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Khajuraho travel guide: the best places to visit, eat & stay..

My Essential Khajuraho Travel Guide

Khajuraho , a small village in rural Madhya Pradesh in the center of India, is famous as the home of the Khajuraho Temples which date back to the 10 th century and are now a UNESCO world heritage site .

The Khajuraho temples are a group of Hindu and Jain temples that are adorned with intricate details, symbolism and ancient Indian art but they are best known for the explicit erotic sculptures that adorn the ancient stone edifices and are regarded as some of the most fabulous temple art in the world.

The temples are the main reason not to miss visiting Khajuraho, but the small town also makes a nice escape from the cities and provides an interesting glimpse into life in rural India.

I’ve been to Khajuraho twice now – once on my first trip backpacking around India where the highlight was being randomly invited to a wedding anniversary party in a family home in the old village and also on my recent trip through North India with India Someday ( see more about that here ) and Khajuraho’s fascinating history, culture, temples, museums and dance shows captivated me both times.

Khajuraho is quite small so 2 days should be enough to see the main attractions.

Top Things to do in Khajuraho

The khajuraho temples.

There are several groups of temples spread across the countryside that make up the Khajuraho Group of Monuments UNESCO world heritage site.

The temples at Khajuraho were built in the 10th century by the Chandelas , one of the ruling dynasties that were prevalent throughout India in that time and often fought violent wars against each other or against invading parties. The kingdom was powerful and the temples in use until the end of 12th century, of the 85 temples built spread over 20 square kilometres, only 25 now still survive intact.

The temples of Khajuraho are amazingly, stunningly intricate in architecture, style and detail and freezes of detailed sculptures run all along and around the temples and up the flamboyant spires.

While the temples are most famous for their erotic sculptures , actually, these only account for 10% of the numerous sculptures. The majority of the Khajuraho sculptures depict every day medieval life with scenes depicting gods and goddesses, war, villagers, farming, journeys, elephants and other real or mystical creatures.

The level of detail and skill that you can see if you look close up is amazing, especially considering the age and weathering the sandstone sculptures have undergone. These are certainly some of the most beautiful temples in India.

The Western Group of Temples contains some of the best preserved, most interesting and most breath-taking sculptures situated in quiet, green gardens and are the only ones you have to pay an entrance fee for (500 rupees) There’s an audio guide available which allows you to wander the temples at your own pace while listening to the guide and learning about the history and meaning behind the temples.

Highlights include the Lakshmana temple – circle the base to see some of Khajuraho’s raunchiest artwork including orgies and even a guy getting very friendly with a horse! Kandariya Mahadev is Khajuraho’s largest temple where you can the infamous handstand position on the South side.  Outside the Western Enclosure are some other temples including Matangesvara , the only one still in use and the ruins of Chausath Yogini which make a nice sunset spot.

Rent a bicycle

Pedal around the temple-dotted hills, and buffalo filled fields, observing traditional rural Indian life and explore the Old Village. The Eastern Group of Temples are scattered in and around the old village. There is also a group of Jain temples which are quite different from the others and more temples to explore further South.

There are two archaeological museums in Khajuraho , the old one is situated in front of Western Group of Temples and is quite small. The new museum is about 500 meters from the Western Group and is home to a good collection of sculptures which help to tell the story of Khajuraho. The museums can be viewed quickly and offer a nice mid-day break from the heat. There is also a Tribal and Folk Art Museum with paintings, sculptures and other artifacts which give a colourful insight into the tribal cultures of the area.

Sound and Light Show

Each evening the temples become illuminated for a super fun, if a little cheesy, introduction to local history. The Sound and Light Show features lights playing across temple facades as a narrator tells you about Khajuraho. Foreigners pay 500 rupees.

Panna National Park

A must-do day trip from Khajuraho. The park contains Pench Tiger Reserve, the setting of Rudyard Kipling’s famous work, The Jungle Book . The tiger population has recently rebounded to 40 after taking a hit from poachers. Though not every visitor will see an elusive big cat, many do report tiger or leopard sightings along with many kinds of deer, antelope, crocodiles, hyenas, wolves, birds, and snakes. About 15km inside the park you can take in Raneh Waterfalls , best viewed after the monsoon.

Folk Dance Show

Khajuraho doesn’t have much in the way of evening entertainment but the colourful folk dance show held every night at the Kandariya Art & Cultural Centre is a lively, feel-good performance takes you through many different folk dances from states all across India in an entertaining hour-long show in a modern air-conditioned theatre decorated with statues. If you can, time your visit to coincide with the Khajuraho Dance Festival held in the first week of February

Why are there such explicit and erotic carvings on a temple in a conservative country like India?

This is the question most visitors ask and there are a couple of different theories. One of the most popular theories connect the erotic carvings with the Kama Sutra but these have mostly been discredited. One of the beliefs is that the erotic sculptures were considered auspicious and protective. They were placed mainly in the most vulnerable area of the temple maybe to appease and ward off malevolent spirits.

Another is that as India was made up of warring kingdoms, kings wanted to increase their population to provide more men for their armies. Knowing that people would come to pray at the temple and walk around the outside, they put sexy carvings hoping that their subjects would be inspired to try the positions at home. It must have worked because India now has the 2nd largest population of the world!

Where to stay in Khajuraho

Khajuraho is quite small and most of the accommodation and restaurants in Khajuraho are clustered close to the Western Temples.

Save: The best backpacker hostels and guesthouses in Khajuraho

Zostel Hostel is Khajuraho’s’ only backpacker hostel run by the popular Zostel brand. At the hostel you can enjoy the cheerful modern décor of the well-equipped common area with other backpackers. Both dorms and private rooms are offered, including AC, and the location is very convenient for exploring on foot and the common areas are good for meeting other travellers.

Friends in Khajuraho Homestay  in the Old Village overlooking the Brahma temple and lake offers an intimate homestay experience. There are 2 guest rooms in this homestay operated by a blended Indian-French family. You can get to know about their family and life on Vio’s blog westernmamainindia.com There is wifi and hot water in the shared bathroom and guests are offered home-cooked meals, personal guiding and a chance to hang out and get to know the family. I stayed here while on my North India trip arranged by India Someday.

Hotel Siddharth is a good-value budget hotel option located directly across from the main Western Temple. It isn’t fancy but has all the essential travel amenities and is well-run, with a restaurant serving local food with nice views of the temples.

Yogi Ashram Guest house offers clean and comfortable private rooms within a large house set in leafy gardens about 2km from the Western temples. There is a terrace, restaurant and shared kitchen and yoga classes, massage, meditation and cooking classes are also available.

  Hotel Isabel Palace . Just a small step up the price ladder will get you a room in Hotel Isabel Palace, a white colonial Raj era mansion, compete with a jungle-like courtyard surrounded by balconies and a rooftop restaurant. If you’re on a budget they also have dormitory beds available for about 300 rupees.

Splurge : The Best Hotels in Khajuraho

The Lalit Temple View Hotel is the most luxurious stay in Khajuraho by one of the best regarded luxury hotel brands in India situated only 500 meters away from the temples. The architecture is quite bland but rooms are spacious and inviting. The Lalit has a huge clover-shaped swimming pool surrounded by palm trees and wicker chaise lounges and a spa, fitness center and also offers yoga classes.

Clarks Khajuraho is a good value for money five star hotel located near the airport in Khajuraho. Rooms are spacious and comfortable with all modern amenities and there is also a spa and fitness center. The highlight is the lovely swimming pool set within nice, spacious gardens .  

Where to eat in Khajuraho

Raja Cafe is one of the best bets for food in town. With an extensive multi-cuisine menu that includes Indian and many Western and Asian dishes, it stands out among such restaurants for across-the-board quality of food. It also boasts shaded rooftop seating and temple views, and has espresso drinks.

Agrasen is one of the more upmarket rooftop restaurant options in Khajuraho that serves good salads, pizzas and pastas as well as great Indian food.

Blue Sky Restaurant is a standard multi cuisine traveller orientated restaurant that serves decent enough food but the real attraction here are the views over the western group of temples from the terrace and the cute table in the tree.

Mediterraneo is a very popular Italian restaurant with house-made pastas and a wood-fired stone oven that produces delicious thin and crispy pizzas.

Bella Italia also makes its own pizza, and is somewhat cheaper and has a rooftop under a tree where hundreds of parrots gather at sunset.

Lassi corner is great if you want a quick and cheap breakfast or snack.

Top Tips/ Good to Know: Khajuraho is situated in a rural area where many local people do not have much income and so they can be quite persistent in hassling tourists to buy things or give money.

How to get to Khajuraho

Khajuraho is connected by bus, train, and a fancy new airport to several North Indian destinations.

Buses run to and from Chhatarpur, which is connected to Jhansi and Gwalior. A bus also goes to Madla for Panna National Park.

Trains connect to Delhi (11.5 hours), Varanasi(11 hours), and Jhansi (4-4.5 hours depending on the train).

There are daily flights to and from Delhi via Varanasi on Jet Airways, and three times weekly flights to Delhi via Varanasi and and from Delhi via Agra and Varanasi on Air India.

Visit the holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the river Ganges.

Explore the little off beat gem of Orchha with it’s many imposing historic forts and palaces

Check out more destination guides in my India Travel Guides page and subscribe to get all my best India travel tips and stories.

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Interesting blog and nice pictures will soon plan to visit this place.

Very nicely written but I was surprised to see there was no mention of the Khajuraho classical dance festival against the backdrop of the western group of temples ! It’s a very interesting event with classical dancers from all over India performing during the festival period. The latest addition is the archaeological seminar and an art exhibition by contemporary artists from India and South Asian nations. It’s a big crowd puller and steadily gaining popularity.

Thanks, I did mention the dance festival – but only briefly as I havent had the chance to attend. Hopefully one day! Thanks for letting me know more about it though. Here’s where I mentioned it – “Folk Dance Show – Khajuraho doesn’t have much in the way of evening entertainment but the colourful folk dance show held every night at the Kandariya Art & Cultural Centre is a lively, feel-good performance takes you through many different folk dances from states all across India in an entertaining hour-long show in a modern air-conditioned theatre decorated with statues. If you can, time your visit to coincide with the Khajuraho Dance Festival held in the first week of February”

Just one sentence Anna ! That doesn’t even count as brief 😉 I’m sure you won’t deprive yourself of the wonderful experience for long 😊 Even I’m planning to visit again, couldn’t get enough of it last time even after four days of stay ! A thoroughly informative article by you nonetheless 👍 Will be waiting for more in coming days 😊

Chiranjit Das Thanks! I hope I get to see it for myself soon 🙂

Thanks. Very well written with all the required information. I am presently in Kajuraho and follow your suggestions. Vitnessed the light n sound show. It was wonderful. Will post again after visiting the temples.

Hi Prithviraj – thanks glad you found the post helpful. Happy travels 🙂

just so you know – it’s not Raja’s Cafe but Raja Cafe. And somewhere you wrote Karma Sutra instead of Kama Sutra!

I have linked your post on our website here https://friends-in-khajuraho.com/khajuraho/khajuraho-tourism-what-see-do/

Greetings from Khajuraho! 🙂 vio

Thanks so much for pointing this out Vio! and thanks for linking to my post 🙂 Hope you and the family are all well xxx

Hello Anna I am planing to visit Khajuraho next December from Bangladesh . Your post is vary helpful to me. I am solo traveler. Can you plz give a sort guideline that which way batter for me to visit Khajuraho? Thankyou so much your informative deception.

Hi Nandita, great your planning to visit Khajuraho and that you found my post useful.

I’m not sure what you mean by guideline? I’ve put all the tips for best places to see and where to stay and eat in the post. You only 2 or 3 days to see the best of Khajuraho.

Thanks for article

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Khajuraho: A Complete Guide

At first glance, Khajuraho appears as an idyllic Indian village, surrounded by low-lying hills and lush agricultural fields. A closer inspection gradually raises the curtain and reveals the magic of Khajuraho. Khajuraho is the storehouse of magnificent temples built by the Chandelas in the 9 th and 10 th centuries. It went by the name of Kharjuravahaka (‘kharjura’ means date palm and ‘vahaka’ means one who carries). According to legends, the city used to have two gold date palm trees as its gate and hence the name.

Khajuraho was the religious capital of the mighty Chandelas, who went on an extraordinary spree of constructing temples, seen never before or afterward in the entire Indian subcontinent. The Chandelas built as many as 85 temples in Khajuraho, an unmatched feat that has immortalized the name of the Chandelas in the annals of Indian history. However, Khajuraho went into oblivion from the 11 th century and its history was revived by the eminent archaeologist Alexander Cunningham in the 19 th century.

The temples in Khajuraho testify to the exceptional engineering skill of the Chandela architects. Incredibly sturdy and strikingly elegant at the same time, the temples of Khajuraho were built by assembling blocks and without using mortar or plaster of any kind. Added to these were the skillful rendition of various types of sculptural ornamentation. All in all, the Khajuraho temples manifest the zenith of India’s Nagara style of architecture, something which modern architects still try hard to replicate.

Table of Contents

Where is Khajuraho located:

Khajuraho is located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. It lies 372 km away from Bhopal, 276 km from Gwalior, and 259 km from Jabalpur.

How to reach Khajuraho:

• By air: Khajuraho has a domestic airport. After remaining inoperative during the Covid years, the airport has recently started to function again. One Spicejet flight from New Delhi flies here daily in the afternoon.
• By train: Khajuraho has a railway station, connected to different parts of Madhya Pradesh. If you are arriving from New Delhi, opt for the Gita Jayanti Express, which runs daily from Kurukshetra to Khajuraho. You will reach Khajuraho at around 8 in the morning after an overnight journey.

As for us, we flew into New Delhi from Kolkata and then boarded the Gita Jayanti Express to reach Khajuraho.

What is the best time to visit Khajuraho:

Like most of places in India, October to February is the best time to visit Khajuraho. We visited in the first week of October, right after the monsoons. Hence, the landscape of Khajuraho was lush while the temperature remained pleasant mostly.

Avoid the summer months (March to June) at all costs as the temperature soars to an average of 42 degrees Celsius and the heat is insufferable.

Where to stay in Khajuraho:

Being a popular tourist destination, Khajuraho has lots of options for accommodation suiting every pocket. There are high-end resorts like Ramada by Wyndham, The Lalit Temple View, and Radisson. However, most of them are located a bit far from the major attractions. The budget hotels such as Hotel Harmony are mostly situated around the Western Group of Temples.

We stayed at Hotel Harmony, which is just a stone’s throw away from the Western Group.

