A weekend that pairs two very different things — Khajuraho’s temple carvings and a genuine jungle safari at Panna — done entirely by self-drive car from Lucknow.
At a glance
- The route: Lucknow → Kutni Dam (en route) → Khajuraho (1 night) → Panna Tiger Reserve (1 night) → back to Lucknow.
- How long you need: A long weekend — 3 days covers the drive, the temple complex, and a safari without rushing.
- Best time to go: October to March. September and April are doable but genuinely hot. Panna’s jungle safari is closed entirely during monsoon.
- Budget: Decent stays with breakfast run around ₹3,000/night (roughly $30/€25) for a double room. For food, budget ₹300-500 (roughly $3-5/€3-5) per person per meal. See the ticket pricing tables below for temple entry and safari costs.
- Getting around: Self-drive car for the whole loop — this route was done entirely that way, with no public transport legs.
The route
Kutni Dam sits on the way from Lucknow to Khajuraho, on the Kutni River in Chhatarpur district — a good stop to break up the drive rather than a dedicated detour.
Khajuraho is built around the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the Western Group of Temples is the main complex worth your time here, known for its intricate carvings.
Panna Tiger Reserve is the reason for the second night — a jungle safari through the reserve, with MPT Jungle Camp, Madla (the MPTDC/Madhya Pradesh Tourism property right at the gate) as the best place to stay on this whole route.
Khajuraho entry tickets
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Indian / SAARC / BIMSTEC nationals | ₹40 per person |
| Foreign nationals | ₹600 per person |
| Children under 15 | Free |
| Timings | Sunrise to sunset, daily |
| Validity | 3 hours from time of entry |
Tickets can be bought at the counter or online via the official ASI portal.
Panna Tiger Reserve safari pricing (2026 season)
| Safari Type & Zone | Indian Nationals | Foreign Nationals |
|---|---|---|
| Core Zone (Full Gypsy) | ₹7,500 – ₹8,500 | ₹11,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Buffer Zone (Full Gypsy) | ₹5,500 – ₹7,300 | ₹7,500 – ₹10,000 |
| Sharing Basis (per person) | ₹800 – ₹2,300 | ₹1,500 – ₹3,500 |
| Night Safari (Full Gypsy) | ₹5,100 – ₹6,000 | ₹10,000 |
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for this route? 3 days covers the drive from Lucknow, the Khajuraho temple complex, and a Panna safari comfortably.
Is Panna Tiger Reserve open year-round? No — the jungle safari closes entirely during monsoon season.
Where’s the best place to stay near Panna Tiger Reserve? MPT Jungle Camp, Madla — the MPTDC (Madhya Pradesh Tourism) property right at the gate.
Do I need a car for this route? This trip was done entirely by self-drive car, and the route is built around having your own vehicle for the full loop.
Want this route adjusted for your dates, or built out as a fully custom trip? Tell me what you’re looking for and I’ll put together a real plan.