Khajuraho to Bagdogra Flights

  About Khajuraho

Khajuraho, in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the architectural masterpieces of India that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not just one but Khajuraho has several temples to its credit. Built around the 950 AD and 1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty, Khajuraho is recognised for the erotic carvings and sculptures on the walls and pillars of the temple. The walls of the temples depict the most erotic forms of love and also goes on to show how liberal and progressive people were back then. However, the temples have been a topic of heated debate for quite some time now. In fact, a lot of people had even tried to destroy some of the temples but could never destroy all of it. Since Khajuraho is a complex of temples, there are very few things to do apart from visiting all of the temples.

The Kandariya Mahadev temple, the Lakshman temple, Dulhadev temple, Vishwanath temple, Lakshmi temple, Devi Jagdamba temple, Adinath temple, Nandi temple and the list of temples to visit is pretty long. What's unique about all of these temples is the architecture and the intricate carvings on the wall. Almost all temples have sculptures of Gods, Goddesses and nymphs indulging in intimate, passionate moments. There are also a lot of museums, national park, waterfalls and the local street foods that you can add to your itinerary. You must also catch the light and sound show that is being put up in the other grounds of the temples. You will learn more about the inception of and the history of the temples. The show explains the significance of each one of the temples that were built and why they were formed in a certain way.

The ancient temples, however, were not discovered until 1838 when the British found it. Although a lot of the structures are in ruins, you cannot deny that they are architectural marvels. Visit the State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art to know more about the culture. You'll also find a lot of masks, paintings and handicrafts. You can also take a walk around the garden that surrounds it. The Archaeological Museum is yet another place that you can visit while you are in Khajuraho. It was called the Jardine Museum earlier, and it has over 2000 artistic relics from the 10th and 12th-century temples; relics of Hinduism and Jainism.

You can also visit Raneh Falls, which is approximately 20 km away from Khajurao but totally worth it. You will find several big and small waterfalls in this area. If you are visiting the city in February or March, do catch the Khajuraho dance festival, organised by the Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad. October to February is considered ideal for visiting Khajuraho. The heat can get pretty unbearable during summer and the monsoons too humid, which is why winter is deemed to be perfect for a visit to the Khajuraho temple.

You can either book a hotel in Khajuraho or find a homestay or hostel; you'll find whatever fits your budget and convenience. Getting to or around the city is also not a major inconvenience.

Best Time to Visit Khajuraho

October to February is when the city experiences winter and is also considered as the ideal time to take a trip to Khajuraho. A lot of youngsters have also started adding Khajuraho to their travel plans, which is one of the reasons that the city also has hostels to accommodate them. The temperature drops to 4 degree Celsius at night, and the days are quite warm. The cold weather and the slight mist add more charm to the temples of the city. You can book a hotel in Khajuraho and might even get good flight deals online.

Monsoon is from July to September, and while it does turn the city green, the climate becomes quite humid. Not to mention, outdoor activities like trekking are shut down during this season to avoid any risks.

Summer in Khajuraho, much like the rest of India, starts in April and ends in June. During this time, the temperatures can go up to 47 degree Celsius and is not the best time to visit the city. The unbearable heat will exhaust you and leave you dehydrated. It's best to avoid travelling to the city during this season.

Places to Visit in Khajuraho

Since temples are the major attractions here, you must visit as many temples as you can during your stay. The Kandariya Mahadev temple is popular around the world. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built between 1025-1050 AD. The walls have images and sculptures of women, and you'll find a Shiva Linga inside the temple, which is how Lord Shiva is worshipped in a lot of places. You will have to pay a small fee to enter the temple, and you will also have to adhere to the temple timings.

The Lakshmana temple, which was dedicated to Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, was built by the Chandela rulers. It is one of the oldest and most important temples in the area. You will also find a statue of the three deities at the entrance. The temple has over 600 carvings of different Hindu deities, and the exterior architecture will take your breath away. Manjeshwar temple is one of the Shiva temples in Khajuraho that does not have any erotic sculptures or carvings on them. Even though the design is very simple, this temple has a very spiritual effect and the morning aarti will definitely lift your mood.

Jagdambi Temple is another architectural marvel that Khajuraho has to offer. Adorned by enchanting sculptures and carvings, the temple that is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Maa Kali is visually stunning. The State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art has artefacts of the tradition and religious aspects of the city along with the different relics. You will be able to understand the culture and history of the place better in this museum.

