The architectural talents of the Chandela dynasty can be seen in the 9th to 12th century temples of Khajuraho. Khajuraho, located in Madhya Pradesh, India, exudes passion, sexuality, dance and music, as well as other finesses of creative arts displayed in sculpture and imagery of the temples. The 85 temples were erected in the North Indian ‘Nagara’ style of architecture, but only 20 have withstood the harsh weather conditions throughout the years. The Western and Eastern temple groupings are the two more distinct groups of temples. The temple village of Khajuraho is unlike any other temple town in India. It is not about religion, worship, or deities.
Khajuraho temples, on the other hand, are notable for the sensuality engraved on their walls in the shape of sculptures. These 10th-11th century temples, a mix of science and art, have an intriguing legend behind them that relates them to the origins of the Chandela dynasty. The Moon God is claimed to have seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girl known as Hemvati in a frenzy of desire, resulting in the birth of Chandravarman (the founder of the Chandela dynasty). Later, Chandravarman had a dream in which his mother asked him to build a temple that would unveil to the world all parts of the wealth of desire and sensual fantasy.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Khajuraho is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. The temperature during this period fluctuates from 10°C to 27°C, making it ideal for exploring Khajuraho’s ancient temples and monuments.
Due to severe rains and the potential of flooding, visiting Khajuraho during the monsoon season (July to September) can be difficult. Summer months (April to June) are exceptionally hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 47°C, making outdoor activities miserable.
Places to visit in Khajuraho
Khajuraho Temples:
The Khajuraho Temples are the main attraction of the town. The temples were built between 950 and 1050 AD and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The intricate carvings on the walls and pillars of the temples are famous worldwide.
Raneh Falls:
The Raneh Falls is a natural waterfall located on the Ken River, about 20 kilometers from Khajuraho. The waterfall is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, and you can take a dip in the cool waters.
Panna National Park:
The Panna National Park is located about 40 kilometres from Khajuraho and is home to a variety of species, including tigers, leopards, deer, and antelopes. The park also contains a high population of migrating birds.
Beni Sagar Dam:
The Beni Sagar Dam is a popular site for picnics and boating. The dam is roughly 10 km from Khajuraho and gives stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Anthropological Museum:
The Archaeological Museum in Khajuraho exhibits a collection of temple sculptures and artefacts. The museum takes a more in-depth look at the region’s history and culture.
Temple of Kandariya Mahadev:
The Kandariya Mahadev Temple is Khajuraho’s largest and most elaborate temple. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and features beautiful carvings of Hindu mythological subjects.
Temple of Lakshmana:
Another well-known temple in Khajuraho is the Lakshmana Temple. The temple is notable for its intricate carvings and contains a stunning sculpture of the four-armed Vishnu.
Chaturbhuj Temple:
The Chaturbhuj Temple is the only temple in Khajuraho that does not include any sensual sculptures. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and features intricate carvings of the divinity.
Activities in Khajuraho
Pay a visit to the Khajuraho Temples:
Khajuraho’s main draw is a collection of temples erected during the Chandela era that are now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The sensual sculptures and elaborate carvings in the temples are well-known.
Show of Sound and Light:
Every evening, the Western Group of Temples hosts a Sound and Light display that showcases the history of the Khajuraho Temples in an interesting fashion.
National Park of Panna:
Explore the Panna National Park near Khajuraho, which is noted for its tigers, leopards, and other wildlife. You can also take a boat ride on the Ken River, which runs through the park.
The Raneh Falls:
Visit the Raneh Falls, a beautiful waterfall around 20 kilometres from Khajuraho. The waterfall is flanked by stunning rock formations and is a favourite shooting location.
The Jain Museum:
Khajuraho’s Jain Museum houses a large collection of Jain sculptures and artefacts.
Kandariya Art and Culture Centre (Kandariya):
The Kandariya Art and Culture Centre is a one-of-a-kind museum that highlights Khajuraho’s rich cultural legacy, including music, dance, and handicrafts.
Tour of the Village:
Take a tour of the surrounding villages to learn about rural life and culture.
The Dhubela Museum:
The Dhubela Museum, around 80 kilometres from Khajuraho, houses a collection of antique weapons and artefacts.
Massage using Ayurvedic Oil:
Indulge in an Ayurvedic massage, which is famed for its therapeutic advantages and is available at numerous wellness centres throughout Khajuraho.
Regional Cuisine:
Don’t miss out on the local food, which includes traditional delicacies such as bafla, chakki ki shaak, and mawa-bati.
How to Get There
There are various options for getting to Khajuraho:
By Air:
The Khajuraho Airport has direct flights to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, and Agra. You can fly directly to Khajuraho from any of these cities.
Taking the train:
Khajuraho has its own railway station that connects to important towns including Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, and Agra. The New Delhi-Khajuraho Express and the Mahakoshal Express are two popular trains that run to and from Khajuraho.
By car:
Roads connect Khajuraho to important cities in Madhya Pradesh and other states. You may reach Khajuraho by bus from cities such as Bhopal, Jhansi, and Satna.
