“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Travelling breaks the monotony of the life. It rejuvenates us with the much-needed freshness. For me, travelling doesn’t mean a mad rush from one place to another. I, rather, like to ponder and wander, garnering small happiness in the process. Walking down a snaky mountains road on a misty morning, as the pristine surrounding unveils itself slowly with the sun rays, makes me happy. My heart leaps up at the sight of an unknown flower smiling all by itself.
“Travelling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
I found the above quote relatable during my visit to Madhya Pradesh, adoringly called as the ‘dil’ (heart) of India. A large state like Madhya Pradesh needs quite a number of visits if one really wants to explore all the beauties. We decided to cover only a few places.
It was a 7-day-long tour starting from Jabalpur. Though domestic Flight Schedule from Kolkata to Jabalpur was available, but we had to opt for the train as one of our friends had severe flight-phobia!
We reached Jabalpur on Day 2. Jabalpur is like any other city of India, nothing spectacular to be noted at a glance. Most of the hotels/restaurants serve veg foods, but even Bengalis like us, passionate about non-veg dishes, were simply bowled over by the variety of delectable dishes.
Day 3 started with our visit to one of the wonders of Mother Nature, the exquisite beauty which can make every eye awed; the Marble Rocks of Bhedaghat.
The Narmada river, one of the main rivers of India, flows between Satpura and Vindhya range. The Narmada originates at Amarkantak, western MP, and flows eastwards. Just at the south of Jabalpur it takes a great plunge making its way through the steep limestone cliffs producing a spectacle that literally leaves one speechless!
We availed the 6 km (approximately) long boat ride through the gorges; the tranquil blue water of the Narmada flowing through the shining, steep, marble rocks rising perpendicularly to a height of above 40 metres at places, produced a grand spectacle.
After the boat ride, we headed for the Dhuandhar Falls, a short drive from Bhedaghat. This time, we availed the ropeway to have a bird’s eye view of the exquisite scenery.
On Day 4, we started for the most coveted part of the trip, The Khajuraho Group of Monuments. We hired a car and started off early to cover a distance of about 250 km. It took us almost 7 hours to reach Khajuraho via NH 7. We stopped at a few places for tea and snacks in between, though.
We reached Khajuraho in the evening and, decided to spend the rest of it having a lazy stroll through the local market.
Next morning, Day 5, we felt over enthusiastic as our car made its way towards the monuments.
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments located in the Chattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh (India) is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites which India has to offer to her visitors. The Hindu and the Jain temples located here display an array of exquisite erotic sculptures along with a detailed depiction of everyday life. Between AD 950 and AD 1150, these temples were built under the kind patronage of the Chandela rulers.
Based on the Tantrik cult which was in vogue at that time, the impeccability and perfection of the sculptures are awe-inspiring. The name ‘Khajuraho’ has been derived from the Sanskrit words ‘khajura‘ meaning date palm and ‘bahaka‘ meaning the carrier.It is one of the heritage sites of India as declared by the UNESCO. Stretched along a vast area the temples are broadly divided into three groups, western, eastern and southern. There were about 85 temples of which only 25 (or 22) have survived the test of time and from the invasion of foreign rulers.
It’s really a wonder how these temples had been sculptured with a perfect accuracy. I was literally stunned by the marvel which Khajuraho offered. Mostly sandstone had been used to build the temples. The remarkable architecture has truly made it one of the seven wonders of India. There are temples of the Chausath Yogini, Brahma, Shiva, Varaha, Surya, Vamana, and Vishnu. The technology and architecture used for building the temples were much ahead of the time.
We asked a local guide about the existence of such erotic figurines on the outer walls of the temples, considered to be a holy and sanctified place. He said,“bade bade log hazar baatein kehte hain, mujhe to yehi samajh mein aata hain ki ye tasviren kehte hain ke bhagwan ke mandir mein jaane se pehle sab basna aur kamna bahar choDke jana chahiye.” (Though historians have opined in a hundred different ways, but I think those figures depicted on the outside walls instruct us to leave behind all the hedonistic pleasures before entering the main temple, or the sanctum sanctorum). I actually contemplated on his theory and wondered on his hermetic profoundness!
We spend the whole day visiting the monuments. Still, to me, it seemed the thirst was unquenchable. However, it marked the end of our tour.
Day 6, the next morning, we started for Satna, 117 km from Khajuraho, from where we were supposed to board the train to Kolkata.
Khajuraho is well connected with almost all the big cities of India. It is connected to Delhi and Agra with regular flights. There are regular bus services from Mahoba, Harpalpur, Satna, Jhansi, Agra and Bhopal.
