Khajuraho Varanasi Extension

Overview

The four-day tour of Khajuraho and Varanasi is a spiritual journey of the holiest sites in India. Your journey will start from Khajuraho temple sculptures in Chhatarpur District, where you will be mesmerized by the nagara style architectural symbolism. The experience of Khajuraho’s will be followed by the 5000-year-old city, Varanasi. It is one of the most sacred places in the country, where you can encounter the devotional ritual “Aarti” on Assi ghat of River Ganga. Your next stop will be Sarnath, 10 km away from Varanasi, where the two most valuable Indian rivers meet, Ganga and Yamuna. Here, you will be visiting the Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride to witness the living traditions of one of the world’s oldest religions. The tour will end in Khajuraho from where you will commence your return journey.

Trip Highlights

Khajuraho Temples.
Sound and light show at the temples.
“Aarti” on Assi Ghat of holy Ganga River
Boat Riding
Shopping on the streets for some local craftsmanship
Buddhist sites
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Bharat Mata Temple
Making some new friends at the Monkey Temple.

ITINERARY - 4 Days

Day 1	Arrival at Khajuraho Some of the world’s most stunning and gorgeous arts lie in Madhya Pradesh, and Khajuraho is one of them. The Khajuraho temple sculptures were built during the reign of the Chandela dynasty between the 9th and 10th centuries AD. When central India was invaded and dominated by the Mughal governments, many of the temples were demolished. Today there remain 20 temples which are categorized into three zones, namely the Eastern, Western, and Southern. The walls of the temples feature sculptures of gods, goddesses, and beasts, however, it is the erotic art and sculptures depicted on the walls that have gathered worldwide attraction and fame. Due to the temple's culture and physical significance, it has been honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The eastern part or group of temples are located around the Khajur Sagar and the old village Khajuraho. The largest temple and the oldest Jain temple, Parsvanath Temple resides in the area. It is believed that the temple was built between 950 to 970 AD and is dedicated to the god Parshvanatha of the Jain religion. The next temple is the black stone made Adinatha temple whose pillars are embellished with the carved images of a bell. When the sun begins to fall, you can explore the SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW at the western parts of the temple. Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day 2	Khajuraho & Travel to Varanasi The western complex of the Khajuraho group of temples houses the most important temples in Khajuraho. The Kandarian Mahadeva is the largest and most decorated Hindu Temples in Khajuraho. It was built in 1050 by a Chandela King for worshipping Lord Shiva. The Lakshmana temple is one of the earliest temples built by Chandela kings in Khajuraho. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu and stands tall, measuring 25.9 meters in length. Other magnificent temples included within the complex are Devi Jagdamba Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Chausath Yogini temple, Vishwanath Temple, and Nandi Temple. You will catch a flight to Varanasi – Amidst the holy waters of Ganga, Varanasi is the oldest and sacred place in the country. The Varuna and the Assi are two tributaries of the Ganges, which flank its northern and southern borders, the tract of land lying between them is Varanasi. Banaras or Benaras, as it is popularly known, is only a corruption of the name Varanasi. The name was changed to Varanasi in May 1956 by the order of the Government of India. The city is a renowned religious center for Hindus and one of their most sacred places of pilgrimages. Varanasi is known for its golden hue sunrise and sun falls, the hymn of chants, fragrance of incense sticks and the arts, crafts, and education. Some of the world-renowned exponents that the world has seen were schooled in Varanasi. About 5 miles out of Varanasi, a small city named, Sarnath resides holding the title of the first place where Buddha preached its first sermon in 590 BC. Here he revealed the eightfold path that leads to the attainment of inner peace, enlightenment, and ultimate Nirvana. In the Evening enjoy the AARTI CEREMONY from the boat, where 7 Bhramins offer their prayers to River Ganges to put her to sleep. Overnight will be at Varanasi.
Day 3	Attractions in Varanasi and Sarnath As the sun rises, drive to the Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the holy waters of Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world’s oldest religions. Board a boat, so you gaze at the beautiful sunrise and sunsets from the middle of the waters. Thousands of devotees come daily on the banks to bathe and pray to the river, and when the shops open, the markets transform into a beehive of activities. The next destination will be the Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in the marble. Also, visit the Durga temple or the “monkey temple” due to a huge population of Monkeys and make some friends. Then proceed to Tulsi Manas temple which is crafted from white marble and narrates the entire Ramayana on its walls. Overnight will be at Varanasi.
Day 4	Departure Among the three beautiful sites, Varanasi could be the highlight of the trip, as the place cannot be adequately expressed into words. But Mark Twain did and quoted “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” Sample any leftover places from yesterday, or check out a new ghat or experience. By afternoon proceed for your return flight. We hope you have a great journey ahead.