MPT Payal and MPT Jhankar are also good options for staying at Khajuraho. You can book rooms at these two places from here .

Where to eat in Khajuraho:

If you are looking for delicious Indian vegetarian food, go to Badri Seth Marwari Bhoj lying just opposite Shiv Sagar Lake. From Kachoris to Dosas, you will get almost every Indian food in this ever-bustling eatery.

If you want Continental flavor, head to the iconic Raja Café facing the Western Group of Temples.

How to travel around Khajuraho:

The most convenient way to travel around Khajuraho is by renting an auto-rickshaw. It will cost you around 1400 for two days, including a trip to Raneh Waterfalls. Car and bicycle rentals are also available.

Who were the Chandelas:

Hailing from the Chandel clan of the Rajputs, the Chandelas ruled Jejakabhukti (erstwhile Bundelkhand) between the 9th and 13th centuries. According to legend, a union between Chandra, the Moon God, and a Brahmin girl, Hemavati led to the foundation of the Chandela dynasty. Historians, however, believe that the Chandelas had a tribal origin. In order to overcome the stigma attached to their alleged tribal origin as well as achieve social respectability, the Chandela rulers began commissioning countless temples in and around Khajuraho. The Chandela dynasty reached prominence during the reign of Rahila, Yashovarman, Dhanga, and Vidyadhara.

What to see in Khajuraho:

Khajuraho is renowned for the temples built by the Chandela rulers. The massive temples are living specimens of the excellent skill of Chandela architects and sculptors and prove their mastery. The mere mention of Khajuraho evokes images of erotic sculptures of couples engaged in copulation. In fact, Khajuraho has become synonymous with erotic temple sculptures, which depict various forms of ‘mithuna’. Funnily enough, only 10% of Khajuraho’s temple carvings are erotic in nature. The enormous volume of carvings on the walls of Khajuraho temples belongs to Hindu deities, Dikpalas, demi-gods like Ganas and Gandharvas, Celestial Women such as Apsaras and Surasunadaris, amorous couples, animals, secular scenes like war and hunting, and geometric and floral designs.

How many days are enough for Khajuraho:

Ideally, 2 days will be sufficient for exploring the temples of Khajuraho. One of the fascinating features of the Khajuraho temples is that their glow changes during sunrise and sunset. Hence, if time permits, you may need to visit them twice.

We spent 2 days in Khajuraho and took our sweet time exploring the temples to our hearts’ content.

In this blog, we will share our very own itinerary. We will also chalk out itineraries for half-day and 1 day. You can modify them at your own convenience.

We started exploring Khajuraho with the Western Group of Temples. The temples in this area are the most well-preserved and perhaps the most beautiful ones in Khajuraho.

Lakshmana Temple:

As you enter the manicured lawn of Western Group, the first temple that will steal your sight is the opulent Lakshmana Temple. It was built by Yasovarmana to celebrate his victory against the Pratiharas and was dedicated to Vaikuntha Vishnu. It is also one of the best-preserved monuments of Khajuraho.

Interestingly, its present name is a misnomer as it has nothing to do with Lakshmana, the younger brother of Ramchandra.

The temple has countless brilliant sculptures of Hindu deities, ‘apsaras’, amorous couples engaged in lovemaking as well as animal and floral motifs.

Devi Shrine:

Standing right opposite Lakshmana Temple, it is austere as compared to its more intricately decorated neighbor. However, it has a delicately carved ceiling and offers a gorgeous view of the Lakshmana Temple. Inside, there sits an idol of Brahmani.

Varaha Mandapa:

Located just beside the Devi Shrine, this Mandapa houses India’s most elaborately carved specimen of Varaha, the third incarnation of Vishnu. There are 674 miniature statues in 12 rows carved on the body of the Varaha. Actually, it represents Vishwarupa, the cosmic form of Vishnu embodying all means. The Varaha was once accompanied by a statue of Bhudevi. Sadly, only her feet have survived the test of time.

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple:

Regarded as the magnum opus of the Chandelas, it is undoubtedly the most famous among the Khajuraho temples. With its ‘shikhara’ soaring as high as 30.7 meters, it represents the pinnacle of the Nagara style of architecture.

The enormity of this temple along with an overflow of exceptional carvings will leave you speechless. It is estimated that as many as 872 statues decorate both the inside and outside of this lofty temple. The statues here are more refined and livelier, especially those of the apsaras engaged in various activities. Check out the three sculptures of Shiva, first as the slayer of Andhaka, second as Nataraja, and third as Tripurantaka – all placed inside the niches of the sanctum. Outside, admire the manifestations of Saptamatrikas led by a headless Ganesha and Virabhadra, Dikpalas like Indra and Kubera, and the Holy Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva under their various forms and incarnations.

Mahadeva Shrine:

Standing between Kandariya Mahadeva and Devi Jagadambi Temples, nothing significant is left of this shrine except the royal Chandela emblem showing a man fighting a lion.

Devi Jagadambi Temple:

This active temple was originally a Vishnu temple as evident from numerous Vaishnavite icons carved across its walls. At present, the sanctum houses an idol of Parvati and hence the name of this temple.

Interestingly, in Devi Jagadambi Temple, you will notice a profusion of amorous couples engaged in vigorous lovemaking. Even the figures of divine couples such as Shiva-Parvati, Vishnu-Lakshmi, and Brahma-Brahmani depict moods of love.

Chitragupta Temple:

The style of construction of Chitragupta Temple is similar to that of Devi Jagadambi. However, it is more ornate as compared to its neighbor.

It is the only Sun temple of Khajuraho. Inside the sanctum, an impressive statue of Surya, accompanied by Usha and Pratyusha, stands. Like Devi Jagadambi, you will see a plentitude of happy couples in erotic postures. Also, there are as many as 10 sculptures of Shiva and 14 of Dikpalas.

Vishwanatha Temple:

This temple is another riveting creation of the Chandelas. According to a detailed inscription inside the temple, Dhangadeva commissioned this temple while Sutradhara Chichchha was the chief architect. During its heyday, Vishwanatha Temple housed two Shiva lingams, one made of stone while the other of emerald.

Like Kandariya Mahadeva, you will be lost in the plentitude of captivating sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, ‘Apsaras’ and ‘Devanganas’ in graceful postures and couples in erotic poses. In total, there are 602 statues here.

Chausath Yogini Temple:

Oldest among all the Khajuraho monuments, it is located near the Shiv Sagar tank and outside the perimeter of the Western Group of Temples. Following the tradition of the ‘yogini’ cult, it is built in a hypaethral manner, which is open to the sky. The temple is comprised of 67 stone cellars. While one main cellar was devoted to Durga, the rest of the cellars were meant for yoginis and matrikas.

Exploring the Western Group of Temples took the entire morning. It was time for lunch when we finished. Post lunch, we visited the new ASI museum near Hotel Lalit. The museum is vast and has well-stacked galleries.

Afterward, we set out for the Southern Group of Temples.

Duladeva Temple:

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the original name of this temple is lost in the pages of history. The new name of ‘Duladeva’ literally translates into Bridegroom God. Owing to its refined styling and ornamentation, it is believed that this temple is an excellent specimen of the late Chandela temple architecture.

We were amazed to find that the Duladeva Temple follows a star-shaped pattern a la the Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu. While observing the sculptures on the exterior, focus primarily on the outer walls of ‘garbha-griha’ which accommodate the best sculptures. You will find a superb carving of Shiva with three heads and ten hands as also a composite image of Hari, Hara, Brahma, and Surya with four heads and eight arms.

Chaturbhuja Temple:

Curiously, this Vishnu Temple faces west in stark contrast with other Hindu temples which face east or north. Inside the sanctum, a charming statue of Vishnu with four hands stands in a poised ‘tribhanga’ stance. Try visiting this temple during sunset, as the light of the setting sun illuminates the Vishnu inside the sanctum.

The ornamentation of Chaturbhuja Temple is much inferior as compared to other temples in Khajuraho. Also, erotic sculptures are absent here. Some of the intriguing sculptures here are those of Narasimhi (female Narasimha), Ardhanarishvara, Vishnu on ‘lalatabimba’, and Shiva-Parvati in ‘lalitasana’.

We kicked off our second day in Khajuraho with the Eastern Group of Temples. This cluster of temples is located around the Khajura Sagar, also known as the Ninora Tal.

Vamana Temple:

This temple, devoted to Vishnu’s 5th incarnation of Vamana, confirms that Khajuraho was an important center for the worship of Vamana. The sanctum has a sandstone idol of Vamana, with all its hands broken. The deity is flanked by smaller images of Shiva and Brahma.

Outside, there are around 300 sculptures portraying mythical animal ‘Vyala’ and ‘apsaras’ in coquettish postures along with divine figures such as Varaha rescuing Bhudevi, Brahama, and Shiva-Parvati.

Javari Temple:

Like most of the Khajuraho Temples, the original name of this temple can hardly be fathomed now. This slender, Vaishnavite temple is one of the most beautiful temples of Khajuraho. The entrance has a richly carved ‘makara torana’, while the ceiling is elegantly carved with cusped flowers and ‘Kirttimukhas’. The sanctum houses a four-armed Vishnu with a shattered head.

The temple exterior has exuberant carvings of ‘apsaras’, Dikpalas, amorous couples as also various incarnations of Vishnu.

Brahma Temple:

This crumbling temple is named after Brahma although it has a Shiva linga inside. There are four faces on the linga, facing the four cardinal directions. The icon resembled that of Brahma and hence named so.

Ghantai Temple:

This unusual structure is barely the skeletal remains of a once glorious Jain temple. Detached from the regular tourist trail of Khajuraho, only the meticulously carved pillars have survived the ordeal of time.

The pillars mostly have motifs of a bell (‘Ghanta’ in Hindi) and hence the ruined structure is called Ghantai. The most stunning piece of sculpture is the door jamb with a central image of Chakreshvari and various symbols of the Digambara Jain tradition.

Parshvanatha Temple:

Grandest of all the surviving Jain temples of Khajuraho, this temple was originally consecrated to Adinatha, the 1 st Jain Tirthankara. This wonderful temple was built during the reign of Dhanga.

As you enter the temple, look up and be amazed by the most intricately carved ceiling among all the Khajuraho temples. A human figure is precariously perched on the ceiling, holding a garland, as if welcoming the visitors. Inside the sanctum, there is a modern seated idol of Parshvanatha placed over a ruined statue base that once held a statue of Adinatha.

The sculptures beautifying the outer walls of Parshvanatha Temple are classy with elegant proportions. Despite being a Jain monument, you will find a plethora of religious imagery from Hinduism. There are images of Vishnu-Lakshmi, Shiva-Parvati, and Brahma-Brahmani in affectionate postures, Valarama with his consort, Saraswati playing Veena, and so on. You will also notice voluptuous ‘apsaras’ applying Kajal, tying hair, or simply standing in a suggestive stance.

Adinatha Temple:

Located just beside the Parshvanatha Temple, the temple has lost most of its front section. The door jamb leading to the inner sanctum is strikingly carved with images of Chakreshvari, Ambika, and Padmavati.

The ‘apsaras’ on the outer walls of Adinatha Temple are adorned with elaborate hairstyles, patterned costumes as well as heavy jewelry. You will also find images of Hindu deities, Dikpalas, and so on.

Shantinatha Temple:

The Chandela-era temple is now covered with modern renovations. This is an active temple, where the 16 th Tirthankara Shantinatha is worshipped.

It was time for lunch as we rounded up our tour of the Eastern Group of Temples. Post lunch, we decided to visit the Raneh Waterfalls. It lies some 20 km away from Khajuraho and can be reached within 30 minutes.

Raneh is a natural waterfall on the Ken River. The river’s erosional activity has led to the formation of 98 feet deep canyon made up of granite in varying shades of colors ranging from pink and red to black and grey. The place looks spectacular, especially in the monsoon and post-monsoon months.

We finished exploring Khajuraho with the Light and Sound Program held at the Western Group.

1-day itinerary for Khajuraho:

If you have one day to explore Khajuraho, grab a quick breakfast and start with the Western Group of Temples. One by one, go through the Lakshmana Temple, Varaha Shrine, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Devi Jagadambi Temple, Chitragupta Temple, and Vishvanatha Temple. Finish exploring the magnificent temples by 12 noon.

After lunch, visit the Eastern Group of Temples. Start with Vamana and Javari Temples and then swiftly proceed right to the Parshvanatha and Adinatha Temples.

Lastly, visit the Chaturbhuja Temple of Southern Group during sunset. 

Half day’s itinerary for Khajuraho:

In case you have barely half a day, head straightway to the Western Group of Temples. You have to give the Eastern and Southern Groups a miss.

Other places to visit near Khajuraho:

There are a few interesting places near Khajuraho that you can visit depending on your time.

Kalinjar For t: Located at around 100 km from Khajuraho, Kalinjar Fort was a stronghold of the Chandelas. It was also one of the most celebrated forts of Medieval India. The fort is laden with innumerable Chandela craftsmanship.

Ajaygarh Fort: It is situated 30 km from Kalinjar. Like the fort of Kalinjar, this too used to be one of the strategic bastions of the Chandelas.

Panna National Park: If you want a break after exploring historical ruins, head to the verdant Panna National Park. It is just 20 km from Khajuraho and its pristine landscape offers great wildlife sightings. Don’t miss the Pandav Falls, where the tributary of Ken forms a gorge and descends into a heart-shaped pool.

Dhubela: Situated 60 km from Khajuraho, Dhubela was the capital of the heroic Bundela warrior Chhatrasal. Chhatrasal was also the father of the legendary Mastani, who was married to Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao I. The Dhubela Palace has now been converted into a fantastic museum. Most of the monuments are located near Dhubela Lake, such as the Chhatris of Chhatrasal and his queen Kamlapati, and the Mastani Mahal.

Things to Remember:

1. The temples in Khajuraho remain open every day from sunrise to sunset.

2. Try visiting the Western Group of Temples as early as possible. The crowd thickens with the passage of time. The Eastern and Southern Groups remain less crowded throughout the day.

3. You need tickets for entering the Western Group of Temples. Entry ticket is INR 40 for Indian nationals and members of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries. For foreign visitors, the ticket is INR 400. Further, you have to pay INR 200 for the camera and INR 400 for the video camera. This ticket will also be valid for visiting the ASI Museum. No ticket is necessary for visiting the Eastern and Southern Groups of Temples.

4. Like other ASI-protected monuments, the tripod is not allowed inside Khajuraho temples. Even the small handheld tripod of GoPro is prohibited.