This trip was a memorable one for it made me wonder, helped me explore and know the ancient history and culture of my country. A perfect vacation, as they say.
All the pictures, except the first one, are my clicks.
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Loved your narrative for khajuraho. Have been there many times, but so awe-struck i am that i could never write on Khajuraho.
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Yes!!! It’s …just beyond words…truly!
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Hey.. nice post/and also went thru the comments… beautiful pictures too!
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Thanks for the words of appreciation… it was really a memorable trip… 🙂
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cheers…
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The photo at the top (rain drenched village road) makes me nostalgic every time I see it. For me this picture is truly worth a million words
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Thanks, Durgaji. That one is my favourite too. I clicked it while visiting a tribal village during monsoon a few years back…. 🙂
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Lovely narrative, Maniparna and stunning pics. Never been to Khajuraho. Maybe some day…
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You’ll love the place… 🙂 Thanks for dropping by, Kiran…
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I was there way back in 1999-2000 as part of an educational tour (my B. Arch days). Fond memories!
http://www.volatilespirits.com
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Thanks….glad that the post rekindled your memories… 🙂
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Isn’t it too hot during this time of the year? But then when you’re with friends having such a good time, does it really matter?
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lovely post
http://vanduchoudhary.blogspot.in/
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Thank you… 🙂
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Wowwwww !! Wish I could go there.
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Looked like some beautiful journey going through your vivid and lucid narration 🙂 a stunning post !
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Thanks a lot, Lopa, for stopping by. I really appreciate your comment… 🙂
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Just an amazing journey. I’m so glad you had this opportunity to enjoy these marvels. Traveling and experiencing new regions is an important part of my life as well.
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Great to know that. Travelling and knowing new places, people, really broaden our minds… 🙂 Thank you so much for dropping by….
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Hi,
Congratulations! Your blog post was featured in the Spicy Saturday Picks edition on May 28 2016 at BlogAdda.
Please find it here:
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Thanks so much, Team BlogAdda!! 🙂 ….
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Never been to Khajuraho but I am sure when I do go someday, I will be visiting this post for pointers first. I so loved your idea of travel Mani, resonates with mine! 🙂
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I wish you visit soon, Arti, and I’ll look forward to your post 🙂
I’m really glad that you could relate with my words… Thank you so much… ❤
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Excellent post… I much enjoyed your travel chronicles… Madhya Pradesh looks beautiful. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments look stunning, with the accuarte depictions of gods and goddesses… You are quite right when you state that “the technology and architecture used for building the temples were much ahead of the time”…. those who believe in aliens might argue that extraterrestrial creatures might be involved with this constructions… same as happens with the egyptian piramids… Sigh, Odd!… 🙂
Sending love & best wishes, dear Mani… have a great weekend. Aquileana 😀
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I have read about those “alien” theories. Though I don’t believe in aliens… hehe… 😛
The Khajurahos are wonderful …all the temples have such perfection! Thank you for dropping by and reading… ❤
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What a grand historical place! 🙂
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Thanks, you. It was great visiting Khajuraho… 🙂
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There is so much to see in MP. Looks like you had a blast. I can use your itinerary if I plan to visit there.
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Sure. It would be better if you can spare a few more days. 🙂
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It seems like different people travel for different reasons. Some people just want to break monotony. Some people are interested in learning about new cultures. Some people want to experience the art and history of a place first hand. I tend to want to feel like I live there. I experience the place as if I had just barely move there. Which places would I like to visit on the weekend? Where would I like to eat? Not sure why that’s my primary interest. Maybe I wonder what it is like to live different kinds of lives?
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That’s a very interesting way to experience a place. I think, it helps you explore more of a particular place. I loved the way you think, next time, I will try this out 🙂 …
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I had visited Khajuraho in 1995 and was spellbound by the architecture! A must visit place! I would like to visit again whenever I get an opportunity.
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Same here. I want to visit it again!
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Bedhaghat – I was a kid and very very scared to be honest… I wish I could go back and change it. But MP is my Dad’s fave travel location – This brought back some wonderful memories 🙂
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Oh yes, for a kid, the steep cliffs, and boats sailing through the narrow gorges, the deep, placid water…can be scary. But it’s just beautiful… glad the post rejuvenated your memories… 🙂
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certainly a memorable trip. nice photos
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Thanks, Meera… 🙂
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Wow! That must have been a marvelous journey!
