Khajuraho – a beautiful Temple city of Central India

In the district of Chhatarpur in Madhya Pradesh, you will come across a beautiful temple town of Khajuraho. The architectural marvels of the town have fetched it a title of World Heritage Site from UNESCO. The exceptional and unusual artwork and craftsmanship of the place are truly admirable. Hotels in the city offer best deals of services and luxuries to add to your experience of pleasurable stay in the town. If you want to know in detail about the places to see in Khajuraho, then follow the information given below.

Eastern Group of Temples
On a visit to Khajuraho, you must explore all the sections of the temples which reflect the prosperity of the Chandela dynasty of the place. Some of the noted temples of this particular section which will be a sheer delight for you to pay visits to include Adinath Temple, Ghantai Temple, Parsavanath Temple, Hanuman Temple, The Vamana Temple and The Brahma Temple. A cluster of these temples represents Jain and Hindu architectural patterns.

Western Group of Temples
In the western section, you will again come to a group of elegant temples. All the temples are blessed with refined architectural designs. Not only this, one of the temples in this section is considered to be the largest of the regions and is consecrated to Hindu Lord Shiva. Some of the temples that warrant at least one visit in this part are Chaunsat Yogini Temple, Matangeswara Temple, Kandariya Mahadeo, Lakshamana Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Chitragupta Temple and Varaha Temple.

Southern Group of Temples
To visit this group of temples, you need to travel a few kilometers away from the town of Khajuraho. The temples in this section are popular for their beautiful designs and the unparalleled craftsmanship. One of the best examples of the section is the Dulah Deo Temple. This temple is consecrated to Lord Shiva. It was constructed between 1100 and 1150 AD. The other temple that again deserves a visit here includes The Chaturbhuja Temple. It was erected in 1100 AD. Dedicated to Hindu deity Vishnu, the temple looks very serene and attractive. The statue of the Lord Vishnu is about 3 meters tall.

Khajuraho Archaeological Museum
Previously known as the Jardine museum, the Khajuraho Archaeological Museum showcases the architectural remains and sculptures of the 10th and 12th centuries. Most of the objects on display are the archetypical example of the Hindu and Jain religions. There are over 2000 items in the museum which you must not give a miss. Some of the noted items of them are definitely Uma-Maheshwara, Nritta Gansha, Vaikuntha and Andhakasuravadhamurti.

Rane Falls
Located at a cozy distance of about 20 kilometers from the village of Khajuraho, Rane Falls is an exciting tourist hotspot of the region. You will enjoy your time here to the hilt.

Panna National Park
This famous national park is juts 25 kms away from Khajuraho. Covering an area of 543 sq. km, the park offers your amazing views of the brooks and cascading waterfalls. Besides, the park also serves as a shelter to the ferocious tiger species.

Golden Triangle and Khajuraho Temple

Duration: 8 Days/ 7 Nights
Destination covered: Delhi – Jaipur – Agra – Khajuraho - Delhi

Day 1 : Arrive Delhi
On arrival meet and assist at the airport and transfer to prebooked hotel. Overnight at the hotel.Delhi : India's capital & a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its fold the ancient & the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British left behind . The division between New & Old Delhi is the distinction between the capitals of the British & the Moghuls respectively. So, wherever the visitor goes, he will invariably confront the citys' past.

Day 2 : Delhi - Jaipur
After breakfast, half day city tour of Old & New Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Built by Shah Jahan, the construction was started in 1844 and was not completed until 1658; drive past Red Fort; Visit Humayuns Tomb : built in mid 16th century this is an early example of Mughal architecture; Qutab Minar, drive past India Gate, President House, Connaught Place. The city tour ends with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir). Afternoon, leave for Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur and check in at prebooked hotel.

