Panna National Park:
Panna
National Park, 32 km away and a mere 30 minute drive from Khajuraho, spreads
along the river Ken. The Jungles today harbour many species of wildlife. The
tiger can be glimpsed here, with other rare species such as the leopard, wolf
and gharial. Herds of bluebull, chinkara and sambar are a common sight. On the
road to Panna are the spectacular Padav Falls. Alternate picnic sites are Benisagar
Dam, Raneh Falls and Ranguan Lake, while interesting trips can be made to Rajgarh
Palace, now being converted into a Heritage Hotel, and Dhubela Museum. Further
away is Bandhavgarh National Park and tranquil chitrakoo
Raneh
Falls:
Raneh Falls ( 19 km. ) on the ken river are famous fror their rock formations.
The main attraction is a 5 - km - long, 100 - foot - deep canyon made of pure
crystalline granite in varying sahdes of colors ranging pink and red to grey.
A series of seasonal waterfalls surrounded by jungles make it an ideal picnic
spot.
Ken Nature Trail:
Ken Nature Trail ( 22 km ), within a walking distance from Raneh falls, is
a jungle track exhibiting natural beauty and imparts a knowledge of the surroundings.
Ken Gharial Sanctuary: (24 kms.)
It is at the confluence of the Ken and Khudar rivers further down Raneh Falls
and Nature Trail. This is a natural of the long snouted variety of crocodiles.
Gangau Dam: (34 km):
A natural dam at the confluence of the Ken and Simri rivers, ideal for nature-lovers,
anglers and the adventure minded. The dam is surrounded by the Panna National
Park & Gangau Sanctuary.
Pandav
Falls:
(34 kms), a picturesque waterfall in a bowl shaped valley on the ken river.
The Pandavas are said to have spent a part of their exile here.
Dhubela Museum:
(65 km) is located in an old fort on the Jhansi- Khajuraho road and houses
a rare collection of artefacts, depicting the heritage of Bundelkhan. Pipraghat
(24 km) is a recently developed excursion spot. The nearby Ken river offers
boating, swimming and angling. Due to the purity of the river fish such as
mahaseer, rohu and katla are found in large numbers.
Kalinjar
Fort:
(100 km) is located on the Vindhya range and is 38 km from Atarra railway
Station. This fort, built during the Gupta period, was captured by the Chandela
ruler Shri Yasovarmanin the mid- 10th century.
Orcha:
(165 km) Eight km off the Khajuraho- Jhansi highway (19 km from Jhansi), this
is a medieval city flanked by the Betwa River. The 16th & 17th century
palaces and temples here have withstood the ravages of time. Paintings and
mirrorwork, intricate stairways and delicate trellis work in Jehangir Mahal,
Raj Mahal and Rai Praveen Mahal are enchanting. In the fort complex MP Tourism
has converted the Sheesh Mahal into a Heritage Hotel. Adding to the architectural
beauty are the Ram raja, Chaturbhuj and Laxminarayan temples and cenotaphs.