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It indeed was…. thank you… 🙂
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Thanks for sharing Maniparna – those limestone cliff look amazing and I like your guides explanation for the erotic figures. 🙂
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Thanks, Andy…glad you liked my account… 🙂
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I did indeed 🙂
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🙂 …
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Loved reading the detailed travelogue Maniparna. You have rightly pointed out how travelling rejuvenates and breaks the monotony. The sculptures of Khajuraho have captured the imagination of people since ages and are widely talked about. One can’t help marveling at the intricacy with which these were built and how they have withstood the test of time. I wasn’t aware of the Marble Rocks of Bhedaghat. On my bucket list. 🙂
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You should visit the temples as well as the Marble rocks. Madhya Pradesh is immensely beautiful. And, don’t forget the forests, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench, Panna…
We have visited Bandhavgarh and Panna only… 🙂
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Yes have to…..there’s a lot to see. At times I feel that we take the places in India so much for granted.
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This is so special! Thanks for sharing this! I love the pictures!
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Thank you… 🙂
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What an experience!
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Vacation always leaves me drooling…specially the long ones…Thanks for sharing…and awesome clicks too:-)
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Thanks…true, vacations are like a whiff of fresh air in our busy lives… 🙂 Thanks for stopping by…
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Yup…I am craving for one now☺
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😀 …
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Khajuraho is on my travel bucket list. So thanks for a detailed post. And the photos are awesome! 😊
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Thanks, Moon. Khajuraho is amazing!
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Awesome, for me long trips are always a delight as I am fully into vacation mode (and shut off from work) ☺️
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Thank you so much… 🙂
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A lovely detailed read.
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Thank you so much. It was an amazing trip indeed… 🙂
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Amazing architecture, such wonderful detail and history. I don’t blame you for your unquenchable thirst, it is a wondrous place, UNESCO are always spot on with protecting our heritage.
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I wish to visit again! I could have written another 1000 words on the beauty and intricacy and history of the temples, but in that case, perhaps, it would be too long a post for a blog… 🙂
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You can always split it into parts, I remember doing that and not wanting to do a three part post, so eventually had, part one, part two part one, part two part two(part one) and part two part two (part two). I’m weird I know.
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Hehehe…. not at all. It’s a wise thing to do ..splitting a long post into parts…otherwise I think most readers skip it…
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https://wwwinsearchofmyself.wordpress.com/2016/05/14/the-versatile-blogger-award-2/
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Thanks so much for bestowing the honour… 🙂
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You just deserve every single bit of it 🙂
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Thanks again for the good words… 🙂
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For the honest words too 🙂
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Well, summer vacations have started so I can expect more from you I guess. Madhya Pradesh is one of the largest state and one needs to go many number of times to cover the whole of it.
Thanks for sharing! Have a great weekend 🙂
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Yes…several visits are required to cover anything. Wish to visit some more places in our next trip… 🙂
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that is cool 🙂
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🙂 … thanks…
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Beautiful pictures of both the wonderfully placid waters and the detailed sculptures. I’m always in awe of the art and craft of ancient/medieval history. Great post Maniparna. Chevvy.:-)
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Yes, I actually remembered my visit to these places while I commented on your post about the amazing architecture, the other day… 🙂 Thanks a lot, Chevy…
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Wonderful! You’ve also reminded me of lots of other pics I’d like to share. Enjoy your Sunday! 🙂
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Please share…I would love to see them… 🙂
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I’ll most certainly do so – used to have some on my previous blog so will resurrect them 🙂
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Great… 🙂
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On my list! Wonderful travelogue. I so want to visit bhedaghat! All that you wrote on travel is so true!
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MP is amazing…really. Wish you visit the places soon… 🙂
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Beautifully written ma’am 🙂 I hope to visit it someday
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You’ll cherish the memory forever… 🙂 Thanks, Deepanjan…
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Thankyou for this evocative virtual tour, Mani, to a country I sadly have never visited at all, let alone to the very heart of it. Instead, I have contented myself with reading on its rich history and culture, and studying its wonderful profound philosophies.
