from Agra to Jhansi, Orchha to Khajuraho then to Varanasi HELP!

nomadelmundo

Any help on the exact ways (train, bus, jeep with time) to get from Agra to Jhansi to Orcha and then mostly need help from leaving Khajuraho to Varanasi. ( I don't know what the buses take off from Khajuraho or how many and when the train leaves from Satna).

This is all I could up with using my Lonely Planet, hope to hear some advice from some of you have been there that could better guide me and let me know if the below is do-able:

01-10 mon Am? (duration) train from Agra to Jhansi by 12’noon side trip to Orcha and then back to Jhansi and sleep in Jhansi
01-11 tue Am ? Bus to Bamitha (duration?) then jeep to Khajuraho (11km) (1 hr?) see “Kamasutra temples” then Either 6 hr Bus to Satna then 6 hr train to Varanasi or direct exp bus @1500 [15hr] from Khajuraho to Varanasi.

cheers,
will

__________________

Visit my forum for backpackers, trekkers & hikers where you can share stories, discuss trails, and upload unlimited amount of travel photos for FREE...
@ PlanetNomads.com

SydneyKate

I am doing virtually the exact opposite route, and all by train. I am just missing out Khajuraho (thought the carvings might be a little "too" interesting for the kids .... It's quite easy to plan using the
www.indianrail.gov.in
website. Can't speak for theKhajuraho section tho', you may have to use bus. I think the best station for Orchha is Jhansi, it's apparently just a short rickshaw/taki ride from there. Agra and Jhansi are well connected by many trains per day. From Varanasi we are taking overnight train to Katni, then on by car to Bandhavgarh NP.

mindi

I am also going to this area in January and have been doing a bit of research. Definitely have a look at the site Kate mentioned. A couple of trains seem to go directly to Orchha. Re going from Khajuraho to Varanasi, you seem to have to go to Satna. There seems to be one going from Satna to Mugal Sarai (near Varanasi) 12:00-19:50, but there are probably many others - I'm still investigating. Re Khajuraho and Kate's comments: I am wondering if the attraction is mainly the suggestive postures, or if the sculpture as a whole is wonderful? I am still unsure whether to include it or not.

SHIMLA

1. The most convenient morning train from Agra to Jhansi is the Shatabdi Express, which departs Agra at 08=15 and arrives at Jhansi at 10=40.

2. Orchha is just 18 kms. from Jhansi, so a day's side trip to Orchha and back is definitely on.

3. From Khajuraho one can go by road to Mahoba(60 kms., approx. 2.5 hrs.) and then take a direct train( 1107 Bundelkhand Express) from Mahoba( dep. 00=10) to Varanasi (10=25). You will have to reach Mahoba by 21=00 or 22=00 and wait at the station for the midnight train.

__________________
Whoever said money can't buy happiness didn't know where to shop !

brianct

unless you have more recent information, the indian rail site tells us trains dont go to orchha. I will be going to orchha this november, from Allahabad, and tho there is a direct train from Allahabad to Orchha, it no longer stops there. Its only 18 kms, s a bus is just as good.

cyberhippie

Ok first getting to Orcha from Agra this presents no problem as there are many many trains running between Agra and Jhansi!!
here is one you may find suitable!!
2138 PUNJAB MAIL dep AGRA CANTT 08:50 arr JHANSI JN 12:25
Next why stay in Jhansi??? Unless your a lover of busy pollutted cities I would strongly advise staying in Orcha itself!! Its a laid back little place with quite a few Hotel options both budget and otherwise!!
Getting into Jhansi only takes about Half an hour by bus or taxi a cinch!!
There is a direct bus for Khajuraho that leaves just outside Jhansi railway station, (wait by the tourist help desk inside the station the guy there will see you alright!!) It takes about 5 hours by bus so reckon on 4 1/2to Bamitha
I'm a little mystified as to why you want to stay in Bamitha but you must have your reasons I suppose (if your avoiding the excess touting that is prevelant in Khajuraho, your right)
Staying in Khajuraho itself will surely offer a far bigger range of hotels and restaurants but I'm guessing you know that anyway!!
The temples though marketed on eroticism really aren't that bad!! To be honest you'll have to look pretty darn hard to see any of the erotic images as they constitute a tiny percentage of the carvings, I'm not sure if kids would even notice them to be honest!! Adults do though, I found it quite amusing all the tourist scanning the temples for a glimpse of the erotic
Lastly there are direct buses for the Khajuraho-Satna leg of the journey where you can pick up the train for Varanasi another option is Karwi but it wont save you much time on the bus perhaps an hour but you are that little bit nearer to Varanasi using this option. Also if you have time to kill take a look at Chitrakoot an amazing place but very Indian no tourist hotels or restaurants here.
Ok I hoped that helped!!

Happy Traveling!!

Edit
Shimla's suggestion of Mohoba is the best idea to get to Varanasi, I vaguely remembered something about this but could find any train info so didn't post it here thanks Shimla

brianct

whats in Chitrakoot that you recommend it so?

cyberhippie

Its steeped in Hindu mythology, a kind of mini Varanasi if you like. I stayed there for 5 days last year right on the Ghats it was magical to watch all the faithfull bathing in the morning.
A nice area as well the Charo Dham trip to all the holy sites was a great day out in some lovely countryside!!
The people of Chitrakoot are nice too and not at all used to western tourism refreshing sometimes on a trip through India!!

brianct

i will be in the vicinity next month, i may stop by if time allows , on my way to Orchha.

nomadelmundo

Thanks for all the help on the time, ways to get from place to place and where to stay! you guys rock!
cheers,
will