Location: Uttar Pradesh
Main Attraction: The Fort
Languages: Hindi, English
Situated at a distance of about 35-km east of Orai, between Jhansi and Kanpur on the National Highway 25, Kalpi is linked by metalled roads with Jalaun, Hamirpur and Rath.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

The fort: One of the eight great forts of the Chandelas, the Kalpi Fort finds mention in the annals of its capture by Qutab-Ud-Din Aibak, in 1196. After this, Kalpi saw long days of struggle for its possession. Under Akbar, Kalpi became the “gate of the west” and the starting point for expeditions of central India.
In the 17th century, the famous Bundela chief Chhatrasal made Kalpi his stronghold. Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi also held possession of the fort for some time. Finally it fell into the hands of the British in 1857.

Chaurasi Gumbaz: It is built of blocks of rubble set in lime mortar. The whole building is divided into square spaces as in a chessboard, by eight lines of pillars that are linked by arches and topped by a flat roof. The rather dilapidated structure has a lofty dome that rises to a height of 60 feet.
Its architectural style and stucco ornamentation clearly reveals its Lodhi origin. The principal remains at Kalpi are the tombs of Madar Sahib, Ghafur Zanjani, Chol Bibi and Bahadur Shahid.

EXCURSIONS

Rampura: 59 km from Jalaun, Rampura was once a small principality under the Kachhawaha Rajputs of Jalaun and their ruler, Raja Ram Singh. The fortified palace of Rampura, which is about 350 years old, is a massive handsome structure, well worth a visit.

Jagmanpur: 9 kms from Rampura, Jagmanpur, once the headquarters of the Sengar Rajput clan under Raja Rup Shah, also houses a large masonry fort. The confluence of five rivers nearby, known as the “Panch Nada” is an added attraction for the tourists. The two forts can be visited with due permission from the owners.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Kanpur- 70 km is the nearest airport.

Rail: Jhansi (145 km) and Kanpur (70km) are the closest main railheads.

Road: On National Highway No. 25, Kalpi is well linked to major towns in the area.

NEARBY CITIES

Orai:35-km
Kanpur:70-km
Jhansi:145-km