Constructed by the kings of Chandela dynasty in 950-1050 AD, Khajuraho, till date depicts the finest temple art in the country.
A World Heritage Site, the architectural skills of those times are depicted in the stunning sculptures that would leave one awe-struck. The temple is full of sculptures doing meditation, kinship, wrestling and royal activities. Most highlighted part of them is the erotic art, which is one of its kind in India. Classified as Eastern, Western and Southern, the stunning, elaborate and expressive sculptures of the Khajuraho temples portray a catalog of desire.
The Khajuraho Temple Complex
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Khajuraho temple complex is full of sculptures that have numerous erotic carvings. Built between 900 AD and 1130 AD, they depict men, women, and even animals involved in sexual activities. Don’t miss the Light and Sound show in the evening, to know the temple’s history.
Kandariya Mahadev Temple
The largest and tallest of the entire group of Khajuraho temples, Kandariya Mahadev Temple belongs to the 1050 BC. Built by Raja Dhandadeva, a Chandela ruler, it has 84 miniature spires or Urushringas. The sanctum sactorum has a shivlinga made out of marble. The boundary has 646 statues which are extremely appealing.
Lakshmana Temple
Built by the Chandela kings, Lakshmana Temple is an architectural marvel. One of the largest temples set in the Western Wing of the Khajuraho temple complex; it has Lord Vishnu as the presiding deity. The exterior of the walls have more than 600 gods.
Devi Jagdamba Temple
A part of the Western Group of Temples, this temple showcases a triple panel of sculptures; topmost has most erotic carvings. Dedicated to Goddess Jagdamba, the carving of this temple showcases brilliant craftsmanship.
Panna Tiger Reserve
On the Vindhyan Hills, this dry and deciduous forest is home to the Royal tigers (Panthera tigris), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus), Wolf (Canis lupus), Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), Caracal (Felus caracal) and other smaller cats. Apart from the Tigers, one will also find the biggest ghariyal in the world.
Ajaigarh Fort
Standing high on the lofty Vindhyan hill, the fort, though in ruins now, has two rock-cut tanks named Ganga and Yamuna. Nearby is Chandella temple, dedicated to Raja Parmardi deva.
Raneh Falls (20 kms from Khajuraho)
The breathtaking falls on the Ken River is a 30 meters deep canyon. It was formed with pure crystalline granite in various colors like green, pink, misty white, and red to grey. The most charming part of this place is the combination of small and big falls that flow furiously during the rainy season.
Archaeological Museum Khajuraho
The open air museum, once known as Jardine Museum was created to protect the ancient sculptures and remnants of Khajuraho temples. The present museum was built in 1967 and houses five galleries with sculptures that symbolise Jain, Brahmanical and Buddhist faiths.
Beni Sagar Dam
On the outskirts of Khajuraho, the majestic dam creates a pleasing atmosphere perfect for boating, angling or swimming. Nestled on an area of 7.7 sq km is a natural site with picturesque surroundings.
Jain Museum
Also known as Sahu Shantiprasad Jain Kala Sangrahalaya, this museum is a part of the Eastern Group of Khajuraho Temples. Established in the year 1987, the museum has more than a 100 Jain sculptures. One will also find sculptures of yaksh, statues of 24 Tirthankaras and images of other famous Jain gurus.
Though Khajuraho is identified as a temple town, but without a shopping trip, a visit to this town is incomplete. Just as one finishes a tour to the temples, shopping lanes begin. Other places to consider are:
Jain Temple Road:
Visit the handicraft stores or Crafts Emporium to buy sculptures of brass, iron or stone with Kama Sutra poses, same as on the walls of the temples of Khajuraho.
Rajinagar
About 5km from Khajuraho, a Tuesday bazaar has a good collection of silver and brassware.
In the street shops of Khajuraho, one can buy playing cards, statues, pictures, wooden statues, precious stones and much more.
Dance festival of Khajuraho
Khajuraho is the best place to understand and appreciate the Indian art and culture. Hence the festival held between 20th to the 26th February adds up to the glory of this temple town and receives people in thousands. At Khajuraho festival, famous artists, both male and female perform Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Kathak, Odissi and Bharatnatyam. The star attraction here is classical dance performance in front of Chitragupta temple and the Vishwanatha temple.
Winter
(October to February): Best time to visit the temple town and take temple tours. Visitors must carry light woolen clothes, as the average temperature might drop as low as 4 degrees Celsius. This is the time for the internationally acclaimed Khajuraho festival.
Summer
March to June): The maximum temperature during this time goes upto 47 degree Celsius. March though is quite pleasant for a trip. For other months, one must carry light cotton clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen and water bottle.
Monsoons
(July to September): Enjoy the rain washed splendour of Khajuraho that turns into a real paradise during this time. Considered off season, this is the best time to grab some heavy discounts in luxury hotels.
By Air:
Khajuraho has its own domestic airport that connects to cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Allahabad and Bhopal. It receives regular flights of Jet Airways, SpiceJet, Air India and Jet Konnect. From airport one can easily hire cab/taxi to get into the town.
By Rail:
Khajuraho Railway Station is connected to cities like Delhi, Kanpur, Mahoba, Varanasi, Udaipur and Manikpur. The second nearest railhead is Mahoba Junction, about 75 kms away from Khajuraho. It receives regular trains from Udaipur, Bundelkhand and other parts of Rajasthan.
By Road
Khajuraho has a good bus network, passengers can board a state owned bus from Raja Yashovarman Bus stand, to go to places like Jhansi and other states of MP. One can choose from a range of regular to AC luxury buses, as per comfort.
