Khajuraho, travel to the heart of India! - Page 14

Yogesh Sarkar · 15-01-10, 12:04 PM

Day 3: Khajuraho, Sound and light show

At around 6 o’clock, it was time to move out from the hotel and head towards the second entrance of Western Group of Temples, where the tickets for Sound and Light Show are sold. Staying at a hotel right opposite the Western Group of Temples paid its dividend again and I was at the entrance, less than a minute later.

There were quite a few people already lined up for the sound and light show, however I got ticket easily (Rs. 90 for Indians and for foreigners I think it is Rs. 150 or 250).

Chatted with the ticket clerk and a few tourists to pass the time, as entry was only allowed at 6:30pm.

Waiting at the entrance

At exactly 6:30pm, we were allowed in. Though there was a lot of pushing and shoving from the tourists, the guards there managed to instill a sense of sanity and within no time we were inside after a brief security check.

Thankfully I managed to grab the last front row seat and prepared my camera for what was about to come, even though I knew that I wouldn’t be able to capture much, if anything at all!

The Sound and Light Show began with the voice of main narrative, Amitabh Bacchan. The show went on to tell the story behind the construction and then rediscovery of the Khajuraho Temples and also about their creators, Chandella Kings.

Pretty informative and captivating show and I enjoyed it to the fullest. However, photography was a real pain and with no tripod allowed, temples at quite a distance and even at ISO800 the exposure time going beyond 1 second, I only managed to come back with a handful of ok shots.

Sound and light show at the Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho

Once the show was over, I hurriedly walked back to the hotel, which was glimmering with lights, as it was Christmas. Went back to my room, picked up my tripod and the secret weapon I was missing last night and went back to the roof top restaurant.

Once there, it was time to put the secret weapon to good use and start shooting. Though with all the decorative lights on the roof, it was tough to capture a photo, without getting any red/orange reflective light in the lens.

Managed to capture these photographs of the Western Group of Temples, while the Hindi version of the sound and light show was taking place.

After all the frenzy was over, it was time to dine, but before that, it was time to chat with the local vet, who had come there for a drink.

Thanks to the conversation I had with him, I came to know quite a bit about the life of people of Khajuraho and surrounding towns. It seems that although tourism was doing good things for the town and the lifestyle of its inhabitants, there was still a dearth of basic facility like good schools and colleges and even hospitals, which might not matter to a tourist like me, but were essential for the future growth of this lovely town.

I seriously hope that government pays more attention towards this issue, as it has at providing facilities to the tourists, which I am happy to say, are similar if not better than most other tourist places and large cities in India.

After a heavy and late dinner, it was time to head back to the room, blog about today’s adventure and retire to the bed. As I was now certain, that I would be spending another night in Khajuraho.

<Previous Scroll down for next part...

Day 1: Delhi - Agra - Gwalior - Jhansi

Day 2: Jhansi - Chhatarpur - Bambitha - Khajuraho

Day 3: Khajuraho, Visvanatha Temple and Nandi Shrine

Day 3: Khajuraho, Parvati Temple

Day 3: Khajuraho, Lakshmana Temple

Day 3: Khajuraho, Lakshmana Temple, Part-2

Day 3: Khajuraho, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

Day 3: Khajuraho, Jagadambi and Chitragupta Temples

Day 3: Khajuraho, Adivart Tribal and Folk Art Museum and ASI Museum

Day 3: Khajuraho, Jain Temples and Museum

Day 3: Khajuraho, Southern Group of Temples

Day 3: Khajuraho, Eastern Group of Temples

Day 4: Khajuraho, Raneh Falls and Ken Gharial Sanctuary

Day 4: Khajuraho, Folk Dance Performance

Day 5: Khajuraho - Jhansi - Gwalior - Agra - Delhi

anupmathur · 15-01-10, 12:27 PM

Amazing pics, but I'm still no wiser about the secret weapon!

hiambuj · 15-01-10, 12:49 PM

Loved the last shot !!

