Day 4, Tiger safari and glimpse of Khajuraho
Awakening to the promise of a thrilling tiger safari, we decided to embrace the chill and venture into the wilderness of Panna National Park. The anticipation of the day ahead led us to check out of Prannath Dharamshala, leaving our luggage in the safe confines of the National Park office.
At the crack of dawn, at a bone-chilling 5 degrees Celsius, we eagerly awaited the auto-rickshaw that would transport us to Mandla gate for our safari. The dense fog painted an ethereal canvas, and as we embarked on the 20 km journey, time seemed to stand still in the surreal landscape.
Upon reaching Mandla gate, we confirmed our reservations for the tiger safari scheduled at 6:45 a.m. Despite the biting cold, our spirits soared as we met our guide and the driver who would accompany us on this wild adventure. The early morning mist shrouded our surroundings, creating an air of mystery and excitement.
The safari began, and although the initial fog hindered visibility, the day gradually unfolded its secrets. Spotted deer, sambar, and nilgai graced the landscape, but it was a camouflaged leopard that stole the show. Our guide's keen eyes guided us to this elusive creature, emphasizing the shy nature of leopards in the wild.
The journey continued, revealing herbivorous wonders and a close encounter with a giant black bear foraging for ants and termites. The adrenaline surged as the bear approached our vehicle, causing a mix of fear and fascination. With the guide's assurance, we witnessed the majestic creature move away peacefully, leaving us in awe.
As the safari unfolded, the elusive tiger remained hidden, adding an air of suspense to our adventure. Despite this, the experience was enriching, filled with encounters with nature's majestic creations.
By 11:30 a.m., the cold was unrelenting, and we eagerly concluded the safari, shivering despite multiple layers of clothing. The next leg of our journey took us from Madla gate to Bamitha by bus and then to Khajuraho by an auto-rickshaw.
In Khajuraho, the Jain Dharmshala welcomed us with a cozy room offering 24 hours of hot water. Refreshed and revitalized, we set out to explore the architectural wonders of Khajuraho. First we took a quick glimpse of the Jain Temples, which were next door. Thereon, The Western group of temples, especially the colossal Kandariya Mahadev temple, stood as timeless testaments to India's rich heritage.
As the sun began its descent, we marvelled at the intricate carvings depicting gods, apsaras, and the fascinating narrative of life from over a millennium ago. The Devi Jagadamba Temple, the Sun god's shrine( Chitragupta Temple), Vishwanath Temple and the grand Laxmana Temple( also called as Chaturbhuj Temple) unfolded before our eyes in a glorious display of artistry.
As evening fell, we returned to our abode, savoring the memories of a day brimming with wildlife encounters and cultural treasures. Stay tuned as our journey through Khajuraho continues, unravelling more tales of this enchanting destination!
Very nice dairy of travel .some more pics would have been wonderful. Is the last pic with big Temple in background also kandariya Mahadev temple ..
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