Khajuraho, a renowned heritage city in Madhya Pradesh, is famous for its Hindu and Jain temples, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These intricately carved sandstone temples, known for their symmetrical alignment and erotic sculptures, attract visitors from around the globe to witness the timeless beauty of Hindu art and culture depicted in stone.
Khajuraho, once the cultural capital of the Chandela Rajputs from the 10th to 12th centuries, now stands as a popular tourist destination in the northeastern region of Madhya Pradesh. Spanning approximately 20 sq. km, Khajuraho is divided into three sections: the western, eastern, and southern temples.
The temple stands as a remarkable testament to Indo-Aryan architecture, showcasing various aspects of ancient Indian life through its intricate sculptures. Stone friezes depicting gods, goddesses, heroes, kings, and even scenes from the Kama Sutra adorn the temple complex, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. These sculptures not only depict royalty and spirituality but also intimate human emotions and relationships. Visitors can also enjoy folk dances and captivating light and sound shows held within the temple premises and nearby art centres. Whether admiring the erotic carvings or immersing oneself in the evening entertainment, the grandeur of Khajuraho temples is sure to leave a lasting impression.
A Day at Panna - from Temples to Forest
About 27 km from the heritage city of Khajuraho, Panna National Park is a mesmerising wildlife haven. The sole purpose of visiting Panna National Park is to embark on a jeep safari. A day tour of Panna from Khajuraho can be a thrilling experience for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. In order to enjoy a full-day safari at Panna National Park, you have to start quite early from Khajuraho. Conduct online safari booking to indulge in wildlife sightings in the forest of Panna. Accompanying a guide is mandatory for a jeep safari at Panna National Park as they are well-accustomed to the jungle norms and can be instrumental in providing you with the best wildlife safari experience.
The Safari Experience - Jeep safaris at Panna are conducted in morning and evening shifts. You can opt for safaris in both shifts to get the maximum experience in wildlife sightings. An advance booking for the jeep safari can help you to secure availability in the core zones like Hinauta and Madla. However, the Jinna and Akola Zones, which are the buffer zones also provide a thrilling experience. The morning safari lasts for about 5 hours and functions from 6:00 am to 11:30 am. On the other hand, the duration of the evening safari is roughly around 3 hours and operates from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The time and duration of the forest safari varies based on the season and the time of sunrise and sunset.
When to Visit - The most suitable season to opt for a visit to Panna National Park is during the winter season from November to February and the early summer months from March to May. These months favour with comfortable experience of jeep safari amidst the wild habitation of the national park’s fauna.
Sightings and Attractions - Tigers are also the residents of Panna’s forest but are very rarely sighted and is a matter of luck. However, animals like sambar deer, nilgai, and a few more can be frequently sighted while on the safari. Apart from the fauna species, tourists also come to Panna for birdwatching, as the national park houses an array of avifauna species like the White-necked stork, Paradise flycatcher, Honey Buzzard, Slaty-headed Scimitar Babbler, Bar-headed goose and Blossom-headed Parakeet.
