Kati Ghati was introduced to me as this huge single rock gate, which grabbed more eyeballs after the release of this hit Bollywood movie called Stree. Remember, the last scene where the actress waited for the bus to arrive and the actor came to meet her to say goodbye. That’s where I noticed Kati Ghati for the first time and who knew that time that I would actually get to visit it the very next year. But, well that’s how I got introduced to it but what fascinated me a lot more about Kati Ghati is its story of creation

Kati Ghati

Located in the ancient town of Chanderi, under the district of Ashoknagar of Madhya Pradesh, Kati Ghati is particularly known for its impressive huge gate which has been cut out of a huge live rock of the hill enclosing the town. This magnificent gate which is as huge as 10 m high and 25 m wide, serves as a gateway for visitors from Bundelkhand and Malwa to enter Chanderi. I was told that it is with Khati Ghati only that Chanderi is accessible to the tourists. Not denying the fact that this gate has also got an interesting origin

The Making of Kati Ghati

As per the inscription which is engraved in Devnagari and Nashq scripts on this gate, highlights that Kati ghati was commissioned by Jiman Khan in 1480 CE, who was the son of Sher Khan, the governor of Chanderi during the time.

The story goes that this gate was build to welcome the Sultan of Malwa, Ghiyasuddin Khilji, who was slated to arrive in the town of Chanderi the next day. Owning to short on time, Jiman Khan announced a handsome reward for any skilled and talented mason who would be able to carve this large gate in just one night. It is said that out of the 100 mason, there was only one who accepted this challenge and indeed made it a reality by making this gate in one night. The king indeed was left surprised when he saw that the mason stood to his words and was able to deliver what he promised. But, the further inspection by the king revealed that the gate actually lacked the provision for door hinges, which was necessary for the security of the Sultan of Malwa.

And hence, Jiman Khan immediately refused to pay the mason his reward for this mistake. Due to which the mason committed suicide at exactly this spot. It is said the grave that can be seen here is of the mason and was made at a point where he fell and died.

But, he wouldn’t knew that time probably that this would be the same gate that shall stand the same way making it amongst the popular attraction point of Chanderi. There is another story associated with Kati Ghati that says a hill was obstructing the way of the army of Babur to enter Chanderi and that’s when he ordered to cut the hill and make a way to enter the town. Though, it is not a confirmed tale

One of the things that really stood out of me at Kati Ghati is its massive structure and that this place speaks volumes about the bygone era, preserving its past as it is.

How to Reach Kati Ghati

By Air : Reach either Gwalior or Jhansi and take a bus/taxi to Chanderi

By Bus : Take a bus for Chanderi. From Delhi the ticket costs around 1000-1500 INR

By Train : Reach Lalitpur. This is probably the cheapest way to reach Chanderi

Also, please note there is no provision of any stay or food near Kati Ghati. This place is a gateway to reach the town of Chanderi, therefore plan accordingly

Been here? Let me know in the comment section below what has been your experience of visiting this place

P.S: I was invited as a blogger to attend the Times Passion Trails in association with Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. However, the observations and opinions are all mine and expressed unbiasely

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