5. The ASI Museum remains open from 10 AM to 5 PM on all days, except Fridays.

6. The Light and Sound show occurs every evening at the Western Group of Temples. The show is available in English and Hindi languages. It kicks off from 6-30 PM with the English version, followed by the Hindi one from 7-30 PM. The entrance fee for Indian tourists is INR 250, while foreigners need to pay INR 750.

7. Although the majority of the temples in Khajuraho are not active, it is wise to dress modestly while visiting them.

8. Wear comfortable, easy-to-open shoes. Exploring Khajuraho needs a lot of walking. Further, you need to open your shoes before entering the temples.’

9. Carry an umbrella, wear sunglass, and slather sunscreen lotion on your skin as the sun is quite harsh even in October. Also, don’t forget to carry a bottle of water each while you are scouting the temples.

10. Guides are available at the gate of Western Group. Fees start from INR 1800 for a group of two people.

For Raneh waterfalls, you need to pay an entry fee and hire a guide from the entrance gate.

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Our complete guide to plan a trip to Khajuraho & It’s UNESCO World Heritage Temples

Table of Contents

About Khajuraho

Khajuraho is a very small town located in the Chhatarpur District of Madhya Pradesh. But centuries ago, it was the capital of the major Rajput kingdom of the region – Chandela Dynasty . And they ruled in the 10th – 12th century. So, that is when they constructed the world famous temples of Khajuraho , which are a UNESCO world heritage now and popular all over the world as the “Erotic Temple Complex”.

Coming soon : Main Temples to visit in Khajuraho

Where to stay on your trip to Khajuraho

The Khajuraho main road that one takes on a trip to Khajuraho from NH39 to enter the city has a lot of hotels and resorts on either side. Actually, you can browse and book one here . After all, the advantage of residing on this road is that the temples are very close by. Actually we stayed at The Clarks Khajuraho . The hotel was neat and clean, with big premises, in campus parking and good food. And it was only 5 minutes drive to the western temples complex of Khajuraho from this hotel. Also, it was just 6-7km from the NH. So, overall, we could save time both ways on our trip to Khajuraho, traveling to and from Khajuraho as well as visiting the temples. Even the area right near the Western Temple Complex has a lot of stay options.

Can I do a day trip to Khajuraho

Khajuraho is well connected from most of the major cities of MP and also cities in UP. Definitely it is possible to do a day trip to Khajuraho, visiting the temple complexes and returning by the evening. But, from our own experience, I will highly recommend staying overnight. Because it gives one chance to visit the temples towards the evening and early morning when it is not very hot. And also not very crowded. We visited the main complex – the western Group of Temples the next day morning, after staying overnight. And it was really very pleasant to visit the complex early in the morning. Since, the cool, pleasant weather supported a lot. And we energetically visited all the temples, comfortably covering the grounds between them.

Also, driving and then a lot of walking between the temples will be tiring in my opinion. However, if you are really constrained by time, yes, it is possible to do a day trip to the temples of Khajuraho. But mostly it will be a very long and tiring day.

How to reach Khajuraho

Khajuraho is well connected with the rest of India through both roadway and railways. In fact, on our trip to Khajuraho, we came to Khajuraho from Bandhavgarh after doing a tiger safari in Bandhavgarh . However, one can easily reach here from Agra, Delhi, Gwalior, Bhopal or other parts of India via road. And the NH39 , which will connect Khajuraho to most of these other towns and cities, is being converted in a very nice 6 lane national highway at the time of this writing. And looking at the pace of work that we observed on the roads, in a few months, it will be fully ready. So, this will drastically reduce the travel time between Khajuraho and other towns. Although Khajuraho also has an airport, but there are hardly any commercial planes. So, road and rail are the primary means to reach Khajuraho. However, one can always fly into Gwalior, which has a very commercialised airport with many flights operating from all over India. From Gwalior, it will be a 5 hours road trip to Khajuraho.

General tips on doing a trip to Khajuraho

• The Western Group of Temples, which is the main temple complex in Khajuraho opens up for public as early as 6:00am and is open till 6:00pm (or sunset, whichever happens earlier).
• Prefer visiting the Western Group of Temples during your trip to Khajuraho in the early morning hours as the crowd is least and the climate is pleasant even in summers
• There is a ticket of INR 40/- per head for Indian citizen to enter the western Temple complex
• There are government designated guides available at the entry of Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho in case you want to hire one. Audio guides are also available.
• For visiting the Southern and Eastern Group of Temples in Khajuraho, you can either hire a guide or rent a tuk-tuk (autorickshaw) which will take you to the different temples through the lanes of the village.
• Wear comfortable cotton cloths and comfortable shoes or slippers to walk. When visiting the temple complexes, you will need to often leave your shoes at the stairs. So slip-ons really help.
• October – February will be the best time to visit the Temple Complexes of Khajuraho as the weather is otherwise too hot.
• You can carry water bottle inside the main temple complex but carrying food is not allowed. If you have something with you, you can leave it at the entry gate and collect later.
• Some temples like the Chausath Yogini Temple are located far from the others, so, do designate ample time to visit these. It is one of the oldest temples of Khajuraho. Check our upcoming writeup to know more about the temples of Khajuraho that you shouldn’t miss visiting –

Must visit temples of Khajuraho

An idle itinerary for a trip to Khajuraho Temple Complexes

Day1 : arrival in khajuraho, visiting eastern & southern temple complexes.

On your trip to Khajuraho, target to arrive in Khajuraho by max noon. Check-in into your hotel. Have lunch. We arrived in Khajuraho by 2:00pm. And after a swift check-in, we had our lunch. After getting refreshed, by 4:00pm, we were ready to go out and explore the temples of Khajuraho.

Honestly, we didn’t know so much about the Group of Temples and in what order to visit them. As we were driving towards the western complex, a guide stopped us. And suggested us to visit the Eastern and Southern Group of Temples today instead. We did the same. And by the time we were done visiting the major temples of the Eastern Temple Complex and Southern Group of Temples in Khajuraho , it was almost 6:00pm. The guide also gave us information on when the Western Temple complex opens the next day in the morning. And then we departed and came back to our rooms. We had an early dinner.

Today, some of the major temples that we visited included – Parsvanatha Temple, Brahma Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Vamana Temple and Duladeo Temple .

Breakfast was included in our hotel room plan, which means we had already pre paid for it. So, we had two choices for the next day. (1) to wake up early in the morning and visit the temple complexes as early as 6:00am in the morning, come back by 8:30am and then have breakfast and checkout for the next destination – Orchha. Or, (2) to wake up little late, have breakfast early at 7:00am and then start for the temple complex by 8:30am, come back to hotel and check out by 11:30am.

The second option was delaying our checkout and thus our road to the next destination. So, we decided to opt for the first one. You can do the same.

Day2 : Visiting Western Group of Temples at Khajuraho and departure

Morning, 5:30am, we woke up, got fresh and started for the Western Group of Temples at Khajuraho by 6:00am. We parked our vehicle in the parking area right in front of main entrance. Although, you have to access it by turning left twice from the road in front of the temple complex.

We bought our tickets and entered the Western Group of Temple Complex . There was hardly anyone at this time inside the temple. We saw a beautiful sunrise and witnessed the first rays of the sun entering the temples in the complex and fall on the idols. This is the reason, we will highly recommend visiting these temples early in the morning.

We visited all the temples in the complex including the Lakshmana Temple, Vishvanath Temple, Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Parvati Temple, Jagdambi Temple and Chitragupta Temple .

You can comfortably finish visiting the Western Group of Temples Complex at Khajuraho in 2.5 – 3 hrs. We finished visiting all the temples by 8:15am. And we were back to our hotel by 8:30am. Then, we headed straight for breakfast. After finishing breakfast, we comfortably checked out by 10:00 am and started for the next destination – Orchha.

PS: We followed the above itinerary on our road trip to Madhya Pradesh from Bangalore . Wherein, we reached Khajuraho after doing a tiger safari in Bandhavgarh National Park . And later proceeded to the ancient historical city Orchha.

PS: Some of our links are affiliated, this means we will earn a commission when you buy a service or product by clicking those links. However, this will have no extra cost for you.

4 thoughts on “Our complete guide to plan a trip to Khajuraho & It’s UNESCO World Heritage Temples”

Nice Information

Nicely done, well explained. Thanks.

Plz share the details

The detailed itinerary is also there on the blog

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Kate Abroad

Complete guide to visiting Khajuraho: karma sutra temples + tigers 

Thinking about adding Khajuraho to your India itinerary? This small town in central India has a lot to offer between the Khajuraho group of temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Panna National Park, full of tigers and other wildlife, as well as other smaller attractions.

This guide has everything you need to know to plan a visit to Khajuraho including how to get there, places to stay and the best Khajuraho activities to do while you’re there.

I visited Abhaneri as part of a 2 week India trip that also included  Varanasi , Abhaneri ,  Orchha  and the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Jaipur and Agra).

If you’re wondering where Khajuraho is, the town is in the state of Madhya Pradesh about 300km south of Lucknow (8 hours’ drive) and 450km southeast of Agra (9-10 hours’ drive).

Visiting Khajuraho temples

The temple complex is the main thing to do in Khajuraho and deservedly so as some of these temples are over a thousand years old and still covered in incredibly ornate carvings. 

Those carvings are what’s made these temples extra famous because some of them depict scenes from the karma sutra including tantric sex. Don’t go showing up to Khajuraho expecting to see lots of sex scenes though, the explicit carvings are only a very small proportion of the temple decorations. There are far more carvings of more normal things like animals and plants and the karma sutra ones can be hard to spot.

The temples were built between the 11 th  and 13 th  centuries but when the town was abandoned, they were taken over by jungle and not rediscovered until fairly recently. While there were originally about 85 temples, only around 20 have survived.

There are two parts to the temple complex, the Western and Eastern groups of temples. The western group is larger and more numerous so if you only have time for one, those are the ones to see.

You’ll want at least 2 hours minimum to explore the temple complex. We kept our visit short because the weather was super hot and humid and there is minimal shade but if you bought big hats or sun umbrellas this wouldn’t be an issue.

Khajuraho Temple Entry Fees 

You do need to pay a small entry fee for admission into the Khajuraho temple complex. It’s best to buy your tickets from the office onsite. While some websites do offer online bookings, these aren’t reliable. The cost for foreigners is 250 rs per person.

More Things To Do In Khajuraho

Spot wildlife at panna national park.

The next biggest Khajuraho attraction is the panna national park or panna tiger reserve. The park is over 500km2 and is home to not just tigers but leopards, wolves, hyenas and vultures. There are also lots of interesting plants, birds and reptiles if that’s your thing.

Tiger sightings are far from guaranteed, unfortunately it’s more common not to see one, but if you can visit on more than one day and arrive in the early morning or evening then you’ll have the best chance.

Even if you don’t spot any tigers or notable wildlife, there are two beautiful waterfalls in the ark which are worth a visit.

It’s compulsory to have a guide in the park, not a surprise given the dangerous animals wandering around, and it’s located 40km from Khajuraho town so I would definitely recommend booking a day tour (see best options below) to kill two birds with one stone.

The entry fee system is complex because there are er person and per vehicle charges but expect to pay between 800 and 3000 rs depending on the size of your group. 

Read more about wildlife spotting in this India safari guide .

How Do You Get To Khajuraho?

While Khajuraho is fairly remote, it’s not at all inaccessible. In fact, you’ll find several options for getting to Khajuraho whether you want to do it under your own steam or have transport arranged for you.

Getting to Khajuraho by Train

Indian Railways are ubiquitous and it’s always the cheapest way to get around the country. You can take trains from Khajuraho Junction all over the country, including to Delhi via Agra.

Khajuraho Junction is not within walking distance from either the temples or any of the accommodations so you will need to hire a taxi or rickshaw to cover the last mile. This is typically fairly cheap if you barter.

Getting to Khajuraho By Plane

Flying into Khajuraho Airport is the quickest most direct way to get to Khajuraho, although far from the cheapest. If you’re short on time you can catch a domestic flight into Khajuraho from major cities and be in and out within the day.

Note: Khajuraho Airport is not currently operational, check for updates here

Getting to Khajuraho on a Day Tour

One of the easiest ways to get to Khajuraho and have all your sightseeing admin organised for you is to book a day tour. There is a decent range of Khajuraho tours available on Viator and all of them include hotel/train station pick-up and drop-off so you don’t have to stress about transport at all.

Best Khajuraho Tours

The best Khajuraho temples tour is UNESCO’s Western Temples at Khajuraho – A Walking Tour . It’s one of the few temple tours that actually includes entrance fees and focuses in depth on the history of the monuments. 

The best tiger spotting tour from Khajuraho is the Panna Tiger Reserve Tour from Khajuraho which includes admission fees to Panna National Park and options for morning or afternoon departures.

The best combo tour is the Khajuraho Day Tour: Jungle Safari at Panna National Park and Western and Eastern Temple . This is great value for money including national park and temple admission. It’s an early start but you get to make the most of it with sunrise in the jungle.

Compare more Khajuraho day tours on Viator

Where to stay near Khajuraho

There is a surprisingly good range of accommodation near Khajuraho and the Khajuraho temples. In addition to the smaller homestays and family-run hotels common in India, there is a selection of international chain hotels providing a reliable experience (guaranteed hot showers shouldn’t be taken for granted in India!).

Here are my recommendations for places to stay in Khajuraho for every price range:

Best Luxury accommodation in Khajuraho – Radisson Jass Hotel Khajuraho

If you want the full western hotel experience while visiting Khajuraho then the Radisson Hotel is the best option for you. It’s a beautiful property, deserving of its 5 stars.

Best Mid-range accommodation in Khajuraho – Ramada Khajuraho

The Ramada might be the cheaper of the international hotels in Khajuraho but it doesn’t lack at all in amenities. The hotel has a pool, gym and even a small running track. Breakfast is included with most rooms.

Best Budget accommodation in Khajuraho – Hotel Khajuraho Inn

The Inn is on the nicer end of Indian hotels but still at budget prices, you can easily score a room for only $30 a night. Rooms are spacious and a cheap breakfast is available which is helpful given the lack of supermarkets and high prices in local restaurants. 

Frequently asked questions about visiting Khajuraho 

When is the best time to visit khajuraho.

While the Khajuraho temples are spectacular at any time of year, to really enjoy your time here you’re going to want to try to hit the sweet spot between Indian summer and monsoon season.

The best time of year to visit Khajuraho is between October and December as temperatures are cool enough to be outside without drowning in sweat. Even then, it’s extremely hot in this part of central India so you’ll want to pack hats, sunscreen and maybe a sun umbrella.

