Chandratal Lake: Guide to the magnificient lake of Spiti Valley
Tags
Chandratal Lake: Guide to the magnificient lake of Spiti Valley
Chandratal Lake – the most awaited part
Khajuraho Dance Festival with Jhansi, Panna & Orchha
How about celebrating Indian classical dance forms against the backdrop of the stunning majestic temples at the Khajuraho Dance Festival?
Madhya Pradesh
Starts: from Delhi
Ends: at Delhi
Dates
19-23 Feb 2025 (Sold Out)
23-27 Feb 2025 (Booking Open)
₹ 34800
About the Tour
Are you ready to experience Jhansi, Orchha, Khajuraho, and, Panna National Park during the rendezvous of Khajuraho Dance Festival?
If you love the rich Indian heritage and its mind-blowing architecture, then the trip to Orchha, Khajuraho, and Jhansi will be among the most memorable trips of your life. In fact, these towns are home to world-famous monuments & temples. While learning about the great stories of rulers from history, their beautiful forts, and the temples of Khajuraho, you also romance nature while visiting Panna National Park and Pandav Falls.
Orchha & Khajuraho, and even Jhansi are the princely towns in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh, that are a constant reminder of India’s past glory and the magnificent forgotten past.
Orchha, one of the finest offbeat travel destinations in the country, is a picturesque town located on the banks of Betwa river in central India. Frozen in time, the grandeur of Orchha’s forts, palaces, temples, and ghats transport us back in time. The 16th century Bundelkhandi architecture with Mughlai influence tells tales from history through its intricate stone carvings. Chaturbhuj temple dominates the skyline of Orchha while on the other hand, the cenotaphs, when viewed from the other end of the river make a beautiful backdrop during the time of sunset.
Did you know that Raja Ram Mandir in Orchha is the only temple in the country where Lord Rama is venerated as a king, instead of a deity?
Orchha was established as the capital town of mighty Bundela Rajputs, by Rudra Pratap Singh in the 16th century. The word Orchha means ‘hidden’, hence a suitable place for a Rajput capital. It’s one of the rarest places across the country that has still maintained its ancient glory and magnificence. The very perfect amalgamation of nature and heritage make Orchha an inviting place for all kinds of visitors.
Just a couple of kilometers from Orchha lies the town of Khajuraho, which is famous for being home to one of the most unique temples in the world, formally known as the ‘Khajuraho Group of Monuments’. This group of monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has always caught the attention of people because of the erotic sculptures depicting Kama Sutra in the temples.
Did you know that only 10% of the sculptures in Khajuraho temples are dedicated to erotic themes? And, these erotic themes are explained by the professional heritage guides in the most neutral & balanced language.
The temples were built between 950 to 1050 A.D., during Chandela Dynasty, and hence these temples clearly reflect the immense appreciation of Chandela rulers for forbidden art. In fact, some temples also have sculptures of the most revered Gods of Hinduism.
Have you been wanting to visit Jhansi ever since you read about “Jhansi ki Rani” in your school textbooks? We also get to visit Jhansi during this trip which is among the greatest cities in Madhya Pradesh. It’s well-known for its spectacular history and rich cultural heritage that is reflected well by its magnificent fort & museum.
While romancing with heritage sites, spending some time with nature is going to be an icing on the cake in this trip. An early morning Safari through the wilderness of Panna National Park is also the much-needed adrenaline rush in this trip. Renowned for its diverse wildlife and picturesque landscapes along the Ken River, it’s home to tigers, leopards, and various bird species. Along with this, you also get to visit the stunning Pandav Waterfall & Caves. Named after the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, it cascades down rocky cliffs into a serene pool. The scenic beauty and tranquil surroundings make it worth visiting.
Let’s set on a journey in a group of wonderful individuals to experience the charm of this old world, enrich ourselves with some interesting facts, and relax away from our noisy metro cities for a few days.
Trip Highlights
1. Khajuraho Dance Festival
The Khajuraho dance festival is one of the most popular and magnificent festivals in Madhya Pradesh. This dance festival highlights how extravagant the Indian classical dance styles are. The renowned dancers from all over the country showcase their dance forms and leave the audience with a wow! The Khajuraho Dance Festival takes place in the UNESCO World Heritage site: The Khajuraho Temple itself. Watching super-skilled and talented dancers showcase their classical dances helps everyone celebrate life through dance.
2. Jhansi Fort
Built in the 17th century by the Marathas, Jhansi Fort played a pivotal role during the 1857 Indian Rebellion where it became a symbol of resistance against British colonial rule under the leadership of Rani Lakshmibai. The fort features impressive walls, bastions, and a commanding position offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Its architectural design, historical significance, and association with pivotal moments in Indian history make Jhansi Fort a major attraction for visitors and history enthusiasts.
3. Jhansi Museum
Jhansi Museum showcases the rich history and heritage of the region. The museum features an extensive collection of artifacts, including ancient sculptures, coins, weapons, and manuscripts, with a focus on the 1857 Indian Rebellion and the life of Rani Lakshmibai. Its exhibits provide valuable insights into the cultural and historical legacy of Jhansi, making any Indian feel nothing but proud.
4. Orchha Cenotaphs
One can find cenotaphs at countless places in India but the beauty of the the Centopahs of Orchha is that they have been built spectacularly on the banks of Betwa river and boasts of Indo-Mughal architecture. An early evening spent wandering around the cenotaphs followed by a sunset is something one would never forget. The centopahs were constructed to be the tombs of the Bundela kings who ruled the Orchha. There are total 14 of them with the cenotaph of Raja Bir Singh Deo being the most elaborated and the unique one.