Day 3 : Jaipur
After breakfast, excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride from the foothills of the Aravallis to the fort entrance. Amber Fort : At a distance of 11 kms from Jaipur, Amber was the ancient capital of Jaipur state. Construction of the fort began in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar's army and is a superb example of Rajput architecture.Afternoon, city tour of Jaipur. Visit the City Palace which has museum having an extensive collection of art, carpets, enamel ware and weapons; Jantar Mantar - the observatoyr built my Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728 and the façade of Hawa Mahal.

Day 4 : Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
After breakfast, leave for Agra. Enroute visit the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri : built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the old capital of the Moghuls, which was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other Palaces which are still preserved in its original glory. Continue drive to Agra. Arrive Agra in the evening and checkin at prebooked hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 : Agra
After breakfast, city tour of Agra. Visit Red fort, which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565, and additions were made up until the time of his grandson, Shah Jahan. It contains the hall of public and private audiences amongst many other beautiful structues; Itmad-ud-daulah, which was contructed by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628 and is very similar to the tomb she constructed for her husband, Jehangir, near Lahore in Pakistan; the highlight of the day - The Taj Mahal, which was constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Contruction of the Taj began in 1631 and was not completed until 1653. Afternoon, free for individual activities.

Day 6 : Agra - Jhansi (By Train) - Orchha - Khajuraho (By Road)
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station to board train for Jhansi at 0800 hrs. Arrive Jhansi at 1025 hrs and board our vehicle to drive you to Khajuraho. Enroute visit Orcha. Arrive Khajuraho and check in at prebooked hotel.

Day 7 : Khajuraho - Delhi (Flight)
After breakfast, visit the eastern & western group of temples famous for their erotic scultpures. Later, transfer to the airport to board flight for Delhi. On arrival in Delhi meet and assist at the airport and transfer to prebooked hotel.

Day 8 : Delhi - Departure
Transfer to the airport to board flight back home or onward destination

Varanasi a Holi city of India

Varanasi for a long time has been the historical and cultural capital of the India. Since the old days it has proudly carried the legacy of Indian tradition and culture on its shoulder. Spiritualism, Philosophy and Hinduism have been associated with this city for centuries. Varanasi, which is very often referred as the city of light, is the eternal pilgrimage destination of Hindus. They visit this city to gain salvation in life. There are many temples, ashrams and ghats in this holy city. Buddhism and Jainism have also found an important place in the history of Varanasi. Various Buddhist stupas and Jain temples stand along with Hindu temples.
Varanasi is situated on the bank of river Ganga. The mythological legacy and aura around this city is quite awe-inspiring. The presence of holy river Ganga add to the mysticism of this truly amazing city. Hindus consider river Ganga as sacred and believe that all the mortal sins get washed away after a dip in the holy water. Varanasi is popular for its enigmatic ghats. There are more than hundred ghats in the Varanasi and most of them are as old as city itself. These ghats are flooded with devotees through out the year, who take a dip in water to cleanse themselves from all their past sins. The majestic temples and many other holy sites of this city draw large number of tourists every year. Varanasi is considered to be one of the oldest human inhabited cities of the world.

Tourist Attractions of Varanasi
Temples: Being the most sacred destination of Hindus, Varanasi is home to many mesmerizing temples. People often term this city as museum of temples or city of temples. It is estimated that there are more than 2000 temples in Varanasi. Each year thousands of people from all over the world visit these temples. Majority of temples are situated along the Ghats of river Ganga adding to the charm of this holy river. Some of the popular temples are Kashi Vishwanath, Durga temple, Sankat Mochan, Tulsi Manas, Bharat Mata and Nepali temple.
Among them the holiest temple is Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to lord Shiva. This majestic temple is located in the middle of old Varanasi near Dashashwamedh ghat. Inside the temple there are holy Jyotirlingas or shrines of lord Shiva, Vishwanatha. It is one of the most significant temples of Hindus. Sankat Mochan Mandir is the most popular temple of Lord Hanuman. Specially on Tuesdays and Saturdays, this temple is filled with large number of devotees. Most unusual temple is Bharat Mata Mandir. This temple does not have any idols of god other than the large map of India. This temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.

