By Kapil Goswamy, Founder & Managing Director of Platinum by Trans India
Earlier this year, the Easter long weekend, combined with another Indian national holiday, gave me the perfect opportunity to travel to two of Central India’s gems: Bandhavgarh and Khajuraho.
Bandhavgarh National Park is one of India’s best-known tiger reserves, while Khajuraho is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chandela temples and is also within close proximity to Panna National Park.
What prompted me to take this trip—and, in particular, to combine these two destinations—was not only the fact that they are both in Central India and relatively close to one another, but also that the Oberoi Group has recently opened resorts in both locations. The Oberoi Vindhyavilas in Bandhavgarh opened its doors last year, while the Oberoi Rajgarh Palace in Khajuraho opened earlier this year.
Our first stop was Bandhavgarh. It was a rather long journey, beginning with a short flight from Delhi to Jabalpur, followed by a four-hour drive to the Oberoi Vindhyavilas.
Any fatigue from the journey disappeared rather quickly once we arrived. Vindhyavilas is an oasis of luxury just a few minutes from the entrance to the national park. Beautifully appointed luxury tents and villas are spread across acres of forested greenery, complemented by a beautiful pool and excellent food. What more could one ask for?
The icing on the cake was our two safaris into the national park the following day. We were lucky enough to spot tigers on both occasions. Nothing quite beats the experience of seeing a tiger in the wild!
The time between safaris was well spent by the outdoor pool and in the spa. Despite the hectic safari schedule, our stay proved wonderfully relaxing.
After two memorable days in Bandhavgarh, we made our way to the Oberoi Rajgarh Palace in Khajuraho, approximately a five-hour drive away. It was not exactly the finest highway in India, but the journey was comfortable enough regardless.
Arriving at Rajgarh Palace was a true wow moment. The beautiful, 350-year-old palace has been meticulously restored by the Oberoi Group and surpassed our expectations in every way.
The hotel’s two beautiful swimming pools and wonderful tented spa—not to mention the extremely warm temperatures—tempted us not to venture out at all. But venture out we did.
Our time at the Chandela temples of Khajuraho, just a short 25-minute drive away, was well worth it. The intricately carved temples are always an awe-inspiring sight. They are divided into the Eastern and Western groups, and over the course of four hours, we were able to visit both. Despite the daytime temperature reaching 104°F, we loved every moment of the morning.
We also managed to fit in a safari at Panna National Park, which is just an eight-minute drive from the Oberoi Rajgarh Palace. The park’s tiger population has risen substantially over the past few years, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, and we were fortunate enough to spot a tiger within the first 30 minutes of entering the park.
What makes Panna National Park particularly attractive—besides the excellent chance of tiger sightings—is the Ken River, which flows through the park. A great variety of wildlife can be spotted along its shores.
Combining Bandhavgarh and Khajuraho made for a rewarding journey filled with wildlife, history, culture, and exceptional hospitality. With outstanding new places to stay in both destinations, this is a part of Central India that is well worth discovering.
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