How long do you need to see Khajuraho? 

If you are only coming to see the temples, then you can easily spend just a day in Khajuraho or do an overnight trip to avoid long travel times.

However, if you’re interested in visiting the nearby national parks for some wildlife spotting then I would recommend spending 2-3 days in Khajuraho so you get more than one opportunity to spot an elusive tiger.

In Short: Exploring Khajuraho

Khajuraho is the kind of place you don’t hear a lot about outside of India but that definitely doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit. Khajuraho is easy to get to by train or on a day tour and between the karma sutra temples and the tigers, it’s a must-do on any central India holiday.

Happy travelling!

Asia Travel Resources

• Book trains and buses through 12.go Asia to avoid queues at the station
• Find the best prices on hotels with flexible cancellation at Booking.com
• Pre-book day tours and tickets for attractions on Klook
• Save on Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore attractions with a Go City Pass
• Sort your currencies in one place with a Wise multi-currency card

Kate is the founder of Kate Abroad. She has travelled to nearly 40 countries from Austria to Vanuatu, and lived in 3. She's on a mission to empower other Gen Zs and Millenials travel affordably by sharing helpful travel guides, stories and tips to over 200,000 readers.

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Temples of Khajuraho – A Complete Travel Guide to Visit Them

Architecture , Madhya Pradesh

Last Updated on: Apr 15, 2023  

About the Blog: Khajuraho is one of the most famous tourist destinations in India. The temples of Khajuraho are undoubtedly one of the best in terms of temple architecture in India. The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three parts – the western, eastern and southern group of monuments. This blog is an effort to document the archaeological monuments in Khajuraho after our visit there. Read further to know about the temples of Khajuraho and other monuments in these three groups, and other relevant information like how to reach and where to stay in Khajuraho.

If there is one place in India that piques interest in both domestic and international tourists, it has to be Khajuraho. The temples of Khajuraho, known for their erotic sculptures and carvings have generated curiosity among a lot of tourists around the world. But Khajuraho is much more than the explicit erotic sculptures. The temples of Khajuraho are one of the best examples of medieval temple architecture in India. They are undoubtedly the most extraordinary archaeological site in the country.

Khajuraho is a small town located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. The temples of Khajuraho have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. While some come here to find a correlation between the Kamasutra and the temples of Khajuraho, there are others who come to look at the erotic structures and think as to why there are such carvings on a temple. And then there are a few who come to marvel at the exquisite architecture of the temples, the exceptional craftsmanship and the visual treat that the temples of Khajuraho have to offer.

Temples of Khajuraho – A Brief History

The temples of Khajuraho were commissioned by the rulers of Chandela Dynasty sometime between 900 AD to 1100 AD. The Chandelas belonged to the Rajput clan and the dynasty was founded by Nannuka (831 – 845 AD). They were actually feudatories of the Gurjara-Pratihara Empire, who ruled majority of Northern India from Kanauj. The Chandelas supported the Gurjara-Pratihara rulers in return for security against the aggression of the Muslim invaders.  

This period provided peace and was one of the golden periods of temple architecture in medieval India. According to an inscription found, Nannuka ruled from a place known as Khajurwatika , which later came to be known as Khajuraho. Khajurwatika was a flourishing temple town. It is believed that once there were about 85 temples in Khajuraho within an area of 13 sq km.

Reminded of the Temples of Maluti? Read our blog on Maluti, the temple town of Jharkhand .

By the 13th century, Khajuraho and the Chandela dynasty had fallen into decline. It can be seen from the less impressive temples built during that period. It seems likely that the individual temples of Khajuraho were associated with specific rulers of the Chandela dynasty.

After the decline of the Chandela dynasty, Khajuraho remained as a religious center till the 14th century. Mention of Khajuraho was found in the memoirs of Arab traveller Ibn Batuta who visited the area in 1335.

By the 16th century, Khajuraho seemed to have gone completely off the radar. No reference of this place was found in any Mughal records. Perhaps this is the reason why this temple town escaped massacre and destruction from the hands of the Muslim invaders.

Khajuraho was brought back to life by Lieutenant William Price in 1813 when he reported a Sanskrit inscription found at Mau near Khajuraho. By 1818, the temple town of Khajuraho was once again in the news drawing the attention of historians.

In 1838, Captain T S Burt published the first modern account of the Western Group of Temples. He understood the importance of such a high concentration of temples in a small region and started noting down the inscriptions. Later, between 1843 and 1847, Maharaja Pratap Singh carried out excavations and renovations of the temples of Khajuraho. He was the first local ruler to take interest in the Khajuraho temples.

The most comprehensive accounts of the temples of Khajuraho as done by Major Alexander Cunningham , the Archaeological Surveyor to the Government of India, who visited the area in 1852, 1864 and 1865. He was also known as the father of Indian archaeology.

Currently the Khajuraho Temples are under the charge of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Architecture of the Khajuraho Temples

The Khajuraho Group of Temples follows the Nagara style of architecture . In actuality, these temples demonstrate the pinnacle of temple architecture of the period. The temples built in sandstone are elevated on an ornate terraced platform ( jagati ). The sanctum is topped by a heavily carved Shikhara or tower, unique to the Nagara style of architecture. The principal spire is flanked by a series of miniature spires, making it more prominent. Each miniature spire symbolizes Mount Kailasa, the abode of Lord Shiva.

The entrance of the temple is through a decorated entrance porch ( Ardha mandapa ) leading to the main hall ( mandapa ). After that you can access the vestibule ( antaralaya ) and then to the main sanctum ( garbhagriha ).

The sculptures of the temples of Khajuraho are harmoniously integrated with the architecture of the temples. All the surfaces of the temples are carved with both human and non-human motifs depicting sacred and secular themes.

There are sculptures depicting deities and gods, nymphs, acts of prayer and other sacred beliefs. There are sculptures depicting kings and queens, warfare and the social fabric of the time like many other temples in India . Scenes of domesticity, marriages, teacher and student, musicians and dancers and so many more are also found in the temples of Khajuraho.

And then there are the erotic sculptures that Khajuraho is so known for.

Erotic Sculptures of Khajuraho

There are sculptures of amorous couples. And then there are erotic sculptures that include men and women, threesomes and orgies, bestiality and even animals. These are definitely not for the prudes. However, the erotic sculptures of Khajuraho comprises only 10% of the entire carvings. The erotics carvings are also not found in the interior of the temples. 

Temples of Khajuraho – Khajuraho Group of Monuments

Out of the 85 temples of Khajuraho, only 26 survive today. These temples are divided into three distinct groups – the Western, eastern and southern groups. The western group of temples are the largest and the most well preserved and is recognised as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This group also consists of the most famous and the important temples – Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Vishwanath Temple and others. If there is a crunch of time, then you must concentrate on this group only.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Sun Temple in Konark, Poetry in Stones

All these temples of Khajuraho are spread within an area of 6-7 sq km only. These temples are dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu, Ganesha, Sun God and some to Jain Tirthankaras. While you can visit all these temples in one day, we recommend you to split your Khajuraho itinerary over two days. Keep the first day to explore the Western Group of Temples and the second one for eastern and southern groups.

Western Group of Temples

The Western Group of Temples are the most impressive ones with imposing architecture and exquisite sculptures and carvings. It is here where you will find the famous erotic sculptures of Khajuraho on display.

There are 15 monuments in total in the Western Group of Temples. Out of them 10 are located inside the compound managed by ASI. There is an entry fee to enter the compound. The remaining five are outside the compound and are free to visit.

Visit the temples inside the compound first and then you can visit the rest 5, which are within walkable distance from the western compound.

1. Lakshmana Temple

Lakshmana Temple is grand and the first one you will probably see inside the compound. This temple was constructed between the period 930 to 950 AD. Although it is not one of the largest temples of the complex, the carvings on the internal and external walls are simply stunning.

The exterior walls are divided into two distinct zones having sculptures of griffins, snake goddesses, apsaras and amorous couples in the recesses. The upper zone depicts different forms of Vishnu and the lower one focuses on Shiva.

The erotica are found mainly in the recesses between the external walls of the assembly hall and the sanctuary and are quite agile in nature depicting complex coitus positions.

2. Varaha Temple

Varaha Temple is located directly opposite the Lakshmana Temple facing the east. This is believed to be one of the oldest temples in the complex built somewhere around 900 – 925 AD. The shrine consists of an oblong pavilion with a pyramidal roof resting on 14 pillars. The ceiling is carved with a lotus flower.

Inside the shrine is a sandstone carving of Varaha or boar. Varaha is the third Avatar of Lord Vishnu. The highly polished boar is massive, over 2.5m in length and is carved out of a single rock.  On the surface of the boar, there are 675 small figurines carved in twelve rows. These figurines represent various Gods and Goddesses of Hindu pantheon.

3. Kandariya Mahadev Temple

Kandariya Mahadev Temple is one of the grandest monuments not only in Khajuraho, but also in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is believed to have been built around 1030 AD. It is also the largest and tallest of all the temples of Khajuraho. The temple got its name from the word “ Kandara ” meaning cave.

The main Shikhara or spire of the Kandariya Mahadev Temple has 84 subsidiary spires! It looks like a cascading waterfall. The exterior of the temple has exquisite carvings of Lord Shiva, Dikpalas, griffins, snake goddess and apsaras.

Kandariya Mahadev Temple also has some of the most explicit erotica found in the temples of Khajuraho. Just like the Lakshmana temple, these erotic sculptures are found in the external recesses between the sanctuary and assembly hall. The erotica includes amorous couples, orgies and some very acrobatic sexual poses.

The interior of the temple also has some exquisite carvings and sculptures.

4. Mahadev Shrine

Mahadeva Shrine is a smaller temple in between the Kandariya Mahadev Temple and the Jagdambi Temple. All three temples share the same platform. This temple seemed to be a ruined one having only the entrance porch. The inner sanctum has completely disappeared.

5. Jagadambi Temple

Jagadambi Temple is believed to have been built around 1000 to 1025 AD and shares the same platform as the Kandariya Mahadev Temple and the Shiva shrine. This temple, though less elaborate than the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, has some elegant sculptures on the walls. This temple also has several erotic sculptures on the exteriors.

6. Chitragupta Temple

This temple was built during 1000 to 1025 AD having a similar design to the Jagdambi Temple. This is the only surviving temple in Khajuraho dedicated to the Sun God. This temple also has beautiful carvings of deities, apsaras and erotic sculptures as well.

Inside the temple is a huge idol of Sun God, Surya, almost 2m tall. The hands of the statue are broken off. The Sun God is usually portrayed riding seven horses. If you look at the base of the idol, you can just find out the outline of horses driven by a charioteer.

7. Parvati Temple

A short distance away is a small shrine known as the Parvati Temple. The temple houses the image of Goddess Parvati.

8. Vishwanatha Temple

The Vishwanath Temple is located on the eastern side of the compound and is one of the grandest temples of Khajuraho. Out of the four subsidiary shrines surrounding the temple, only two survived. Like all the other temples in the compound, this also has quite beautiful sculptures. On the north side in between the juncture of the maha mandapa and sanctum, there are panels showing erotic scenes.

9. Nandi Temple

Nandi Temple is located just opposite the Vishwanath Temple facing each other on the same plinth. Inside the temple, there is a beautiful statue of the bull, Nandi, also known as Lord Shiva’s carrier.

10. Pratapeshwar Temple

The Pratapeshwar Temple looks different from the rest of the temples in the compound. It is because this temple is the newest one built almost 800 years after the rest of the temples in the compound. The Pratapeshwar Temple is actually the Chhatri or the memorial of Raja Pratap Singh who built this temple as a memorial of himself to immortalize his name.

This temple will either be the first or the last temple that you will encounter inside the compound depending on which direction you decide to take a circular route around the western group complex.

The architecture of the Pratapeshwar Temple is an interesting conglomeration of three styles. It has a Rajputana dome in front, a pagoda ceiling and a typical Shikhara at the back.

11. Bhairav Statue

Bhairav Statue is located on the way to the Matangeshwar Temple outside the fenced enclosure of the Western group of temple complexes. The statue is almost 2m high and is coated with red lead. This orangish read coating is perhaps done much later. Bhairav is the fierce form of Lord Shiva. However, this Bhairav statue does not look fierce at all. This is technically not a temple, but perhaps it was a part of another elaborate temple in Khajuraho.

12. Matangesvara Temple

Matangeshwar Temple is the main temple in the Western Complex that is still in use. It stands just next to the Lakshmana Temple, but outside the fenced enclosure. There is a narrow lane leading to the temple. Matangeshwar Temple is believed to have been built around 1000 AD.

Since this is an active temple, we found many devotees offering prayers in the temple, even early in the morning. Later when we came back after visiting the western compound, it was still busy. During Shivaratri, a huge ceremony is held at this temple for 3 days.

13. Chausath Yogini Temple

After visiting the Chausath Yogini Temple at Morena , I was quite intrigued when I heard that there is a Chausath Yogini Temple at Khajuraho as well. This temple is situated away from the rest of the western group of temples. This is considered to be one of the oldest shrines in Khajuraho dating back to 885 AD.

Like the other Chausath Yogini Temples, this temple also has several cells . But while the other yogini temples are circular in nature, the Chausath Yogini Temple of Khajuraho is rectangular. Of all the Chausath Yogini temples in India, this one has the most primitive construction.

The Chausath Yogini Temple initially had 67 cells, out of which only 35 survive now. All the cells are of equal size except one. There is an image of Goddess Durga Mahishasuramardini inside the largest cell. The Goddess is labeled as Hinglaj here. Right now, the cells of the Chausath Yogini Temple are bereft of any images of Goddess.

14. Lalguan Mahadev Temple

Lalguan Mahadev Temple is located on the banks of the Lalguan Sagar Lake, almost 600 m west of the Chausath Yogini Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is dated back to 900 AD.

Lalguan Mahadev Temple is quite remote and we lost our way while reaching it. There is a straightforward path from the Chausath Yogini Temple to this one, but we somehow went in the wrong direction. We had to take the help of a few locals and then could find this small temple.

15. Chopra Tank

The Chopra Tank is located just outside the Western Temple complex north of the Chitragupta Temple. The tank lies in the middle of a wasteland, albeit enclosed by a wired fence. When we visited there almost in the evening, the gate was closed and there were no guards to open the gates. But the fence was already worn down and we could easily climb over the fence and go inside the field to take a few pictures of the Chopra Tank. A few local youngsters also went inside with us.

