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Almost unknown and well concealed in the rugged and craggy cliffs of Vindhyas amidst dense forests are over 600+ rock shelters of Bhimbetka. About 400 of this shelters preserve proof of habitation that existed in the early Stone Age in the form of cave art. Thousands of rock paintings are dated between the early Stone Age to medieval times.

You would find red and white stick figures as well as many animals painted amongst them would be elephants and tigers, rhinos and bisons including animal fights. Many paintings reflect life during those times and would be about hunting, battles, ceremonies, dancing, drinking and burials.

Bhimbetka Caves are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and are also recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. How to reach Bhimbetka Caves?

Best time to visit Bhimbetka caves would be between the cooler months of December and February.

How do you reach Bhimbetka caves by air? Which is the nearest airport to Bhimbetka caves?
The nearest airport is Bhopal Airport and it is at a distance of 72 km from Bhimbetka caves.

How do you reach Bhimbetka caves by train? Which is the nearest railway station to Bhimbetka caves?
You to reach via Bhopal Junction and it is at a distance of 46 km from Bhimbetka caves.

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi are a group of monuments that include the world renown - The Great Stupa (the oldest Buddhist religious monument), monolithic pillars, ruins of temples, monasteries, assembly halls and shrines helping one time travel when Sanchi was revered as a great centre for spiritual learning. Most monuments date back to the 2nd and 1st centuries BC when Sanchi was a major proponent of Buddhism in India until the 12th century AD.

The Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India are recognized as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. How to reach Sanchi Stupa?

What is a Stupa? A stūpa is a structure containing sacred relics commemorative of Buddha or other saints. The shapes of Stupa’s have evolved over centuries - the Sanchi Stupa is hemispherical with a circular base supporting a massive solid dome (garbha) it has a pradakshina path and four gateways, which are richly decorated with narrative sculptures depicting scenes and panels from Buddha’s life, Ashoka’s life, wars over Buddha’s relics in ancient times and Jataka tales. The relics of the Buddha are not merely considered a commemorative symbol by of Buddha but Buddhists believe it represents the living presence of the Buddha, his protective powers and living energy.

The North Torana is one of the four richly carved gateways or toranas surrounding the Great Stupa. It has been best preserved of all the gateways as it still retains most of its ornamental figures. The lintels on the North Torana have seated Lions and Yakshinis.

Torana has many scenes from various events of the life of the Buddha. One panel has vivid sculptures depicting Buddha overcoming the temptation of Mara's daughters and threat of Mara + the demons of Mara fleeing Sanchi Stupa; Another has a sculpted scene of Sujata, bringing the meal which she prepared for Gautama before he began his last meditation prior to his enlightenment;

The pillar capitals of North Torana have elephant looking in all four directions and its panels depict various miracles performed by Buddha - including the great miracle at Sravasti where Buddha walks in the air.

The Great Stupa in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. How to reach Sanchi Stupa?

The torana on the west or the last gateway built is richly carved composed of two square pillars and with three architraves and their volute ends.

The column capitals have four Yaksha facing four directions. Whereas carvings on architraves have sculpted panels of King of the Mallas bringing the relics of the Buddha to Kushinagara whose chief is depicted riding on an elephant and bearing the relics on his own head. Another panel has two groups of figures carrying offerings indicate rejoicing of the Mallas over the possession of the relics.

Another panel has the tree in front of the city gate and it believed to be the Shala tree symbolically referring to the fact that Buddha's parinirvana took place in a grove of shala trees.

The West Torana has a brilliant sculpted narrative of the portrayal of siege of Kushinagara and the seven rival claimants who are carrying seven royal umbrellas, advancing with their armies to the city of Kushinagara

Left pillar (front side) has a unique panel showing Indra's swarg as it has the river Mandakini in the foreground.

The Great Stupa in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. How to reach Sanchi Stupa?

The East Torana was the third gateway to be erected. It has sculptures narrating historical events during Buddha's life and several miracles performed by the Buddha. The pillars of the East Torana have elephants placed in all four directions mounted by mahuts.

Take note of the panel on far left - sculpted narrative depicting Prince Siddharta detachment of royal life - his search and his renouncing the world starting from leaving the Palace of Kapilavastu while his wife Yasodhara, his baby Rahula and the dancers are sleeping.

Top panel on East Torana is about the miracle of walking in the air at Savrasti and devotees are looking upwards - note Buddha is not visible and only his path is represented by slab in thin air called Chankrama;

Another panel has a scene depicting the miracle of the Buddha walking on River Nairanjana - once again Buddha is not visible and he is represented by a path on the water, and his empty throne.

A panel also has sculptures depicting Indra and Brahma at the Great Sanchi Stupa;

The Great Stupa in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. How to reach Sanchi Stupa?

