Bhind is a city in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India, that boasts of a rich and glorious history, a vibrant and diverse culture, and a stunning and serene nature. If you are looking for a destination that offers a unique and unforgettable experience, then Bhind is the place for you. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Bhind, from its historical dynasties and monuments, to its tourist attractions and activities, to its travel tips and recommendations.
Read on and discover why Bhind is a hidden gem of history, culture, and nature in Madhya Pradesh.
History of Bhind
Bhind has a long and illustrious history that dates back to the ancient times. It was ruled by various dynasties and empires, such as the Chedi, the Nanda, the Maurya, the Sunga, the Kushan, the Gupta, the Pratihara, the Chandela, the Tomar, the Mughal, the Maratha, and the British. Each dynasty left its mark on the history and heritage of Bhind, and you can witness their legacy in the form of forts, temples, palaces, and other monuments.
One of the most prominent historical monuments in Bhind is the Ater Fort, which was built by the Bhadauria clan in the 17th century. The fort is located on the banks of the Chambal river, and it is a splendid example of the Bundela style of architecture. The fort has several gates, courtyards, chambers, and temples, each with its own story and significance. The most notable gate is the Khooni Darwaza, which is said to be stained with the blood of the enemies who tried to attack the fort. The most prominent temple is the Ganesha temple, which is dedicated to the elephant-headed god of wisdom and success. The fort also has separate quarters for the king and the queen, which are adorned with exquisite paintings and carvings.
Another historical monument in Bhind is the Chhatri of Malhar Rao Holkar, which is a cenotaph built in the memory of the Maratha general who conquered Bhind in the 18th century. The chhatri is a dome-shaped structure with pillars, arches, and balconies, and it is situated on a hill overlooking the city. The chhatri is a symbol of the bravery and valor of the Maratha warriors, who fought against the Mughal and the British forces.
Bhind also has a connection with one of the most famous freedom fighters of India, Rani Laxmibai, who was born in Bhind in the 19th century. She was the queen of Jhansi, and she led a rebellion against the British rule during the First War of Independence in 1857. She is regarded as one of the icons of the Indian national movement, and she is celebrated for her courage and patriotism.
Attractions and Activities in Bhind
Bhind is not only a historical city, but also a cultural and natural one. It has a variety of attractions and activities that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you are interested in art, religion, wildlife, or adventure, Bhind has something for you.
One of the most popular attractions in Bhind is the National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a haven for the endangered and rare species of animals and birds. The sanctuary is spread over the three states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, and it covers an area of about 5400 sq km. The sanctuary is home to the gharial, which is a crocodile-like reptile with a long and narrow snout, the red-crowned roof turtle, which is a freshwater turtle with a distinctive red patch on its head, the Gangetic dolphin, which is a blind and toothless mammal that lives in the river, and the Sarus crane, which is the tallest flying bird in the world. The sanctuary also hosts many other species of animals and birds, such as the leopard, the wolf, the hyena, the jackal, the fox, the otter, the chinkara, the nilgai, the blackbuck, the skimmer, the osprey, the flamingo, the pelican, and the stork.
The best way to explore the sanctuary is by taking a boat ride on the Chambal river, which is the lifeline of the region. The boat ride will give you a chance to see the wildlife up close and personal, and also to enjoy the scenic beauty of the river and its banks. The boat ride is conducted by trained and experienced guides, who will tell you about the history, ecology, and conservation of the sanctuary. The boat ride is available throughout the year, except during the monsoon season, and it costs about Rs. 2000 per boat for a two-hour trip.
Another attraction in Bhind is the Kali Sind, which is a tributary of the Chambal river, and it flows through the city. The Kali Sind is a popular spot for picnics, fishing, and boating, and it also offers a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. The Kali Sind is also a sacred river, and it is believed to have healing powers. Many devotees come to the river to take a dip and offer prayers, especially during the festivals of Makar Sankranti and Kartik Purnima.
Bhind also has a rich and diverse culture, which is reflected in its art, music, dance, cuisine, and festivals. One of the most famous forms of art in Bhind is the Bhindola painting, which is a folk art that depicts the scenes of the life of Lord Krishna, the Hindu god of love and joy. The paintings are made on cloth or paper, and they use bright and vibrant colors, such as red, yellow, green, and blue. The paintings are usually hung on the walls or the ceilings of the houses, and they are also used as gifts or souvenirs.
One of the most famous forms of music in Bhind is the Bhind ki Malhar, which is a classical raga that is sung during the monsoon season. The raga is said to have originated in Bhind, and it is associated with the legend of Tansen, who was one of the greatest musicians of India, and who lived in Bhind in the 16th century. The raga is said to have the power to invoke rain, and it is also said to be the favorite of Lord Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and regeneration. The raga is performed by the local singers and musicians, who use instruments such as the sitar, the tabla, the harmonium, and the flute.
One of the most famous forms of dance in Bhind is the Bhind ki Ghoomar, which is a folk dance that is performed by the women of the region. The dance is characterized by the graceful and circular movements of the dancers, who wear colorful and elaborate dresses and jewelry. The dance is accompanied by the songs and the music of the region, and it is usually performed during the festivals and the weddings.
