“Khajura”ho–A “Date” with the City 🌴

Where is Khajuraho?

If you are to be told where Khajuraho is, it can be easily assumed that you did not pay much attention to your History and Geography Classes in school! its located in the Chhatarpur Distrcit of Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho is synonymous with temples which are divided into three groups: Western, Eastern, and Southern. Only about 25 of the original 85 temples remain! Imagine the grandeur of the original construction!

When to visit?

October to March is the ideal time to visit and admire the beauty of the temples. Afternoons might still be sunny, but then that’s the best time to see the temples.

How to reach?

Train No. 22470 (Hazrat Nizamuddin to Khajuraho) is like a god sent train! With halts at Agra and Gwalior, its a train to revisit all your History Lessons at School! Khajuraho can easily feature on the list of Weekend Getaways from Delhi! There are two non stops flights from Delhi as well. The saying will have to be modified a bit “aasmaan se tapke, Khajuraho mein atke” !

Where to stay?

The place offers hotels to suit everyone’s pockets! From the Taj, Leela, Clarkes to zostels, one can find whatever suits them best. Its not a very big city, hence every place is connected to every place. No place is too far to reach.

How to Commute?

Even if you have no vehicle, you can still roam across the city! E-Rickshaws are the answer to all your commuting questions! Want a pickup and drop from/to the airport or railway station – e-Richshaw is the answer! Want to visit the Western/Eastern/Southern Temples – e-Rickshaw is the answer! There are autos and cabs as well. So no need to worry on this aspect.

What All to See?

• The Temples of Khajuraho – Obviously the Khajuraho Temples feature on top of the list. The Western Group of Temples account for the majority of temples and hence majority of the tourists. Tickets are nominally priced and the e-rickshaw takes you to the entrance of the temple complex. Taking a guide is a personal choice, but i would recommend you take one! Enough information about the temples is already available on the internet, so i wouldn’t get into those details. Even if you are an atheist i would recommend a visit to this place, just for the architectural brilliance as old as 950 A.D. to 1050 A.D. Catch more of their marvel on the History Lessons.

• Panna Tiger Reserve – Just about 50 km from Khajuraho is the Panna Tiger Reserve. Madla and Hinauta are the two gates. Madla is closer to Khajuraho, hence the booking get filled earlier. Even if you haven’t made a prior booking, you can still fulfil your dream of wanting to see a tiger. Tiger or tiger, a ride in the jungle is an enchanting as ever.

• P.S. : Panna Tiger Reserve Administration, you may please try changing your logo. The Tiger is the logo at best looks like a mouse. Let it be a bit more intimidating.

• Pandava Falls – The travellers that the Pandavas were, they have a waterfall/cave etc named after them in almost the entire county! Although what’s more interesting is the Statue of Chandrashekhar Azad erected in commemoration of a meeting of freedom fighters under his chairmanship at this place in on 04 Sep 1929.

• Aadivart State Museum for Tribal Folk Art of Madhya Pradesh – If any state knows how to promote and showcase its cultural heritage, Madhya Pradesh it is! Madhya Pradesh Tourism has created some masterpieces! Right from their extremely creative advertisements and jingles! This museum is a masterpiece and should not be missed at any cost! The food court offers local cuisine and weekends have cultural shows as well. Its a complete experience in itself.

• Ken Ghariyal Sanctuary – If the Rekha starrer “Khoon Bhari Maang” was your favourite movie and you like alligators, do visit this sanctaury. If you are a reptile hater like me, then skip these alligators and head straight to the Raneh Waterfall! A complete geographical wonder! The Ken River forms a 5 kilometres long, and approx. 100 ft deep canyon made of pure crystalline granite in varying shades of colours ranging from pink and red to grey. There is a series of waterfalls in the canyon. The larger and smaller falls run all through the year. Other seasonal falls appear during monsoons!

What to Eat?

Raja Cafe, right opposite the Western Group of Temples, prime location and worth the hype . Good food and not overtly priced as well. You can also visit Badri Seth Marwari Bhoj for great vegetarian food. Both these places feature on Trip Advisor, so be prepared for some waiting time as well. But nothing beats the Poha sold at roadside stalls! Topped with the patent Ratlami Sev and your quick snack on the go is ready to savour!

However the one thing struck with me, even after coming back from Khajuraho, was the simplicity of the people! Very unlike the general tendency of touristy places! Right from the e-rickshaw drivers to the roadside vendors, all welcome you a smile and heart warming hospitality 🙂

For more such first-hand experiences, please stay tuned to A Pixelated Perspective