Madhya Pradesh ... The Heart of India
Tiger sighting gauranteed ... 99%
2 nights Pench
1 night Jabalpur
2 nights Khajurahoo
Architecturally brilliant forts, exquisitely carved temples, lavish palaces, a rich cultural tradition … virtually all phases of Indian history have left their mark on Madhya Pradesh (MP), the central Indian state historically known as Malwa.
The Guptas, Chandelas, Bundelas, Parmars, Holkars, Scindias … dynasties have come and gone. If stones could talk, what stories those in MP would tell ! Madhya Pradesh is part of what is known as the Hindi belt, a region of northern India inhabited predominantly by Hindus. Bordered by seven states, it is equally close to major tourist destinations in the north, south, east and west.
Madhya Pradesh is called the "heart of India" not only because of its location in the centre of the country, but has been home to the cultural heritage of Hindhuism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces are dotted all over the State. The natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh is equally varied. Consisting largely of a plateau, the State has everything. Spectacular mountain ranges, meandering rivers and miles and miles of dense forests offering a unique and exciting panorama of wildlife in sylvan surroundings
Photos
Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival Nagpur / Transfer to Pench
On arrival at Nagpur airport you will be met by our representative at the exit of arrival gate
You will be escorted to your awaiting vehicle for transfer to Pench [100 kms. / 1 to 2 hours drive]
Housed in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh, Pench National Park owes its name to the river Pench which cuts a path through the forests. It is so vast that it straddles the realm of Madhya Pradesh and the neighbouring state Maharashtra. The beauty of Pench National Park is so enchanting that it has sparked one of the best creations of Rudyard Kipling- The Jungle Book
Laden with rocky trails, wooded hills, glassy rivers, and gushing streams, the park lures in large herds of visitors every year, and is a nature lover's wildest dream! The beautiful, lush woods foster over 300 varied species of flora and fauna, something no other place in India can boast of! There are also flocks of resident and migratory birds that live here.
The park also shelters the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger and is India's finest sanctuary, Pench Tiger Reserve. It offers splendid opportunities for tiger spotting, especially in the summers.
On arrival, check in at Hotel / Resort
Day at leisure. Time permitting, Jungle Safari in the afternoon / evening
Overnight at Pench - Day 2
Pench - Jungle Safari
Morning & Evening safari in Pench National Park
Your Pench Adventure would seem to be incomplete without a thrilling Open jeep Wildlife in Pench Tiger Reserve. The Pench transports you from one comfortable, luxurious experience to another different, adventure filled, forest jaunt.
Open jeeps make the Pench Wildlife a very thrilling experience, and sighting of animals and birds in their natural habitat is an unforgettable adventure. The King himself, The Tiger, awaits and beckons you at this glorious Pench Tiger Reserve.
Jungle - Open jeep escort the guests from the resort in Pench to the park. There are 2 main entrances to the park -Turia Gate, Karmajhiri gate. 5 other gates are Khursapar, Sillari Gate, Wolf sanctuary, Rukhad and Jamtara.
Accompanied by Experienced naturalist to take you to the excursions and brief on the flora and fauna of Pench national
Things to Carry while at Jungle Safari
Binocular, Hat, Sun Guard, Cotton Trousers and shirts / T-Shirts Clothing in neutral colours : khaki, light brown/green, tan. Avoid bright colours & white for improved game viewing, Sunglasses, Sunscreen lotion, Mosquito Repellent, Walking Shoes, Windproof Jacket & Ear Muffs, A light, compact raincoat if it is likely you will encounter rain, Personal Medication, if any, Cameras, Lenses, Memory Cards & Film & extra flash batteries and lens cleaner
Overnight at Pench - Day 3
Pench to Jabalpur
After breakfast, departure to Jabalpur [265 kms. / 5 hours drive]
Jabalpur s an ancient city in central India situated in the heart of India on shores of holy river Narmada and lying in plains of tributaries Hiran and Gour and Ken and Sone. Narmada River valley having world famous Marble Rocks the only of its kind in the world where the whole river flows for nearly 2 Kms. in between varied coloured and tinted marble rocks with a deep water fall.
Enroute visit Bedaghat : Marble rocks & Dhuandhar falls
Known locally as Bhedaghat, the magnesium-limestone cliffs at this gorge on the holy Narmada River, 20km west of Jabalpur, change colours in different lights, from pink to black. They�re particularly impressive by moonlight, and parts are floodlit at night.
More pleasant than awe-inspiring (during the day, anyway), the trip up the 2km-long gorge is made in a shared motorboat from the jetty at Panchvati Ghat. Sticking around? The Dhuandhar (Smoke Cascade) waterfall is a worthwhile 1.5km walk uphill from the ghat.
Along the way is the much-revered Chausath Yogini, a circular 10th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, accessed via a steep flight of steps on the right-hand side of the road.
On arrival at Jabalpur, check in at Hotel
Evening at leisure
Overnight at Jabalpur - Day 4
Jabalpur to Khajurahoo
After breakfast,, depart to Khajurahoo [255 kms. / 5 to 6 hours drive]
Khajurahoo oozes with passion, eroticism, dance and music and other finesses of creative arts depicted in sculpture and images of the temples. The 85 temples were built in North Indian 'Nagara' style of architecture, though only 20 of them have survived the rough weather conditions over long years of time.