Yogesh Sarkar · 16-01-10, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anupmathur

Amazing pics, but I'm still no wiser about the secret weapon!

Then it wouldn't be a secret weapon, would it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiambuj

Loved the last shot !!

Thanks Amit.

Yogesh Sarkar · 16-01-10, 12:22 AM

Day 4: Khajuraho, Raneh Falls and Ken Gharial Sanctuary

Got up relatively early in the morning (considering the time I went to sleep) and after freshening up, headed out to Raneh Falls and Ken Gharial Sanctuary.

Early morning ride on an almost empty single lane road, which went up and down like a roller coaster ride was just the kind of start I was looking for.

Arrived at the entrance of the Ken Gharial Sanctuary and bought entrance ticket for myself and my bike (Rs. 40 total). Initially the road was a single lane road and towards the end, became a lovely trail. Arrived at a small parking spot, from where the Raneh Falls view point was just a short walk away.

Once I parked my motorcycle and went to the view point to have a look and I was slightly disappointed. Water was less and lighting wasn’t great either (directly behind the waterfall).

Raneh Falls

Ken River in the gorge.

Found this lazy fellow sitting on the remains of a tree, looking at the Raneh Falls and soaking up some sun.

Went back to the office next to the parking lot, to look for some place to have my breakfast. But sadly the only canteen wasn’t yet open, decided to check out the trail, which rest of the tourists had taken And it turned out to be quite interesting and several km long, going through the middle of Ken Gharial Sanctuary.

Trail ended at a dead end, where the tourist vehicles were parked and a small walk able trail went up a small hill. Decided to check it out, it turned out to be a view point for the Ken River. Slightly below it, boat rides were being offered to the tourists. Decided to click some photographs and relax. Once again, nothing to eat or drink and now I was feeling hungry and thirsty as well.

Reached back at the Raneh Falls view point and decided to check whether or not the lighting had improved and sadly the things hadn’t improved much, so clicked a few more photographs and decided to check out the canteen.

One of the view points for Raneh Falls

A mother with her child, soaking up some sun

Reached back at the canteen and found it empty, was looking for the owner when I came across a guard, who offered to give me a guided tour of their small museum. Although the museum was small, but the conversation with the guard more than made up for it. After it was over, I was guided to the canteen by the guard, I was expecting him to ask for some tip etc. but this wasn’t the case and he didn’t even accept my offer to have something at the canteen. Rarely does one come across such souls, who take pride in their work despite their meager pay (Rs. 4000 a month) and do their job well, without even being asked/requested by anyone.

More than the landscape or even the beautiful architecture of Khajuraho, it was the people who were bowling me over by their simplicity and good nature, something usually lacking at touristy places. With this thought I went back to my motorcycle, clicked a photograph of the museum and canteen and rode back to Khajuraho.

Once back at the hotel, dumped my riding jacket and went to Raja Café and had the infamous club sandwich. After which, I headed to the Western Group of Temples, as I wanted to take the audio tour.

Ticket seller recognized me and asked whether or not I had taken the audio tour yesterday, I replied negatively and said, that is why I am back here today

. Bought the ticket, went inside and spoke to the guy issuing Walkman for audio tours, had to shell out Rs. 50 for the audio tour and Rs. 500 as security deposit.

Audio tour covers mainly three temples; Lakshmana Temple, Kandariya Mahadeva and Jagadambi Temple and at times it can be pain as you have to walk up to the right site number (denoted by number written on rocks) and in between pause it. However, it is completely worth it and gives you some in-depth knowledge about the temples, without the added mirch-masala that guides normally add.

Even though fiddling with the audio tour meant that I could only take a few photographs in between (it is best to cover the temples twice, once with audio tour and once for photography only), it managed to show me the things I had missed out while shooting photographs yesterday and also showed Kandariya Mahadeva Temple from a different perspective than yesterday. A couple of the photographs I clicked.

