Riverside Ruins & Lost Temples

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Agra - Orchha - Khajuraho
Duration:
4 days / 3 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £ 459.- per person (excluding flights)

Take the train to sleepy mystical villages and eyebrow-raising erotic temples. Amble along riverbanks dotted with ancient ruins, explore palaces and soak up the spiritual atmosphere. During this trip, you’ll travel from Agra to Orchha, a restful riverside haven bursting with palaces and temples. Next, you’ll visit the famous UNESCO-listed temples of Khajuraho.

Day 1 – Take the train to Orchha

Today, you’ll be transferred to Agra train station, where you’ll board the train Jhansi. It’s a 3-4 hour journey passing through the countryside and small farming villages. You’ll be met by your driver on arrival who will then drive you the short distance to the charming small town of Orchha. Strung along the banks of the beautiful Betwa River, Orchha is bursting with grand palaces, intricately carved temples and cenotaphs. You’ll be staying two nights in a comfortable heritage hotel.

Day 2 – Explore Orchha

Today, you’re free to explore Orchha independently, at your own pace. Take a walk down to the towering stone chhatris that line the banks of the river – they look particularly magical at sunset. Cross the little stone bridge for views back across the water, and take your time exploring the cluster of 17th-century palaces, each in its own crumbling but atmospheric state. With its painted houses and quiet winding lanes, Orchha has a village vibe. Don’t be surprised to be sharing the street with a wandering goat or cow.

Day 3 – Discover the Khajuraho temples

After breakfast you’ll depart Orchha heading to Khajuraho – a journey of 4-5 hours through rural Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho is a small, relaxed town famous for its collection of UNESCO-listed temples which you will visit this afternoon with a local guide. The temples were built between the 9th and 12 centuries and are incredibly well preserved. Intricate carvings cover the temple walls – including scenes from the Karma Sutra. The most impressive and largest temple is the Kandariya Mahadev, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Day 4 – Depart Khajuraho

After spending the night in a comfortable hotel you’ll continue your Indian journey. The next stop on your itinerary is likely to be the sacred city of Varanasi.