Exploring Agra, Varanasi, and Khajuraho

Agra and Varanasi are at opposite ends of Uttar Pradesh. Both lie on the Gangetic plain, also known as the Northern Plain, which stretches across most of Northern India. The countryside in both areas is similar: a dry landscape planted with sugarcane, mustard, and wheat in winter. In Khajuraho, 418 km (260 miles) southeast of Agra—sort of midway, but south, between Agra and Varanasi—you'll get a good sense of the natural environment, because it's an uncongested area. The monsoon hits harder to the east, around Varanasi, so the terrain there is a little more lush.