DatiaAncient Bundela kingdom famed for the multi-storey Bir Singh Palace and the revered Pitambara Peeth shrine.
Updated November 2026
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Datia in one minute
Datia — live weather, population, hidden places and cost of living, auto-updated.
Datia is a historic city in northern Madhya Pradesh, serving as the administrative headquarters of Datia district in the Bundelkhand region. Located between Gwalior and Jhansi along the North-South Corridor, the town is globally famous for the Pitambara Peeth, a prominent Tantric pilgrimage center established by Swamiji Maharaj in the mid-20th century.
The city is equally celebrated for its stunning Bundela architecture, exemplified by the 17th-century Bir Singh Palace, also known as Govind Mahal. Standing seven storeys tall without stone or iron support beams, it is considered one of India’s finest examples of Rajput-Mughal courtly architecture, overlooking the tranquil Karna Sagar lake.
Fast facts
| Status | District Headquarters |
| District | Datia |
| Division | Gwalior |
| District population (2011) | 786,754 |
| City population (2011) | 100,284 |
| Urban agglomeration | Datia Municipality |
| Density | ≈ 3,200/km² — pending official revision |
| Languages | Hindi, Bundeli |
| Main stations | Datia (DAA) |
| Nearest airport | Gwalior Airport (GWL, ~75 km) |
| River | Sindh River, Pahuj River |
| Sub-divisions | Datia, Seondha, Indergarh |
| District literacy | 72.6% |
| Famous for | Bir Singh Palace, Pitambara Peeth, Sonagiri Jain Temples |
City map
Demographics CENSUS 2011
Last official census — 2021 census deferred, estimates update on release.
1,00,284 residents
per 1,000 males
municipal area (2011)
≈11,031 children (est.)
Hidden & heritage places in Datia
Datia beyond the postcards — quiet places and lanes most guides skip.
Bir Singh Palace
A majestic seven-storey palace built in 1614 by King Bir Singh Deo. It features intricate stone lattice work, symmetrical courtyards, and grand Bundela murals.
Directions ↗Pitambara Peeth
A world-famous Siddha Peeth dedicated to Bagalamukhi Devi and Dhumavati Devi. Pilgrims visit throughout the year for Tantric sadhana and spiritual blessings.
Directions ↗Sonagiri Temples
A major Digambara Jain pilgrimage site comprising 77 white stone temples scattered across a sacred hill, dating from the 9th to 15th centuries.
Directions ↗Datia Fort Complex
Historic city walls and royal gateways surrounding the old town, displaying structural remnants of Bundela rulers and ancient guard posts.
Directions ↗Karna Sagar Lake
A scenic water body situated adjacent to Bir Singh Palace, constructed during the Bundela era to supply water to the fortress complex.
Directions ↗Seondha Fort and Waterfall
A scenic spot along the Sindh River featuring the ruins of Kanhargarh Fort and a waterfall created by natural rock formations.
Directions ↗Weekend getaways near Datia
Approximate road distances from Datia.
Cost of living in Datia
Indicative monthly estimates for a single person — verify locally before deciding.
| 1 BHK rent (city) | ₹3,000 – 6,000 / mo |
| 2 BHK rent (city) | ₹6,000 – 11,000 / mo |
| Meal at a local eatery | ₹70 – 150 |
| Groceries (single, month) | ₹3,500 – 5,500 |
| Utilities (basic) | ₹1,200 – 2,500 |
| Monthly total (est.) | ₹10,000 – 17,000 |
Estimates only · tier-3 market · updated with market data over time
What runs Datia's economy
What actually runs Datia.
Grain and Pulse Milling
Processing units handling mustard, wheat, and pulses grown across the fertile Bundelkhand plains.
Grain Milling ↗Religious and Heritage Pilgrimage
Hospitality and travel services catering to lakhs of devotees visiting Pitambara Peeth and Sonagiri annually.
Pilgrimage Tourism ↗Handloom & Traditional Weaving
Small cottage industries manufacturing traditional cotton dhotis, saris, and local textile goods.
Handloom Goods ↗Metal Utensils & Crafts
Artisanal workshops making brass lamps, temple utensils, and traditional household items.
Metalware ↗Milk Processing & Sweets
Local collection centers producing milk, ghee, and traditional sweets like thaggu ke laddu.
Dairy Processing ↗Trading and Local Commerce
Commercial hubs supporting agricultural trade, hardware, and essential consumer commodities.
Commercial Retail ↗Famous food & restaurants in Datia
Where locals actually eat — local counters, classics and street institutions.
Local Vegetarian Eateries near Temple
Serving North Indian thalis, poori-sabzi, and pure vegetarian meals for pilgrims.
Directions ↗Highway Dhabas along NH-44
Rustic roadside joints providing fresh tandoori rotis, dal tadka, and Paneer dishes.
Directions ↗Traditional Mithai & Snacking Shops
Famous for fresh khoya sweets, rabri, samosas, and regional Bundelkhandi snacks.
Directions ↗Standard North Indian Restaurants
Comfortable family spots offering thalis, Chinese items, and south Indian breakfast dishes.
Directions ↗Verified from local guides · Sep 2026 · hours change — call ahead
Markets & shopping
Bara Bazaar
The main market area selling traditional garments, brassware, puja items, and daily household supplies.
Directions ↗Pitambara Peeth Market
Stalls offering religious books, brass idols, framed photos, rudraksha, and ritual offerings.
Directions ↗Festival & fair calendar
Navratri at Pitambara Peeth
Grand celebrations and nine days of special rituals drawing thousands of devotees to Bagalamukhi Devi temple.
Chaitra Navratri
Spring festival featuring continuous chants, havans, and spiritual gatherings across city temples.
Deepawali & Bundeli Fair
Traditional lamps illuminate the old fort city, complemented by local cultural performances and markets.
Mahashivratri
Special night prayers and processions held across regional Shiva temples including Peeth shrines.
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FAQ
What is Datia best known for?
Datia is globally famous for the Pitambara Peeth Tantric shrine and the magnificent seven-storey Bir Singh Palace.
How far is Datia from Gwalior and Jhansi?
Datia is about 75 km south of Gwalior and just 28 km north of Jhansi on National Highway 44.
Which river flows through Datia district?
The Sindh River and Pahuj River flow through Datia district, providing vital water resources to the region.
What is unique about Bir Singh Palace in Datia?
The palace was built in 1614 completely out of stone and brick without using any iron or wood support beams.