The South Torana is believed to be the oldest and the first to be built and served as the main entrance to the Great Stupa. Then followed, in chronological order, the North Torana, the East Torana and the West Torana.

The narrative friezes of the South Torana has great emphasis on Buddha's relics and the War over the Relics, and on the role of Ashoka in spreading the Buddhist faith. One also finds carved scenes of seven births of Buddha and the pillar capitals of the South Torana have sculpted Lions similar to the ones found on Ashoka Pillar.

The Great Stupa in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. How to reach Sanchi Stupa?

An expressive sculpted narrative depicting Buddha’s detachment of royal life - his search and his renouncing the world starting from leaving the Palace of Kapilavastu.

This sculpted panel is on the North Torana or Gateway of The Great Stupa in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India - which is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. How to reach Sanchi Stupa?

The Great Stupa of Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO

How do you reach Sanchi Stupa by air? Which is the nearest airport to Sanchi Stupa?
The nearest airport is Bhopal Airport and it is at a distance of 53 km from Sanchi Stupa.

How do you reach Sanchi Stupa by train? Which is the nearest railway station to Sanchi Stupa?
The nearest railway station is Sanchi Railway Station and it is at a distance of 1.5 km from Sanchi Stupa. You could opt to to reach via Vidisha Railway Station that is at a distance of 11.5 km from Sanchi Stupa. Or prefer to reach via Bhopal Junction and it is at a distance of 47 km from Sanchi Stupa.

Best Time to Visit Sanchi Stupa Complex is in the cooler months of December to February.

Words that usually describe Khajuraho Temples would be stunning erotica in stone mixed with finest temple art in the world – most seem to use only ‘baffling superlatives’ to express the great skill of the 10th to 11th century artisans - perplexed with resonating familiarity ‘why erotica in temples?’ Whilst there are 00’s of conjectures some questions do remain unanswered!

A must visit - if not in person through such frames - do explore Khajuraho Temples exceedingly artistic stonework that shows you a storyboard of life, a millennium ago – passionated expressions of gods, goddesses, warriors, dancers and real and mythological animals.

Khajuraho Group of Monuments are located in Madhya Pradesh, India and the complex is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. How to reach Khajuraho temple complex?

Khajuraho does occupy a significant role in the cultural history of the Chandelas who being great patrons of sculpture and arts dotted their empire with resplendent forts, palaces, tanks and temples.

What you should expect - Sensuous Surasundaris or Apsaras (heavenly nymphs) and Nayika’s (heroines) that have been carved with poses that swirl and dance - that would have most of us stumped with their suppleness – silent stances or expressions of the figurines that would help understand why ‘bhava’ is as critical in natya shastras and in a way make those scenes come alive – the expressive society that the hundreds of artisans lived in as they explicitly carved thousands of sculptures - exquisitely and outrageously portraying passion in the form of mithunas (eternal lovers and could be in pairs on threes or more - could be male female or only of a particular gender)

Almost as intriguing as the Khajuraho temples are - so is the question how did the Chandelas manage to turn their exhilarating dreams into stone especially its monumental size and numbers with richness of its sculptures in just 100 years?

Khajuraho Group of Monuments are located in Madhya Pradesh, India and the complex is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. How to reach Khajuraho temple complex?

The Kandariya-Mahadev temple is the most photographed and is considered the high point of Chandela architecture. Temple has intricate and detailed carvings in stone of female beauty with amorous expressions (Apsaras, Surasundaris) and numerous scenes of astounding sexual acrobatics as compared to any other Khajuraho temple.

Its Shikhara is considered to be a symbolic Shiv linga and along with its subsidiary shikaras together - they seem to resemble mount Kailasha peaks - and seem to be rise into infinity. You will find leaping vyalas almost looking as though hoping to escape (vyalas are mythical creatures that are half-dragon, half-horse, );

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is a part of Khajuraho Group of Monuments found in Madhya Pradesh, India and is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. How to reach Khajuraho temple complex?

The exterior surfaces of the Kandariya-Mahadev temple is entirely covered with sculptures in horizontal ribbon like panels carved with figurines gleaming rhythmically in the sun.

Niches seem to ooze with passion with finely carved maithuna or single male or female figurines in almost reversed yogic postures. You will also find ornate carvings of Ganesha as well as of Saptamatrikas - Brahmi seated on a swan + Maheshwari with three eyes seated on bull + Kumari + Vaishnavi seated on Garuda + Varahi (boar faced) ; Narasimhi (lion headed) + Chamunda (the slayer of demons Chanda and Munda). Apart from carvings of many deities, the one of Agni, the god of fire is arresting.

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is a part of Khajuraho Group of Monuments found in Madhya Pradesh, India and is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. How to reach Khajuraho temple complex?

Lakshmana Temple’s architectural design elements are similar to those of the Viswanath temple and Kandariya-Mahadev temple and it is dedicated to Vishnu.