The Raneh Falls is carved out of a deep canyon and is 20 km away from Khajuraho. The valley in which you will find the waterfall is made of crystalline granite. It shows shades of red, pink and grey. It's a beautiful sight to behold and one of the best places to take lots of selfies. If you are planning a picnic with your friends or family, head over the Beni Sagar dam that is built over River Khuddar, it's a popular place for picnickers from all over the country.

Things to do in Khajuraho

You can take a tour of the temples in Khajuraho since it is known for its temples and their architecture. The temple also organises a special Sound and Light show that you can attend. The show is put up by the authorities near the Western Group of Temples. You'll know the importance and history behind each one of the temples that were built in Khajuraho.

Head over to Chhatarpur's Panna National Park, which is also a tiger reserve. You will spot a tiger if you are lucky enough, but you will easily spot cheetahs, langur, jackal, wild boars, vulture and many other animals here. Opt for a safari to get around the national park. Attend the Khajuraho Dance Festival. It's a very popular event organised in the month of February. The performances will make you want to give the artists a standing ovation.

Check out the bewitching beauty of the Pandav waterfalls. It is believed that the Pandavas walked through the waterfall here during their exile, which also inspired its name. You'll come across the waterfall inside the Panna National Park. Visit the Ajaigarh fort that was built by and for the Chandela Kings. This is one of the most important pieces of history.

Food and Restaurants in Khajuraho

Try the street food in Khajuraho. Different types of chaats with the most delicious chutney is all you need to make your day. It's a treat to your tummy and your mind. Take a break from dieting while you are on your trip. Have the rogan josh, mutton kebabs, chicken biryani, kheema, jalebi and the list goes on. You will find all sorts of cuisines here, depending on your craving. Paradise restaurant, opposite Shivsagar lake, is one of the best places for foodies with a variety of things on their menu. Mediterranean is another option if you are craving pastas and pizzas. Maharaja Cafe and Restaurant, which is opposite the Western Group of Temples, is the best place to chill after a long, tiring day of sightseeing.

How to reach Khajuraho (Transportation)

By Air

Since Khajuraho is an important tourist destination, it connects well with the domestic routes. The nearest airport is the Khajuraho airport. It is connected to major cities in India. If you are visiting during peak season, you might get good flight deals and book cheap flight tickets.

By Rail

The Khajuraho railway station connects with all the major cities pretty well. You can take a taxi from outside the station to your hotel.

By Road

There are lots of bus services that run from other cities like Bhopal, Indore and New Delhi to Khajuraho. You can also opt for a private taxi if you want to enjoy your privacy and avoid other people.

  About Bagdogra

North-East India and the Himalayas are a trendy tourist destination in India, for all the right reasons. Bagdogra is a hill station near the foothills of Himalayas and in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Bagdogra is considered as the gateway to the North-East and the Himalayas. This small hill station is so beautiful; you'll love being here even if it is for a couple of hours. It's the perfect place for all you nature lovers out there. You can either laze around and admire the scenery or take a walk around the town to explore it.

The hill station is a perfect holiday spot. It's also like paradise for tea lovers since tea gardens surround it. River Teesta also flows through the town, which makes it the ideal place to indulge in river rafting. Or you can sit by the river and embrace solitude for a while. You pass through Bagdogra to get to Darjeeling, Sikkim, Siliguri and Bhutan. Bagdogra will make you fall in love with it. Apart from sightseeing and river rafting, there are quite a few activities that you can opt for in Bagdogra. It's not the most popular vacation destination, but you will surely not regret spending time in this town.

Bagdogra is connected to all major cities in the country. It is pretty easy to reach Bagdogra by flights, trains and road, too. The Bagdogra Airport connects to domestic routes from Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Guwahati. You can also quickly get a bus or taxi from the neighbouring cities to Bagdogra.

Make sure you do add Bagdogra to your itinerary when you plan a trip to the North-East. You will love this small town for its lush green surroundings and the beautiful weather. The people, too, are quite friendly and helpful. Even though there is very little that you can do in Bagdogra, it is worth stopping by. If you have a long layover at Bagdogra airport, you can make the most of it by going sightseeing somewhere near the airport. Since it is a small town, you won't have to worry about making it back on time for your flight. But if you are going to Darjeeling, Bhutan or Shillong and the town falls on your way, make sure that you do visit this town.

Best Time to Visit Bagdogra

July to February is the best time to visit Bagdogra. While the hill station witnesses monsoon from July to October, the winter sets in from November to February. This is the ideal time for you to witness the beautiful, scenic hill station. The temperature can fall to as low as 5 degree Celsius. You can see the snowy mountains that surround the town and be mesmerized by the beauty of it. The summer is also quite pleasant in the City, and the maximum temperature touches 38 degree Celsius.

