Rewa, India
Region: Madhya Pradesh
Geographic Coordinates: 24.530000, 81.300000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 40.0°C (68°F to 104°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 236519
Language: Hindi
Rewa is a small city located in the northeastern part of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The city boasts a rich history and cultural heritage that dates back to ancient times. Rewa was once the capital of the princely state of Rewa, Which was ruled by various dynasties such as Baghel, Marathas, And Britishers. One of the most significant landmarks in Rewa is its famous white tiger safari. This safari is home to rare white tigers that are native to this region. The safari also houses other exotic animals such as leopards, Lions, And bears.
Visitors can enjoy a thrilling jeep ride through the lush green forests while observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Another attraction that draws tourists to Rewa is its beautiful temples and shrines. One such temple is the Govindgarh Palace Temple which was built during the reign of Maharaja Venkat Raman Singh Ju Deo. The temple boasts intricate carvings on its walls and ceilings depicting various mythological stories. The city also has several other historical sites like Baghael Museum, Keoti Falls, Purwa Falls etc., Which provide an insight into its rich past.
Rewa has been an important center for education since ancient times with many reputed educational institutions like Awadhesh Pratap Singh University (APSU), Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC), Maharani Laxmi Bai Government College etc., Located here. Apart from tourism and education, Agriculture plays a vital role in Rewa’s economy with crops like wheat and paddy being grown abundantly here due to fertile land along with horticulture where fruits like guava are produced extensively.
Rewa offers visitors an opportunity to explore India’s rich cultural heritage along with witnessing some rare flora & fauna species at White Tiger Safari making it one of India’s must-visit destinations for those who have a love for nature, History and culture.
Important Landmarks
- Govindgarh Palace: A historical palace constructed in 1890 by Maharaja Gulab Singh.
- Keonti Waterfall: A picturesque waterfall situated amidst verdant forests.
- Baghael Museum: A museum exhibiting the rich cultural heritage of Rewa.
- Rani Talab: A stunning lake surrounded by gardens and temples.
- Venkat Bhawan Palace: An impressive palace built with a fusion of European and Indian architectural styles.
- Hanuman Temple: An ancient temple devoted to Lord Hanuman, located atop a hill that offers panoramic views of the city.
- Chachai Falls: One of India’s highest waterfalls located approximately 50 km from Rewa.
- Purwa Falls: Another scenic waterfall near Rewa worth visiting.
- Kali Pahadi Mandir: An ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Kali situated atop a hill that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
- Rewa Fort or Qila Rewa: An old fort that was once home to the rulers of Rewa and now serves as an important historical landmark for visitors to explore.
Primary Industries
- Cement industry: The district is home to well-known cement plants such as Jaypee Cement and Prism Cement.
- Agriculture: Rewa is primarily an agricultural district with crops like wheat, rice, soybean, maize and pulses being grown.
- Power generation: The district boasts several thermal power plants including Vindhyachal Super Thermal Power Station and Bansagar Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant.
- Handloom industry: Chanderi town in Rewa is famous for its handloom sarees and fabrics.
- Education: Awadhesh Pratap Singh University is one of the many schools, colleges, universities providing higher education to students from all over the country.
- Healthcare: There are a number of hospitals and clinics providing healthcare services to the people of the district.
- Tourism: Tourist attractions in Rewa include Rani Talab (Queen’s Pond), Govindgarh Palace, Keoti Falls, Purwa Falls among others.
Noteable History
- Maharaja Venkat Raman Singh was the last ruler of Rewa and played a significant role in the development of the city.
- Rani Lakshmibai, the legendary queen of Jhansi who fought against British rule during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, spent some time in Rewa before her marriage to Maharaja Gangadhar Rao.
- The Baghela Dynasty ruled Rewa for over 500 years, from 1250 to 1750.
- The Battle of Rewa took place in 1858 between British forces and Indian rebels during the Indian Rebellion.
- Sir Harivansh Rai Bachchan, a renowned Hindi poet and writer, was born in Babupatti village near Allahabad (now Prayagraj), which is located near Rewa.
- Rajendra Singh Paroda, an agricultural scientist who served as Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), hails from a small village called Bhaiswaha near Rewa.
- Chandra Shekhar Azad, a revolutionary freedom fighter who played a key role in India’s struggle for independence against British rule, is said to have visited and stayed briefly in Rewa during his underground activities against colonial authorities.
- Kishore Kumar, one of India’s most beloved singers and actors had ancestral roots in Khandwa (Madhya Pradesh) but spent much time living with his elder brother Ashok Kumar at their family home in Khandwa Road area of Allahabad (now Prayagraj) which is close to Rewa district bordering Madhya Pradesh.
Museums and Things To See
- Rewa Museum
- Govindgarh Palace
- Bansagar Dam
- Hanuman Temple
- Chhatris of Maharajas of Rewa
- Venkat Bhawan Palace
- Shilpi Plaza
- Rani Talab
- Keoti Falls
- Pili Kothi
Cultural Events
- Tansen Music Festival is an annual event held in December to honor the legendary musician Tansen, who was born in Rewa. The festival showcases classical music performances by renowned artists from all over India.
- Shivratri Mela is a popular festival celebrated in February/March that attracts thousands of devotees who come to offer prayers at the Shiva temple situated on the banks of River Tons.
- Navratri Festival is a nine-day-long celebration that commemorates the triumph of good over evil and involves fasting, feasting, dancing, and singing.
- Diwali Festival, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with great fervor in Rewa with fireworks displays, lighting lamps, exchanging sweets and gifts among friends and family members.
- Dussehra Festival takes place between October/November to mark Lord Rama’s victory over demon king Ravana; this festival includes cultural programs such as Ramleela performances that depict scenes from Ramayana.
- Holi Festival occurs between March/April to welcome spring season with colors and water splashing among friends & family members.
- Madai Fair is a well-known tribal fair held annually during winter months (December-January) featuring traditional dance forms like Karma Dance & Gondi Dance along with various stalls selling handicrafts & local delicacies etc.
Cuisine
- Enjoyment
- Raj Bhog Restaurant: specializes in vegetarian and Jain cuisine, offering a wide range of dishes such as thalis, chaats, and sweets.
- New Punjab Restaurant: known for its Punjabi cuisine, especially the tandoori chicken and butter chicken dishes.
- Annapurna Restaurant: serves authentic South Indian food like dosas, idlis, and vadas along with North Indian dishes.
- The Food Hub: a popular fast-food joint that offers burgers, sandwiches, pizzas and more.
- Govindgarh Palace is a popular attraction in Rewa that boasts a beautiful park with lush greenery, fountains, and a lake.
- Rani Talab is a man-made lake located in the heart of Rewa city surrounded by gardens and parks that offer recreational activities like boating, fishing, and picnicking.
- Nehru Park is another popular park in Rewa that offers walking trails, playgrounds for children, and picnic areas.
- Keoti Falls is located about 35 km from Rewa city and offers scenic views of waterfalls surrounded by lush green forests where visitors can enjoy trekking or camping.
- Chachai Waterfall is located about 45 km from Rewa city and offers breathtaking views of waterfalls cascading down from the mountains into a deep gorge below.
- Panna National Park is located about 100 km from Rewa city offering visitors an opportunity to explore wildlife such as tigers, leopards, sloth bears along with bird watching opportunities.
- Bandhavgarh National Park is located about 150 km from Rewa city offering visitors an opportunity to explore wildlife such as tigers along with bird watching opportunities.
- Kothi Bazaar – A famous shopping complex for buying traditional handicrafts made up of Maheshwari silk sarees & dress materials at affordable prices