The tank is totally in a ruined condition and seems abandoned. Even though the Chopra Tank is located close to the Chitragupta Temple, reaching there takes quite a bit of time through the main road.

So those were the temples and shrines of the Western Group of Monuments in Khajuraho. If you are short of time, you can only visit the ones inside the compound and the Matangeshwar Temple and Bhairava Statue. For us, I had a special interest in the Chausath Yogini Temples of India and so went on to visit that. And then did not want to miss the other two as well.

We had explored the Western Group of temples on our first day of Khajuraho trip. The next day was dedicated to the eastern and southern group of monuments.

The Eastern Group of Monuments

The eastern group consists of 8 temples and are located a little distance away from the main Khajuraho town. While these can be done on foot, some form of transport is recommended.

16. Hanuman Temple

Hanuman Temple is located on the Jain Road to the west of Khajuraho. The shrine is newly constructed, but the 2.5m high idol of Hanuman dates back to 922 AD. There is an inscription on the pedestal that states year 316 of Harsha era. This makes this Hanuman statue one of the earliest inscribed statues of Hanuman found in India. It is for this fact we wanted to see the Hanuman Temple on our Khajuraho Temple trip.

Like the Bhairav statue, the idol of Hanuman is painted in red. The temple is an active one with people offering their prayers throughout the day.

17. Brahma Temple

This is perhaps one of the most interesting temples we found in the eastern group of Monuments. Located on the banks of Khajur Sagar tank, the temple looks quite simple devoid of any ornate carvings.

The temple was originally dedicated to Lord Vishnu as it is evident from the image of the God on the centre of the lintel. It also has the images of Ganga and Yamuna on both sides as found in many temples of Vishnu.

Inside the temple there is a Shiva Linga having four faces on its four sides. This type of Shiva linga is known as Mukhalinga . It has four or five faces of Lord Shiva carved on the faces. The faces represent the five forms of Lord Shiva.

This four-faced Mukhalinga is mistaken for the four face of Lord Brahma and the temple is thus known as Brahma Temple. This aspect of the temple really fascinated us.

18. Vamana Temple

Just 200m northeast of the Brahma Temple lies the Vamana Temple, dedicated to Vamana, the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Vamana Temple has some of the most intricate carvings that can be found in the temples of Khajuraho. This temple has very little erotica. You will find the classic Khajuraho sculpture of a woman extracting thorn from her feet in this temple.

Inside the temple, there is an idol of Vamana, the dwarf incarnation of Vishnu. The temple is believed to have been built between 1050 to 1075 AD.

19. Javari Temple

Javari Temple is located about 200 m south of the Vamana Temple and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is surrounded by green fields and trees. The temple is small, but beautiful having a soaring Shikhara.

There are ornate carvings on the exterior of the temple. Inside the sanctum there is a headless idol of Lord Vishnu. The ceilings of the temple are beautifully carved. So, do not forget to look up. This temple is believed to have been built around 1075 to 110 AD.

20. Ghantai Temple

Ghantai Temple is located about 350m south east of the Brahma Temple in the southern part of Khajuraho on the road towards the cluster of Jain Temples. The temple is in ruins and only a few pillars and ceiling remain. There are several mounds around the ruin waiting to be excavated.

The temple is believed to have been built around 995 AD during the rule of Chandela king Dhanga and is a Jain temple. Some of the carvings in the temple point to Jain Goddess Chakreshwari, which further implied that the temple was dedicated to Adinatha. The pillars in the temple have elegant carvings.

21. Adinatha Temple

Adinatha Temple is one of the three Jain temple clusters in the eastern group of monuments in Khajuraho. The design of the temple is quite similar to that of the Vamana Temple. The walls of the temple have beautiful sculptures, mainly of apsaras in classical dance poses.

The temple also has carvings of both Hindu and Jain deities. Inside the temple, there is a black idol of Lord Adinatha.

22. Parshvanatha Temple

Unlike the other two, Parasvanath temple is quite decorated and is considered one of the finest temples of Khajuraho. The temple was built around 960 AD. The exterior of the temple is beautifully carved with sculptures of apsaras applying makeup, musicians and many more.

There is another shrine dedicated to Lord Adinatha at the back of the main temple.

The interiors of the temple also have some beautiful carvings. Once again, look up at the ceiling and you will be surprised. There is an idol of Lord Parasvanatha inside the main sanctum.

23. Shantinatha Temple

Shantinatha Temple is the main Jain temple in Khajuraho and is also an active place of worship. This is not a single temple, but a cluster of temples, some modern shrines and some dating back to almost 1027 AD. This temple reminded us of the Jain temples we saw in Murshidabad, West Bengal .

The main sanctuary has a majestic statue of Lord Adinatha, 4.3m high. There are some old sculptures inside the complex as well.

 Southern Group of Monuments

The Southern Group of Monuments  contain 3 monuments and are most dispersed.

24. Duladeo Temple

Duladeo Temple is located about 700m southwest of the Jain cluster of temples. This temple was believed to be built around 1130 making it one of the last temples to be built in Khajuraho. Duladeo Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The linga inside the temple is a Sahashra linga, meaning there are 999 lingas carved around the surface of the main linga.

25. Chaturbhuj Temple

The Chaturbhuj Temple is located in Jatkari village to the south of Khajuraho. The temple has been restored as seen from its structure and carvings. It is believed to have been built around 1100 AD.

The interior of the temple is simply stunning with exquisite carvings and sculptures. Inside the sanctum, there is a four-armed statue of Vishnu, which looks quite majestic. I heard that at 4:30 pm the Vishnu idol is directly hit by the falling sun rays making the place quite magical. While we did not get a chance to witness this magic, I hope you do.

26. Bijamandal

Bijamanadal is essentially an excavation site. We really had a tough time locating it, as most of the locals also could not point it out. It is located just outside the Jatkari village, near the Chaturbhuj Temple. The site was opened only in 1999 and has been only partially excavated.

Excavations during 2002-2003 revealed the lower remains of a temple structure, probably dating back to 10th – 11th century AD. It seemed that this temple would probably have been the largest temple in Khajuraho, even bigger than the Kandariya Mahadev Temple.

A large number of idols of Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma and nymphs and apsaras have been excavated from the Bijamandal site. An image of Saraswati had also been excavated which can be now found in the museum. There are numerous statues and idols all scattered around the mound.  

So, those were the temples of Khajuraho. While the Western Group of Monuments are the most impressive ones, I found the others quite interesting as well. Since we had an interest in these temples of Khajuraho, we ended up exploring all of these. If you have less time or temples do not interest you, then you can opt to visit only the Western Group. Or, you can choose which temples you want to visit and plan accordingly.

Other Things to do in Khajuraho

There are few other things to do around Khajuraho as well.

Visit the Museums

There are two museums in Khajuraho. The old museum is located in front of the Western group of Temples and is quite small. There is another one about 500 m away from the Western group of temples in Khajuraho, it has a good collection of sculptures.

There is also a Tribal and Folk Art Museum with a collection of paintings, sculptures and artifacts. This museum will give you an insight about the tribal culture of the area.

Sound And Light Show

This is the quintessential Sound and Light Show when the temples are beautifully illuminated in the evening and the narrator tells you stories about Khajuraho and its history. The Sound and light Show takes place every evening after sunset for about an hour. The show is available in both English and Hindi.

Entry Fee: INR 250 for Indian tourists and INR 750 for foreign tourists.

Time: October to February: 6.30 – 7.25pm in English and 7.40 – 8.35pm in Hindi

March to September: 7.30 – 8.25pm in English and 8.40 – 9.35pm in Hindi

The Sound and Light Show does not take place during Khajuraho Dance Festival that usually takes place in February. Similarly, bad weather conditions also play a dampener.

Explore the villages

While the temples of Khajuraho are its main attractions, the countryside is equally beautiful. You can rent a bike and explore the village. The eastern group of temples are scattered around the villages. So, you can rent a bike and explore the rural beauty of Khajuraho.

Attend a Folk Dance Show

Folk Dance show is held every evening at the Kandariya Art and Cultural Centre in Khajuraho. If you are interested in performing arts and want to do something different from exploring the temples of Khajuraho, you can attend one of these shows.

Go for a day trip to Panna National Park and Raneh Waterfall

Panna is one of the famous national parks of Madhya Pradesh and is one of the newest one in the country. The region is a dry deciduous forest having vast grasslands well suited for spotting wildlife. You can do this as a day trip from Khajuraho. Even if you are unable to spot a big cat, you will probably get a view of wild animals like chital, wild boars, Sambhar, Chinkara and leopards. Several species of birds are also spotted at Panna National Park.

You can go for morning safari (usually 6.30 am to 11.00 am) or evening safari (3.00 pm to sunset).

Raneh Waterfall is located about 20 km from Khajuraho in the forest reserve of Panna National Park. The Ken River flows through the canyons making the waterfall quite gorgeous. Raneh Waterfalls is best viewed after the monsoons.

There is another waterfall inside the reserve area of Panna- the Pandav Waterfall, named after the Pandava brothers of Mahabharata. This is also a beautiful waterfall, viewed best after the monsoon.

Temples of Khajuraho – Travel Guide

How to reach khajuraho.

Khajuraho is well connected by air, train and bus from the majority of the cities in Central and North India.

Khajuraho has an airport, connected by flights from Delhi and Varanasi.

It also has a railway station and is connected by trains from New Delhi, Varanasi, Kanpur, Indore, Bhopal and Jhansi.

Jhansi is the major railway station near Khajuraho, located about 175 km away.

There are buses available from Gwalior, Jhansi and Chhatarpur to Khajuraho.

You can also hire a private car from Jhansi to Khajuraho.

Getting Around Khajuraho

Khajuraho is a small place and most of the temples of Khajuraho are concentrated within a small area. You can simply walk around if you want to explore the Western Group of Monuments.You can hire a rickshaw or Tuk-tuk to travel to the other areas.

You can also rent bikes and bicycles in Khajuraho for a day to explore the place. We had rented a scooty for a day to explore the eastern and southern group of monuments and the villages around Khajuraho.

Where to Stay in Khajuraho?

Khajuraho is a small place and most of the hostels and hotels are concentrated around the Western group of Temples. There are stay options catering to all budgets in Khajuraho.

• Zostel Khajuraho
• Friends in Khajuraho Homestay
• Hotel Ramayana
• Hotel Isabel Palace
• Hotel Harmony
• Bundela Resort
• Lalit Temple View
• Clarks Khajuraho
• Radisson Jazz
• Ramada Khajuraho

What is the best time to visit Khajuraho?

The best time to visit Khajuraho are the winter months between November to February. During this time, the weather remains cool. The maximum temperature remains between 16 to 18 degrees and the minimum can go down to 5 to 6 degrees at night. Since you have to spend a lot of time outdoors, winter is the best time to visit Khajuraho.

Khajuraho Dance Festival takes place during the first week of February. This is also a good time to visit. But during the festival the area will be crowded and the hotel tariffs will be on the highesr end.

Please try to avoid the summer, the months between April to June. During this time, the weather becomes unbearably hot.

July and August, continuing to mid-September are the peak monsoon season and the weather is warm and humid. Rains also make it difficult to explore outdoors.

Post monsoon, October is also a good time to visit Khajuraho.

In Conclusion

Khajuraho undoubtedly has some of the best temple architectures found in India. The enormity of the structures, the intricacy of the carvings and sculptures are enough to mesmerize anyone. While the temples of Khajuraho are known for their erotic sculptures and a lot of footfalls in Khajuraho are from people who visit there to curb their curiosity about the eroticism; these temples of Khajuraho are brilliant in terms of art and architecture. These temples commissioned by the Chandela Kings are truly the pinnacle of temple architecture of that period.

While the temples of Khajuraho are the main attraction, the small town also makes a nice escape and gives a chilled-out vibe. Overall, spending a day or two in Khajuraho will not only give you an insight about the medieval temples of India, but will also provide you the respite from city life.

Hope this Khajuraho Travel Guide will help you plan your trip and Khajuraho itinerary. If you find this blog useful, please share it with your family, friends and neighbours.

Pin it for a later read!

Agni Amrita

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Khajuraho Backpackers Travel Guide: A Journey Through Time and Culture

Are you ready to step into a world where ancient tales are etched in stone and every alley has a story? Welcome to Khajuraho, a quaint town that’s a mosaic of culture, history, and architectural wonder.

This backpacker’s guide is your all-access pass to an unforgettable journey through a land where myths and reality converge.

Table of Contents

Your khajuraho budget: a wallet-friendly plan.

Embarking on a 7-day expedition to Khajuraho doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Here’s a simple, cost-effective budget in Indian Rupees (INR):

• Stay at Madpackers : INR 600 a night totals INR 4200 for a week.
• Eating Out : Daily meals at about INR 300 come to INR 2100.
• Getting Around : A week’s worth of cycling through the town will cost you INR 700.
• Temple Tickets : A one-time fee of INR 250 covers all the main sites.
• Extra Costs : Set aside INR 1750 for those little extras and surprises.

That’s a grand total of approximately INR 9000. It’s a small price to pay for a treasure trove of experiences.

The Temples: Time Travel to the Chandelas

The western group: where legends live.

Dedicate a full day to the Western Group, the crown jewel of Khajuraho. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, a marvel of medieval architecture, is adorned with over 800 sculptures, each telling a different story of love, war, and spirituality. The Lakshmana Temple, another architectural masterpiece, is a window into the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology.

The Eastern Group: A Quiet Contemplation

Reserve half a day for the Eastern Group. The Parsvanath Temple, devoid of the erotic sculptures found elsewhere in Khajuraho, offers a peaceful retreat. Its carvings depict everyday activities, giving us a glimpse into the life of the times. The Ghantai Temple, though now in ruins, once bore witness to the grandeur of Jain worship.

The Southern Group: The Road Less Travelled

Two hours should suffice for the Southern Group. The Duladeo Temple, known for its intricate carvings of celestial dancers, is a celebration of artistry and craftsmanship. The Chaturbhuj Temple, with its impressive, towering image of Vishnu, is an ode to the devotional aspect of the Chandela dynasty’s rule.

Panna National Park: Wild and Wonderful

A day trip to Panna National Park is a must. It’s not just about the Bengal tiger; the park is a sanctuary for vultures, deer, and other wildlife. The best times are dawn and dusk when the forest comes alive. The safari experience, which includes the park’s entry fee, is around INR 1500.

Raneh Falls and Ken Gharial Sanctuary: Nature’s Canvas

Set aside half a day for Raneh Falls, a natural wonder where the Ken River cascades over crystalline granite formations. The Ken Gharial Sanctuary is a short distance away, where you can observe the rare and fascinating gharial in its natural habitat.

