Khajuraho
We took a train from Agra to Jhansi. Good ride; good experience. The countryside changed from drier environment to a bit greener and more farming. We then had a 5 hour bus ride to Khajuraho. We enjoy seeing rural life even though it was a long ride.
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- train station
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- train station
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- here it comes!
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- having fun
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- read this on the train!
We stopped at a rural farmstead to see a “Persian” well. The cattle pulled the shaft that ran the wheel that lifted and dipped into the well to bring water up for irrigation.
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- farmstead
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- oxen turning wheel
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- water pump/chain of dippers
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- well
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- driving oxen
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- peanuts
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- ox cart
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- farmstead
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- overturned cart on road
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- market
Before arriving at our hotel we stopped at a single standing 12th century temple to see the evening light.
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- temple
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- carvings
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- god
The Khajuraho World Heritage temple complex was built between the 9th and 10th centuries by the Chandela dynasty which dominated Central India at that time. It is dedicated to Vishnu. The complex reminded us of the Prambanan in Indonesia but much bigger and Angkor Wat in Cambodia but much better restored. It was a beautiful spot. The main temple is huge, complex with harmonious composition sculptural embellishments. There are over 800 sculptures cover the temple, depicting gods and goddesses, beasts and warriors, sensuous maidens, dancers, musicians and many erotic scenes.
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- statues of Gandhi’s “salt walk”
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- monument to carvers
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- religious man
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- temple
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- temple
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- carvings
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- women statues
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- laughing Ganesha
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- erotic scene
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- carvings
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- temples
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- temple
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- prince killed a lion
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- instructions
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- results
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- temple
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- carvings
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- friendly gecko
We had lunch in a small rural café. And then we flew to Varanasi.
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- lunch spot