Tours to Khajuraho
Khajuraho - The Splendorous Temple City
Khajuraho is the temple city of central India. It is known the world over for its exquisitely carved temples in stones that portray beautiful images. Travel to Khajuraho with thousands of visitors and tourists from all over the world to see the immortal saga of Hindu art and culture engraved in stone. Apart from this temple image, Khajuraho is a small village. Khajuraho is 595 km (370 miles) south-east of Delhi and can be visited by air, rail or road. This means a travel to Delhi is quite conducive from this temple city.
History of Khajuraho
Once you travel to Khajuraho you will come to know that earlier it was a large city of the Chandelas. The Chandelas were the medieval Rajput kings who ruled over Central India. The city of Khajuraho has a history of its own. According to the account of the medieval court poet, Chandbardai in Mahoba-khand of his Prithviraj Raso, Hemvati was the beautiful daughter of Hemraj, the royal priest of Kashi (Varanasi).
One summer night, while she was bathing, the Moon God being smitten by her beauty descended on earth and outraged her modesty. Feeling shaken and stirred she cursed the Moon God. As a result the God felt sorry and promised her that she would give birth to a brave and valiant son. Just as he said, the little child was taken to Khajjurpura. Eventually he became a great king and built numerous temples surrounded by lakes and gardens. He also performed a yagya (religious ceremony) through which Hemvati's sin was done with. Chandravarman was as bright as his father. Later, the Moon God presented him a touchstone which could turn iron into gold and installed him as king of Khajuraho.
How to Reach Khajuraho
You can travel to Khajuraho by air. The Khajuraho air service is directly linked with Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Kathmandu. Many people travel to Varanasi from Khajuraho.
You can even catch a train to Khajuraho. The nearest stations are in Mahoba and Harpalpur. Jhansi is the most convenient rail station for tourists traveling from Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai.
Khajuraho is also well connected by regular and direct bus services with Chhatarpur, Mahoba, Harpalpur, Satna, Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra, Sagar, Jabalpur, Indore, Bhopal, Varanasi and Allahabad. Thus, you can easily travel to Khajuraho from these places.
Excursions from Khajuraho
Orcha is a place 165 kilometers. from the city. It is a medieval city flanked by the Betwa River. It is known for the 16th and 17th century palaces and temples. These temples did witness the ravages of time. It is also famous for Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and Rai Praveen Mahal. These have made it a famous tourist attraction.
Also, when you travel to Khajuraho visit the Panna National Park. It is 32 km from Khajuraho. The Ken Nature Trail, just nearby the Raneh falls is a jungle track exhibiting natural beauty. It is a must watch if you want to know more about the surroundings. Do not forget the Ken Gharial Sanctuary. It is situated at the confluence of the Ken and Khudar rivers. It is the breeding place of a variety of crocodiles.
The Banisagar Lake is close by. It is only 11 kilometers. from Khajuraho. It acts as a picnic spot for the numerous tourists who come here for merriment, boating and angling. It is a dam on Khudar river and has a water spread of 7.7 sq. km. Watch the in your travel to Khajuraho. The is 25 kilometers. from Khajuraho. It is another ideal picnic spot which is suitable both for boating and angling.
Moreover, do not miss the beauty of the dams and falls in the city when you travel to Khajuraho. The Gangau Dam is only 34 km from Khajuraho. It is a natural dam at the confluence of the Ken and Simri rivers. It is wonderful and ideal for nature lovers, anglers and the adventure minded. The dam is surrounded by the Panna National Park & Gangau Sanctuary.
Pandav Falls is a tourist attraction that can turn anybody spellbound. It is also 34 km from Khajuraho. It is a beautiful waterfall in a bowl shaped valley on the Ken river. The name suggests that the Pandavas have spent a part of their exile here. The Majhganwa Diamond Mines, Panna are also a part of Khajuraho's splendor. These mines are open to public from 9 am to 1 pm. They are closed on Sundays. Panna is the historic town and used to be the capital of Chhatrasal. Chhatrasal was a national warrior and founder of Bundella Kingdom. Panna is known for the temples of Baldevji, Kishorji, Govindji, Prannathji, Jagannath Swami and Ram. These are renowned temples and Khajuraho is famous for these.
On your travel to Khajuraho, do pay a visit to the Dhubela Museum. It is situated on the bank of a lake. This museum houses a wide variety of Shakti Cult sculptures. Besides, you will also see different sections on garments, weapons and paintings. Also go to the Ajaygarh Fort which is only 80 km from Khajuraho. This fort is at a height of 688 meters above sea level and was capital of the Chandelas during their decline.
Nachna is 40 kilometers. from Panna town. Nachna was the famous city of the Nagvakataka and Gupta empire. It is well known for the Chaturmukha Mahadev temple. As the name goes, the temple is named after the colossal four faced lingam. You should also see the Kalinjar Fort. It is a historical fort situated in Banda district (Uttar Pradesh). It is a world heritage site.
Ken Nature Trail is 22 kilometers long. It is just at walking distance as far as Raneh Falls are concerned. It is a beautiful place and also provides visitors with some knowledge of the surroundings.
Dhubela Museum is situated beside a river. There are various types of sculptures from the Shakti Cult. Besides, it also has several divisions that focus on garments, paintings and weapons. It is 57 kilometers away from Khajuraho.
Kalinjar Fort is located at Banda in Uttar Pradesh. It is a world heritage site.
About Khajuraho Temples
Thus, when you travel to Khajuraho, you will get to know that the architectural style and beauty of the temples in the city is magnificent. These temples are quite different from the temple prototype of that period. Each of these temples stands on a high masonry platform. You will witness an upward direction of these structures. Along with that there are vertical projections and the total effect of such a style is that of grace and lightness. The chief compartments of the temples have their own roof and are grouped in a special way. They are styled in such a way that the highest is in the center and the lowest over the portico. Tours to Khajuraho India
Best Time to Go to Khajuraho
The most favorable time to go to Khajuraho is from October to April.
Accommodation Facilities at Khajuraho
The best hotels at Khajuraho are
- Hotel Chandela (Taj Group), Khajuraho
- Kairali Ayurvedic Resort, Khajuraho
- Hotel Usha Bundela Khajuraho
- Hotel Khajuraho Ashok (Ashok Group), Khajuraho
- Ken River Lodge, Khajuraho
- Hotel Greenwood Khajuraho, Khajuraho
- Holiday Inn, Khajuraho
TSI Holidays.com offers online information on Travel to Khajuraho. Tours to Khajuraho India
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