Adivart Tribal and Folk Art Museum: A Cultural Kaleidoscope

An hour or two at this museum will enrich your understanding of the area’s cultural diversity. The museum showcases an array of tribal artifacts, folk art, and traditional crafts, offering a colorful narrative of the region’s artistic heritage.

The Sound and Light Show: History in High-Def

End an evening with the Sound and Light Show at the Western Group of temples. For about INR 300, this show is a dramatic retelling of Khajuraho’s history, set against the backdrop of its illuminated temples.

Getting to Khajuraho: Choose Your Adventure

Khajuraho’s airport is well-connected. A return flight from Delhi is around INR 7000, offering convenience and speed.

Train Travel

The train journey is not just cost-effective but also offers panoramic views of India’s countryside. A sleeper class ticket from Delhi is about INR 500.

On the Road

For those who prefer the road, buses and taxis are readily available. Alternatively, renting a bike for INR 200 a day gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and is an eco-friendly travel option.

Best Time to Drop By

The ideal time to visit Khajuraho is from October to February. The weather is cool and comfortable, perfect for exploring. The Khajuraho Dance Festival in February is a cultural extravaganza that showcases classical dances from all over India, set against the temples’ grandeur.

Where to Crash: Madpackers Khajuraho

Madpackers Khajuraho is your home away from home. It’s more than just a place to sleep; it’s where travelers meet, exchange stories, and create memories. It’s centrally located, which means you’re never too far from the action.

Munching in Khajuraho: Tasty and Thrifty

From street-side snacks to hearty meals, Khajuraho’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Street food like poha and samosas can be found for INR 50, while a sit-down meal at a restaurant like the Blue Sky Restaurant will cost around INR 200. Here, you can enjoy the local cuisine while taking in the view of the temples.

Staying Safe: Khajuraho’s Got Your Back

Khajuraho is one of the safer destinations for solo and female travelers. The town is known for its laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals. Police presence is noticeable, and they are approachable should you need assistance. Data shows that incidents of theft or harassment are extremely low, making it a stress-free destination for backpackers.

FAQs: Quick Answers for the Curious Traveler

What’s the top pick in khajuraho.

The Western Group of temples is a must-visit for its architectural splendor and historical significance.

Is Khajuraho cool for tight budgets?

Yes, it’s a backpacker’s dream. With smart planning, you can have a rich experience without spending a lot.

What’s the off-the-beaten-path scoop?

Take a bike and pedal through the villages. Visit the local markets for an authentic slice of life.

Can I give back while I’m there?

Absolutely. Volunteering opportunities abound, from teaching to helping with conservation efforts.

What souvenirs should I snag?

Handicrafts, sculptures, and textiles are perfect keepsakes.

Wrapping It Up: Your Khajuraho Calling

Khajuraho is not just a destination; it’s an experience, a journey back in time, and a chance to connect with India’s rich heritage. With this guide, you’re all set to explore this historic town with confidence and curiosity. Share your story, inspire others, and keep the spirit of backpacking alive.

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• 25 Places To Visit In Khajuraho You Must Visit To Explore The History Of The Place In 2024!

23 Mar 2023

The temple is located in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is one of the most famous places in the world. Not only it is situated amid the beautiful Vindhya mountains, but Khajuraho is a location that is a collection of temples, and the entire area has been enlisted under the UNESCO world heritage site due to several reasons. Most temples in Khajuraho are accompanied by rock carvings that are incredibly erotic and graphic. It is funny to see the taboo around physical intimacy in India in the current timings, but back in 950 A.D. to 1050 A.D., when the temple was constructed, Indian society was much more liberal, and the carvings in Khajuraho speaks for itself. The temples were built by the rulers of the Chandela dynasty, but the entire area was hidden under palm trees. Khajuraho was discovered by the British in 1838, but they could not save all the temples in the area. There is so much more to this ancient city which is yet to be explored, and to witness the best here is a list of the best places to visit in Khajuraho one must explore.

25 Places To Visit In Khajuraho

The following are the best places to see in Khajuraho. You will be able to explore these places without any problem since they are located close to one another. Explore these places to get an insight into the rixh culture, heritage and ancient traditions of Khajuraho. From temples to museums, there’s a lot to marvel at in this ancient city.

• Kandariya Mahadeva Temple –  For A Spiritual Retreat
• Lakshmana Temple –  Marvel At The Architecture
• Light And Sound Show –  Enjoy Narration Of The Temples
• Manjeshwar Temple –  Witness The Morning Aarti
• Javari Temple –  Amidst Lush Greenery
• Chaturbhuj Temple –  The Hidden Gem
• Vishvanatha Temple –  A Sight To Withhold
• Jagadambi Temple –  Adorned By Sculptures & Carvings
• Shantinatha Temple –  Sacred Jain Site
• State Museum Of Tribal and Folk Art –  Relish The Culture
• Duladeo Temple –  Home To A Striking Shiva Lingam
• Parsvnath Temple –  Most Intriguing Style Of Architecture
• Archaeological Museum Khajuraho –  Home To Ancient Relics
• Raneh Falls –  To Relax & Unwind
• Beni Sagar Dam –  Ideal Spot For Picknickers
• Dhubela Museum –  Marvel At The Intricate Paintings
• Jain Museum –  Find Mythical Creatures
• Nandi Temple –  A World Heritage Site In Khajuraho
• Chausath Yogini Temple – Ruins To Explore
• Adinath Temple – See The Indo-Aryan Architecture
• Varaha Temple – Dedicated To Lord Vishnu
• Vaman Temple – Study The Intricate Carvings
• Chitragupta Temple – The Temple Of Sun God
• Ghantai Temple – Visited For Its Unique Architecture
• Kalinjar Fort – Ideal For History Buffs

1. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple – For A Spiritual Retreat

Image Source

One of the best places to see in Khajuraho, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is quite famous all around the globe due to the vividly mesmerizing architecture that is bestowed upon the walls of the temple. Primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was built in between 1025 to 1050 A.D. You will get to witness the surprisingly erotic carvings of women all around the walls of the temple. Every wall has images and sculptures of women, and some of them are more than three feet high. In the interior of the temple, you will find a Shiva Lingam. If you are spiritually or religiously inclined, you can take part in the prayers in the Garbhagriha if you visit during the timings mentioned below.

Location: Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606 Timings: You will be able to visit the temple at any time between 6 AM to 6 PM. Entry Fee: Indian tourists are charged INR 10 to get into the temple. Places To Stay:  The Lalit Traveller Khajuraho, Sunhouse homestay, The Lalit, Hotel Buddha Palace Khajuraho, Headquarter Khajuraho

Must Read: Chanderi In Madhya Pradesh: A Detailed Guide To This Unique Town

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2. Lakshmana Temple – Marvel At The Architecture

One of the prime tourist places in Khajuraho, Lakshmana temple was built by the Chandela rulers and is one of the most important and oldest temples of the area. The temple was dedicated to Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar, and you will be able to view their statues at the entrance of the temple. Though Lord Vishnu adorns the Garbagriha or the interior of the temple. Even if you are not a religious or spiritual person, you will be stunned by the exterior architecture of the temple. With over 600 carvings of the Hindu deities, this temple must not be missed at any cost.

Location: Rajnagar Rd, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606 Timings:  You can visit the temple at any time between 8 AM to 6 PM every day of the week. Entry Fee: Indian tourists are charged with INR 10. Places To Stay:  The Lalit Traveller Khajuraho, Sunhouse homestay, The Lalit, Hotel Buddha Palace Khajuraho, Headquarter Khajuraho

Suggested Read: 5 Places To Visit In Tikamgarh For An Enlightening Trip To Madhya Pradesh

3. Light And Sound Show – Enjoy Narration Of The Temples

While visiting Khajuraho, you must not miss the light and sound show. It is one of the most amazing shows you will ever see because the entire show is set in the outer grounds of the temples. You will be able to witness the show that is narrated by Amitabh Bachchan and is set up after the sunset. In the entire program, you will be able to learn about the conception and history of the Khajuraho temples . The whole show tells you the reason why the temple is named Khajuraho, how the Chandela rulers begin the formation, how many years it took for the temple to build, and many more critical questions. Along with the narration, the beautiful lights are depicted on the different temples of the area, and proper explanations are given behind the significance of each temple. You will be able to witness the show in the open sky, and chairs are provided to the guests where they can sit back and enjoy.

Location: Khajuraho Temples Timings: From October to February, the show timings are 6.30 PM to 7.25 PM, and from March to September, the schedules are 7.30 PM to 8.25 PM. Entry Fee: INR 250 per head.

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4. Manjeshwar Temple – Witness The Morning Aarti

Manjeshwar Temple was built in the ninth century by the Chandela dynasty rulers, and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it’s one of the most important Khajuraho tourist places. You will find an eight feet tall Lingam of Lord Shiva in the interior part of the temple. Though the exterior of the temple is not filled with erotic carvings like the other temples of Khajuraho. The outer walls are comparatively simple, but the ceiling of the temple is mesmerizing. It is rock-carved with figures of human beings and animals. You can visit the temple to witness the fantastic morning Aarti that happens quite early during the day.

Timings: You will be able to enter the temple at any time between 6 AM to 6 PM. Location: The temple is located 900 m from the bus stand of Khajuraho. Entry Fee : NA

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5. Javari Temple – Amidst Lush Greenery

Amongst the best Khajuraho tourist places, Javari Temple is located in the eastern part of the Khajuraho group of temples. It is one of the most beautiful temples out there. Located amid the lush greenery of the gardens, this temple stands tall and is breathtakingly beautiful to look upon. Javari Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the pillars and walls of the temple depict erotic postures of different men and women. If anyone visits Khajuraho, then this temple is a must-see, and without it, the trip would not be complete.

Location : Eastern Group of Temples, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606 Timings: You will be able to enter the temple anytime between 8 AM to 6 PM any day of the week. Entry Fee: You can visit the temple for free. Places To Stay:  Magi Homestay Khajuraho, Beni Home Stay, Namaste Homestay, Chelsea Palace, Freedom Guest House

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6. Chaturbhuj Temple – The Hidden Gem

Chaturbhuja Temple is situated amid the Khajuraho group of temples, and it was built in the 12th century by the Chandela rulers. It is not only dedicated to Lord Vishnu, but you will be able to find 2.7 meters tall statue of Lord Vishnu with four hands, and hence, the name Chaturbhuja has been provided. You will find carvings of men and women on the walls of the temple as well making it one of the best Khajuraho destinations to visit.

Timings: You will be able to visit the temple anytime between 5.30 AM to 6.30 PM all days a week. Entry Fee: Indian tourists are charged with INR 10. Location: The temple is situated 2 km from the Khajuraho bus stand. Places To Stay:  Friends in Khajuraho, Krishna Home Stay, Greetoe Resort Khajuraho, Clarks Khajuraho, MPT Jhankar

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7. Vishvanatha Temple – A Sight To Withhold

Amongst the best Khajuraho destinations to visit, not only does Vishvanatha temple beautifully constructed, but the setting of the temple amid the lush greenery and a clear sky is a sight to withhold. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is located in the western part of the Khajuraho group of temples. In the interior of the temple, you will find a Shiva lingam surrounded by 101 smaller lingams. It is quite marvelous to witness, and you should not miss the temple at any cost.

Location: Rajnagar Rd, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606 Timings: You can enter the temple any time between 7 AM to 6 PM any day of the week. Entry Fee: You will be charged with INR 10 to enter the temple. Places To Stay:  Hostel Buddha Khajuraho, Casa De Mono, Hotel Yogi Lodge, Hotel Casa di William, Hazel Home stay Khajuraho

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8. Jagadambi Temple – Adorned By Sculptures & Carvings

Jagadambi temple was built between 1000 to 1025 AD, and primarily it was dedicated to Lord Vishnu, but some people believe the temple was dedicated to Goddess Parvati or Maa kali. Not only is the temple adorned by mesmerizing sculptures and carvings, but it looks visually stunning as well, it is one of the best places to visit in Khajuraho. While visiting Khajuraho, you must visit the temple to explore the area thoroughly.

Timings: You can enter the temple any time between 7 AM to 6 PM any day of the week. Entry Fee: The temple can be visited without any charges. Location: The temple is located 1.6 km from the Khajuraho bus stand. Places To Stay:  Casa De Mono, Hostel Buddha Khajuraho, Hazel Home stay Khajuraho, Fusion guesthouse

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9. Shantinatha Temple – Sacred Jain Site

Shantinatha temple is located in the Eastern part of the Khajuraho group of temples and one of the best places to visit in Khajuraho. It is a Jain temple that is sacred for the people of Jain religion and visitng this temple is one of the best things to do in Khajuraho . Not only is the exterior part of the temple is adorned by marvelous carvings and sculptures, but the interior of the temple has a massive idol of Lord Shantinatha that is about 12 feet tall. You will also be able to witness the gods of Kshetrapala and Yaksha in the interiors of the temples.

Timings: You will be able to enter the temple at any time between 6 AM to 8 PM. Entry Fee: the temple can be visited without any extra charge. Location: The temple is located at a distance of 1.3 km from the bus stand of Khajuraho.

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10. State Museum Of Tribal and Folk Art – Relish The Culture

After exploring the entirety of the Khajuraho group of temples, you must visit the State Museum of Tribal and folk art to complete your trip genuinely. In the Museum, you will find different relics, artifacts of the tradition, culture, and religious aspects of Khajuraho. The Museum is essential if you want to understand the culture and the history of the area. Tourists all around the globe visit the Museum to explore Khajuraho.

Timings: You will be able to visit the Museum anytime between 12 PM to 8 AM. But the place is closed during public holidays. Entry Fee: The entry fee of the Museum is INR 10. Location: The Museum is located at a distance of 2 km from the Khajuraho group of temples.

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11. Duladeo Temple – Home To A Striking Shiva Lingam

Built in 1130, the Dulhadev temple is home to a striking shiva lingam and stunning sculptures of Apsaras. The temple also has a beautiful sculpture of Lord Shiva with his wife Parvati with other intricate details of the carvings that add to the beauty of the architecture of the temple. 

Timings: 6 am – 6 pm Location: Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606 Entry Fee: NA Places To Stay:  Florence Homestay, Jay Gurudev Homestay, Amar’s Khajuraho Mansion, Chelsea Palace , Moustache Khajuraho

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12. Parsvnath Temple – Most Intriguing Style Of Architecture

Image source

These temples are the largest group of temples with beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. Check out the most intriguing style of architecture, ancient sculptures and an aesthetic blend of Hindu, Mulsim and Buddhist style been showcased beautifully.

