About The City

     123 km from Jhansi, Deogarh is situated on the right bank of the Betwa river, at the western end of the Lalitpur range of hills. Deogarh is of great antiquarian, epigraphical and archaeological importance and has been integral to the history of the Guptas, the Gurjara-Pratiharas, the Gondas, the Muslim rulers of Delhi, the Marathas and the British. It possesses the remains of a fine Vishnu temple dating to the Gupta era, and several Jain temples.The architecture and sculpture of these temples display a high level of craftsmanship.

Area : 5 sq. km.

Population : 553 (1991 census)

Altitude : 211 mtrs. above sea level.

Season : August - March

Clothing (Summer) : Light Cottons

Language : Hindi, Bundeli

Festivals : Jain Mela and Gajrath Mahotsav

Local Transport : Buses/Private Jeeps/Private Cars

STD Code : 02904.

Accessibility

Air

     Nearest airport is at Gwalior : 235 km.

Rail

     The nearest railway station is Jakhlaun 13 km, which can be reached by Jhansi-Babina Passenger train, whereas Lalitpur is the most convenient railhead, 23 km from Deogarh.

Road

     Deogarh is connected by bus to all important centres in the region. Some of the major road distances are : Lalitpur-23 km, Matatila Dam-93 km, Jhansi 123 km.

Place Of Interest

Dashavatar Temple

     This fine Gupta temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu 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 side walls-the Gajendramoksha panel, the Nar Narayan Tapasya and the Anantshayi Vishnu-depict scenes from Vaishnava mythology. Only the lower portion remains of the spire, which was the most important part of the temple.

Jain Temples

     These 31 Jain temples are somewhat later in origin that the Vishnu temple, but are no less remarkable. They are situated inside the fort of Kanali on the hills overlooking the Betwa. The site was a Jain centre from the 6^th to the 17^th 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 Archaeological Museum

     The site museum has a fine collection of sculpture, discovered from the surrounding.

     Tourist Bungalow, Deogarh (UPSTDC).

Chanderi

     This town in M.P. is famous for its gossamer - like saris, 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 Victory arch, the Jama Masjid and ancient Jain temples.

Barua Sagar

     The place 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

      This 16^th century city in M.P. is located on the banks of the Betwa river. The many temples and palaces here are fine examples of Bundela architecture.

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