Raneh Falls
These gurgling waterfalls are 18km from Khajuraho. Raneh Waterfalls are
located just where the Ken Gharial Sanctuary is located. River Ken one of
the largest rivers in central India and it flows around the Khajuraho
village. The Gharial sanctuary is famous for ubiquitous alligators and
crocodiles. The alligators, however, are not native but crocodiles are.
Alligators are brought from Lucknow into the river Ken and breed in the same
environ of crocodile. In the monsoon season the sanctuary is closed but
Raneh falls are delightful things to watch. It is formed by river Ken
running over one of the oldest rocks on earth, the Vindhya basalt. Though
the fall is only 30m high but the gushing waters falls on vibrant rocks make
a wonderous landscape. from Khajuraho auto or taxi can be hired for return
journey. Also there are boats for hire to float on the river and view some
savaging gharials and crocodiles.
Panna National Park
The 543 sq km national park is situated about 57km from Khajuraho. The
place is renowned for diamond industry and the national park is famous for
wild cats and become one of the prominent Tiger Reserves in the country. The
park is famous for elusive royal Bengal tiger along with fellow rivals
leopards, wild dogs. Other mammals including wolf and hyaneh, caracel,
smaller cats, sloth bears, wooden area crowded with sambhar, antelops,
chital and Indian deers. Chinkara and nilgai mostly graze on free grassland
area. The park is also a paradise for bird lovers. There are around 200
species of birds seen everyday in the park including migratory birds. Some
known birds are necked stork, bareheaded goose, honey buzzard, king vulture,
blossom headed parakeet, paradise flycatcher, slaty headed scimitar babbler.
Also different kinds of reptiles such as Indian cobra, python and lizards
are found in the park. authorities do not provide any jeep safari but you
can take elephant ride, also if you wish you can rent a jeep and venture
into the park. The park authorities provides one hour boat ride that give a
glimpse of water predators.
Interpretative Centre
Just about 2km west of the Panna National Park, there is a small but nice
interpretative center, which is a useful place for the information about the
history and ecology of the area. The center remains open from 6am to 6pm.
Pandav Falls
On the way to east of Madla, this tourist attraction is located. About 34km
away from Khajuraho, this picturesque falls in a bowl shaped valley is
renowned for distinctive name in Mahabharata. Breathtaking waterfalls
falling down to the Ken river. There are separate fees to enter the falls
premises for Indians and foreigners and open from 6am to 5pm everyday.
Ajaygarh Fort
The fort was built by Chandela kings during their declining years. Most
part of the fort is in ruins but still attracts travelers. The fort is built
at a height of 688m and located 80km from Khajuraho.
Dhubela Museum
The small museum is located 64km from Khajuraho and worth a visit. The
museum houses excellent collection of garments, weapons and paintings dating
back to Bundela rulers. Also preserve sculptures belonging to the shakti
cult.
