Winters are here and finally, we can look forward to a string of holidays waiting for us amidst the daily schedules.
If you’re a resident of Kanpur, you’re hands-down lucky AF because the city is adjacent to too many touristy spots that are perfect for a much-needed break. So keeping the oncoming vacations in mind, we’ve listed down 5-weekend getaways from Kanpur.
Mahoba
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The word Mahoba is derived from ‘Mahotsav Nagar’ or the city of great festivals. Mahoba shares its cultural roots with Khajuraho because it too, is known for its erotic caves and sculptures carved during the Chandela rule. This town is home to several monuments and religious sites which serve as a bridge to the rich history it descends from.
The famous Shiv Temple here, dominates the landscape around the Gukhar Mountains and the Kakramath temple, located on an island in the Madan Sagar Lake, also attracts a fair share of devotees. If you’re a history buff, you cannot afford to miss out on the Rahila Sagar Sun Temple, which is a 9th-century shrine and is located in the western side of Rahila Sagar. It oozes with history and serves as a muse to artists as well.
You should also check out the Chandika Devi temple and Gokhar Parvat, which houses shrines dedicated to Hindu, Jain and Buddhist religions.
Khajuraho
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Situated in the Chattarpur district, Khajuraho is an old heritage city which was christened with such a name, due to the abundance of khajur trees (Date Palm) found in the area! Counted amidst UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Khajuraho is a hotspot for Hinduism and Jainism.
You can cycle to various stunning temples and monuments while enjoying the easy-going traveller vibes here and of course, this town suits even student-budgets. When around, do visit the Western Group of temples, Chaturbhuj Temple and the Parshvanatha Temple for sure.
Orchha
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Orchha is known for medieval architecture and this historic town, is seated along the banks of Betwa river. A favourite spot of innumerable photographers from around the country and beyond, Orchha is a beauty which should be on everyone’s to-see list.
Popular for temples, palaces, havelis and forts, Orchha serves those who have a passion for history, archaic architecture and of course, a zeal to explore the unknown. Every spot has a different story and all of it, makes your travel even more insightful.
Make sure to visit the Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Phool Bagh, Ram Raja temple and to amp up your retreat, opt for boating or rafting on the laps of the Betwa river.
Bharatpur
Reputed for being a host to the Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur will usher an experience upon you, which will be a mix of adventure, history and warm hospitality!
A welcome change from other crowded getaways, Bharatpur is the place for you, if you have been wanting to recline amidst tranquility and when here, local cuisine is a must-try. You can even spend a few hours at the Bharatpur National Museum or the Deeg Palace and if you’re an eager bird-watcher, this spot is a treat for you.
Chitrakoot
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Flaunting a surreal heritage that not many areas in India can match up to, Chitrakoot is of extensive religious and mythological eminence. This spot situated in the Satna region of Madhya Pradesh, is a home to hills and temples, which have risen as a touristy destination.
Kamadgiri Hill is one of the celebrated tourist destinations in Chitrakoot; another being Hanuman Dhara, followed by Gupt Godavari, which is a cavern temple and an acclaimed locale here.
When in Chitrakoot, you’ll also hear about the Sati Anasuya Ashram, which holds an extraordinary prominence. This area is a verdant stretch with the river Mandakini, keeping the scenery company and it is truly, the perfect getaway for anyone looking for serenity.
Knock Knock
So now that you have these sites in your list of options, make the optimum usage of your chhutiyan! Assemble your WhatsApp groups, fix a budget, look up the dates and just head over to give yourself a much-needed break before the new year starts.
