Uttar Pradesh · Bundelkhand

Banda District

Headquarters: Banda

Banda lies on the Ken river and is home to Kalinjar Fort, one of the most strategic and fought-over forts in Indian history. The district is also known for Shajar stone, a patterned agate found in the Ken riverbed and cut into jewellery by local artisans.

Places to know in Banda

• Kalinjar Fort – Ancient hill fort held by the Chandelas, with the Neelkanth temple inside.
• Neelkanth Temple, Kalinjar – Shiva temple with rock-cut sculpture within the fort.
• Ken river – Source of the distinctive Shajar stone.

Cities and towns

Banda, Atarra, Naraini, Baberu, Tindwari

Rivers

Ken, Yamuna, Baghain

Known for

Kalinjar Fort, Shajar stone, Ken river

More of Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh

• Jhansi – headquarters Jhansi; Rani Lakshmibai, 1857 uprising, Jhansi Fort, Gateway to Bundelkhand
• Lalitpur – headquarters Lalitpur; Deogarh, Gupta-era temples, Jain heritage, Betwa dams
• Jalaun – headquarters Orai; Kalpi, Handmade paper, Yamuna river, 1857 uprising
• Hamirpur – headquarters Hamirpur; Yamuna–Betwa confluence, Agriculture, Rath
• Mahoba – headquarters Mahoba; Alha-Udal, Chandela lakes, Kajli fair, Mahoba paan (betel leaf)
• Banda – headquarters Banda; Kalinjar Fort, Shajar stone, Ken river
• Chitrakoot – headquarters Karwi; Ramayana, Kamadgiri, Pilgrimage, Tulsidas