Khajuraho, listed as a World Heritage Site

photo: patrikmloeff

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Khajuraho (Hindi: खजुराहो), a town in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, located in Chhatarpur District, about 620 kilometres (385 mi) southeast of New Delhi, are one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculpture. The Khajuraho group of monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered to be one of the "seven wonders" of India.

Of the 85 original temples, most constructed of hard river sandstone, about 20 are still reasonably well preserved. Both internally and externally the temples are richly carved with excellent sculptures that are frequently sensual and, at times, sexually explicit. The temples are divided into three complexes-the western is the largest and best known, containing the magnificent Shaivite temple Kandariya Mahadev, a 31m high agglomeration of porches and turrets culminating in a spire.

Khajuraho temple complex offers a well made light and sound show every evening. The first show is in English language and the second one in Hindi. The show is about an hour long and covers the history, philosophy and the art of sculpting of these temples. It is held in the open lawns in the temple complex.

Thinking that Japan is expensive?

Many budget travelers skip this archipelago. But with a mountain bike and a tent, it's possible to travel in Japan on ¥1,000 a day, and have fun, especially on Zamami Island.

To pull off this 21st-century pleasure coup, simply roll up with your bike at Haneda Airport in central Tokyo and pay Skymark Airlines an extra ¥1,000 to transport your bagged-up vehicle to Naha along with yourself. Then, while others are waiting for trains and taxis at the airport there, simply reassemble the bike and go to the Tomari ferry terminal.

To get in the habit of slowing down to "Okinawa speed," savor the 2-hour Zamami ferry (¥3,540 return) rather than rushing, expensively, for its rapid rival that makes the crossing in just an hour (¥5,350 return).

Cruising through the 22 islands of the Kerama group, including the popular Tokashiki and Akajima islands, watch for the humpback whales that migrate through these waters from late December to April.

Once ashore, the main village of Zamami offers more than a dozen places to stay, ranging from the ¥4,000-a-night Murakami minshuku (family-run guest house) to the Shirahama Resort (¥7,000 a night including two meals). There are bikes and kayaks for rent, or to get around you can rent single-seat scooters (¥3,000 per day) or hop on a local bus for ¥250. There are also boatmen ready and willing to take you at very reasonable rates to uninhabited islets with great snorkeling.

But, like the giant sea turtles that paddle offshore, you don't have to bother with the most basic logistical stress of traveling, simply turn left off the dock and pedal by the sea for about 10 minutes to the wooded, beachside campground near Ama hamlet, where a tent (if you haven't brought your own) can be hired for ¥700 a day. -Japan Times-