Madhya Pradesh, the "Heart of India" has many underrated and hidden destinations. Located at a distance of about 22 km from Khajuraho, Raneh waterfalls is one such exquisite place - popular with locals yet mostly unknown to others.
This guide takes you through a tour of the breathtaking waterfalls and highlights the necessary information to plan your visit.
How to reach
By Road - The best way to reach Raneh falls is by road from the nearest town, Khajuraho. Taxis/ cabs/ local autos are easily available for a day tour; however, there charges do not include the entry fees.
By Train - The nearest rail head is Khajuraho which is well connected by many places. If coming from Jhansi, Mahoba is the nearest railway station and public transport is easily available.
By Air - Khajuraho airport is the nearest and it takes about 2 hours to reach Raneh falls from the airport.
Where to stay - Khajuraho is the nearest place where accommodations can be found. A stay can also be planned at the forest rest house (approx Rs 1500 per night) near the waterfalls.
Timings - 8:00 AM till 5:00 PM (Before it gets dark as the waterfall lies in a reserve forest area)
Entry Fees - Being a restricted area, only authorized entries are allowed. A guide is mandatory and there is no option to go without one. The fee is Rs 50 per person, Rs 75 for guide and Rs 200 for vehicle entry (inclusive of the waterfalls and Ken Ghariyal Sanctuary).
** These charges were effective 2017 and might slightly vary now.
The counter is at the main entrance and the waterfall lies approximately at a distance of 3 km from the counter. Vehicle entries are allowed; however, if time permits, it is recommended to take a walk as the path is extremely beautiful with lush greenery around.
Best time to visit - Monsoons or winters are the best time to visit Raneh waterfalls.
Monsoon - Owing to heavy rainfall in the months of July to September, natural beauty of the place increases as the water level is high. However, the Ken Ghariyal Sanctuary remains closed due to breeding season.
Winter - The time from October to February is extremely pleasant to visit the waterfall. The daytime temperature is ideal for this location.
Summer - In the months of March to June, the temperature is high and can go up to 40°C. The water level might be less too and hence summers are not recommended.
Why Raneh falls is famous?
Named after King Rane Pratap of the region, this place is nature's sheer brilliance. Emerging at the confluence of rivers Ken (or Karnavati) and Khudar; the waterfall is formed by Ken running over the Vindhya basalt and forming a 5 km long and 30 m deep canyon made of pure crystalline granite in varying shades of colours.
The canyon formations are result of volcanic eruptions many years ago. The uniqueness lies in the different types of rocks found here and nowhere else in the entire Asian continent - green dolomite, red coloured Jasper, brown quartz, pink granite and black basalt. The flow of the river is at maximum during monsoons and hides the marvelous wonder hidden beneath the water.
A series of larger and smaller falls run throughout the year while seasonal falls appear during monsoons. Owing to some tourist mishaps in past years, the forest department has put up barricades with platforms and watch towers have been created to enjoy the view from a safe distance. Each tourist group is accompanied by a guide - well versed with the topography.
Nearby attractions
Ken Ghariyal Sanctuary - Located near the confluence of Ken and Khudar Rivers; the sanctuary is a tourist highlight. Attractions include a boat ride (separate charges) in Ken or a hiking trail for the adventure seekers. During monsoons, it remains closed owing to the breeding season of Gharials (endangered species from the crocodile family).
Khajuraho Temples - The waterfalls is located in a close proximity from the temple town of Khajuraho; one of the most sought after tourist destinations of India.
A treasure for nature lovers, surprisingly fascinating for the first timers with calmness and ferociousness framed together; Raneh waterfalls is still amongst the lesser-known destinations in the country and not a choice for many. If not been here yet, mark it as your next monsoon destination; bet you won't regret.
**NOTE: Images used in the article are subjected to copyright.
The information provided is based on firsthand experience and published originally on my personal blog "A Merakulous Life". For any further queries, feel free to leave a comment below or email. I will revert at the earliest.