Kalinjar is located in the ancient land of Jejakbhukti, which is an integral part of Bundelkhand.
The Kalinjar fort and town were of strategic importance during medieval times. The township of Kalinjar was also-once protected by ramparts pierced by four gateways, only three of which remain today — Kamta Dwar, Panna Dwar and Rewa Dwar. Dotted with remnants of the past, this historic fort is well worth a visit.
Religious Spots
Neelkanth Temple
Neelkanth Temple was built by the Chandela ruler Parmardi dev. In a position by the rock-cut Swagger Roan pool, stands a massive 18-armed image of Al Bhairav, the fearsome aspect of Lord Shiva.
Vankhandeshwar Mahadev Temple
Vankhandeshwar Mahadev Temple is located at the source of the Shivasari Ganga, this temple is also worth a visit.
Historical Places
Kalinjar Fort
Kalinjar Fort is situated at a height of 700 ft. on the Vindhya ranges, this fort is accessible through seven gateways-the Alamgir Darwaza, Ganesh Dwar, Chauburji Darwaza, Buddha Bhadra Darwaza, Hanuman Dwar, Lal Darwaza and Bara Darwaza.
Within the fort are two palaces-the Raja Mahal and the Rani Mahal.
The other places of interest in the fort are Sita Sej, a small cave containing a stone bed and pillow once used by hermits; a reservoir known as Patal Ganga; Pandu-Kund, where water trickles from the horizontal crevices of stratified rocks; Buddha-Budhi taal, whose waters are believed to possess healing qualities; Bhairon-ki-Jharia or Manduk Bhairon; the Mrigdhara or Antelope’s spring situated within an inner chamber of the rampart, and Koito Birth, which is an important place of pilgrimage where lepers are believed to be cured.
How to reach
By Air : Nearest airport is Khajuraho - 130 km.
By Rail : The nearest railway station is Atarra: 36 km, on the Banda-Satna route, 57 km. from Banda Station. Some of the important trains are :
- 1107/1108 Bundelkhand Exp.
- 1449/1450 Mahakaushal Exp.
- 5009/5010 Chitrakoot Exp.
By Road : It is linked by road to all important centres in the region with regular bus services. Some of the major road distances are :
Chitrakoot-78 km, Banda-62 km, Khajuraho-130 km, Allahabad-205 km.