5. Orchha Fort Complex
It houses a large number of ancient monuments consisting of the fort, palaces, and temple. The most visited landmarks in Orchha Fort Complex are Raj Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, and Phool Bagh. Raj Mahal used to be the abode of kings and queens until it was abandoned in 1783. The secret passages, murals, and mirror work inside Raj Mahal are fabulous. Jahangir Mahal was built inside the fort in the 17th century to mark Jahangir’s visit to the town. It’s a combination of both Mughal and Bundela architecture. Sheesh Mahal is now a heritage hotel inside Orchha Fort complex offering a royal experience.
6. Laxminarayan Temple
As the name suggests, Laxmi Narayan Temple is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, but still there is no idol of Goddess kept inside the temple. It’s one of the most interesting and unique temples of Orchha. It exhibits a perfect combination of temple and fort architecture. It has captivating mythological murals and geometrical carvings of scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. It’s one of the preferred places to view a sunset in the town.
7. Chaturbhuj Temple
Almost 105 meters high, Chaturbhuj Temple is one of tallest, fabulous and the magnificent structures of ancient India. It was built by king Madhukar Shah in between the years 1558 and 1573. The temple houses an idol of Lord Vishnu with four arms but was originally meant for Lord Rama’s idol. It has a complex multi-storied structure which is a blend of the architectural features of temples, forts, and palaces. The temple has tall spires in the shape of pine cones built atop a high platform.
8. Kanchana Ghat
Words are less to describe the unforgettable beauty of Kanchana ghat. The mesmerizing view of the reflection of cenotaphs (chhatris) in the shimmering waters of Betwa river, when viewed from Kanchana ghat, is worth a hundred photos. It’s an experience and the exquisiteness of this place that shall keep haunting you to return to this place.
9. Ram Raja Mandir
Lord Ram arrived to Orchha from Ayodhya in a child form in the lap of Queen Ganesh Kunwari and took his place inside the palace of the queen which is now known as Ram Raja Mandir. It’s the only temple in India where Lord Ram is worshipped as a king. The temple is guarded by police personnel and an armed salutation is offered to Lord Ram every day. Why Lord Ram is worshipped here as a king is an interesting story which we shall discuss during the trip!
10. Western Group of Temples
The western group of temples in Khajuraho houses the maximum, and the most important temples in Khajuraho. The Matangeshwar Temple, and the Kandariya Mahadev Temple both are the largest temples in Khajuraho, both dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Lakshmana temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is located near the Kandariya Mahadeva temple. Devi Jagadambi temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. All the temples in western group are made from pink and yellow sandstone except Kandariya Mahadev Temple and Chausath-Yogini Temple which are made from granite.
11. Southern Group of Temples
Southern group of temples in Khajuraho have two major temples which are Dulhadeo Temple, and Chaturbhuj Temple. Did you know that Chaturbhuj temple is the only temple in Khajuraho which doesn’t have any erotic sculptures? It’s also very tall temple, having it’s top raised even above the tree line.
12. Eastern Group of Temples
Just a couple of hundred meters from the Western group of temples, lies the old village of Khajuraho which used to be the home to Jain Community during Chandela dynasty. This is also the eastern part of Khajuraho, and hence this place is home to Jain group of temples which is also known as the Eastern group of temples. It also makes this group of temples quite unique from other temple groups. Adinath Temple and Parsvanatha Temple are one of the most significant temples in the complex.
13. Panna National Park Jeep Safari
Panna National Park is a prime tiger land located in Vindhya hills, and is renowned as the 22nd tiger reserve of India. Other than Indian tigers, Panna National Park is also home to Indian wolf, cheetal, sambar, four-horned antelope, leopard, spotted cats, carcal, etc. The river Ken flows through Panna National Park creating some beautiful waterfalls. The park is also characterized by gorges and plateaus, adding to the natural beauty of area. There are also some stone paintings which date back to Neolithic era. An early morning safari through the park definitely gives a sense of adventure, along with much-needed relaxation close to the nature.
14. Pandav Waterfall
Pandav Falls is a perennial waterfall in Madhya Pradesh fed by a tributary of the Ken River. It falls from a height of about 30 meters into a heart-shaped pool. The falls, which are surrounded by lush green forests, are magnificent and can be visited also during peak monsoon season. There are some primitive caves at the base of the falls that overlook a vast pool of water. The Mahabharata’s Pandavas are said to have spent some time of their exile here.
15. Jhansi Laser Show
The Jhansi Laser Show, held at the historic Jhansi Fort, is a captivating multimedia experience that combines laser technology, sound, and light to bring the fort’s rich history to life. This evening spectacle narrates the tale of Rani Lakshmibai and the 1857 Indian Rebellion through vibrant visuals and dynamic storytelling. It’s designed to both educate and entertain, offering visitors a unique way to engage with Jhansi’s historical heritage in a visually stunning format.
16. Unforgettable social experience
Our friendly trip leaders ensure a great personal touch, and make sure to bond the entire group like long-lost friends. Hence, along with an amazing travel experience, you are in for a great of great social bonding.
Your Itinerary
Booking/ Query
To book this trip, please Call/ WhatsApp/ Email using the below-mentioned details.
If you have any questions or concerns, then please feel free to contact us using the below-mentioned details. Alternatively, fill this form and our team will get back to you at their earliest.
Call/ WhatsApp : +91 9999 74 9677
Email: chandni@transformingtravels.com
Photos
Related Blogs
Leh: A complete guide to the heart of Ladakh
Tags
Leh: A complete guide to the heart of Ladakh
An old Tibetan saying translates to, “The
