Datia at a Glance: Entry, Timings & Key Info
| State | Madhya Pradesh |
| Famous For | Bundelkhand, Palace, Bir Singh Deo |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Ideal Duration | 1-2 days minimum |
| Language | Hindi |
| Nearest Airport | Gwalior Airport (GWL), 75km from city |
| Nearest Railway | Datia (DAA) |
| Entry Fee | Free – ₹40+ (varies) |
| Best For | all travellers |
Datia: What Makes It Worth Visiting
Datia is a town in Madhya Pradesh, known for its impressive seven-storied palace built by Raja Bir Singh Deo in the 17th century. The palace, a prime example of Bundela architecture, remains largely unchanged over the centuries, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history.
Reaching Datia is easiest via train. Allow at least one full day to explore the palace and nearby sites. Two days would allow for a more relaxed pace.
Datia: Temples & Religious Site Opening Hours
| Name | Hours | Entry Fee | Best Time | Dress Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shri Peetambra Peeth Temple | 06:00-22:00 daily | Free | Early morning or evening for a | Modest attire |
| Sonagir Jain Temples | 06:00-18:00 daily | Free | Morning or late afternoon to a | Modest attire |
How to Reach Datia: Road, Train, Air & Bus Routes
train Train to Datia: Nearest Station & Schedules
Nearest Station: Datia (DAA) — Main railway station connecting Datia to major cities.
- From Delhi: 5-7 hours (₹500-1500)
- From Mumbai: 18-22 hours (₹800-2500)
Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia
flight Flying to Datia: Nearest Airport & Transfers
Nearest Airport: Gwalior Airport (GWL), 75km from city
- Delhi: 1.5 hours (₹3000-5000)
- Mumbai: 2.5 hours (₹4000-7000)
Airport transfer:
- Taxi: ₹1500-2000
- Uber/Ola: ₹1200-1800
directions_bus Bus to Datia: Services & Timings
- From Gwalior: 2 hours (₹200-300)
Trains more comfortable
Best Time to Visit Datia: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
Best months: October to March
| Season | Temperature | What to Expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Time: October to March | 15-30 degrees C | The comfortable climate allows for exploring the palace and other attractions wi | Best ✓ |
| Shoulder Season: July to September | 25-35 degrees C | The monsoon brings relief from the summer heat and revitalizes the surrounding c | Roads might be affected by heavy ra |
| Avoid: April to June | 35-45 degrees C | The intense heat makes it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities. The palace can | If you must travel during this time |
Peak season note: This is peak tourist season, so booking accommodation in advance is recommended.
2-Day Datia Itinerary: Day-by-Day Highlights
Day 1 — Temples & Heritage
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
🏛️ Datia Palace
The Datia Palace, also known as Bir Singh Deo Palace, is a remarkable seven-story structure built entirely of stone and brick. Con…
💡 Tip: Climb to the top floor for the best views of Datia and the surrounding landscape.
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
📍 Bir Singh Deo Mahal
The Bir Singh Deo Mahal is part of the larger Datia Palace complex and served as the residence of Raja Bir Singh Deo. It is known …
💡 Tip: Pay attention to the intricate carvings on the walls and ceilings; they tell stories of the past.
🙏 Shri Peetambra Peeth Temple
Shri Peetambra Peeth is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Baglamukhi, one of the ten Mahavidyas. The temple is a signif…
💡 Tip: Visit during the aarti (prayer ceremony) for a vibrant and immersive experience.
Day 2 — More to Explore
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
🙏 Sonagir Jain Temples
Sonagir is a sacred Jain pilgrimage site with a cluster of white temples perched atop a hill. The temples are dedicated to various…
💡 Take your time climbing the hill and enjoy the scenic views along the way.
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
🪨 Gujarra Rock Edict
The Gujarra Rock Edict is an ancient inscription of Emperor Ashoka, dating back to the 3rd century BCE. The edict provides valuabl…
💡 Read up on Emperor Ashoka and his edicts before visiting to fully appreciate the site.
🏛️ Rajgarh Palace
Rajgarh Palace is a smaller palace located near Datia, known for its blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. While not as…
💡 Look for the intricate jali work (latticed screens) in the windows and balconies.
Top Places to Visit in Datia: Must-See Attractions & Things to Do
| # | Place | Entry | Duration | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🏛️ Datia Palace | ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners) | 3-4 hours | 09:00-17:00 daily |
| 2 | 📍 Bir Singh Deo Mahal | ₹30 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) | 2 hours | 09:00-18:00 daily |
| 3 | 🙏 Shri Peetambra Peeth Temple | Free | 1-2 hours | 06:00-22:00 daily |
| 4 | 🙏 Sonagir Jain Temples | Free | 2-3 hours | 06:00-18:00 daily |
| 5 | 🪨 Gujarra Rock Edict | ₹20 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners) | 1 hour | 09:00-17:00 daily |
| 6 | 🏛️ Rajgarh Palace | ₹30 (Indians), ₹400 (foreigners) | 1.5 hours | 09:00-17:00 daily |
🏛️ 1. Datia Palace
The Datia Palace, also known as Bir Singh Deo Palace, is a remarkable seven-story structure built entirely of stone and brick. Constructed in the early 17th century, it showcases a unique blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles.
