Khajuraho to Jaipur 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 Jaipur

The Pink City of India, Jaipur is one of the jewels of Rajasthan. It's India's first-ever planned city, and it will surely take your breath away. There's grandeur in every wall, every person and everything that you find in Jaipur. Its rich culture and heritage is what attracts people to the city and makes them fall in love with it all over again. Jaipur is a major tourist attraction not just among Indians but also among international travellers who visit the country. You will find a lot of old Havelis, forts, palaces and buildings that were built even before the Mughals ruled India. Jaipur is a extraordinarily famous and one of the most visited tourist destination in India. You'll have no trouble booking hotels in Jaipur, especially the ones that meet your requirement.

You cannot help but be amazed by the royal palaces, the majestic forts and delicious Rajasthani food that makes your vacation worth every penny spent. Apart from the palaces, forts and the culture, Jaipur is also quite famous for the quilts, clothes, clothing accessories and jewelries. Among the list of impressive royal palaces is Hawa Mahal. Made with red and pink sandstone, the Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The five-storey palace is one of the main attractions of the city. You will be mesmerised by the sheer simplicity yet complex beauty of the palace.

What makes Jaipur special is that though it is home to a lot of majestic palaces and forts, the people who reside in the city lead a very simple lifestyle. In fact, even the royals of Jaipur led a very simple lifestyle. The City Palace of Jaipur is yet another palace that will leave you in awe of it. Not just with your families but you can visit Jaipur with your friends, too. Not just hotels but there are a lot of hostels in Jaipur, too, for youngsters from all over the world. The city plays host to people from across the globe, and you'll not need to worry about hospitality as it is excellent.

Best Time to Visit Jaipur

The best time to visit the city is in winter from November to February. The temperature drops to 5 degrees Celsius at night and the city experiences a warm, pleasant climate during the winters. This is also a peak season for the city with lots of tourists buzzing around. Don't forget to carry your cosy, warm clothes if you are visiting the city during winter. Since the city is situated in an arid desert, it experiences the hottest summers. If you are planning a trip during summer despite the weather, ensure that you book a hotel room that has air conditioner facilities and drink lots of water during the day to avoid sunstrokes or dehydration. The summer starts from March through July, and the temperature can shoot up to 45 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season is brief but can get quite intense.

Places to Visit in Jaipur

The Hawa Mahal is one of the top attractions of Jaipur and is considered as a prominent piece of history. The palace looks enchanting at night, and you will surely be overwhelmed by how the palaces look from outside at night in the city. Jantar Mantar is yet another palace that is worth visiting. In fact, it even made its way to the World Heritage List. It was constructed in the Mughal era and showcases astronomical skills. While you're at it, add Amber Fort to your list of places to visit, too. You would not want to miss the sound and light show that is put up by the locals at the Amber Fort at evenings. You'll hear the beautiful folk songs and stories being narrated. Chokhi Dhani is yet another place worth visiting. Experience the simple lifestyle, the authentic cuisines, attire and charm of Rajasthan's villages. No trip is ever complete without a fun shopping spree, and Johari Bazaar is one of the most popular and best places to fulfil all your shopping needs. From traditional bandhinis, mojaris to jewellery and artefacts, the market has everything that will make you want to empty your pockets. Not to mention, you'll also find a lot of lakes in the city that is worth visiting. The Sambhar lake, Ramgarh lake, Man Sagar lake and Chandlai lake are some that you must visit. It will be a well-deserved break from visiting the dreamy palaces and forts in the city.

Things to do in Jaipur

The list of things to do in Jaipur is quite long and very satisfying, too. From ticking off the palaces and forts in your list to experiencing the rich culture and indulging in the traditional delicacies of the state, there are myriad things you can do in the city. Be assured that you won't be tired of it. You will take back some beautiful memories back home. The Jaipur Literature Festival is one of the most popular events that has writers and thinkers from all over the world in attendance. You can also attend the Kite Festival in January during Makar Sankranti. It's definitely a festival you would love to celebrate in the city.

Since you are already indulging in all things majestic and royal, why not opt for an elephant ride outside the Amber Fort. Elephants have added to the grandeur of the Rajputs and continue to do so. They are a very important part of the culture and tradition of the city. Treat yourself to some delicious Daal Baati, Laal maas, different types of Lassi and Ghewar, when you're in the city. If you love collecting postcards, you will find a lot of options, and honestly, it's going to be challenging to choose from. You can pick a postcard from every destination that you prefer.

As the place has a rich history and culture, you will get to hear some intriguing stories from the people you meet during your trip. You will also find classes where you will be taught how to make certain crafts that have been mastered by the artists. People in Jaipur are quite friendly, and you will not leave the city without making any new friends. If you are a social butterfly, then this is the best place for you to do so. You will even learn more about their lifestyle and culture. If you want to spend a quiet evening, we suggest you visit one of the many lakes in the city and spend time admiring the beautiful city.

