Charkhari

Charkhari is a small town in Mahoba district, in the Bundelkhand part of Uttar Pradesh, that served as the seat of the princely state of the same name. Its hills, lakes and ponds have earned it the nickname of the Kashmir of Bundelkhand, and its main appeal for visitors is the mix of water, greenery and old buildings.

The rulers of the state built a series of reservoirs around the town, among them Vijay Sagar and Malkhan Sagar, the Vanshi and Jai Sagars, Ratan Sagar and Kothi Tal; these supplied water as well as shaping the look of the place. Charkhari is also said to have more than 108 temples to Krishna, giving it something of the feel of Braj. Well-known ones include Gopal Bihari at Sudamapuri and Guman Bihari at Ryanpur, along with Bakht Bihari, Banke Bihari and the temples at Mangalgarh. The cave of the sage Madavya Rishi is another place of interest.