Khajuraho - A Complete Travel Guide
The quintessential tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is nothing short of a paradise for people who have an eye for art, history, and culture. Also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khajuraho in Chhatarpur District, M.P. is famous around the world for its incredibly beautiful ancient temples that are carved with erotic sculptures. In terms of architecture, it is really hard to imagine how the people must have accomplished this feat during medieval times i.e. between 950 AD to 1050 AD without any kind of modern technology or equipment.
These carvings at Khajuraho temples also depict the liberal thought process during the medieval era. This small town is a remarkable example of Indian culture and heritage where tourists get a chance to delve into nuanced anecdotes from history.
History Of Khajuraho
As per the historical records, these beautifully carved temples were built by the Chandela rulers and these temples are a living example of the intricate art of ancient times. The very first record of these temples can be traced back to the writings of Abu Raihan-al Biruni (973-1050 AD).
After the Chandela rulers, this region came under the rule of Qutb-Uddin Aibak, and over the years, various temples were vandalized by these invaders. It was only in 1830 that a British engineer named T.S. Burt discovered the site of Khajuraho and made remarkable attempts at restoration of these architectural marvels.
Best Places To Visit In Khajuraho
Khajuraho is very famous among locals and tourists. It is considered one of the popular tourist places in Madhya Pradesh. Here's the list of the places you can explore in Khajuraho!
1. Dulhadev Temple
This temple is believed to be built in 1130. Inside the temple, you will find many sculptures of Apsaras and other pristine statues and figurines. If you want to explore the peak of Indian architecture, then a visit to Dulhadev Temple will leave you enthralled. We also suggest you carry a camera to capture the most beautiful shots.
2. Lakshman Temple
It is considered to be one of the oldest temples in the region and has been named after Lord Lakshman. One of the highlighting features of the temple is the trinity of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva which can be seen at the entrance of the temple itself. For anyone who is interested in Indian philosophy and religion should consider visiting here.
3. Parsvanath Temple
This particular temple is considered to be the largest of the temples situated here. The fine work done on the temple makes it a notable example of our glorious heritage. One of the interesting things is that it showcases a fusion of Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist-styled architecture.
4. Light and Sound Show
The light and sound show here is something to look forward to. One of the major reasons for it is as the show is narrated by the veteran actor who is also referred to as the Mega Star of Bollywood Mr. Amitabh Bacchan.
Things to Do in Khajuraho
- Temple Exploration
- Attend the Light and Sound Show
- Wildlife Safari at Panna National Park
- Explore Raneh Falls and Pandav Falls
- Photography and Videography
- Attend the Khajuraho Dance Festival
- Shopping
Best Time to Visit Khajuraho
- October to March (Winter) – The best time to visit due to pleasant weather.
- February – Ideal if you want to attend the Khajuraho Dance Festival.
- July to September (Monsoon) – The temples look beautiful, but travel can be tricky.
- April to June (Summer) – Avoid visiting as it gets extremely hot.
How To Reach Khajuraho
Khajuraho is a fine example of Indian architecture wrapped in the Indian past. It is located at a distance of about 651, 1,147, 1,064, 1,622 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Check out the details mentioned below on how you can reach Khajuraho by the following means of transportation.
- Nearest Airport - Khajuraho Airport (HJR)
- Distance From Airport - 4km
- Distance From Bhopal - 377km
- Distance From Indore - 568km
- Distance From Jhansi - 175km
- Distance From Delhi - 652km
By Air
To travel here by air, you will need to deboard at Khajuraho Airport (HJR). This airport was opened in 1978 and since then it has been one of the vital links to serving the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2016, a brand new terminal was also inaugurated for making the whole region more accessible for global as well as domestic tourists. From the airport, you can easily book a taxi to reach here.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Khajuraho
By Train
You will need to deboard at Khajuraho Train Station situated in Chhatarpur district. However, this station doesn’t have very good connectivity with the major Indian cities. Thus, in this case, you can also consider deboarding at either Jhansi Railway Station or Satna Railway Station, both of which are located at a distance of about 100-120 km. After deboarding your train at one of these stations, you will need to cover the remaining distance by some means of public transportation.
By Road
Depending upon your location, you can also consider traveling to Khajuraho by roadways and national highways. From the nearby towns and cities, you can easily consider booking state-run or private buses to reach here. Otherwise, you can also book a taxi or consider taking your own vehicle.
- Jhansi - 175 km via NH39
- Gwalior - 281 km via NH44
- Agra - 433 km via NH19
Frequently Asked Questions about Khajuraho
Q. What are some tourist attractions in Khajuraho?
A. Some popular tourist attractions in Khajuraho include the group of temples, which include the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Chausath Yogini Temple, and more. Other popular tourist destinations include the Khajuraho Dance Festival, Raneh Falls, and Beni Sagar Dam.
Q. How many temples are there in Khajuraho?
A. Originally, there were around 85 temples, but today only 22 remain.
Q. How much time is needed to explore Khajuraho?
A. A 1-2 day trip is ideal to explore the temples, enjoy local attractions, and experience cultural activities.
Q. What are the temple timings?
A. The temples are open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