Food and Restaurants in Jaipur

Apart from the rich culture, traditions and royalty, Rajasthan is known for its food, and it is irresistible. Daal Baati is one of the most popular delicacies in Rajasthan and quite easy to find, too. Santosh Bhojanalya is one of the most popular places to enjoy a scrumptious meal of Daal Baati Churma. Gopi Mishtan Bhandaar and Rawat Mishtan Bhandaar are some of the most popular places to try out Ghewar, a sweet dish that is popular in the city.

Gatte Ki Sabzi is also a dish that is popular in Rajasthan, and you can indulge in this savoury dish during your shopping spree at the Johari Bazaar. Do stop at Lakshmi Mishtan Bhandaar. You must try out the traditional Rajasthani thali during your trip. You can get back to your diet regime and strict workout schedule once you are back from the trip. The staff at every hotel or Bhojanalya that you visit will be hospitable and very welcoming.

Do not hesitate to try out the street food in Jaipur. You'll find a lot of chaat corners that will add a Rajasthani touch to traditional chaat dishes. Jaipur is also like paradise for all you tea lovers out there.

How to reach Jaipur

By Air

Since Jaipur is also the capital of Rajasthan, the flight connectivity from all the metropolitan cities is topnotch. The nearest domestic airport to Jaipur is Sanganer airport. Since the city also hosts guests and travellers from other countries, they can take connecting flights from Jaipur International Airport. You will find excellent flight deals online for Jaipur. In fact, the right season, you might even get lucky and get cheap flight tickets to Jaipur.

By Rail

The Jaipur junction is well-connected within the city and to all the major cities as well. To take things up on a luxurious level, you can also opt for Palace On Wheels, the world's 4th most luxurious train that leaves from Delhi and you will definitely feel like a King or a Queen. Though it is quite expensive, it is an experience of a lifetime and worth every penny spent.

By Road

Buses run from all major cities to Jaipur, and though it might take longer, it is worth it. Not just normal government-run buses but a lot of AC buses also leave from and stop at Jaipur. However, if you want to cut down on the travel time, travelling by trains or flights will be the best option. Hiring a taxi or taking your car out to reach Jaipur is a popular way to reach the city from Delhi.

  About Jaipur Airport

Jaipur International Airport serves as the primary airport to the state capital Jaipur. Thanks to its excellent infrastructure, the airport was declared by the Airports Council International as the 'World's Best Airport', in the category of 2-5 million passengers in a year. Jaipur International Airport stands at the 11th position as the busiest airport in India. This is with respect to the scheduled flight operations that are conducted on a daily basis. Situated in the southern suburb of Sanganer, the airport is about 13 km away from the city centre of Jaipur. While it started as a domestic airport, Jaipur International Airport received its international stature in 2005. Currently, the airport has the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 passengers at a time in its new terminal building. Currently, the airport accommodates two runways which are 1,592 metres and 3,500 metres long respectively. The second runway started operations in 2016 and was constructed with a view to catering to bigger aircraft such as Boeing 747. Following the construction of a new runway, the airport's authorities further extended its runway to handle Boeing 777s.

About Jaipur Airport terminals

Terminal 1 - Terminal 1 was dedicated to international flight operations until 2012. The airport authorities shifted the operational activities of international flights to the new Terminal 2, leaving terminal 1 for cargo-related functions. For a brief period of time, the airport conducted all domestic and international flight operations from terminal 2 while reserved terminal 1 for cargo operations. Eventually, in 2017, the authorities brought commercial flight operations to be terminal 1 as the passenger traffic exceeded the capacity of terminal 2. Currently, Hajj pilgrimage and cargo flights are the only ones to operate from terminal 1. The airport authorities have announced expansion plans to accommodate more cargo operations to terminal 1. The plan is to upgrade and expand the terminals to cater to international departures and arrivals only. The design will celebrate the Rajasthani heritage of the city with rich tapestry and other such Rajasthan-inspired layouts.

Terminal 2 - Terminal 2 came into existence in 2009 with a view to handle domestic operations. The terminal is spread across an area of 22,950 square metres and headlines modern facilities ranging from the central heating system to inline x-ray baggage inspection systems along with departure conveyor systems. Further, Jaipur International Airport's Terminal 2 has also installed common-use terminal equipment (CUTE) and a public address system. The airport's terminal is also known to handle a passenger capacity of 500 during peak hours and an annual accommodation capacity of 400,000. Terminal 2's entrance has been made of the famous sandstone that envelops much of Jaipur. The gate is further adorned with Dholpur stones, and Rajasthani paintings hung on the walls.

The terminal is being utilized for both domestic and international flight operations. Terminal 2 also has three VIP lounges to avoid the overcrowding of the terminal to bring inconvenience to important guests and passengers. There are 14 airport check-in counters, four customs counters and six immigration counters at Terminal 2 along with four security-check counters. These counters are perfectly equipped to accommodate passenger traffic that the airport witnesses.