Timings: 5 am  – 12 pm, 4 pm – 9 pm Location: Khajuraho, Chhatarpur, 471606, Madhya Pradesh Entry Fee: Free entry

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13. Archaeological Museum Khajuraho – Home To Ancient Relics

Located near the Western group of temples in Khajuraho, it was originally known as the Jardine Museum. The museum houses over 2000 items and has relics from the 10th and 12th century temples of Hinduism and Jainism.

Timings: 8 am – 5 pm Location: Rajnagar Rd, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606 Entry Fee: INR 10 Places To Stay:  The Lalit, Shree Ram Tourist Home , William home, Bablu Homestay, Khajuraho Temple View

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14. Raneh Falls – To Relax & Unwind

This unique waterfall is carved out of a deep canyon, located at a distance fo 20 km from Khajuraho. This waterfall lies in the valley made of crystalline granite showing shades of red, pink and grey and is amongst the best places to visit near Khajuraho . The collective range of waterfalls emerging from this valley are called Raneh Falls and one of the must places to visit in Khajuraho. 

Timings: 8 am – 5 pm Location: Raneh Falls Rd, Madhya Pradesh Entry Fee: INR 15 Places To Stay:  Lalita Homestay Countryside, Magi Homestay Khajuraho, Chelsea Palace, Freedom Guest House, Jyoti Homestay

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15. Beni Sagar Dam – Ideal Spot For Picknickers

Built over River Khuddar, this magnificent dam is located in close proximity to the main town of Khajuraho and it is one of the best places to visit near Delhi in winters 2021-22. You can indulge in several recreational activities or plan a day outing to this dam. This is an ideal spot for picnickers and people who would love to unwind and relax in the serene and calm atmosphere of this dam surrounded by a picturesque setting. 

Timings: 6 am – 10 pm Location: Pahadi Hirajoo, Madhya Pradesh 471606 Entry Fee: No entry fee Places To Stay:  Sudama Palace, Vedanta – Van Hotel & Resorts, Greenwood, MPT Jhankar, Khajuraho, Clarks Khajuraho

16. Dhubela Museum – Marvel At The Intricate Paintings

Famously known as the Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum, the Dhubela Museum lies at a distance of 62 km from Khajuroaho and one of the most interesting places to visit in Khajuraho. It is surrounded by picturesque views on the banks of Dhubela lake. The museum displays an extensive collection of sculptures and intricate paintings that are spread across eight galleries.

Timings: 10 am – 5 pm Location: National Highway 75, Mausahaniya, Madhya Pradesh 471201 Entry Fee: INR 10

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17. Jain Museum – Find Mythical Creatures

Jain museum is an interesting place to visit that lies inside the beautiful complex of Jain temples. The museum houses stunning statues and sculptures of Jain tirthankaras and yakshis. You’ll find mythical creatures of Makara Torana at the entrance gate of the museum. 

Timings: 8 am – 5 pm Location: Eastern Group of Temples, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606 Entry Fee: INR 10 Places To Stay: Chelsea palace, Freedom Guest House, Jay Gurudev Homestay, Amar’s Khajuraho Mansion, Florence Homestay

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18. Nandi Temple – A World Heritage Site In Khajuraho

The famous Nandi temple is one of the most prime attractions of Khajuraho, they are part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments which is a World Heritage Site in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Nandi – the bull which is the mount of Lord Shiva. 

Timings: 6 am – 6 pm Location: Khajuraho Airport Area, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606 Entry Fee: No entry fee

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19. Chausath Yogini Temple – Ruins To Explore

Image Source If you want to witness one of the oldest temples in Khajuraho then you must pay a visit to Chausath Yogini Temple. Established in the late 9th century, this monument is visited for its national importance. While exploring this place, you will realize that there is no sculpture inside it and now it is left as a ruin. If you are a history buff and like to explore less-explored places then this is the perfect spot for you.

Location: Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606 Timings: 7 am – 8 pm Entry Fee: NA Places To Stay:  MPT Marble Rocks, Yash Lodge, Royal Orbit Jabalpur, Jaiswal Homestay, Hotel Prince Viraj

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20. Adinath Temple – See The Indo-Aryan Architecture

Image Source Dedicated to Tirthankar, the Jain God, this temple is considered as one of the most exquisite temples not only in Khajuraho but also in the whole of Madhya Pradesh. It is a perfect place to visit for curious and artist people as the place is aesthetically appealing. You can also find several images and sculptures of Yakshis while exploring the nooks & corners of this temple.

Location: Eastern Group of Temples, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606 Timings: 8 am to 6 pm Entry Fee: Free

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21. Varaha Temple – Dedicated To Lord Vishnu

Image Source Another one on the list of the best places to visit in Khajuraho is Varaha Temple that enshrines an idol of an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The sculpture is made with sandstone and has many carvings all over the body which makes it a unique place to visit in Madhya Pradesh. The amazing fact about this sculpture is that it looks like Goddess Saraswati if seen from one angle.

Location: Rajnagar Rd, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606 Timings: 8 am to 6 pm Entry Fee: INR 10 per person

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22. Vaman Temple – Study The Intricate Carvings

Image Source There is no dearth of historical and religious places in Khajuraho, so the next one on the list is Vaman Temple. The temple is dedicated to the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Vaman. The walls of the shrine are adorned with the erotic carvings of women and celestial bodies in several positions. This place receives a heavy footfall of tourists throughout the year.

Location: Eastern Group of Temples, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606 Timings: 5 am – 12 pm, 4 pm – 9 pm Entry Fee: Free

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23. Chitragupta Temple – The Temple Of Sun God

Image Source Dating back to the 11th century, Chitragupta Temple is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. You can see a beautiful carving of deities riding a chariot with seven horses. Moreover, the exterior walls are full of erotic carvings of couples as well as gods. It is a must-visit place in Khajuraho and Madhya Pradesh which is why you can witness several tourists exploring the place.

Location: Rajnagar Rd, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606 Timings: 5 am – 12 pm, 4 pm – 9 pm Entry Fee: NA Places To Stay:  Casa De Mono, Shree Ram Tourist Home, Hostel Buddha Khajuraho, William home, The Lalit Traveller Khajuraho

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24. Ghantai Temple – Visited For Its Unique Architecture

Image Source Now left as ruins, Ghantai Temple lies on the outskirts of the Jain Groups of Temples in Khajuraho. It is one of the oldest temples here as its origin can be traced back to 995 CE. The temple got its name due to the huge carvings of chain and bell on the pillars. As the temple is famous for its architectural style, it is visited by several curious souls.

Location: Eastern Group of Temples, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606 Timings: 6 am – 6 pm Entry Fee: Free Places To Stay:  Chelsea Palace , Moustache Khajuraho, Jay Gurudev Homestay, Amar’s Khajuraho Mansion, Khajuraho Home stay Town Yoga 

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25. Kalinjar Fort – Ideal For History Buffs

Image Source It is one of the eight most famous forts that were built by the Chandela rulers. Settled at a height of 244 meters in the Vindhya Ranges, the whole fort was under the Chandela kings. It is one of the best places to visit in Khajuraho for history buffs and artists so make sure that you include it in your itinerary and visit it this year.

Location: Kalinjar, Madhya Pradesh 210129 Timings: 9 am – 5pm (Mon-Sat), 8 am – 8 pm (Sun) Entry Fee: Free Places To Stay:  Bear Valley Camp, The Surendra Palace, Hotel Parth, MPT Kutni Island Resort, Pooja Family Home Stay

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All the places mentioned above are located either inside the premises of the Khajuraho group of temples or quite close to it. You can explore all the places within a day or two. The entry fees are quite modest, and you will be able to explore the history and culture of the site without spending a whole lot of money. So whenever you plan a vacation to Khajuraho , make sure to mark these places to visit in Khajuraho in your list.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Khajuraho

How can you reach Khajuraho?

You can reach Khajuraho by renting a car from Satna or Jhansi if you are arriving through a train. Or else, you can visit there by plane and take a cab from Khajuraho airport.

Which religious deity is mostly worshipped in the temples of Khajuraho?

There are several temples in Khajuraho, and most of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Are there any Covid-19 restrictions in Khajuraho?

As of 11th February, the Madhya Pradesh government has lifted all Covid-19 restrictions placed during the increase in Omnicron cases.

When and by whom the Khajuraho temples were built?

The tock-cut temple of Khajuraho was built in 900 A.D. by the Chandela rulers.

What is the total area where all the temples of Khajuraho Khaare located?

Earlier, there were about 85 temples in Khajuraho that covered almost 20 square kilometres, but after the destruction, only 25 synagogues are left, which include 6 square kilometres.

What should one wear in Khajuraho?

Khajuraho is quite hot during the majority of the year. So, it would be smart to wear cotton and loose-fitting clothes that are light in colour to explore the area comfortably. From October to March the nights are comparatively more relaxed, so you would need some light woollen clothes if you want to get outside during the night.

Which British officer discovered Khajuraho?

A British surveyor named T.S. Burt discovered Khajuraho in the 19th century.

What is the apt time to visit Khajuraho?

You will be able to explore Khajuraho comfortably if you visit there from October to February.

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The resplendent Hindu temples of Khajuraho, immaculately restored after almost a millennium of abandonment and neglect, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site , are an essential stop on any itinerary of India’s historic monuments. Famed for the delicate sensuality – and forthright eroticism – of their sculpture, they were built between the tenth and twelfth centuries AD and remain the greatest architectural achievement of the Chandella dynasty.

The temples of Khajuraho

The erotic art of khajuraho, festivals and dance in khajuraho, khajuraho town, temples: the western group, temples: the eastern group, temples: the southern group.

Waves of Afghan invaders soon hastened the decline of the Chandellas, however, who abandoned the temples for more secure ground shortly after they were built. The temples gradually fell out of use and by the sixteenth century had been swallowed by the surrounding jungle. It took “rediscovery” by the British in 1838 before these masterpieces were fully appreciated in India, let alone internationally. It is still not known exactly why the temples were built and there are a number of competing theories; some say they are a “how-to” guide for brahmin boys while others claim they symbolize the wedding party of Shiva and Parvati.

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The exquisite intricacy of the temples themselves – of which the most spectacular are Kandariya Mahadeva, Vishvanatha and Lakshmana, all in the conglomeration known as the western group – was made possible by the soft fawn-coloured sandstone used in their construction. Considering the propensity of such stone to crumble, they have withstood the ravages of time remarkably well. Much of the ornate sculpture adorning their walls is in such high relief as to be virtually three-dimensional, with strains of pink in the stone helping to imbue the figures with flesh-like tones. The incredible skill of the artisans is evident throughout, with friezes as little as 10cm wide crammed with naturalistic details of ornaments, jewellery, hairstyles and even manicured nails. To add to the beauty of the whole ensemble, the temples subtly change hue as the day progresses, passing from a warm pink at sunrise to white at midday and back to pink at sunset. Dramatic floodlights pick them out in the evening, and they glow white when the moon is out.

Prurient eyes have been hypnotized by the unabashed erotica of Khajuraho ever since its “rediscovery” in February 1838. A young British officer of the Bengal Engineers, T.S. Burt, had deviated from his official itinerary when he came upon the ancient temples all but engulfed by jungle.

Frank representations of oral sex, masturbation and copulation with animals may have fitted into the mores of the tenth-century Chandellas, but, as Burt relates, were hardly calculated to meet with the approval of the upstanding officers of Queen Victoria:

“ I found…seven Hindoo temples, most beautifully and exquisitely carved as to workmanship, but the sculptor had at times allowed his subject to grow a little warmer than there was any absolute necessity for his doing; indeed some of the sculptures here were extremely indecent and offensive…The palki (palanquin) bearers, however, appeared to take great delight at those, to them, very agreeable novelties, which they took care to point out to all present. ”

Burt found the inscription on the steps of the Vishvanatha temple that enabled historians to attribute the site to the Chandellas, and to piece together their genealogy, but it was several years before Major-General Sir Alexander Cunningham produced detailed plans of Khajuraho, drawing the distinction between “western” and “eastern” groups. Cunningham thought all the sculptures “highly indecent, and most of them disgustingly obscene.”

Tantric cults to celestial entertainment

The erotic images remain the subject of a disproportionate amount of controversy and debate among academics and curious tourists alike. The task of explanation is made more difficult by the fact that even the Chandellas themselves barely mentioned the temples in their literature, and the very name “Khajuraho” may be misleading, simply taken from that of the nearby village.

Among attempts to account for the sexual content of the carvings have been suggestions of links with Tantric cults, which use sex as a pivotal part of worship. Some claim they were inspired by the Kama Sutra, and similarly intended to serve as a manual on love, while others argue the sculptures were designed to entertain the gods, diverting their wrath and thus protecting the temples against natural calamities. Alternatively, the geometric qualities of certain images have been put forward as evidence that each represents a yantra, a pictorial form of a mantra, for use in meditation.

The sixteen large panels depicting sexual union that appear along the northern and southern aspects of the three principal temples – Kandariya Mahadeva, Lakshmana and Vishvanatha – are mostly concerned with the junction of the male and the female elements of the temples, the mandapa and the garbha griha (the “womb”). They might therefore have been intended as a visual pun, elaborated by artistic licence.

Khajuraho is a bustling epicentre during Phalguna (Feb/March), when the festival of Maha Shivratri draws pilgrims from all over the region to commemorate the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. It also hosts one of India’s premier dance events, the free Khajuraho Festival of Dance (Feb 20–26). There are shows of traditional dances with live music from the local area at the Tourist Facilitation Centre nightly at 6.30pm and 8pm, while the more commercial Khandariya Art and Cultural Centre, 1km south of the town centre, hosts performances of dance from across India most evenings; although the dancing is interesting, the music isn’t live and they seem more interested in luring you into their overpriced shop.

The sheer splendour of the temples rather overshadows Khajuraho town, which was largely built to service tourists – the original Khajuraho village is much sleepier and lies somewhat to the east. Still, if you stay a night or two, you’ll discover a relaxed pace of life, especially in the evening when the open-air restaurants create a very sociable atmosphere. Visitor facilities are concentrated in the uncluttered avenues of the town; the gates of the western group of temples open immediately onto its main square, which is surrounded by hotels, cafés and curio shops where you should brace yourself for some hard selling.