Honest take: Worth visiting for its unique architecture and historical significance, but be prepared for a lack of amenities.
📍 Getting there: Auto-rickshaw from Datia railway station: ₹80-100, 15 minutes.
📍 2. Bir Singh Deo Mahal
The Bir Singh Deo Mahal is part of the larger Datia Palace complex and served as the residence of Raja Bir Singh Deo. It is known for its impressive architecture and the intricate details of its construction.
Honest take: A must-see for history and architecture buffs.
📍 Getting there: Located within the Datia Palace complex.
🙏 3. Shri Peetambra Peeth Temple
Shri Peetambra Peeth is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Baglamukhi, one of the ten Mahavidyas. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site and attracts devotees from all over India.
Honest take: A spiritually enriching experience for those interested in Hindu culture and religion.
📍 Getting there: Auto-rickshaw from Datia railway station: ₹60-80, 10 minutes.
Food & Restaurants in Datia: Local Dishes & Where to Eat
Must-try dishes: Dal Bafla, Bhutte ki Kees, Jalebi, Poha
| Dish / Specialty | Price Range | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Dal Makhani, Butter Chicken | ₹₹ (₹500-700 for two) | City Center |
| Thali | ₹ (₹300-500 for two) | Near Peetambra Peeth Temple |
| Chinese, Indian | ₹₹ (₹600-800 for two) | Civil Lines |
🛺 Street Food: Datia Market — Samosas, Kachoris, Chaat (₹50-100 per person)
Datia Trip Budget (Per Person)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | ₹800-1200/night | ₹1500-2500/night | N/A |
| Food/day | ₹200–400 | ₹500–800 | ₹1,000–1,500 |
| Local transport | ₹100–200 | ₹300–500 | ₹500–1,000 |
| Entry fees (avg) | ₹50–100 | ₹100–200 | ₹200–400 |
| Total (2 days) | ~₹1,700 | ~₹4,500 | ~₹11,000 |
Hotels in Datia: Best Accommodation for Every Budget
💰 Budget
Hotel Ambience
₹800-1200/night
Near Datia Railway Station
Hotel Relax
₹700-1000/night
City Center
🏨 Mid-Range
Hotel Grand Shiva
₹1500-2500/night
Near Peetambra Peeth Temple
Hotel Shyam Palace
₹1800-2800/night
Civil Lines
⭐ Luxury
No Luxury Hotels Available
N/A
N/A
Taj Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior (Nearby)
₹8000+/night
Gwalior
Datia Travel Tips: Safety, Money & Getting Around
- ✓ Overcharging by auto-rickshaw drivers: Always negotiate the fare beforehand.
- ✓ Fake guides: Verify credentials and reviews before hiring a guide.
- ✓ Light and comfortable clothing is recommended, especially during summer. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
- ✓ Available in the city center.
- ✓ Available at local mobile stores. Airtel and Vodafone are popular networks. Requires ID and address proof.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Datia
How many days are enough for Datia?
1-2 days minimum is ideal for Datia. Day 1 covers Datia Palace and Bir Singh Deo Mahal, while Day 2 explores Sonagir Jain Temples and Gujarra Rock Edict.
What is Datia famous for?
Datia is famous for Bundelkhand, Palace, Bir Singh Deo.
What is the best time to visit Datia?
The best time to visit Datia is October to March. Pleasant and dry weather makes it ideal for sightseeing. Days are sunny, and evenings are cool.
Is Datia worth visiting?
Yes, Datia is worth visiting for Bundelkhand, Palace, Bir Singh Deo. It is especially recommended for all travellers and can be combined with a visit to Gwalior.
What is the budget for a trip to Datia?
A 2-day trip to Datia costs approximately ₹2,000–₹5,000 per person including accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget accommodation starts at ₹800-1200/night per night.
What are the timings of Shri Peetambra Peeth Temple?
Shri Peetambra Peeth Temple is open 06:00-22:00 daily. Best time to visit: Early morning or evening for a peaceful experience..
What is the entry fee for Shri Peetambra Peeth Temple?
Entry fee at Shri Peetambra Peeth Temple: Free.
Is photography allowed at Shri Peetambra Peeth Temple?
Photography is not allowed inside at Shri Peetambra Peeth Temple.
What are the timings of Sonagir Jain Temples?
Sonagir Jain Temples is open 06:00-18:00 daily. Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat..
What is the entry fee for Sonagir Jain Temples?
Entry fee at Sonagir Jain Temples: Free.