Unique Socio-Cultural Heritage of Bundelkhand Often called as the heartland of India ­ the Bundelkhand Region has always commanded an eminent place all through the Indian history. The contribution of the Patriotic Bundelas ­ the courageous bravadoes, in India's freedom struggle does not starve for any elaboration. The fact that legendary personalities like Maharani Laxmi Bai, Sri Maithalisharan Gupt, Vrindavan Lal Verma, Mahakavi Keshav Dass and, Major Dhyan Chand were among precious gifts of this land to the nation speaks of its contribution to the polity, literature and culture of the country. All along its length and breadth, Bundelkhand is richly studded with religious centres, historical sites, monuments, forts and, boasts of a vividly dynamic, rich and colourful cultural fabric manifested by a spectacular diversity in folk dances, music, songs, art, architecture and, of course, the fairs and festivals. The bounties of nature too, are as rich, diverse and colourful. Talking in geographic terms, Bundelkhand Region is stretched between 23°35' ­ 26'N and 78° ­ 82' E bounded by the Yamuna in the North, the Chambal in the North West, the erupted ranges of the Vindhya plateau in the South and, the Panna and Ajay Garh ranges in the South East. Vindhyachal ranges, form a major portion of the mountain ranges of this part of the country and has been the protector and caretaker of the Bundelkhand Region. The river network of the region comprises various big and small rivers like, Yamuna, Chambal, Betwa, Dhasan, Son, Sindh and Kane. Extremely hot conditions during summer, coupled with water scarcity in some parts have been historic constraints, owing to its geographic inheritance. Efforts to conserve the water resources for drinking, as well as, agricultural purposes have thus been ever- going on, thereby resulting into a good number of man-made lakes and ponds constructed by various kings and feudal lords. One can still see these water bodies, particularly in Sagar, Chhatarpur, Damoh, Jhansi, Banda and Chitrakoot environs. District Lalitpur is credited to have the highest number of Dams in whole of the Asia. Administratively, Bundelkhand Region comprises Jhansi, Lalitpur, Jalaun, Hamirpur, Banda and Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh, and, Sagar, Chattarpur, Tikamgarh, Panna and Damoh in Madhya Pradesh including parts of Gwalior, Datia, Shivpuri and Chanderi. Owing to its unique culture and rich treasure of historical sites, religious centres, monuments, water-bodies and, National Parks and sanctuaries, Bundelkhand has a tremendous potential to attract domestic and foreign tourists, and therefore good deal of efforts are being put by the state government to promote it as a popular tourist destination region. Of the potential tourist destinations following places are particularly noteworthy: