Day 1: Delhi – Khajuraho (Overnight Train) - (D)
Pickup from your Delhi hotel and transfer to the railway station to board the overnight train to Khajuraho. Overnight on the train.
Accommodation: Overnight on the sleeper train
Day 2: Khajuraho Sightseeing - Delhi (Overnight Train) - (B, L, D)
As per the train schedule, arrive at the Khajuraho railway station the next day - you will be assisted and transferred to a hotel (3-star: Hotel Usha Bundela/GW Greenwood) to wash up and change clothes. Later you will head to a local restaurant for refreshments and breakfast.
After that, head out on a sightseeing tour of Khajuraho and visit the eastern, western and southern group of temples. Khajuraho, home to the most famous of India’s temples on account of their remarkable erotic sculptures, lies in a rich, well watered plain. The temples of Khajuraho are India’s unique gift to the world, representing a paean to life of love and joy; perfect in execution and sublime in expression.
Khajuraho temples were built in one hundred years, from 950 to 1050 AD. Only 22 of the 85 original temples have survived the ravages of time. Each temple stands on a high platform. There are three main parts in each temple, the entrance (ardhamandapa), assembly hall (mandapa) and sanctum (garbha griha). Visit temples including the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Lakshmana Temple, and Devi Jagdamba Temple.
The Khajuraho temples are made of sandstone. The builders didn't use mortar, the stones were rather put together with mortise and tenon joints and they were held in place by gravity. This form of construction requires very precise joints. The columns and architraves were built with megaliths that weighed up to 20 tons. Today, the temples serve as fine examples of Indian architectural styles that have gained popularity due to their explicit depiction of sexual life during medieval times. Locals living in the Khajuraho village always knew about and kept up the temples as best as they could. They were pointed out to an Englishman in late 19th century but the jungles had taken a toll on all the monuments.
Also visit either the State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art (closed on Mondays) or the Archaeological Museum (closed on Fridays). These museums are a treasure trove of local arts and crafts.
Later transfer to railway station to board train for Delhi.
Accommodation: Overnight on the sleeper train
Day 3: Arrive in Delhi
On arrival at Delhi railway station you will be assisted and transferred to your hotel.
