I am sure you must have now grown tired of spending your weekends laying back at your home. Or you are nudged by your partner to take a break from daily life. This is a list of sites that you can visit and get back the same day from Jhansi.

Datia 

It is a well preserved Bundela heritage site situated in the close vicinity of Jhansi. It is only 30 Kms away from Jhansi city. So if you want a weekend escape, this place should be a great option that you can check. 

Datia Palace is a marvellous example of confluence of Rajput and Mughal architecture. This palace is decorated with Chattris and Bundela paintings.  Datia also finds a mention in the Mahabharata as Daityavarka, which is the reason for its rich cultural and spiritual essence. 

Pitambara Peeth is a Shakti Peeth, a seat of very high spiritual importance amongst devotees of Goddess Durga. 

You can have a look at the flourishing cotton items market in the region. 

Places that you can visit are: Veer Singh Palace , Datia Boat Club, Rajgarh Palace, Pitambara Peeth, Sonagiri Temples, Unao-Balaji Sun Temple

Place is easily accessible by road and railway. 

Orchha 

Situated in the midst of lush green landscape, is Orchha - The fort town on the banks of Betwa. Orchha Fort complex comprises three main parts Raja Mahal, Jahangir Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Many of the intricate designs are still preserved with colours.

Chattris are a great attraction of Orchha. They are the cenotaphs honouring the Bundela kings and other members of their family. Watching Chattris from a hilltop is a visual spectacle.

The grandeur is heartened by the temples of Orchha. Laxmi Narayan Temple is an artistic feat  to witness. It has great artworks like window like carvings, murals covered galleries and a courtyard with an octagonal sanctum. Another attraction of Orchha is Chaturbhuj temple which has a majestic idol of Vishnu’s four armed form inside. Sri Raja Ram Temple has a very interesting story attached to it about how became the only temple where Ram is worshipped as a King rather than a God. 

Madhya Pradesh state tourism organises many activities like Betwa River Rafting, Boat Club, Light and sound show in Orchha. We recommend you to visit their site for further information Best Tourist Places to Visit in Orchha - MP Tourism. 

Orchha is situated between Jhansi and Khajuraho and is linked via good National and State Highways. There are regular bus and taxi services from Jhansi to Orchha.

Gwalior 

Gwalior is situated only 76 kms from Jhansi. The key attraction of the city Gwalior Fort is considered “Pearl amongst the fortresses in India”. This fort is famous for its impeccable design, which motivated emperor Babur to refer to it as the gem among the strongholds of Hind. 

Apart from the Fort, Jai Vilas Palace is another magnificent Royal offering to visitors in Gwalior. It is an active residence of the Scindias. The grand chandeliers add to the beauty of the already intricately decorated interiors of the Palace. 

Gujari Mahal which is now transformed into an museum, trance you to different times going back upto 1 century AD. 

Teli ka Mandir is a Dravidian architecture example which is rare in Northern India. Its design elements combine hindu and buddhist elements. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. 

Sun temple gives you the best opportunity for that perfect sunrise and sunshine photo. It was inspired by the Sun Temple of Konark. 

Bateshwar Group of Temples, National Chambal Ghariyal Sanctuary, Chausath Yogini Temple are the very significant sites which are near Gwalior. You may visit these places if you have some time to spare after the Gwalior tour. 

Chanderi 

Chanderi is popular name amongst Sari lovers. Chanderi is famous for its cotton clothes. But Chanderi’s beauty is not restricted to its sarees. 

Chanderi Fort gives you an amazing view of the town from the hilltop. This fort also has a Jauhar Smarak, you can get an idea of the practice from Bollywood Padmavati. Badal Mahal Gate is another site with requires your attention for its lush greenery and well maintained gardens. 

Koshak Mahal is also a fantastic place to visit during morning and evening. It gives a beautiful view of the low lying paddy fields

Shahzadi ka Roza with a Parameshwar tank is an impressive place that certainly deserves attention for its emotional origin story. 

Shivpuri 

Shivpuri, the  summer capital of erstwhile Gwalior state, is decorated with the colonial and regal legacy. It is surrounded by Madhav National Park, which once hosted wild Tigers ( before 1970). Within Madhav National Park, there is George Castle built for overnight stay for King George V who came here for tiger hunt. If you want to spend some time with the natural scenery and feel the calmness 

Chattris of Royals are two beautiful Cenotaphs of Scindia King Madho Rao Scindia and his mother Sakhya Raje Scindia. It is decorated with Pietra Dura style which gives it similar looks to the tombs in Taj Mahal. Both are much appreciated amongst the visitors. 

Thank you for going through the list of top five places you can drive to within 2 hours this weekend. If you are interested in similar content around Jhansi please keep following this space.