The
various dimension of life, from beauty to sex, have been brilliantly
captured in the stone sculptures of Khajuraho. Located in the Chattarpur
district of Madhya Pradesh, it is a small town that boasts of an
incredible assortment of tourist attractions in the form of its many
temples. The stone carvings emblazoned in the walls and facades of these
temples are gracefully frozen in time and are the finest exhibition of
eternity embracing beauty. Apart from archeological and architectural
grandeur, Khajuraho also provides scope for excursions, with many places
of tourist attractions nearby.Bandhavgarh National Park
A thick-forested land encompassed by bamboo and sal trees and wooded cliffs of the Vindhyas; Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the most exotic wildlife destinations in India. An erstwhile game reserve of the royal family of Rewa, Bandhavgarh got recognition as a wildlife park in 1968.
Panna National Park
Sheltered in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Panna National Park is at a distance of around 57 km from the nearby temple-town of Khajuraho. Panna city is especially famous for its diamond industry. Nevertheless, what adds to the popularity of the place is Panna Wildlife Sanctuary.
Rane Falls
Rane fall is named after King Rane Pratap, the erstwhile ruler of the place, and is located in the Ken Gharyal Sanctuary, 34 km from the town of Khajuraho. At this spot, Ken River plummets to a 30 m deep and almost 5 km long ravine and gives birth to this majestic waterfall. The varicolored granite rocks and the bracing environs lend an added beauty to the fall. Moreover, every year Khajuraho Dance Festival is held in the place during the months of February-March and contributes to the beauty and popularity of the place.
Pandav Falls
Pandav Falls is situated about 32 km from Khajuraho. According to legends, this paradisiacal spot is the place where the five Pandava brothers camped for about one and a half months, during the last year of their exile. It is encompassed by lush surroundings and is a preferred dwelling place of bears and wild cats. Near the place is a small cave that is consecrated with five sculptures of the Pandava brothers. The placidity of the Pandav falls and the overwhelming serenity that envelops it makes the place a favorite hangout amongst the tourists.
Museums
The 150 years old Rajgarh Place built by King Shatrujit Bundela is located 25 km from Khajuraho. Perched at the foothills of the Maniyagarh hills, it gives some interesting glimpse of the Bundela architectural style. Today, the fort has been converted into a Heritage Hotel. The hotel houses a museum that acts as a repository of various antique relics and specimens. Another important historical site is the Dhubela Museum, located 64 km from Khajuraho. It also has a rare collection of sculptures of the Shakti cult and other ancient murals and artifacts.
Lakes
Benisagar Lake is situated near a dam on the Khuda River. It is a quick getaway for tourists visiting Khajuraho, which is located at a distance of only 7 km from the lake. The place poses some good views of the surrounding landscape and also has boating facilities for tourists. Another worth-visiting lake is Rangaun Lake, located at the confluence of Ken and Simri rivers. This scenic lake is sited at a distance of 20 km from Khajuraho and is a hot spot amongst tourists visiting the town.