Places to Visit in Bagdogra

Check out the Coronation Bridge that is 37 km from Bagdogra. It is on the way to Gangtok from Bagdogra, and the view is just beautiful. The Surya Sen Park in Siliguri, which is close to Bagdogra, is a bright picnic spot. The park sees quite a few families on vacation spending quality time with each other while enjoying the view. Madhuban Park, which is 24 km ahead of Bagdogra in Siliguri, was established by the Indian Army. This is yet another picnic spot that tourists love. You'll even spot deers, peacocks and rabbits in the park, along with butterflies.

The Umrao Singh Boat Club in Siliguri has a lot of activities in store for you, including boating. They have a huge variety and different shapes of boats for tourists. You can get in touch with your spiritual side at the ISKCON temple in Siliguri and at Kali Mandir in Binnaguri which is also quite close to River Teesta. You can visit the temple and combine it with river rafting at the river. You can also visit Salugara Monastery while you are here.

Bagdogra has no hotels since it's only a pitstop to get to the other neighbouring cities and Bhutan. You can, however, book a hotel room in Siliguri or Darjeeling or any of the nearby towns. The bus services to Bagdogra are widespread, so you won't have to worry about travelling to and from the City.

Things to do in Bagdogra

Bagdogra is the gateway to reaching Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bhutan and everything North-East. You can take a cab or a bus to visit Siliguri, which is the nearest City to this hill station. If you have a couple of hours left to catch another flight, you can get around the town in less time. Since Bagdogra is just a pitstop, you will find fewer tourist things to do, but the hill station is entirely worth it. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Bagdogra has the most beautiful view of the snow-capped mountains that surround it.

If you do have time on your hands, make sure you go river rafting at River Teesta. Or you can admire the river and meditate by the river for a while. You can also visit the Coronation Bridge that is quite close to the river stream. Whether you are with your friends or family, be assured that you will have a great time here. You can also visit the Salugara Monastery and the Kali Mandir to offer your prayers and to enjoy your solitude.

Even if you don't feel like indulging in any activities, grab your favourite book and get engrossed in the stories amid the best of what nature has to offer to you. You can also put on your headphones, play your favourite music and get lost in the tranquillity of the hill station. If you are on a solo trip, you will love spending time here in Bagdogra, even if it is for a little while. Bagdogra is quite accessible to most cities in the North-East, and travelling will not prove to be troublesome for you.

Food and Restaurants in Bagdogra

If you are travelling via plane, you have to try the restaurant that is inside the Bagdogra airport. It is run by the Bagdogra Airport Restaurant Workers Co-operative Society Ltd, and it serves a unique dish that grabbed headlines for all the right reasons. The airport serves you chicken cutlets that are made in Bagdogra style and are a one-of-its-kind dish. All foodies must try this out at least once. The restaurant can seat up to 150 people, and you'll be treated to a runway view as you finish your meal. It won't even burn a hole in your pocket.

Marina's Motel is one of the best restaurants near the airport if you are craving for Chinese or Continental cuisines. The staff is quite friendly, and the restaurant has a very cosy ambience. Bagdogra also has a solution to your biryani cravings. Naz Biryani House is known for serving and cooking the most delicious biryani, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. For a quick bite, you can head over to Hunger Stop restaurant near the airport. You can even try the dessert here.

The Gourmet Central Family Restaurant and Bar is approximately 11 km away from the airport. It has a charming decor with cosy seating and friendly staff. It is also one of the best restaurants in the town. Do make sure that you try the food at the airport restaurant though. You can also opt for street food or the local chai, which will be available quite easily. Don't hesitate to try out the local street food, too.

How to reach Bagdogra (Transportation)

By Air

The Bagdogra Airport is well-connected to major domestic routes from Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bangalore and Chennai. The flight connectivity is quite functional, and getting to Bagdogra is not very difficult. You can get pretty good flight deals online and cheap flight tickets, too.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is in Siliguri, which is 5 km away from Bagdogra. There are no direct trains or buses to Bagdogra, and you will have to change a taxi or bus from Siliguri to reach the hill station.

By Road

There are lots of transport options and services are available to reach the town. You can opt for whichever suits your convenience. The transport is quite affordable, too. The roads are also quite smooth and won't be uncomfortable for you. You will also find a lot of convenient options to go to other neighbouring cities of the North-East and the Himalayas. Travelling by road is also one of the best options. The journey will surely be a treat for the eyes and the soul.