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

School picnic at Western Group of Temples

pawsingh · 16-01-10, 12:54 AM

WoW!
Stunning Pics Yogesh.

devashishdhingra · 16-01-10, 05:22 AM

I must say Yogesh, days might be less for your yet there is never a shortfall of pics from your end.

Cheers

pushpinder · 16-01-10, 08:04 AM

Raneh falls looks lovely,despite the light.
The indian robin has been captured superbly.

Again, lovely, easy paced narration and some lovely camera work to go with it.

anupmathur · 16-01-10, 08:21 AM

YS, the pics are stunning in their clarity & composition!

No pics of the snacks at the museum cafeteria?

bhuwan singh · 16-01-10, 08:52 AM

How about some GHARIAL's ? Is it supposed to be an alligator home or it is just the name ?

15-01-10, 12:04 PM	#131
Yogesh Sarkar Administrator Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Delhi, India Posts: 22,983	Re: Khajuraho, travel to the heart of India! Day 3: Khajuraho, Sound and light show At around 6 o’clock, it was time to move out from the hotel and head towards the second entrance of Western Group of Temples, where the tickets for Sound and Light Show are sold. Staying at a hotel right opposite the Western Group of Temples paid its dividend again and I was at the entrance, less than a minute later. There were quite a few people already lined up for the sound and light show, however I got ticket easily (Rs. 90 for Indians and for foreigners I think it is Rs. 150 or 250). Chatted with the ticket clerk and a few tourists to pass the time, as entry was only allowed at 6:30pm. Waiting at the entrance At exactly 6:30pm, we were allowed in. Though there was a lot of pushing and shoving from the tourists, the guards there managed to instill a sense of sanity and within no time we were inside after a brief security check. Thankfully I managed to grab the last front row seat and prepared my camera for what was about to come, even though I knew that I wouldn’t be able to capture much, if anything at all! The Sound and Light Show began with the voice of main narrative, Amitabh Bacchan. The show went on to tell the story behind the construction and then rediscovery of the Khajuraho Temples and also about their creators, Chandella Kings. Pretty informative and captivating show and I enjoyed it to the fullest. However, photography was a real pain and with no tripod allowed, temples at quite a distance and even at ISO800 the exposure time going beyond 1 second, I only managed to come back with a handful of ok shots. Sound and light show at the Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho Once the show was over, I hurriedly walked back to the hotel, which was glimmering with lights, as it was Christmas. Went back to my room, picked up my tripod and the secret weapon I was missing last night and went back to the roof top restaurant. Once there, it was time to put the secret weapon to good use and start shooting. Though with all the decorative lights on the roof, it was tough to capture a photo, without getting any red/orange reflective light in the lens. Managed to capture these photographs of the Western Group of Temples, while the Hindi version of the sound and light show was taking place. After all the frenzy was over, it was time to dine, but before that, it was time to chat with the local vet, who had come there for a drink. Thanks to the conversation I had with him, I came to know quite a bit about the life of people of Khajuraho and surrounding towns. It seems that although tourism was doing good things for the town and the lifestyle of its inhabitants, there was still a dearth of basic facility like good schools and colleges and even hospitals, which might not matter to a tourist like me, but were essential for the future growth of this lovely town. I seriously hope that government pays more attention towards this issue, as it has at providing facilities to the tourists, which I am happy to say, are similar if not better than most other tourist places and large cities in India. After a heavy and late dinner, it was time to head back to the room, blog about today’s adventure and retire to the bed. As I was now certain, that I would be spending another night in Khajuraho. <Previous Scroll down for next part... Day 1: Delhi - Agra - Gwalior - Jhansi Day 2: Jhansi - Chhatarpur - Bambitha - Khajuraho Day 3: Khajuraho, Visvanatha Temple and Nandi Shrine Day 3: Khajuraho, Parvati Temple Day 3: Khajuraho, Lakshmana Temple Day 3: Khajuraho, Lakshmana Temple, Part-2 Day 3: Khajuraho, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple Day 3: Khajuraho, Jagadambi and Chitragupta Temples Day 3: Khajuraho, Adivart Tribal and Folk Art Museum and ASI Museum Day 3: Khajuraho, Jain Temples and Museum Day 3: Khajuraho, Southern Group of Temples Day 3: Khajuraho, Eastern Group of Temples Day 4: Khajuraho, Raneh Falls and Ken Gharial Sanctuary Day 4: Khajuraho, Folk Dance Performance Day 5: Khajuraho - Jhansi - Gwalior - Agra - Delhi __________________ Heading to Ladakh? Learn about AMS, check the road status (Manali and Srinagar), Plan your trip and Find Travel Partners BCMTouring: FAQ \| T-Shirts

