Plan a Quick Winter Tour to Khajuraho and Panna National Park
By JAGAT SINGH (04/Dec/25) Khajuraho and Panna National Park, together, make a fantastic destination for a quick tour. Khajuraho shines with its old stone temples and stories carved in every corner. Panna, on the other hand, feels peaceful with its quiet forests and river landscapes. Many tourists choose this route because it offers culture and nature in one small loop without rushing too much. During winter, the weather stays cool and pleasant. There is no harsh heat, so walking around the temple complex feels easy. Most hours of the day are comfortable, and you can spend more time outdoors. The light winter sun also makes the stone carvings glow slightly golden, which looks beautiful in photos. This cool season also gives the forests of Panna a gentle charm.
Exploring Khajuraho’s UNESCO World Heritage Temples
Khajuraho’s temples are famous for their art and history. They are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known for their incredible craftsmanship. The Western Group of Temples is usually the highlight for most visitors. The temples here stand tall and proud, and the carvings show the skills of artisans from long ago. The Kandariya Mahadev Temple is a major attraction in this part. Its shikhara rises high like a mountain, and its walls are covered with detailed patterns and figures.
The Eastern Group of Temples offers a different flavour. Many of these temples follow Jain traditions, and their design is simpler but still very graceful. The atmosphere is calm, and the architecture tells stories about the cultural blend that once existed in the region. The Southern Group of Temples feels a bit quieter since fewer people walk this side.
In the evening, the Sound & Light Show adds another layer to the experience. The narration takes you through the history of the Chandela dynasty, which built these masterpieces. The lights create a dramatic mood around the temple walls. The show makes it easier to understand how Khajuraho grew, survived, and became the treasure it is today.
Journey to Panna National Park
After exploring Khajuraho, the journey to Panna National Park feels like a smooth shift from culture to wilderness. The park is around 27 km from town, so it does not take long to reach. A jeep safari through the Madla, Hinouta, Jinnah, or Akola zones brings you closer to the natural side of this region. Many visitors look for a Panna jeep safari ticket beforehand, as this is often the central experience of their winter escape. The safari has a simple charm to it. The landscapes keep changing, and the silence of the forest feels comforting.
There are also a few natural attractions around Panna that people love to include in their day plan. These places add small highlights throughout the journey.
Places to See Around Panna: • Pandav Falls • Raneh Falls Canyon • Ken River
Suggested 2–3 Day Winter Itinerary For a short 2–3 day winter itinerary, the flow can be simple. 1. You can start your first day exploring the Western and Eastern groups of Khajuraho temples. Since the weather is comfortable, you can cover a lot without feeling tired. End the day with the Sound & Light Show to wrap up the story behind these creations. 2. On the second day, you can visit the Southern Group of Temples in the morning and then leave for Panna National Park. A jeep safari in the evening can fit well into this day, giving you a mix of peaceful temple visits and forest adventure. 3. If you have a third day, it becomes easier to relax the pace. You can spend one morning near the Ken River, or simply enjoy the open surroundings before heading back home. This small extension makes the trip more balanced and lets you soak in the mood of the region without any hurry.