KHAJURAHO

The 9th to 12th century temples of khajuraho is the evidences of the architectural geniuses during the times of Chandela dynasty. Situated in Madhya Pradesh, India, Khajuraho oozes with passion, eroticism, dance and music and other finesses of creative arts depicted in sculpture and images of the temples. The 85 temples were built in North Indian ‘Nagara’ style of architecture, though only 20 of them have survived the rough weather conditions over long years of time. The two richer distinctive groups of temples are the Western and Eastern group of temples. Temple town of Khajuraho is much different from any other temple city of India. It is not about religion and worshipping and deities.

The temples of Khajuraho are instead famous for the eroticism etched on its walls in the form of sculptures. An amalgamation of science and art of architecture, these 10th-11th century temples have a very interesting legend behind them that connects them to the origin of Chandela dynasty. It is said that in a fit of passion and lust, the Moon God seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girls known as Hemvati, resulting in the birth of Chandravarman (the founder of the Chandela dynasty). Later, Chandravarman had a dream where his mother requested him to make a temple, which would reveal all aspects of the treasure of passion and erotic fantasy to the world.

 

Best Time to Visit Khajuraho

The best time to visit Khajuraho is during the winter months of October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. The temperature during this time ranges from 10°C to 27°C, making it perfect for exploring the ancient temples and monuments in Khajuraho.

Visiting Khajuraho during the monsoon season (July to September) can be a bit challenging due to heavy rainfall and the possibility of flooding. The summer months (April to June) are extremely hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 47°C, making it uncomfortable for outdoor activities.

 

Places to visit in Khajuraho City

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 kilometers from Khajuraho and is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, deer, and antelopes. The park also has a large population of migratory birds.

Beni Sagar Dam: The Beni Sagar Dam is a popular spot for picnics and boating. The dam is located about 10 kilometers from Khajuraho and offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills.

Archaeological Museum: The Archaeological Museum in Khajuraho houses a collection of sculptures and artifacts from the temples. The museum provides a deeper insight into the history and culture of the region.

Kandariya Mahadev Temple: The Kandariya Mahadev Temple is the largest and most ornate temple in Khajuraho. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

Lakshmana Temple: The Lakshmana Temple is another famous temple in Khajuraho. The temple has a beautiful sculpture of the four-armed Vishnu and is known for its elaborate carvings.

Chaturbhuj Temple: The Chaturbhuj Temple is a unique temple in Khajuraho as it is the only temple that does not have any erotic sculptures. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has beautiful carvings of the god.

 

Things to Do in Khajuraho

Visit the Khajuraho Temples: The main attraction of Khajuraho is the group of temples built during the Chandela dynasty, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temples are famous for their erotic sculptures and intricate carvings.

Sound and Light Show: Witness the Sound and Light show held in the Western Group of Temples every evening, which showcases the history of the Khajuraho Temples in an engaging way.

Panna National Park: Explore the Panna National Park, which is located near Khajuraho and is known for its tigers, leopards, and other wildlife. You can also enjoy a boat ride in the Ken river that passes through the park.

Raneh Falls: Visit the Raneh Falls, a stunning waterfall located about 20 km from Khajuraho. The waterfall is surrounded by beautiful rock formations and is a popular spot for photography.

Jain Museum: The Jain Museum in Khajuraho is home to an extensive collection of Jain sculptures and artifacts.

Kandariya Art and Culture Centre: The Kandariya Art and Culture Centre is a unique museum that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Khajuraho, including its music, dance, and handicrafts.

Village Tour: Take a tour of the nearby villages and learn about the rural life and culture of the region.

Dhubela Museum: Visit the Dhubela Museum, which is located about 80 km from Khajuraho, to see a collection of ancient weapons and artifacts.

Ayurvedic Massage: Indulge in an Ayurvedic massage, which is known for its therapeutic benefits and can be found at various wellness centers in Khajuraho.

Local Cuisine: Don’t forget to try the local cuisine, which includes traditional dishes like bafla, chakki ki shaak, and mawa-bati.

Khajuraho is Famous for:

Khajuraho City has the country’s largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculptures.

How to Reach Khajuraho

There are several ways to reach Khajuraho:

By Air: The Khajuraho Airport is well-connected to major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, and Agra. You can take a direct flight from any of these cities to Khajuraho.

By Train: Khajuraho has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, and Agra. Some of the popular trains that operate to and from Khajuraho are the New Delhi-Khajuraho Express and the Mahakoshal Express.

By Road: Khajuraho is well-connected by road to major cities in Madhya Pradesh and other neighboring states. You can take a bus from cities like Bhopal, Jhansi, and Satna to reach Khajuraho.

By Private Taxi: You can also hire a private taxi from nearby cities like Jhansi, Satna, or even from the airport to reach Khajuraho.