Located in Madhya Pradesh, in the district of Chhatarpur, Khajuraho is a small town with a big reputation. The place is famous for its group of captivating temples, known for their intricate and explicit carvings that depict life in all its forms. These temples, built by the Chandela dynasty between the 9th and 11th centuries, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are considered some of the most remarkable examples of Indian art and architecture.
According to some of the historical notes found, the temple site of Khajuraho had around 85 temples, spreading over an area of 20 square kilometres. Unfortunately, only about 25 temples survived within a complex of six square kilometres. There are three groups of temples in Khajuraho, such as th Western Group, Eastern Group and the Southern Group. Of these, the Western Group is where the most famous and well-preserved ones are located. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is a masterpiece of design, with its soaring spires and exquisite carvings. The Western group also includes Jagdambi Temple, Chitragupta Temple and ASI Museum, where some amazing artefacts and sculptures are displayed.
The Eastern Group of Temples, located a few kilometres away from the Western one, are the best example of the coexistence of two religions, Hindu and Jain. This Eastern complex includes three Hindu temples and four Jain temples, such as Vamana Temple, Brahma Temple, Javari Temple, Parsvanatha Temple, Ghantai Temple, Adinath Temple and Santinatha Temple. Moreover, the Southern Group includes two temples, such as Duladeo and Chaturbhuja.
While Khajuraho's temples are renowned for their exquisite art, the explicit erotic carvings steal the spotlight. These sculptures, found on some of the temple exteriors, showcase human sensuality and intimate relationships. These monuments are proof to the openness and acceptance of human desires in the cultural context of the time. The explicit depictions may be surprising, but they are only a small fraction of the overall art on the temples.
However, tourism in Khajuraho does not only include exploring these heritage sites but also visiting the nearby must-visit places such as Adivart Tribal and Folk Art Museum, Khajuraho Museum, Raneh Fall, Pandav Fall, Panna National Park and more. Moreover, exploring the local markets is a delightful way to experience the town's vibrant culture. One can find exquisite handicrafts, traditional clothing, and various souvenirs. It is also recommended to try some local street food, which offers a taste of authentic Indian flavours.
Popular Tourist Places to Explore in and around Khajuraho
The Western Group of Temples
Close to the archaeological museum of Khajuraho, there are the Western Group of Temples which include the temples of Lakhmana, Varaha, Matangeshwar, Kandariya Mahadev, Chitragupta, Parvati, Vishwanatha and Nandi. One of the must-visit tourist places in Khajuraho, the group of temples are in a rectangular complex and there is only one entry point to this complex. These temples are famous for their stunning architecture and intricate carvings, which date back to around 950 to 1050 AD. This group of temples showcases approximately 870 stunning sculptures that are engraved on the exterior and interior walls. However, the prime attraction of this place is the floral carvings of the Sanctum and a Shivling. There is a plaque at the entrance of the complex where one can get a brief introduction of these temples.
The Eastern Group of Temples
Undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Khajuraho, the Eastern Group of Temples are located just a few kilometres towards the east of the Western Group of Temples. The temples are located close to the village where three Hindu temples and four Jain temples were found, whereas the Jain temples are still some of the active places of worship. The Hindu temples found here include the Statue of Hanuman, a red-coloured statue of Lord Hanuman with a height of 2.5 metres. There is a Vamana Temple, which is dedicated to the dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Brahma Temple, the oldest one in the group and Javari Temple. The four Jain Temples are Ghantai Temple, Adinath Temple, Parsvanath Temple and Santinatha Temple. The Eastern Group of Temples in Khajuraho is the testament of the times where two religions coexisted peacefully.
Khajuraho Museum
The Khajuraho Museum is an ideal destination for history enthusiasts, who are planning a Khajuraho tour around this ancient city in India, Madhya Pradesh. Also known as the Archaeological Museum, this place is a treasure trove of artefacts and sculptures dating back to the 10th and 12th centuries, showcasing the rich heritage of the region. Located near the Matangeshwar Temple, within the Western Group of Temples, here one will find a remarkable collection of sculptures from the nearby Khajuraho temples, each intricately carved and telling stories of a bygone era. The museum remains open from 8 AM to 5 PM except on Fridays and the entry fee for Indians and foreigners are INR 10 and INR 250, respectively.
Raneh Fall
After completing the heritage tour in the Khajuraho temple complex, one can also see some of the nearby top tourist destinations such as Raneh Fall. Located near 20 kilometres from Khajuraho, Raneh Fall is renowned for its unique and striking beauty, characterised by a deep canyon formed by the crystalline Ken River cutting through the rocky terrain. One can see a series of falls in the canyon and they are best experienced during the monsoon season when the water surges through the ravines, creating a mesmerising spectacle. However, the larger and smaller falls can be seen all throughout the year.
Ken Gharial Sanctuary
Down the Raneh Fall, at the confluence of the Ken River and Kudar River, there is Ken Gharial Sanctuary, which is one of the must-see places on a Khajuraho sightseeing tour. The sanctuary is located in Panna and Chhatarpur Districts, around 53 kilometres from Khajuraho. Established in 1981, for the conservation of mugger crocodile and gharial, the sanctuary remains closed in monsoon. Along with the crocodiles, one can also spot other wildlife here such as nilgai, chinkara, sambar deer, peafowl, wild boar, spotted deer and more.
Dhubela Museum
One of the best things to do in Khajuraho after having a heritage tour to the ancient temples is to visit Dhubela Museum, which is originally known as Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum. Located at a distance of around 60 kilometres from Khajuraho, the museum is located in an old palace, along the Chhatarpur-Jhansi highway, at a place called Dhubela. It was built in 1955 and presently, it showcases eight galleries, dedicated to different antiques such as inscriptions, lingas, copper plates, sati pillars and inscribed images of the Gupta and Kalachuri period. Except Mondays, the museum remains open from 10:30 AM to 5 PM.
Panna National Park
Panna National Park is located around 96 kilometres from Khajuraho and it can be easily added to a Khajuraho tourism package for a history, as well as wildlife enthusiast. It is situated within the Vindhya Ranges, spanning across the northern districts of Panna and Chhatarpur. It serves as a haven for a diverse array of avian species, making it a bird watcher's paradise. The park boasts an impressive population of wild cats, including majestic tigers, as well as graceful deer and antelopes among its prominent residents. Embarking on a jungle expedition here promises an exhilarating adventure. Safari jeeps navigate through picturesque canyons and dense teak forests, allowing you to immerse yourself in the park's diverse range of flora and fauna.
Best Time to Visit Khajuraho
October to February is the best time to visit Khajuraho as the weather remains calm and pleasant during this time.
How to Reach Khajuraho by Train, Road, and Air ?
+91-9212553107
What'sApp
Packages
+91-9212553107