Ghats : Holy Ganga passes through the heart of this majestic city. Most of the riverbank are covered with huge pavilions of concrete steps running right to the water body of holy Ganga. These are popularly known as Ghats and are major source of the tourist attractions. There are more than 100 Ghats in Varanasi and each day people take holy bath in these Ghats. Dasaswamedh, Man Mandir, Asi, Lalita and Manikarnika are the most popular among Ghats of Varanasi. Of them Dasaswamedh Ghat is the most popular one. This Ghat has still maintained its eternal beauty and aura.
Asi is the southern most ghat and is located near the meeting point of rivers Ganga and Asi. Pilgrims take bath here specially before worshiping at the lingam. Manikarnika Ghat is the oldest and holiest of all ghats of Varanasi. It is a great sight to watch devotees taking bath early morning in these ghats. One can also try out boat ride from one ghat to other.

Sarnath: Located 10 km from Varanasi this sleepy town is a very important destination for Buddhists. It is believed that lord Buddha came here after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya and delivered his first sermon. King Ashoka who became the follower of Buddhism after battle of Kalinga, erected Buddhist stupas in Sarnath and many more monuments were installed in the later year. Some famous stupas are Chaukhandi and Dhamek. Sarnath museum is also an important travel attraction of this town. This museum houses large number of the images and relics of lord Buddha. It also houses national emblem of India that is Lion capital of Ashokan pillar.
Apart from this, there are many other activities visitors can try out while being in Varanasi. The bazaars of this city are famous for the colourful items. Varanasi saree is a popular brand and is in demand all over the world. Benaras Hindu University is one of the most distinguished study centre of the country and is frequented by number of tourists. For years it has welcomed scholars, philosophers and poets from all over the world. Another place you can visit is Alamgir mosque. It is a beautiful confluence of Hindu and Mughal style of architectures.

Cultural Holiday to North India

Duration:09Nights/10Days
Places to See: Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Allahabad - Varanasi - Delhi

Day 01 : Arrival at Delhi
On arrival in Delhi. Transfer to your hotel. Relax. Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 02 : Delhi
Proceed for a full-day tour of Old & New Delhi after breakfast. Enjoy the cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk. Proceed for shopping in the late afternoon and visit the different shops and markets. Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 03 : Delhi - Jaipur
Proceed for JAIPUR after breakfast and reach by noon. Proceed foe shopping in the city during the evening and overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day 04 : Jaipur
Proceed for morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride ascent to the fort. Spend the evening shopping at one of the best textile and gems markets in India. Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day 05 : Jaipur - Agra
Proceed to Agra after an early breakfast. Visit the monument of Fatehpur Sikri en-route. Reach Agra and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 06 : Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho
Breakfast will be at hotel. You will be transferred to station for train to Jhansi. Reach Jhansi and proceed to Orchha, 12 km away. Proceed for sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex. Enjoy your lunch at Orchha. Continue drive to Khajuraho. Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and relax. Evening will be free or you can go out for a stroll and shopping. Overnight will be at Khajuraho.

Day 07 : Khajuraho - Varanasi
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for a sightseeing tour of the FAMOUS TEMPLES of KHAJURAHO. Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel. Spend the evening shopping in the lanes of Varanasi. Overnight will be at Varanasi.

Day 08 : Varanasi - Allahabad
After breakfast, drive to Allahabad. Upon arrival, transfer and check into the hotel. Visit the temples, ashrams and the SANGAM - the meeting point of the three rivers. The rivers are GANGA, YAMUNA and SARASWATI. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 9 : Allahabad - Varanasi
After breakfast, sightseeing of the city and visit to an ashram. Drive to Varanasi in the afternoon and spend the night in the holy city.

Day 10 : Varanasi - Delhi
In the early morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. Transfer to Delhi. Reach Delhi and you will be transferred to airport/Railway station for home.