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Thanks, Hariod. Your knowledge about my country is no less than my fellow countrymen, I surmise. I’m happy to know that you’ve enjoyed the bits of history along with the travelogue… 🙂
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Amazing vacation – it sound like the trip was wonderful. I especially like the picture of the Narmada river! Thanks Maniparna for sharing. 🙂
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Thanks, Terry. A vacation is always so exciting and refreshing..:-) Glad you liked it… 🙂
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What a beautiful journey.. Loved each picture and narration to go with it.. Such a wonderful place.. Many thanks for sharing Maniparna.. Such history … 🙂
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Thanks, Sue. So happy you liked the bit of history along with the travelogue… 🙂
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I always enjoy reading things I know so little about 🙂
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That’s a great quality … 🙂
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🙂 it is the way I learn.. 🙂 Have a beautiful day dear Maniparna.. xxx
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What an uplifting post, Maniparna! I really like the guide’s explanation about entering the temple. That makes perfect sense. The marble cliffs made my mouth drop and I can well imagine your response being there in person. What a wonderful trip to see such glorious sights! Thank YOU for sharing them!! ❤
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Thanks, Amy 🙂 Khajuraho temples are famous for their explicit sexual figurines and statues. I avoided publishing all the pictures on my blog for obvious reasons. But, they are wonderful! Just like you, I found the guide’s explanation perfect… 🙂 ❤
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So many are offended by sex, Maniparna. Our very nature which is sexual people resist. Yes I do know about those temples, yet if you would just stop to understand the meaning behind the statues as you did, the “offense” would be gone. Good for you for going to one of these temples and not being offended!!
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I so agree with your view! People often forget that sex is a natural thing and there’s no harm showing interest in that as long as it’s not hurting any other’s interest.
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AMEN!!
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Wow very relaxing sister 🙂
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Indeed…thanks, sister… 🙂
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The guide has a philosophical outlook to the temple of eroticism and pleasure. Enjoyed reading the narration on travel.
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Bingo…he spoke really like a philosopher… thanks, Vishal… 🙂
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Encouragingly informative and pictorial depiction of khajuraho. I have not seen anything of Madhyapradesh beyond Indore, thus your narrative is one more compelling reason to pick up my travel bag and explore the heart of India.
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You’ll be amazed by the beauty of the Marble Rocks and the stunning temples of Khajuraho… 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting…. 🙂
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I love the idea of taking a train across an area, traveling brings us rejuvenating experiences and you found gorgeous places to see. Thank you for taking us along for the ride! 😉
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Thanks, Robin. It was a wonderful trip with friends and family… 🙂 Train journey is really comfortable if one can afford the TIME factor… 🙂
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It is a nice pace, relaxing and enjoyable, looking out and seeing sights along the way. As well as spending time with your family and friends, Maniparna sounded wonderful!
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This is all so beautiful
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Thank you! … 🙂
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Sounds like a beautiful and relaxing getaway there, Mani, and also one where you got to connect with a bit a culture. “The technology and architecture used for building the temples were much ahead of the time.” I have to agree! Khajuraho Group of Monuments and temples look so intricate and those who carved them all out must certainly have a good eye and patience for art. Good to hear that it is a UNESCO heritage site – looks like a place that captures so many stories from the past and gives the background of different religions that have their relevance today.
By the way, it is very nice of you to be accommodating to your travel companion who does not like flying 😀
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UNESCO has done a great job. The monuments are really awe-inspiring..every figurine, every statue is so perfect, impeccable!
Thanks, actually train journeys are quite comfortable if we can manage the time… 🙂
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Reminds me of the advertisement: “Hindustan ka ‘dil’ dekho”
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I remember the ad while writing the post… 😀
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You really had a time of your life! I’m not much of a traveler myself, but love to read travelogue, provided they are detailed and captivating, like this one. I had read about the Khajuraho temples during my architecture studies and was too impressed by the beauty of the figurines and the overall architecture.
Some day I’ll kick myself out of my house and really visit such beautiful places. 🙂
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Thanks. You must visit Khajuraho, trust me, words fail, at least for me, to describe the timeless, intricate and PERFECT sculptures on the walls. From the base platform to the ‘garbhagriha’, they are impeccable. I was speechless, literally… 🙂
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Aww, you passed from very close to my house Mani. Wish I had known. I would have suggested you some more of MP. I am in Nagpur btw. Great post, nonetheless. 🙂
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Really! BTW, we are eager to visit once more. There are so many places we missed. I’ll let you know when we are planning next…. 🙂
Thank you and, let me know if you ever plan for a trip to Kolkata… 🙂
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I travel a lot to Kolkata. Park Street is my favourite hangout place. I love the Boi Para Coffee House.. And many more things about ‘Cal’.. Planning a trip to Kolkata very soon, for some work and leisure both..Will definitely let you know once I confirm the dates.. Regards 🙂
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Cool…. jaaniyo positively… 🙂
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Takes me back to the time I had visited Khajuraho!
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One of the most wonderful places I ever visited! Stunning!… Thanks for reading and commenting… 🙂
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