Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho

8:00 AM - Pickup from the hotel lobby. We start after breakfast to visit the Hindu Temple of Javari, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on a high pedestal, this temple boasts of artistic interiors as well as exteriors. The exquisite carvings and the sculptures are magnificent. Chausath Yogini Temple: Yogini is the term given to a female who practices yoga or a spiritual teacher of the Hindu. The temple has 64 different shrines for one yogini each. The central shrine is the largest and has a huge idol of Lord Shiva with his consort Goddess Parvati on Nandi the bull. The temple was made mostly of granite. Each yogini statue has a different posture from the other and is all exquisitely carved. Kandariya Mahadev Temple was designed and built by the Chandela King Vidyadhara in the early 11th century. It was after Gazni Mahmud had invaded this region and destroyed it. The main attraction in the entrance area is a sacred Makara Torana that is simply eye-catching. The interior of the temple has intricately designed hallways, while the main hall has the prime deity of Lord Siva in the form of a linga. There is a lovely painting of a four-footed incarnation of Lord Shiva called Chatuspada. Lakshmana Temple was built by the great Chandela ruler, King Yashovarman in the 10th century. The main idol here is of Lord Vaikuntha. This idol has three heads and four arms. This fantastic stone sculpture is accompanied by Narasimha the lion avatar and Varaha the boar avatar of the deity. The other attractive features are the statues of beautiful women with their partners in love. Dulhadev Temple Lord Shiva is depicted as a bridegroom here and thus the name ‘dulha’ turns into 'dhuladeo' here. This was the last temple built in the whole group just on the banks of the Khodar River. This temple has the shape of a ‘saptadhara’ or a chariot driven by seven horses. 4:00 PM - Drop-off back at the hotel.

Day 1: Delhi to Agra Morning: 07:00 AM: Depart from Delhi by train or car (depending on your preference and availability). 10:30 AM: Arrive in Agra. Check-in at your hotel. Afternoon: 12:00 PM: Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Enjoy a guided tour of this magnificent monument. 02:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant. Evening: 04:00 PM: Explore the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 07:00 PM: Return to the hotel. Relax or explore Agra's local markets. Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Agra. Day 2: Agra to Khajuraho Morning: 06:00 AM: Check-out from the hotel and transfer to the Agra train station. 08:00 AM: Board the Vande Bharat Express train to Khajuraho. 01:00 PM: Arrive in Khajuraho. Check-in at your hotel. Afternoon: 02:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant. 03:30 PM: Visit the Western Group of Temples, including the Kandariya Mahadev Temple and Lakshmana Temple. Explore the rich carvings and architecture. Evening: 07:00 PM: Return to the hotel. Enjoy a leisurely evening or explore local dining options. Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Khajuraho. Day 3: Khajuraho to Panna Tiger Reserve Morning: 06:00 AM: Early breakfast and check-out from the hotel. 07:00 AM: Transfer to Panna Tiger Reserve (approx. 1.5-hour drive). Afternoon: 09:00 AM: Arrive at Panna Tiger Reserve. Check-in at the safari lodge or resort. 12:00 PM: Lunch at the lodge. Evening: 03:00 PM: Embark on a jeep safari in Panna Tiger Reserve. Spot various wildlife including tigers, leopards, and diverse bird species. 07:00 PM: Return to the lodge and enjoy dinner. Overnight: Stay at a safari lodge or resort in Panna Tiger Reserve. Day 4: Panna Tiger Reserve to Delhi Morning: 06:00 AM: Early morning safari in Panna Tiger Reserve to explore more wildlife and the natural beauty. 09:00 AM: Return to the lodge for breakfast and check-out. Afternoon: 12:00 PM: Drive back to Khajuraho. 01:00 PM: Arrive in Khajuraho and have lunch at a local restaurant. 03:00 PM: Transfer to the Khajuraho train station. Evening: 04:00 PM: Board the Vande Bharat Express train back to Delhi. 09:00 PM: Arrive in Delhi. Night: Transfer to your hotel or desired location in Delhi. Note:- 1. There will only be an English Language speaking Guide available in Safari and Tiger Sightings is depended on Tiger Movement, as the tigers will be in their natural habitat and not in a cage. We will try to ensure we offer you the best Zone available. (Still, we cannot guarantee the tiger sighting 100 %) 2. Sariska will be closed at wednesday.

Pick-up and Travel: Start the day with a comfortable pick-up from your hotel. The tour guide will provide an introduction to Khajuraho’s history and its cultural significance during the ride to the temples. Western Group of Temples: Begin your exploration with the Western Group of Temples, which includes some of the most iconic temples, such as the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, the largest and most decorated, known for its erotic sculptures. You'll also visit Lakshmana Temple and Vishwanath Temple, which are famous for their exquisite artwork. Eastern Group of Temples: Next, visit the Eastern Group of Temples, which include the Javari Temple, Vamana Temple, and some Jain temples, such as the Parshvanath Temple. These temples highlight the synthesis of Hindu and Jain cultures and showcase a wide range of themes, from mythology to daily life and divine love. Lunch Break: Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant to enjoy authentic regional cuisine. Southern Group of Temples: After lunch, proceed to the Southern Group of Temples, including the Duladeo Temple and Chaturbhuj Temple. These temples, while smaller, still display the elegance and beauty typical of Khajuraho’s architecture. Local Art and Craft Exploration: After visiting the temples, take some time to explore the local markets, where you can find souvenirs such as handicrafts and sculptures inspired by the Khajuraho temples. Light and Sound Show (Optional): In the evening, you may choose to witness the Light and Sound Show at the Western Group of Temples. This show provides a narrative of the history of Khajuraho and its temples, with the illuminated temples as a stunning backdrop. Drop-off: At the end of the day, you will be dropped back at your hotel.

03:00 AM – Pick-Up from Delhi Early morning pick-up from your hotel/airport/railway station in Delhi, Noida, or Gurugram. Drive to Agra via Yamuna Expressway (approx. 3 hours, 200 km). 06:00 AM – Visit the Taj Mahal at Sunrise Arrive in Agra and head straight to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Witness the stunning marble mausoleum glowing in the morning light. Your guide will share insights into the love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Spend around 2 hours exploring the complex. 08:30 AM – Breakfast at a 5-Star Hotel (Optional) Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast at a luxury hotel like Courtyard by Marriott or ITC Mughal (additional charge if not included in package). 10:00 AM – Visit Agra Fort Explore the magnificent Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the red sandstone architecture and learn about the Mughal Empire. Highlights include the Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, and the Jahangir Palace. 11:30 AM – Optional Visit to Local Artisans Visit a local marble inlay workshop or handicraft emporium (if interested). See how traditional Mughal-era artistry is still practiced today. 12:30 PM – Drive Back to Delhi Begin the return journey to Delhi via the Yamuna Expressway. 03:30 PM – Drop-Off at Hotel / Airport Drop-off at your Delhi hotel, airport, or preferred location. Tour ends with beautiful memories of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.