Delhi-Varanasi-Khajuraho-Delhi: train or fly?

Kevin K

My wife and I will be in India this December and January. We know we'd like to go to Varanasi and take the train from there to Gaya to visit Bodhgaya. Have also thought to visit Khajuraho which from what I can tell is difficult to get to by bus.

With about 10 days for this part of our trip:

Would you fly or take the train? My understanding is Delhi-Varanasi can take 18 hours, but would guess it's far cheaper than the ~$350 RT airfare.

Are we trying to fit too much in w. Khajuraho? Not dead set on it. But know it's important to book early for December travel.

Any thoughts appreciated!

steven_ber

Delhi - Varanasi takes 12 hours. (overnight)

Varanasi to Gaya takes about 5 hours. (though there is a way to do this journey overnight if you're also going to Nalanda)

Gaya to Satna (for Khajuraho) can take advantage of an overnight train.

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TimMakins

Why waste time and expense taxi-ing to the airport, waiting in lines, security checks, cramped seats, luggage worries, then finding a hotel? Much better to get the most expensive night train you can afford (1-tier A/C or 2-tier A/C) which departs from the centre of town, gives you a pleasant night's sleep and an experience to 'dine out' on for years to come. Arrive at your destination in time for breakfast. Avoid the hassle - take the train. Save a night's hotel bill too - its a no-brainer!

Khajuraho - whether to go: hmmm that's a difficult one. Khajuraho has its loyal band of supporters, and those like me who think it is over hyped. The number one reason that many tourists in India for a short time go to see it is because of the so-called 'erotic' carvings. Thoughts of Kama Sutra etc. Also, there is its location: right in the golden triangle of Delhi, Agra and Varanasi. Shame its not on the railway line of course! Sure the temples are interesting, but India is not short of interesting temples, many far finer than these. Sure there are erotic carvings, but there are others far more so elsewhere, if you know where to look. Sure there will be looooooooooooooooots of tourists there. Is it worth going - you just have to judge for yourself, and decide how important 'erotic temples' are to your view of India. Personally I would think the time would be better spent seeing, for instance, Fatehpur Sikri, near Agra.

By the way, there are some photos of Khajuraho on my movie-location website A Passage To India.

Tim in England

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guidedeba

D - 01 Delhi morning Bhoopal Shatabdi to Jahansi ( If you are visiting Tajmahal You can take it at 08:00 hrs from Agra too). By car to Khajuraho.

D - 02 Khajuraho s/seeing.

D - 03 Morning free in Khajuraho. afternoon teransfer to Satna Stn. overnight train to Varanasi.

D- 04 Arrival Varanasi.

D - 07 Train to Gaya. afternoon arrival Gaya.

D - 09 in the late evening Rajdhani exp to Delhi. (14 hours to delhi from Gaya.
D - 10 Arrival Delhi at 10:00 hrs.
if any question send me a private msg.

vsp27759

Dear Kevin,

The Jet Airways operates daily Flight from Delhi to Khajuraho via Varanasi.

In case of any unforeseen any emergency, you can take this Flight.

Perhaps, you may travel by train from New Delhi to Varanasi, Varanasi to Satna by Train, Satna-Khajuraho by Road ans finally by Flight from Khajuraho to New Delhi and straightaway get into your Flight to Colarado.

V.Srinivasa Prasad
15.9.2006/18.00 hrs.

vsp27759

Dear Kevin,

Please look at this:-

Trip: One Way
Departure Date:
Return Date:
Departing Flights : Monday, 25 Sep 2006
Flight No. Origin Dep. Time Destination Arr. Time Via Days
9W724 Khajuraho (HJR) 1330 Delhi (DEL) 1600 Varanasi (VNS) Daily
JPMiles in Economy : 313
JPMiles in Club Premiere : 470
================
V.Srinivasa Prasad
15.9.2006/18.05 hrs.

Kevin K

Thank you all for the wide range of very helpful advice.

I think we'll stick with the trains and experience more of the country. I'm grateful to all of you!

Best wishes,

Kevin

rohit_klar

Dear All,

The best way to reach Khajuraho from Delhi is....book a ticket in Uttar Pradesh Sampark Kranti Exp (thrice weekly)to either Mahoba or Kulpahar..the train Departs Nizamuddin Station in Delhi at 9:35 PM and reaches Kulpahar/Mahoba at 5:30/5:50 AM. and from these places you may hire a sumo for Khajuraho...and if you wish to travel through bus then better get alight at Mahoba.

Rohit Saxena