Apart from the most erotic carvings you will also find carvings of battalions of soldiers on the frieze around the base depicting the mighty Chandela’s who were perpetually at war. Other carvings include musicians, hunters, camels, horses and elephants.

Do explore the Varaha Temple near the Laksmana temple - that has tall sandstone carving of Varaha avatar of Vishnu (Boar avatar) along with a pantheon of gods. Lakshmi Temple is also nearby and is usually locked,

Lakshman Temple is a part of Khajuraho Group of Monuments found in Madhya Pradesh, India and is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. How to reach Khajuraho temple complex?

Took about 20+ years to build the Lakshmana Temple and is arguably the best preserved of all the Khajuraho temples with a spectacularly carved garbha griha. This still of Lakshman Temple at Khajuraho should most definitely inspire an in person visit.

The Lakshmana Temple, built in 954 CE, is dedicated to Vishnu and the shrine has three faces that of the lion, man and a boar. You would find carvings of dancers, life in those times, orgies as well marching armies on its base. The female figurines in the bracket are simply exquisite.

Lakshman Temple is a part of Khajuraho Group of Monuments found in Madhya Pradesh, India and is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. How to reach Khajuraho temple complex?

Devi Jagadamba now dedicated to Kali was originally dedicated to Vishnu and then Parvati.

Devi Jagadambika temple is an exquisitely ornate temple with carvings of Surasundaris (heavenly nymphs), Maithunas frolicking (pairs of men and women). Architecturally, it is very similar to the nearby Chitragupta temple and its design seems to be simpler than that of the Kandariya-Mahadev Temple.

Devi Jagdambi Temple is a part of Khajuraho Group of Monuments found in Madhya Pradesh, India and is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. How to reach Khajuraho temple complex?

This 12-pillared shrine dedicated to Shiva is a superlative example of Chandela architecture. The Vishvanath Temple is stunning with its carved figures continuing all the way to the highest levels on its Shikharas and was designed as a Panchayatana complex where one main shrine is surrounded by four smaller shrines - only two of the smaller shrines survive today.

The base of the Vishvanath temple with its many niches is sculpted - depicting Saptamatrikas or the seven goddesses, Parvati and a dancing Ganesha.

The exterior part at Vishvanath temple just above the base has three bands depicting sensuous Surasundaris looking adoringly into mirrors, applying sindoor on their forehead, kajal in their eyes, playing flute, cuddling babies or writing letters. Like other temples it has carvings of miniature elephants, horses, camels, musicians, dancers and warriors in its lowest frieze. A large statue of Nandi faces the temple.

Vishvanath Temple is a part of Khajuraho Group of Monuments found in Madhya Pradesh, India and is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. How to reach Khajuraho temple complex?

Adinatha Temple is a jain temple dedicated to Tirthankara Adinatha although its exterior walls also feature Hindu deities. The shrine of Adinatha is made of black stone and has a three line inscription that helps to date the temple to 1158 AD.

The exterior walls of the Adinath temple have three bands adorned with sculptures of surasundaris, flying vidyadhara couples, vyalas (mythical creatures), dancers with musicians. It's niches have sculptures of the Jain Yakshinis - Chakreshvari , Padmavati and Ambika. Do find the sculpture of the four armed Yakshini Chakreshvari sitting on a Garuda holding a chakra; a Yaksha holding a money bag and a cup and a sitting sculpture of Adinatha with an ushnisha on his head.

Adinatha Temple is a part of Khajuraho Group of Monuments found in Madhya Pradesh, India and is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. How to reach Khajuraho temple complex?

The temple is dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara Parsvanatha of the Jain religion - it is believed to have been built between 950 to 970 and is known for its sculptural audacity.

Parsvanatha Temple is the largest of the Jain temples and it is believed that the temple was originally dedicated to Adinath, now houses a black shrine of Parsvanatha that was substituted about a century ago. An inscription on the mahamandapa doorway dates it to 950–70.

Parsvanatha Temple is a part of Khajuraho Group of Monuments found in Madhya Pradesh, India and is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. How to reach Khajuraho temple complex?

The Javari Temple is a hindu temple built between 1075 to 1100 that is dedicated to Vishnu Built in Nirandhar style the temple is visible from Vamana Temple or is at a short distance from it.

Javari Temple is a part of Khajuraho Group of Monuments found in Madhya Pradesh, India and is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. How to reach Khajuraho temple complex?

The Matangeshvara temple is an active or living Shiva temple. It is located among the Western group of temples at Khajuraho.

Interesting local myth - Matanga sage manifested into a linga and curbs Kamadeva or the god of love. Sage had hermitages in Khajuraho, Kedarnath, Varanasi and Gaya - and all these sites have Matangeshvara temples.