About Airport Authority

Jaipur International Airport is owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India. The government body is responsible for the management and infrastructural development of the airport. The authority body has been working towards enhancing the efficiency of Jaipur International Airport and making it accessible and comfortable for passengers. Simultaneously, they are also working on expansion plans to accommodate more flight operations. The airport authority has announced to expand the current terminal 2 by a width of 20 metres on either side. They also plan to install a new hall in the departure section to add three conveyor baggage claim belts in the arrivals section. Further, on the same, they also have plans to add two new aerobridges to enable smooth passenger movement. The expansion work is slated to be completed by 2020. There are plans to construct a third terminal to accommodate world-class facilities and amenities that the airport too that have been announced. It is said that terminal 3 would be at least seven times larger than terminal 2. Expansion plans are yet to be announced.

Facilities at the Jaipur Airport

Lounge – Jaipur Airport has lounge facilities in the international terminal. The lounge caters to several facilities that help the passengers feel at ease.

WiFi – There are WiFi services available at the airport. However, the WiFi network is only available for 30 minutes. Post the stated time, the airport will charge you to utilize the WiFi network.

Baggage – The airport has free trolleys that are up for grabs at the entrance of the departure gate as well as the arrivals section. You can use these trolleys to take your luggage within the airport premises. Further, there are storage spaces also available where you can leave your baggage. Porter services are also available at the airport vicinity. Plus, you can get your luggage wrapped and processed for safety.

Restaurants and cafe – The airport has a food court and exquisite restaurants also available at the terminals. While the departure section has many restaurants and cafes, the arrivals mostly have food joints. Tea, coffee and other beverages can be found at the domestic as well as arrivals sections of the airport terminals.

Child care room – Designated child care rooms have been put up in the airport terminals. Passengers who are travelling with infants can avail the rooms for feeding, changing of diapers and other such necessary activities. These rooms have been sanitized properly and are maintained by the airport staff. The seating is also quite comfortable and the perfect for mothers to tend to their babies.

Smoking zones – Smoking zones have also been introduced in the airport terminal at both domestic and international terminals. As the passengers are prohibited from smoking in public lounge spaces, specific smoking zones can be utilized. You can also make cigarette purchases outside the smoking lounges.

ATMs and forex counters – As an international airport, Jaipur Airport has installed foreign exchange counters in the arrivals section. You can make currency exchanges as well as transfer money. Along with the foreign exchange counters, the airport is well-equipped with ATM kiosks as well. Cash withdrawals can be made at the airport premise without any hassle.

Medical facilities – The airport has medical facilities available to cater to any emergencies that might take place in the premise. On-call medical professionals are present at the airport at all times to ensure that all medical cases are immediately handled without any stress. Pharmacies are also installed in the airport. You can purchase medication and toiletries from the pharmacies that are present in the departure sections.

Top airlines flying from Jaipur Airport

As the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur Airport witnesses good passenger traffic. As the 11th busiest airport in the country, Jaipur International Airport is well-connected with several Indian cities. Some of the domestic airlines that operate from Jaipur International Airport include Air India, AirAsia India, Alliance Air, GoAir, IndiGo and SpiceJet. These airlines connect to Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Agra, Bhopal, Lucknow, Raipur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Goa, Guwahati, Indore, Kolkata, Surat, Varanasi, Jaisalmer, Patna, Chennai and Amritsar, to name a few. Simultaneously, Jaipur Airport also caters to international flight activities. Although the international airline operations are limited with a handful functioning from Jaipur International Airport, they do connect to some big international destinations. Air Arabia, Air India Express, AirAsia X, Oman Air, Thai AirAsia and Thai Smile are some of the airlines operating from Jaipur International Airport. They serve cities such as Sharjah, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Muscat and Bangkok. With its terminal building expansions, the airport will be able to accommodate more flights and enhance the passenger carrier activities soon.

How to reach Jaipur Airport

By Bus

Jaipur International Airport is located about 11 km from the main city bus stand. Travellers who are exploring all the top cities in Rajasthan, often take buses to reach the Pink City and take public transport such as cabs and prepaid taxis to reach Jaipur International Airport. There are rickshaw services also available, and since the distance is quite decent, the fares are also accommodating to one's budget. It is recommended that the traveller fix a price for travelling to the airport as they might charge more at the destination. The airport also has provisions of taxis and rickshaws that would reach the bus stand and the main city.

By Rail

The main railway station of Jaipur is also located only 13 km away from Jaipur International Airport. As a hub for transport, the railway station has a plethora of transportation options to reach Jaipur International Airport. One can hail taxi cabs or rickshaws from the railway station to reach Jaipur International Airport. Not to mention how there are provisions of apps such as Ola and Uber that enable booking vehicles and travelling within the city and to the airport.