Kama Sutra

We woke up Monday morning to no water at Alipura Royal Palace. The culprit? Monkeys had attacked the waterline overnight, rupturing it. While it was eventually repaired, I couldn’t manage a hot shower. After breakfast, we boarded a bus for a 90-minute ride to Khajuraho.

Khajuraho is home to a remarkable collection of temples. The Lakshmana Temple, in particular, features intricate sculptures, including depictions of the Kama Sutra, symbolizing love, fertility, and the broader human experience. These carvings, dating back to the 10th century, highlight 84 sexual positions. The temple complex is beautifully maintained, with lovely grounds that enhance the experience.

After lunch at Raja Café, we headed to the Panna Tiger Reserve in Panna National Park, a visit that everyone on our tour eagerly signed up for. Split into two jeeps, we began our tiger safari. Along the way, we spotted vultures, mongoose, kingfishers, antelope, peacocks, two types of deer, and countless monkeys. Near the end of the trip, we finally saw a tiger! Jane managed to capture some photos. The other jeep was even luckier—they also saw a leopard.

On our way back to Alipura Palace, Manu shared a menu with us so we could pre-order our meals, which were ready shortly after our arrival.

Tuesday morning began with a visit to a local government school. The school had five classrooms, but two rooms lacked desks, and the students sat on the floor. We handed out candy to the children, and the interaction made for a memorable experience.

We left Alipura Palace for Orchha, checking into Hotel Ganpati. With some free time before dinner, Jane opted for a massage (no surprise there), while I explored the town. Later, we all walked to the Betwa River, the second holiest river in India. After drinks at a rooftop restaurant, we attended a Hindu temple service, returning to the restaurant for dinner afterward.

Unfortunately, I didn’t sleep well last night, likely due to a runny nose and sore throat from all the smoke in the air. Many of us have similar symptoms.

This morning, we toured the Orchha Fort complex, built in the 1500s. It houses numerous ancient structures, including forts, palaces, and temples. Our guide was excellent, making the visit both informative and enjoyable.

Next, we took tuk-tuks to the Cenotaphs of Orchha, a collection of 15 monuments with beautiful gardens, each dedicated to a fallen king from the region. After lunch, we visited Chaturbhuj Temple, an active Hindu temple, where Jane and I treated ourselves to ice cream cones afterward.

We relaxed in the courtyard of Hotel Ganpati before our we took tuk-tuks to Rajni Cooking Class Workshop. We had an enjoyable time and a delicious meal.