The erotic and other carvings that swathe Khajuraho�s three groups of World Heritage�listed temples are among the finest temple art in the world. The Western Group of temples, in particular, contains some stunning sculptures.
Khajuraho is fully on the tour bus map, and the touts infesting the town can be a pain in the neck. But they're not so bad that you should contemplate missing out on these beautiful temples.
On arrival, check in at Hotel
Evening Sound & Light show
This fascinating light & sound spectacle evokes the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and traces the story of the unique temples from the 10th Century to the present day. The 50 minutes sound and light show is conducted by tourism department in the garden of western group of temples. The show is entertaining and informative about the construction, history and importance of the temples. The show runs in Hindi and English every evening. The life and times of the great Chandela kings and the legend and grandeur of the unique temples from the 10th century to the present day are narrated in the voice of Amitabh Bacchan � the Bollywood legend.
Overnight at Khajurahoo - Day 5
Khajurahoo - Local sightseeing
After breakfast, visit the intricately carved Erotic Temples depicting various gods, goddesses and apsaras in extensive ornaments
The architectural style of the Khajuraho temples is very different from the temple prototype of that period. Each stands, instead of within the customary enclosure, on a high masonry platform. Combined with the upward direction of the structure, which is further accentuated by vertical projections, the total effect is one of grace and lightness, reminiscent of the Himalayan peaks. Each of the chief compartments has its own roof, grouped in such a way that the highest is in the centre, the lowest over the portico, a triumph of skill and imagination in recreating the rising peaks of a range.
The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three geographical groups: Western, Eastern and Southern.
Western Group of Temples
The Western group is certainly the best known, because it is to this group that the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple belongs: Also in the western group is the Chaunsat Yogini, the only granite temple in the Khajuraho group. Dedicated to Kali, it is also unique in being quadrangular in plan. Only 35 of the original 65 cells remain and no image of Kali has survived: not surprisingly, since this is the earliest surviving shrine of the group dated to 900 AD. Another Kali Temple (originally dedicated to Vishnu) is the Devi Jagadambe Temple. North of it facing eastward to the rising sun, is the Chitragupta temple, dedicated to the sun-god, Surya. The image of this powerful deity in the inner sanctum is particularly imposing: 5ft high, and driving a seven-horsed chariot.
The group scenes depicted are equally spectacular: royal processions, elephant-fights, hunting scenes, group dances. The lavish lifestyle of the Chandela kings and their court is here in all its pomp and glory. Similar in plan to the Kandariya Mahadev is the Vishwanath Temple. Lions flank the northern steps and elephants the southern, leading up to the temple. Within, there is an impressive three headed image of Brahma. The exteriors are profusely carved.
Eastern Group of Temples
A kilometer towards from the Western group of Temples is the khajur sagar and the old village of Khajuraho. The eastern group of temples is strewn around here. The Jain community during the Chandela rule lived in the eastern side of Khajuraho and a number of Jain temples from that period is now located in the eastern complex about 10 mins from the Western group of Khajuraho temples.
Vamana & Javari Temples : Vamana & Javari temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Vamana temple enshrines Lord Vishnu�s chubby and dwarfed incarnation, Lord Vamana. Javari temple is named so after the millet crop that is grown in the surrounding fields.
Parshvanath Temple : Parsvanath Temple is the largest structure among the Jain temples and is dedicated to Jain Tirthankara Parshvanatha. This temple was originally dedicated to the deity Adinath, but later an image of Parsvanath was installed and the temple assumed the new name. Located within a walled enclosure this temple is noted for the precision of its construction.
Southern Group of Temples
The Southern group of temples in Khajuraho is located slightly away from the other groups of temples. Southern group of temples consists of Duladeo temple, Chaturbhuj temple and Beejamandal temple. Chaturbhuj temple is the only temple in Khajuraho devoid of any erotic carvings. Duladeo temple is the most popular temple in the southern group of temples in Khajuraho.
Duladeo Temple : Duladeo Temple stands on the left bank of the Khurau Nala, about a kilometre south of the Khajuraho village almost equidistant from the Ghantai temple and the Jain temples of the eastern group of temples. The Duladeo temple is also called "Kunwar Math" by some historians. A temple dedicated to Shiva the entire temple is decorated with carvings of Shiva and his consort Parvati.
Chaturbhuj Temple : Chaturbhuj temple is dedicated to Vishnu in his ascetic form. The only temple in Khajuraho devoid of any erotic carvings or sculptures Chaturbguj temple is one of the major temples of the southern group of temples in Khajuraho. The Chaturbhuj temple houses an exquisite image of a nine feet long statue of four-handed Vishnu.
Overnight at Khajurahoo - Day 6
Departure from Khajuraho
After breakfast, morning at leisure
Later departure transfer to Khajuraho airport or Jhansi railway station [200 kms.] for onward journey
Notes
Daily departure
Hotels
Tour Inclusions [Madhya Pradesh HOI]
2 nights stay at Pench
1 night stay at Jabalpur
2 nights stay at Khajurahoo
Daily breakfast at hotels
All transfers & sightseeings by private vehicle
Jungle Safaris at Pench National Park
Services of Guide at Jabalpur & Khajurahoo
Light & Sound show at Khajurahoo
Notes on itinerary
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