15-01-10, 12:27 PM	#132
anupmathur Moderator Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: New Delhi Posts: 14,660	Re: Khajuraho, travel to the heart of India! Amazing pics, but I'm still no wiser about the secret weapon!

15-01-10, 12:49 PM	#133
hiambuj The Traveller Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: New Delhi Posts: 13,355	Re: Khajuraho, travel to the heart of India! Loved the last shot !! __________________ Dodital & Darwa Pass Log completed !!

16-01-10, 12:22 AM	#135
Yogesh Sarkar Administrator Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Delhi, India Posts: 22,983	Re: Khajuraho, travel to the heart of India! Day 4: Khajuraho, Raneh Falls and Ken Gharial Sanctuary Got up relatively early in the morning (considering the time I went to sleep) and after freshening up, headed out to Raneh Falls and Ken Gharial Sanctuary. Early morning ride on an almost empty single lane road, which went up and down like a roller coaster ride was just the kind of start I was looking for. Arrived at the entrance of the Ken Gharial Sanctuary and bought entrance ticket for myself and my bike (Rs. 40 total). Initially the road was a single lane road and towards the end, became a lovely trail. Arrived at a small parking spot, from where the Raneh Falls view point was just a short walk away. Once I parked my motorcycle and went to the view point to have a look and I was slightly disappointed. Water was less and lighting wasn’t great either (directly behind the waterfall). Raneh Falls Ken River in the gorge. Found this lazy fellow sitting on the remains of a tree, looking at the Raneh Falls and soaking up some sun. Went back to the office next to the parking lot, to look for some place to have my breakfast. But sadly the only canteen wasn’t yet open, decided to check out the trail, which rest of the tourists had taken And it turned out to be quite interesting and several km long, going through the middle of Ken Gharial Sanctuary. Trail ended at a dead end, where the tourist vehicles were parked and a small walk able trail went up a small hill. Decided to check it out, it turned out to be a view point for the Ken River. Slightly below it, boat rides were being offered to the tourists. Decided to click some photographs and relax. Once again, nothing to eat or drink and now I was feeling hungry and thirsty as well. Reached back at the Raneh Falls view point and decided to check whether or not the lighting had improved and sadly the things hadn’t improved much, so clicked a few more photographs and decided to check out the canteen. One of the view points for Raneh Falls A mother with her child, soaking up some sun Reached back at the canteen and found it empty, was looking for the owner when I came across a guard, who offered to give me a guided tour of their small museum. Although the museum was small, but the conversation with the guard more than made up for it. After it was over, I was guided to the canteen by the guard, I was expecting him to ask for some tip etc. but this wasn’t the case and he didn’t even accept my offer to have something at the canteen. Rarely does one come across such souls, who take pride in their work despite their meager pay (Rs. 4000 a month) and do their job well, without even being asked/requested by anyone. More than the landscape or even the beautiful architecture of Khajuraho, it was the people who were bowling me over by their simplicity and good nature, something usually lacking at touristy places. With this thought I went back to my motorcycle, clicked a photograph of the museum and canteen and rode back to Khajuraho. Once back at the hotel, dumped my riding jacket and went to Raja Café and had the infamous club sandwich. After which, I headed to the Western Group of Temples, as I wanted to take the audio tour. Ticket seller recognized me and asked whether or not I had taken the audio tour yesterday, I replied negatively and said, that is why I am back here today . Bought the ticket, went inside and spoke to the guy issuing Walkman for audio tours, had to shell out Rs. 50 for the audio tour and Rs. 500 as security deposit. Audio tour covers mainly three temples; Lakshmana Temple, Kandariya Mahadeva and Jagadambi Temple and at times it can be pain as you have to walk up to the right site number (denoted by number written on rocks) and in between pause it. However, it is completely worth it and gives you some in-depth knowledge about the temples, without the added mirch-masala that guides normally add. Even though fiddling with the audio tour meant that I could only take a few photographs in between (it is best to cover the temples twice, once with audio tour and once for photography only), it managed to show me the things I had missed out while shooting photographs yesterday and also showed Kandariya Mahadeva Temple from a different perspective than yesterday. A couple of the photographs I clicked. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple School picnic at Western Group of Temples After spending couple of hours listening to the audio tour and taking photographs, it was time to head back to the hotel. But before that, I wanted to buy a few souvenirs, so after getting my security deposit back, went into the Madhya Pradesh Tourism run souvenir shop, right next to the ticket counter. Bought couple of nice souvenirs from there and headed back to the room. Now the only thing in my mind was a nap, as I hadn’t slept for more than 6 hours for past 4 days and I was feeling dead tired… Next> Day 1: Delhi - Agra - Gwalior - Jhansi Day 2: Jhansi - Chhatarpur - Bambitha - Khajuraho Day 3: Khajuraho, Visvanatha Temple and Nandi Shrine Day 3: Khajuraho, Parvati Temple Day 3: Khajuraho, Lakshmana Temple Day 3: Khajuraho, Lakshmana Temple, Part-2 Day 3: Khajuraho, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple Day 3: Khajuraho, Jagadambi and Chitragupta Temples Day 3: Khajuraho, Adivart Tribal and Folk Art Museum and ASI Museum Day 3: Khajuraho, Jain Temples and Museum Day 3: Khajuraho, Southern Group of Temples Day 3: Khajuraho, Eastern Group of Temples Day 3: Khajuraho, Sound and light show Day 4: Khajuraho, Folk Dance Performance Day 5: Khajuraho - Jhansi - Gwalior - Agra - Delhi __________________ Heading to Ladakh? Learn about AMS, check the road status (Manali and Srinagar), Plan your trip and Find Travel Partners BCMTouring: FAQ \| T-Shirts

