Khajuraho, Orchha and Jhansi Trip. Day Two - Khajuraho Temples and Raneh Falls (with its colourful rocks)

 The journey so far -

Our virtual travel from Jabalpur to Khajuraho was described in the Day 1 blog. That can be accessed here.

Day Two of the Trip.

Today, we will see a very unique place called Raneh falls. This waterfall, flowing to the brim in Monsoon is a part of a 5 km long gorge of Ken River. This gorge s about 30 m deep. This is composed of crystalline granite rocks. This is the core specialty of this fall. These granites come in many colours, Pink, red, and grey are predominant among the colours. There are also slate rocks and small patches of marble rocks are also there.

The Ken Gharial Sanctuary is further downstream on this river. Generally, the trip that is conducted by the forest guide (This is also part of the reserve forest) is to Ken Gharial Sanctuary and then to Raneh falls. There are viewing platforms made at an adequate height to see and enjoy rocks and granites of various colours. Generally, the falls are very small and thinned out but in Monsoon the river flows to the brim.

Raneh Falls and a trip to Ken Gharial Sanctuary make a good combination for the visit. In our case, we visited this place in the morning before embarking on a visit to Khajuraho Temples.

Ken River

Spotted Deer

Multicoloured Rocks in Ken River Gorge

A different view

After viewing this wonder of nature it was the turn of the famous Khajuraho Temples. Built around 800 to 1000 AD, this 20 sq km complex had 85 temples during its period of glory, of which about 25 temples have survived. These 25 temples are spread over an area of 6 sq km.

For purpose of clubbing them in clusters, nowadays they are called Western Group of Temples (by and far most famous and most visited), Eastern Group of Temples, and Southern Group of Temples. Western Group is the Most sought-after group. It is the only group to have an audio guide facility available. There is a large number of Guides also which stay closer to the main gate and can be hired for Western Group visits. It is recommended that only guides approved by the Archaeological Survey of India may be hired.

The main temples in the Western Group of Temples are Laxmana Temple, Kandaria Mahadev Temple, Jagdamba Temple, Chitragupta Temple and Vishwanath Temple. 

Let us visit these temples through photographs (Unfortunately, my notes can not be located hence can't caption the photos except a few).

Varaha Temple

Nandi in Vishwanath Temple