Located in the ancient land of Jejakbhukti, an integral part of Bundelkhand, this fort and town were of strategic importance during medieval times. The Kalinjar fort was Chandela stronghold from the 9th to the 15th centuries and remained invincible upto the time of the Mughals. Akbar finally conquered it in 1569 and gifted it to Birbal, one of the "nine jewels" of his court. From Birbal it went to the legendary Bundela warrior, Chhatrasal and thence to Hardev Shah of Panna before being captured by the British in 1812.

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.

Area: 25 sq. km.
Population: 4000 (1991 census)
Altitude: 381.25 meters. above sea level.
Season: Year round except for the summer months of April, May, June
Clothing: Summer - Cottons; Winter - Woolen
Language: Hindi, English, Bundeli
Local Transport: Tempo/ Rickshaw/Tonga
STD Code: 0519-70

Places of Interest

Kalinjar Fort
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, as well as several other places of interest. These include 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.

Neelkanth Temple
This temple was built by the Chandela ruler Parmardi dev. In a niche by the rock-cut Swagger Roan pool, stands a colossal 18-armed image of Al Bhairav, the fearsome aspect of Lord Shiva.

Vankhandeshwar Mahadev Temple
Located at the source of the Shivasari Ganga, this temple is also worth a visit.

Kalinjar today is a small village, all modern amenities including hotels restaurants, banks are available at Banda or Chitrakoot. The best place to stay while visiting Kalinjar is Chitrakoot Tourist Bunglow (UPSTDC)