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.