KHAJURAHO, GAYA, KODAIKANAL

KHAJURAHO

The temples of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, Central India are one of India's major attractions. Once a great Chandella capital, Khajuraho is now a quiet village of just over  6000 people. The temples are superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture, but it's the decorations with which they are so liberally embellished, that have made Khajuraho famous. Around the temples are bands of exceedingly fine and artistically carved stone-work. The sculptors have shown many aspects of Indian life, 1000 years ago-gods and goddesses, warriors and musicians, real and mythological animals.

These temples were built by the Chandellas, a dynasty which survived for five centuries before falling to the onslaught of Islam. Almost all Khajuraho's temples record a century long burst of creative genius from 950-1050 A.D.

JAISALMER

Jaisalmer-the golden beauty in Rajasthan, North India, etched in yellow sandstone. Perched atop the Trikuta Hill, it stands tall against miles of gleaming sand. Epitomising the desolate, awesome charm of the desert. Legend has it, that Lord Krishna-the head of Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled, when in 1156 AD Rawal Jaisal, a descendant of Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, founded the city of Jaisalmer.

This amber-hued city, in the heart of the desert, dazzles gloriously in the early morning. the sunset has a peculiar glow here. As the night descends, the sky goes up in flames, which fade leaving a few embers, till a becomes black. A breathtaking sight indeed ! Jaisalmer is famous for cobbled streets, strewn with palaces, forts, temples and havelis. Every house, here is exquisitely carved, having filigreed work all over. These houses date back to 12-15th century. And hence Jaisalmer is called 'The Museum city'.

KODAIKANAL

A charming hill station in Tamilnadu,South India, that retains much of its pristine beauty, Kodaikanal is located in the Palani Hills not far from Madurai (120 Km). While its magnificent landscapes provide ideal settings for the trigger-happy photographer, its wooded slopes and winding paths are excellent for leisurely strolls. The main attraction here is the star shaped lake. Boating on the lake is a popular past time and the 5 Km path around it, is a favourite promenade. the popular summer 'season' is enlivened by various exhibitions and activities including a horticultural show and an exciting regatta. Kodaikanal also has a fine golf-course.

Gaya: 

Gaya has some of the most sacred Buddhist and Hindu shrines located in Bihar. Gaya is one of the most important pilgrimage places for the Hindus. It is believed that a Hindu will reach heaven if his last rites are offered under the celebrated  'Akshayabat' or immortal banyan tree, standing in the yard of Vishnupad temple. Believed to be built on the footsteps of Vishnu, the grand teple was renovated by Ahalyabai, queen of Indore.

The Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodgaya, under Bodhi tree, 10 km from Gaya, the ancient Hindu pilgrimage centre. The tree from the original sapling still stands in the temple premises. It is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centre as Buddhism was born here. The magnificent Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya is an architectural delight.