Introduction: The Road Less Travelled is Calling
Sometimes, all we need is an open road, a good playlist, and a destination filled with stories — and Bundelkhand delivers that in style. A region stretching across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, Bundelkhand is packed with forts, rivers, jungles, and villages that take you far away from tourist clichés.
Last year, I took a 5-day road trip through Bundelkhand, and it became one of the most soul-refreshing journeys of my life. If you’re craving adventure with meaning, here’s your perfect road trip plan from forts to forests — ideal for history lovers, nature explorers, photographers, and anyone who loves discovering India’s forgotten roads.
Overview: Route Snapshot
Route: Jhansi → Orchha → Tikamgarh → Chitrakoot → Kalinjar → Panna → Khajuraho
Duration: 5 Days
Best Time: October to March
Ideal For: Culture seekers, history lovers, nature explorers, and spiritual travelers
Day 1: Jhansi – The Gateway to Valor
Kickstart your trip in Jhansi, the city of Rani Lakshmibai. Explore the iconic Jhansi Fort, visit the Rani Mahal, and take a heritage walk in the old bazaar.
Optional Stop: Baruasagar Fort & Lake – peaceful views and a perfect sunset spot.
Stay Recommendation: Budget hotels or heritage-style guesthouses in Jhansi.
Day 2: Orchha & Tikamgarh – History & Rural Charm
Drive to Orchha (30 mins) — a small town with royal vibes, river breezes, and timeless beauty.
Must-Visit:
- Orchha Fort Complex
- Chaturbhuj Temple
- Cenotaphs by Betwa River
From Orchha, continue to Tikamgarh (2 hrs) — known for tribal heritage, hidden temples, and rural art.
Stay in a homestay or riverside resort in Orchha.
Day 3: Chitrakoot – A Spiritual Pause
Chitrakoot is where mythology meets serenity. Drive from Tikamgarh (approx. 3 hrs) and spend the day exploring Ramayan-era locations.
Highlights:
- Kamadgiri Parikrama
- Ramghat Aarti
- Gupt Godavari Caves
Budget stays, dharamshalas, and temple guesthouses available near Ramghat.
Day 4: Kalinjar Fort – Ancient Power, Untouched Beauty
One of India’s most underrated forts, Kalinjar sits dramatically on a rocky hilltop. It’s a blend of military might and spiritual depth, with the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple inside.
Distance: Chitrakoot to Kalinjar ~2.5 hrs
What to Explore:
- Fort gates, tunnels, palaces
- Neelkanth Mahadev (rock-cut temple)
- Sunset from the fort walls
Nearest stays: Banda or eco-lodges en route to Panna.
Day 5: Panna Forests & Raneh Falls – Nature’s Grand Finale
End your trip in Panna, where tigers roam, rivers sparkle, and Raneh Falls’ volcanic canyon leaves you speechless.
To-Do List:
- Panna Tiger Reserve Safari (early morning or evening)
- Raneh Falls Canyon
- Ken River boat ride or picnic
Road Trip Packing Checklist
- Comfortable walking/trekking shoes
- Sunscreen, power bank, torch
- Offline Google Maps + Spotify playlist
- Snacks, cash (ATMs are rare in rural areas)
- DSLR or phone cam with enough storage – this trip is visual gold!
Driving & Route Tips
- Start your trip from Jhansi (well connected by train/highways)
- Fuel up before heading to Kalinjar or Panna – limited pumps
- Roads are decent, but rural patches can be bumpy
- Ask locals for shortcut routes or hidden spots
Final Thoughts: Let the Road Take You Back in Time
This Bundelkhand road trip wasn’t just about kilometers — it was about stepping into stories, feeling forgotten echoes, and witnessing landscapes that still feel untouched.
If you’re tired of commercial getaways and are ready to discover India’s real, rugged, and remarkable heartland, then this is the road trip you’ve been waiting for.