Matangeshvara Temple is a part of Khajuraho Group of Monuments found in Madhya Pradesh, India and is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. How to reach Khajuraho temple complex?

Chitragupta Temple faces east or the rising sun and has an imposing deity – God Surya as high as five feet driving a seven horse chariot. The temple has some intricate carvings of Apsaras and Surasundaris (celestial nymphs), elephant fights and hunting scenes, figures of couples engaged in maithuna and a 11-headed Vishnu.

Architecturally, it is very similar to the nearby Devi Jagadambi temple.

Chitragupta Temple is a part of Khajuraho Group of Monuments found in Madhya Pradesh, India and is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. How to reach Khajuraho temple complex?

Chaturbhuj temple is a hindu temple built in 1100 AD and dedicated to Vishnu. Built by Yasovarman of the Chandela Dynasty the temple has a tall four-armed Vishnu idol.

This is the only temple in Khajuraho that lacks erotic sculptures.

Chaturbhuj Temple is a part of Khajuraho Group of Monuments found in Madhya Pradesh, India and is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. How to reach Khajuraho temple complex?

Pratapeswar Temple in Khjuraho is found near the Vishvanath Temple and is a hindu temple dedicated to Shiva.

Pratapeswar Temple is a part of the Western Group of Temples at Khajuraho found in Madhya Pradesh, India and is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. How to reach Khajuraho temple complex?

Duladeo Temple is believed to be the last great temple built in Khajuraho. Duladeo Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva has a Saptaratha plan or simplified a seven chariot plan.

The figurines carved in the temple have soft expressive features unlike other temples and its walls are also covered with carvings of Shiv Parvati.

Duladeo Temple is a part of Khajuraho Group of Monuments found in Madhya Pradesh, India and is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. How to reach Khajuraho temple complex?

What to definitely explore at Khajuraho temples? Notable temples are the Lakshmana, Kandariya Mahadeva, Matangeshwara, Jagadamba, Chitragupta, Varaha and Vishwanatha in the Western Group; the Vamana, Javari and Ghantai Temples of the Eastern Group and the Parsvanatha, Adinatha and Shantinatha Temples of the Southern Group.

How to reach Khajuraho temples by air? Which is the nearest airport to Khajuraho Temples?
Khajuraho has a domestic airport and is well connected with Varanasi and Delhi amongst other cities in India. Khajuraho Airport is at a distance of a bout 4.5 km from Khajuraho temples.

How to reach Khajuraho temples by train? Which is the nearest railway station to Khajuraho Temples?
Khajuraho railway station is well connected to many cities in India including Delhi and Varanasi. Khajuraho train station is at a distance of about 6 km from Khajuraho Temple Complex.

Best time to visit Khajuraho temples is between the cooler months of December to February.

Distances from Khajuraho to various places
Khajuraho > [24 km] > Raneh Falls
Khajuraho > [99 km] > Panna National Park
Khajuraho > [392 km] > Varanasi

Peacocks at Van Vihar National Park prefer to forage for food early in the mornings and tend to stay in cover during the heat of the day.

Peacocks and Peafowls being omnivorous eat seeds, fruits, insects, small mammals and small reptiles. How to reach Van Vihar National Park?

Painted Storks at Van Vihar National Park enjoy feeding in groups or flocks that range from 5 to 50 commonly found in shallow wetlands along lakes or rivers.

Painted Storks are waders - they do so to stir the water with their feet to flush out the hiding out small fish or frogs. They immerse their beaks which are half open and sweep it side to side till they sense their prey and snap it up as soon as they touch it. Once fed they can literally stand still on the bank or shore for a long time.

The adult Painted Storks have pink legs and typically fly with their neck as well as their head drooped almost at or below their belly level. How to reach Van Vihar National Park?

Spotted Owlet at Van Vihar National Park is a greyish-brown stocky bird streaked with white spots - it has distinctive white eyebrows and neckband too.

Spotted Owlets are nocturnal though it may not be uncommon to sight them during the day. Perched in a tree it preys on insects bats, toads, small snakes and eats even scorpions.

Spotted Owlets have a loud and a harsh call that you may hear when it is active at dawn or dusk. How to reach Van Vihar National Park?

Red Wattled Lapwing at Van Vihar National Park is a large plover and a wader with a characteristic loud alarm call that indicates human or animal movements.

Red Wattled Lapwings are seen in pairs or small flocks that are not far from water - and being ground birds they are incapable of perching.

Lapwings feed during the day and at times in the night - their diet includes a snails, invertebrates and many insects. How to reach Van Vihar National Park?

How to reach Van Vihar National Park by air? Which is the nearest airport to Van Vihar National Park?
The nearest airport to Van Vihar National Park is Bhopal Airport that is at a distance of about 13 km.

Best time to visit Van Vihar National Park is from October to February.