Bhind also has a delicious and diverse cuisine, which is influenced by the various cultures and communities of the region. Some of the most popular dishes in Bhind are the Bhind ki kachori, which is a deep-fried pastry stuffed with spicy and savory fillings, such as potatoes, peas, lentils, or cheese, the Bhind ki dal baati, which is a combination of baked bread balls and lentil curry, the Bhind ki laddoo, which is a sweet ball made of wheat flour, ghee, and sugar, and the Bhind ki rabri, which is a thick and creamy dessert made of milk, sugar, and nuts.
Bhind also has a festive and lively atmosphere, which is evident in its celebrations and events. Some of the most popular festivals in Bhind are the Bhind Mahotsav, which is an annual cultural festival that showcases the art, music, dance, and cuisine of the region, the Bhind Mela, which is a fair that is held on the banks of the Kali Sind, and it attracts thousands of visitors and vendors, who sell various goods and services, such as handicrafts, clothes, toys, food, etc., the Bhind Holi, which is the festival of colors, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy, by throwing colored powder and water on each other, and the Bhind Diwali, which is the festival of lights, and it is celebrated by lighting lamps, candles, and fireworks, and exchanging gifts and sweets.
Travel Tips for Bhind
Bhind is a city that is easy to reach, comfortable to stay, and enjoyable to explore. Here are some travel tips and recommendations that will help you plan your trip to Bhind and make the most of your time there.
How to reach Bhind
Bhind is well-connected by air, train, and road, and you can choose the option that suits your convenience and budget. The nearest airport to Bhind is the Gwalior Airport, which is about 80 km away, and it has regular flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc. The nearest railway station to Bhind is the Bhind Railway Station, which is about 2 km away from the city center, and it has trains from major cities like Delhi, Agra, Bhopal, etc. The nearest bus station to Bhind is the Bhind Bus Stand, which is about 1 km away from the city center, and it has buses from nearby cities like Gwalior, Agra, Etawah, etc. You can also hire a taxi or a car from any of these points to reach Bhind, or you can drive your own vehicle, as the roads are well-maintained and safe.
Where to stay in Bhind
Bhind has a range of accommodation options that cater to different needs and budgets. You can choose from the best hotels, resorts, or homestays, depending on your preference and availability. Some of the best hotels in Bhind are the Hotel Raj Palace, which is a 3-star hotel that offers spacious and comfortable rooms, with amenities like AC, TV, Wi-Fi, etc., the Hotel Shree Balaji, which is a 2-star hotel that offers cozy and clean rooms, with amenities like AC, TV, Wi-Fi, etc., and the Hotel Shree Krishna, which is a 1-star hotel that offers basic and affordable rooms, with amenities like fan, TV, etc.
Some of the best resorts in Bhind are the Chambal Safari Lodge, which is a luxury resort that offers cottages and tents, with amenities like AC, TV, Wi-Fi, etc., and also organizes wildlife tours and activities, the Ater Resort, which is a budget resort that offers rooms and dormitories, with amenities like fan, TV, etc., and also provides access to the Ater Fort, and the Kali Sind Resort, which is a cheap resort that offers rooms and huts, with amenities like fan, TV, etc., and also offers a view of the Kali Sind river. Some of the best homestays in Bhind are the Bhind Homestay, which is a family-run homestay that offers rooms and apartments, with amenities like AC, TV, Wi-Fi, etc., and also serves home-cooked meals, the Bhind Heritage Homestay, which is a heritage homestay that offers rooms and suites, with amenities like AC, TV, Wi-Fi, etc., and also showcases the Bhindola paintings, and the Bhind Farmstay, which is a farmstay that offers rooms and cottages, with amenities like fan, TV, etc., and also allows the guests to experience the rural life and culture of Bhind.
What to do in Bhind
Bhind is a city that has a lot to offer to the visitors, from history, culture, and nature, to adventure, entertainment, and relaxation. You can do a lot of things in Bhind, such as:
- Visit the historical monuments, such as the Ater Fort, the Chhatri of Malhar Rao Holkar, the Rani Laxmibai Memorial, etc., and learn about the history and heritage of Bhind and its rulers.
- Explore the wildlife sanctuary, such as the National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary, and see the rare and endangered species of animals and birds, such as the gharial, the red-crowned roof turtle, the Gangetic dolphin, the Sarus crane, etc.
- Enjoy the boat ride on the Chambal river, and admire the scenic beauty of the river and its banks, and also spot the wildlife along the way.
- Picnic, fish, or boat on the Kali Sind river, and relax and rejuvenate in the peaceful and serene environment of the river and its surroundings.
- Experience the art, music, dance, cuisine, and festivals of Bhind, and appreciate the culture and diversity of the region. You can also buy some souvenirs, such as the Bhindola paintings, the Bhind ki kachori, the Bhind ki laddoo, etc., to take back home.
- Take a day trip to the nearby cities, such as Gwalior, Agra, or Etawah, and visit their famous attractions, such as the Gwalior Fort, the Taj Mahal, the Etawah Lion Safari, etc.
Conclusion
Bhind is a city that is a hidden gem of history, culture, and nature in Madhya Pradesh. It is a city that has something for everyone, whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or an adventure seeker. It is a city that will surprise you with its charm and beauty, and will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, pack your bags, and head to Bhind, and experience the magic of this amazing city.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article, and we hope it helped you plan your trip to Bhind. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear from you. And if you have already visited Bhind, or are planning to visit soon, please share your stories, tips, photos, or videos with us. We would love to see them.