Veer Bhoomi
( Land of Warriors ) or Mahotsava Nagar ( Festival Town )
Mahoba, once celestial capital of Chandel Dynasty, adorns Khajuraho on its head. It lies in Lat. 25.18' N and Long 79.53' E, and is situated on Kanpur Sagar road and Jhansi Manikpur section of the Central Railway at a distance of 55 Km from Khajuraho.
It is districts headquarter of Mahoba district and comes in Southern Uttar Pradesh, known as Bundelkhand Region.
Mahoba is believed to have existed from times immemorial to have borne different names ( Kekpur or Patanpur ) at different times. Present name, Mahoba, is said to derived from the great celebration or Mahotsava, performed by it's deputed founder, the Chandel King Chandravardhan, about 800 A.D. From such evidence as is available it would appear that the Civil Capital of the Chandels was removed here from Khajuraho about 900 A.D. for the earliest Chandel Sovereign locally commemorated is Rahila, the 5th of dynasty where lake Rahila Sagar, with a fine granite Temple dedicated to Sun God on its bank lies about 3 km to the South-West of Mahoba. Kirtivarman and Madanvarman, the two most illustrious members of Chandel Dynasty are rememberd at Mahoba form the two fine lakes, Kirti Sagar and Madan Sagar.
Parmala was the last prominent ruler of the Chandel dynasty. About 1182 A.D Prithviraj Chauhan attacked Mahoba where a fierce battle was fought with Alha and Udal , The Banaphar generals of Parmala. In this campaign both sides suffered serious loses, Udal being killed and Alha wounded. Prithviraj Chauhan, Who was ultimately successful, celebrated his victory by sacking Mahoba.
After the downfall of Chandels the place shown its glory ceased to be much importance, though it was the head quarter of a mahal in Mughal times.
The extent of the place in the days of its glory doubtless greater than is covered by the present town which still has a number of historical, Archaeological, Religious and scenic spots of interest. The most noticeable feature of the town is the lakes (Sagar) surroundings granite rocks, forts and palaces. Its main spectucular places are :
Disrapur Sagar, Rahila Sagar, Vijay Sagar, Kirti Sagar, Madan Sagar, Kalyan Sagar and all of which are formed by means of massive embarkments thrown across shallow valleys.
A rare statue of black granite stone in the dancing pose of Lord Shiva surrounded by milky fountain through Gorakh Hills.
A worship place of Jains sects.
Sculpture of Chandels period on the Khajraho theme situated at Madan Sagar lake like an island where lifesize statues of eight Elephants standing since ancient times. A place worth visiting.
Single stone carved statue of ancient times religiously acknowledged place.
This Sun Temple is also has beautiful sculptures like sun temple of Konark in Orissa.
A landscape panoramic range of granite hills. "Sita ki Rasoi" is also situated here with bright and dark tunnels locally known as "Andheri and Ujali Gufa".
This is unique and self-styled cultivation called "Bareja". Mahoba's betelwine or Pan is famous in all over India and also exported abroad because of its fine quality and use in various medicines.
Town's main Centers of Town with huge life-size statues of Alha and Udal .
A symbol of Bundel Khand Siyasat Forts, Palaces and Temples surrounded by many lakes and its around 20 km from Mahoba.
It is a scenic beauty place having beautiful Dam on Urmil river. It is also having irrigation Dept guesthouse where accommodation is available.
It has many lakes in surroundings and best suited for water sports and this is also a main centre for Betelwine Farming, Fish and water fruits and vegetables.
When To Visit
The best season to visit Mahoba is during October to March. If you want to enjoy "Kajli Festival" , you can visit during August.
Mahoba is directly connecting by rail to major metropolitan cities of Mumbai, Calcutta and Delhi. Nearest Airport is Khajuraho and it is 55 kms from Mahoba. Daily flight from Delhi, Agra, Kathmandu and Varanasi.
Mahoba is directly linked by road from various centres of UP & MP. UP, MP Roadways and Private Buses are available from Lucknow, Kanpur. It is 60 Km from Khajuraho, 156 km From Chitrakoot, 156 km from Kanpur, 160 km from Jhansi, 232 km from Allahabad and 240 km from Lucknow.
UP Tourism Deptt. guest house is most comfortable place to stay and other places are Paras Hotel and Shivam Hotel.