16-01-10, 12:54 AM	#136
pawsingh Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Tricity Posts: 1,449	Re: Khajuraho, travel to the heart of India! WoW! Stunning Pics Yogesh.

16-01-10, 05:22 AM	#137
devashishdhingra Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: New Delhi (However my heart is still in Leh since i have come back from there in 2007) Posts: 1,413	Re: Khajuraho, travel to the heart of India! I must say Yogesh, days might be less for your yet there is never a shortfall of pics from your end. Cheers __________________ http://www.bcmtouring.com/forum/trav...begins-t14989/

16-01-10, 08:04 AM	#138
pushpinder Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: new delhi Posts: 2,647	Re: Khajuraho, travel to the heart of India! Raneh falls looks lovely,despite the light. The indian robin has been captured superbly. Again, lovely, easy paced narration and some lovely camera work to go with it. __________________ "Man who drive like hell bound to get there"

16-01-10, 08:21 AM	#139
anupmathur Moderator Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: New Delhi Posts: 14,660	Re: Khajuraho, travel to the heart of India! YS, the pics are stunning in their clarity & composition! No pics of the snacks at the museum cafeteria?

16-01-10, 08:52 AM	#140
bhuwan singh Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Jaipur Posts: 645	Re: Khajuraho, travel to the heart of India! How about some GHARIAL's ? Is it supposed to be an alligator home or it is just the name ?

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