I am thankful to Patel, a local taxi driver who provided me a room above his house. The stay there helped me reach the heritage site very early in the morning to watch the graceful sunrise.

Patel is a much loved human, who worked in the hotel industry for many years and ventured into own taxi services. His service caters mostly to travellers who visit Khajuraho.

His goodwill earned him trust, he has a will-wisher who supports him by sponsoring a trip every year- Patel gets to travel to various parts of the world by that travel sponsorship.

On the night of November 2025, when I alighted on a platform of Khajuraho railway station, Patel was waiting there to find a passenger.

He offered me his taxi service and took me to a hotel which I had booked online. 

But fortunately the booking was declined by the hotel, as the only person who was at the campus of the hotel was the security guard. An unpleasant man. He outrightly refused to give me a room 

His voice tone irritated me

‘This is an agricultural college and guest house, don’t expect a room here.’

Patel smiled at me and said

‘Don’t worry, you come with me. A rest room is available up above my house. Just pay Rupees500/-for the stay, also I will be available to drive you to temple sites in Khajuraho.’

I told Patel

‘Excellent, good plan. But I want to watch the sunrise, so ideally I want to reach Khajuraho Westend temple site by 5.50am.’

Patel expressed his willingness and he impressed me with punctuality.

Khajuraho | Madhya Pradesh | India