides, and pillars carved with a thousand Jain figures.

Deogarh Archeological Museum
The Deogarh Archeological Museum has a fine collection of sculpture, discovered from the nearby areas.

Excursion

Chanderi,
Located Madhya Pradesh, is famous for its gossamer-like saris. It also has fine examples of Rajput and Sultanate architecture. A magnificent Mughal fort dominates the skyline. Among the interesting sites are the Koshak Mahal, the Badal Mahal, the Jama Masjid, and several ancient Jain temples.

Barua Sagar
Is named after the Barua Sagar Tal, a large lake created about 260 years ago when Raja Udit Singh of Orchha built the embankment. The Barua Sagar Fort, picturesquely located at a height, commands an excellent view of the lake and surrounding landscape. The town is situated on the road to Khajuraho from Jhansi.

Orchha
Orchha is a 16th-century city in Madhya Pradesh located on the banks of the Betwa River. The temples and palaces here are fine examples of Bundela architecture.

Other interesting excursions include Matatila Dam, Tal Behat, and Lalitpur

How to get there

By Air
The nearest airport is Gwalior around 235 km from Deogarh. There are flights to Delhi, Indore, and Mumbai from Gwalior.

By Rail
The nearest railway stations are Jakhlaun (13 km) and Lalitpur (23 km). Jakhlaun can be reached by the Jhansi-Babina passenger train. However, Lalitpur is a better option as it is connected to Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bhopal, Mumbai, and Agra by several express trains.

By Road
Deogarh is linked by bus to several important centers in the region. The distances of some of the important centers from Deogarh are: Lalitpur, 23 km; Matatila Dam, 93 km; and Jhansi, 123 km.

Local Transport
Buses, jeeps, rickshaws, and taxis are the most convenient means of local transport in Deogarh.