Places to visit in Chhatarpur District

Panna National Park

Old teak woods, indigenous colourful rocks, clear, pristine waters of the Ken River, the Vindhya mountain ranges and two amazingly high waterfalls make up the setting of one of the most renowned national parks in India. Rich in biodiversity and wilderness, the national park also hosts Asia's only active diamond mine.

The Panna National Park is generally not overly crowded with tourists compared to the other neighbouring national parks, which makes it a surreal, quiet and soothing environment to be in. The wildlife here is diverse and includes deer species like Sambars (which are listed in the 'Vulnerable' category of the IUCN red data list), wild dogs (Dholes), jackals, Indian Gaurs and Nilgai (the largest antelopes in India), and of course big wild cats like leopards and tigers, among others. Not many know this, but Panna is also home to the oldest female elephant, called Vatsala, who at present is around 96 years old.Panna National Park was considered as one of the best managed and maintained national parks in India by the Ministry of Tourism of India and bagged the Award of Excellence in the year 2007.Panna is thus now mostly known for its incredible tiger conservation.

Khajuraho 

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu temples and Jain temples in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, India, about 175 kilometres (109 mi) southeast of Jhansi. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.

Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 by the Chandela dynasty. Historical records note that the Khajuraho temple site had 85 temples by the 12th century, spread over 20 square kilometers Of these, only about 25 temples have survived, spread over six square kilometers. Of the surviving temples, the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is decorated with a profusion of sculptures with intricate details, symbolism and expressiveness of ancient Indian art.

The Khajuraho group of temples were built together but were dedicated to two religions, Hinduism and Jainism, suggesting a tradition of acceptance and respect for diverse religious views among Hindus and Jains in the region.

 Raneh Falls

Very few people are aware about this breathtaking place which is approx 22 km to the proximity of Khajuraho and 44 km from district headquarter of Panna. This beautiful water fall is situated on the Ken River, and comes in under Chhatarpur district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. This is about 30 meters deep canyon formed with pure crystalline granite in different colors like pink, green, misty white, and red to grey. The most fascinating thing about this place is that, there is dozens of small and big falls in regular stretches, some of them are seasonal having furious water flow during rainy season. Ken River is encompasses Panna National Park, and Raneh water fall is just located where this Park is begin to start, this cascading waterfall is magnificently possessed a scenic surroundings of rocks and invariable mounds around. Green pristine forest gives you a glimpse of complete natural paradise and so this is an ideal place for nature lovers. River ken is quite prominent river in central India in terms of crocodile conservation, as an alligator national park has been set up along the banks of this river. Landscaping is become so spectacular in rainy season as the black and pink basalt rock provide a wondrous look and flourish water force gives a mesmerizing look.

Ken Gharial Sanctuary

Ken Gharial Sanctuary is a popular tourism spot near Khajuraho temples and Panna national park. It is located on the confluence of Ken river and Khudar river and spread over an area of 45.201 sq.kms. It is located in north-east of Khajuraho temples and North of Panna national park. It lies in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh and lies in north of state in Central India. Most of the tourists from Khajuraho and Panna national park visits gharial sanctuary as excursion tour. It is usually visited along with Raneh water fall site as both are close to each other. Ken gharial sanctuary can be visited by your own vehicle by paying fee for vehicle entrance and taking paid guide who will accompany you during visit. Guide service is mandatory as he will ensure all the rules are followed in ground and provide valuable information of gharial sanctuary, its history, about gharials etc. It is closed for visitors in Monsoon season.

Ken Gharial Sanctuary is adjoining to Panna national park forest. Their landscapes are almost of similar type with features like green forests, rocky outcrops, deep gorges, long canyons, waterfalls etc. These type of landscapes are very photogenic and also adventurous too. Raneh fall is famous tourist attraction nearby Khajuraho and mostly visited by tourists. It lies in Ken Gharial Reserve area. November to April is good time to visit it as after monsoon when water recedes, we can have better view of waterfalls, deep canyon, natural rocky structures. Here colorful rocky shades are unique attraction in which we can see grey, pink, yellow rocks of Sand-stone and granite-stones. It offers good chance to see innumerable gharials sun basking. Here sighting of wild animals is also very common. We have see Spotted Deers, Wild boar, Nilgai etc. In addition to these birding is also good at Ken Gharial Reserve. Here Shaheen Falcon is easily seen during visit.

Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum

Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum in housed in famous Dhubela palace located 17 km from Chhatarpur on Chhatarpur-Naugaon road and is 1.6 km away from Mahu village. This palace is one of the unique examples of Bundella architecture of 18th century A.D. period. The palace was constructed by Maharaja Chhatrasal Bundella for his residence. The museum was ingaurated by first Prime Minister Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru on 12th September, 1955. The museum has rich archaeological material collected from then Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand region. The objects have been displayed in galleries and in open air space.

For more information, click here.