The Archeological Museum

The new, marble-floored Archeological Museum is principally noteworthy for a remarkable sculpture of a pot-bellied dancing Ganesh among a range of some of the best carvings and statues from the temples. Only one of the six galleries is currently open, though there are many pieces arranged around the pleasant manicured gardens too.

The Adivart State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art

The Adivart State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art has a small but interesting collection of paintings, sculptures and artwork by Madhya Pradesh’s many tribal groups. There is also a range of original paintings and prints for sale.

Carved erotic scene on the outer wall of temple in Khajuraho complex, India © Cortyn/Shutterstock

Stranded like a fleet of stone ships amid pristine lawns and flowerbeds fringed with bougainvillea, the western group of temples is Khajuraho’s prime attraction. With the exception of Matangesvara, just outside the main complex, all are now virtually devoid of religious significance, and only spring back to life during Shivratri. Visitors must remove their shoes before entering individual temples. An informative self-guided audio tour is available from the temple booking office, and there’s a nightly sound-and-light show (55min). The site can get to be a bit of a scrum when the tour groups are in, so it’s best to visit before 9am (when the rising sun illuminates the interiors of the temples), or around lunchtime.

Just inside the complex a small open mandapa pavilion, built between the tenth and eleventh centuries, houses a huge, highly polished sandstone image of Vishnu as the boar – Varaha. Carved in low relief on its body, 674 figures in neat rows represent the major gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon. Lord of the earth, water and heaven, the alert boar straddles Shesha the serpent, accompanied by what T.S. Burt conjectured must have been the most beautiful form of Prithvi, the earth goddess – all that remains are her feet, and a hand on the neck of the boar. Above the image the lotus ceiling stands out in relief.

Beyond Varaha, adjacent to the Matangesvara temple across the boundary wall, the richly carved Lakshmana temple, dating from around 950 AD, is the oldest of the western group. It stands on a high plinth covered with processional friezes of horses, elephants and camels, as well as soldiers, domestic scenes, musicians and dancers. Among explicit sexual images is a man sodomizing a horse, flanked by shocked female onlookers. The sheer energy of the work gives the whole temple an astounding sense of movement and vitality.

While the plinth depicts the human world, the temple itself, the adhisthana, brings one into contact with the celestial realm. Two tiers of carved panels decorate its exterior, with gods and goddesses attended by apsaras, “celestial nymphs”, and figures in complicated sexual acts on the lower tier and in the recesses. Fine detail includes a magnificent dancing Ganesh on the south face, a master architect with his students on the east, and heavenly musicians and dancers.

Kandariya Mahadeva

Sharing a common platform with other temples in the western corner of the enclosure, the majestic Kandariya Mahadeva temple, built between 1025 and 1050 AD, is the largest and most imposing of the western group. A perfect consummation of the five-part design instigated in Lakshmana and Vishvanatha, this Shiva temple represents the pinnacle of Chandellan art, its ornate roofs soaring dramatically to culminate 31m above the base in a shikhara consisting of 84 smaller replicas.

Kandariya Mahadeva is especially popular with visitors for the extraordinarily energetic and provocative erotica that ornaments its three tiers, covering almost every facet of the exterior. Admiring crowds can always be found in front of a particularly fine image of a couple locked in mithuna (sexual intercourse) with a maiden assisting on either side. One of Khajuraho’s most familiar motifs, it seems to defy nature, with the male figure suspended upside down on his head; only when considered as if from above do the sinuous intertwined limbs begin to make sense.

Devi Jagadambi

North of Kandariya Mahadeva along the platform, the earlier Devi Jagadambi temple is a simpler structure, whose outer walls lack projecting balconies. Originally dedicated to Vishnu, its prominent mandapa is capped by a massive pyramidal roof. Three bhandas (belts) bind the jangha (body), adorned with exquisite and sensuous carvings; the erotica on the third is arguably Khajuraho’s finest. Vishnu appears throughout the panels, all decorated with sinuous figures of nymphs, gods and goddesses, some in amorous embrace. Some consider the image in the temple sanctum to be a standing Parvati, others argue that it is the black goddess Kali, known here as Jagadambi.

Between Kandariya Mahadeva and Jagadambi, the remains of Mahadeva temple shelter a 1m high lion accompanied by a figure of indeterminate sex. Recurring throughout Khajuraho, the highly stylized lion motif, seen here rearing itself over a kneeling warrior with drawn sword, may have been an emblem of the Chandellas.

Chitragupta

Beyond the platform, and similar to its southern neighbour, Jagadambi, the heavily (and in places clumsily) restored Chitragupta temple is unusual in being dedicated to Surya, the sun god. Ornate depictions of hunting scenes, nymphs and dancing girls accompany processional friezes, while on the southern aspect a particularly vigorous ten-headed Vishnu embodies all his ten incarnations. Within the inner chamber, the fiery Surya rides a chariot driven by seven horses. The small and relatively insignificant temple in front of Chitragupta, also heavily restored and now known as Parvati, may originally have been a Vishnu temple, but holds an interesting image of the goddess Ganga riding on a crocodile.

Vishvanatha

Laid out along the same lines as Lakshmana, Vishvanatha, in the northeast corner of the enclosure – the third of the three main western group shrines – can be precisely dated to 1002 AD as the work of the ruler Dhangadeva. Unlike some other temples at Khajuraho, which may have changed their presiding deities, Vishvanatha is most definitely a Shiva temple, as confirmed by the open mandapa pavilion in front of the main temple, where a monolithic seated Nandi waits obediently. Large panels between the balconies once more show mithuna, with amorous couples embracing among the sensuous nymphs. Idealized representations of the female form include women in such poses as writing letters, playing music and cuddling babies. Decorative elephant motifs appear to the south of Vishvanatha, and lions guard its northern aspect.

Matangesvara

The simplicity of the Matangesvara temple, outside the complex gates, shows it to be one of Khajuraho’s oldest structures, but although built early in the tenth century it remains in everyday use. Deep balconies project from the walls of its circular sanctuary, inside which a pillar-like shivalingam emerges from the pedestal yoni, the vulva – the recurring symbol of the union of Shiva. During the annual festival of Shivratri, the great wedding of Shiva and Parvati, the shrine becomes a hive of activity, drawing pilgrims for ceremonies that hark back to Khajuraho’s distant past.

Chausath Yogini

Southwest of Shiv Sagar are the remains of the curious temple of Chausath Yogini – the “Sixty-Four Yoginis”. Dating from the ninth century, it consists of 35 small granite shrines clustered around a quadrangle; there were originally 64 shrines, with the presiding goddess’s temple at the centre. Only fourteen other temples, all in northern India, are known to have been dedicated to these wrathful and bloodthirsty female attendants of the goddess Kali. Around 1km further west lie the ruins of Lalguan Mahadev, a small temple dedicated to Shiva.

The two separate networks of temples that make up Cunningham’s eastern group

are reached via the two forks of the road east of the town. Although smaller than

the western group temples, they feature workmanship that is equal or better, and are considerably less crowded. One is the tightly clustered Jain group, while slightly north are a number of shrines and two larger temples, Vamana and Javari, both dating from the late eleventh century.

The temples to the north

On the north side of Jain Temples Road a more modern temple is home to a 2m-high image of monkey god Hanuman that may predate all of Khajuraho’s temples and shrines. As the road forks left along the eastern shore of the murky Khajur Sagar lake, at the edge of Khajuraho village, it passes the remains of a single-room temple erroneously referred to as the Brahma temple. It is in fact a shrine to Shiva, as demonstrated by its chaturmukha – “four-faced” – lingam. While the eastern and western faces carry benign expressions, and the north face bears the gentler aspect of Uma, the female manifestation of Shiva, the ferocious southern face is surrounded by images of death and destruction. Crowning the lingam is the rounded form of Sadashiva, Shiva the Infinite at the centre of the cosmos.

The largest of the Khajuraho village temples, Vamana, stands alone in a field 200m further north. Erected slightly earlier than Javari, in a fully evolved Chandella style, Vamana has a simple uncluttered shikhara that rises in bands covered with arch-like motifs. Figures including seductive celestial nymphs form two bands around the jangha, the body of the temple, while a superb doorway leads to the inner sanctum, which is dedicated to Vamana, an incarnation of Vishnu. On the way to the Jain group, the road runs near what survives of a late tenth-century temple, known as Ghantai for its fine columns sporting bells (ghantai), garlands and other motifs.

The Jain group temples

The temple of Parsvanath, dominating the walled enclosure of the Jain group, is probably older than the main temples of Khajuraho, judging by its relatively simple ground plan. Its origins are a mystery; although officially classified as a Jain monument, it may have been a Hindu temple that was donated to the Jains who settled here at a later date. Certainly, the animated sculpture of Khajuraho’s other Hindu temples is well represented on the two horizontal bands around the walls, and the upper one is crowded with Hindu gods in intimate entanglements. Among Khajuraho’s finest work, they include Brahma and his consort; a beautiful Vishnu; a rare image of the god of love, Kama, shown with his quiver of flower arrows embracing his consort Rati; and two graceful female figures. A narrow strip above the two main bands depicts celestial musicians playing cymbals, drums, stringed instruments and flutes. Inside, beyond an ornate hall, a black monolithic stone is dedicated to the Jain lord Parsvanath, inaugurated as recently as 1860 to replace an image of another tirthankara, Adinath.

Immediately north of Parsvanath, Adinath’s own temple, similar but smaller, has undergone drastic renovation. Three tiers of sculpture surround its original structure, of which only the sanctum, shikhara and vestibule survive; the incongruous mandapa is a much later addition. Inside the garbha griha stands the black image of the tirthankara Adinath himself. The huge 4.5m-high statue of the sixteenth tirthankara, Shantinath, in his newer temple, is the most important image in this working Jain complex. With its slender beehive shikharas, the temple attracts pilgrims from all over India, including naked sadhus.

Khajuraho’s southern group consists of three widely separated temples. The nearest

to town, Duladeo, is down the road south of the Jain group, 1.5km from the main town square. Built early in the twelfth century, Duladeo bears witness to the decline of temple architecture in the late Chandellan period, noticeable particularly in its sculpture. Nonetheless, its main hall contains some exquisite carving, and the angular rippled exterior of the main temple is unique to Khajuraho.

Across the Khodar stream and south along a small road leads through the small village of Jatkra from where a path leads west to the temple of Bija Math. The structure lay below a suspiciously large mound of mud until 1998, when an excavation discovered the delicately carved platform. Unfortunately, the temple itself has disintegrated into the debris of ornate sculpture lying strewn around the site.

To get to the third, go back to Jatkra village and head south, past the Ram Spiritual Chai Shop until you get to the main road where you’ll see the tapering temple of Chaturbhuj. A forerunner to Duladeo, built around 1100 AD and bearing some resemblance to the Javari temple of the eastern group, Chaturbhuj is plainer than Duladeo and devoid of erotica. A remarkable image of Vishnu, however, graces its inner sanctum. Either head back through Jatkra, or follow the main road west to where it meets Airport Road.

Top image: Famous indian Madhya Pradesh tourist landmark - Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Khajuraho, India © Dmitry Rukhlenko/Shutterstock

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India's most titillating town is famed far and wide for the erotic stone carvings that swathe Khajuraho’s three groups of World Heritage–listed temples. The Western Group of temples, in particular, contains some stunning sculptures that together make up some of the finest temple art in the world.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Lakshmana Temple

The large Lakshmana Temple took 20 years to build and was completed in about AD 954 during the reign of Dhanga, according to an inscription in its mandapa…

Kandariya-Mahadev Temple

The 30.5m-long Kandariya-Mahadev, built between 1025 and 1050, is the largest Western Group temple and represents the high point of Chandela architecture…

Western Group

Khajuraho’s most striking and best-preserved temples are those within the fenced-off section of the Western Group. An Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)…

Vishvanath Temple

Believed to have been built in 1002, the Vishvanath Temple anticipates the plan and style of the Kandariya-Mahadev Temple. Dedicated to Shiva, it's a…

Parsvanath Temple

While not competing in size or erotica with the Western Group temples, this largest of the Jain temples in the walled enclosure is notable for the…

Chitragupta Temple

The Chitragupta Temple (1000–25) is unique in Khajuraho – and rare among North Indian temples – in being dedicated to the sun god Surya. While its…

Devi Jagadamba Temple

Devi Jagadamba was originally dedicated to Vishnu, but later to Parvati and then Kali. The carvings include sardulas accompanied by Vishnu, surasundaris …

Mahadeva Temple

Mahadeva, a small, partly ruined temple on the same platform as Kandariya-Mahadev and Devi Jagadamba, is dedicated to Shiva, who is carved on the lintel…

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10 Famous Temples in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Khajuraho, located in Chattarpur district in Madhya Pradesh is an iconic historical destination in India. It is one of the most important historical destinations to visit at least once in a lifetime. Built under the reign of Chandellabetween between 900 CE and 1130 CE, Khajuraho is an abode of intricate architectural wonders. Here you can witness the pinnacle beauty of Nagara-style architecture adorning the temples. The major temples of the location promote Hinduism and Jainism.

The Chandella rulers are known for their architectural styles, nearly they built 85 temples but due to invasions, the number felt around 20 temples today. The intricate carvings on the temples signify four important aspects of life as per Hinduism known as Dharma, Kama, Artha, and Moksha. The total temple complex is divided into three namely the Western, the Eastern, and the Southern group of temples. For its magnificent architectural marvels, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Table of Contents

Exploring the Ancient Temples of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh:

1. lakshmana temple:.

Lakshmana temple is one of the best-known temples of Khajuraho. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it is one of the three largest temples of Lord Vishnu in the complex. As per the history, the temple was built by Yashovarman in 954 AD.

The temple houses significant architectural sculptures like elephants, battle scenes, horses, erotic structures, nymphs, apsaras, etc. The major attractions of the temple are its entrance with elegant designs and Goddess Laxmi’s sanctum along with Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva.

Complex: Western Group of the Temples.

2. Vishwanath Temple:

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishwanath Temple is a magnificent two-stair architectural wonder. The temple was built in the reign of King Nannuka and King Dhanga. The 90-foot sanctum of Lord Shiva residing on the bull (Nandi)is the spectacular attraction of the temple.

Other than that, the sculptures of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu are the best ones. The Lord Shiva’s sanctum in the form of Linga with an emerald is also an important attraction of the temple. Different sculptures of majestic lions, elephants, and women stand as beautiful attractions of the temple.

3. Kandariya Mahadev Temple:

Kandariya Mahadev Temple is the largest of all the temples in Khajuraho dating back to the 10th century BC. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the sanctum in the form Linga made of marble is the key attraction of the temple.

When it comes to the architectural beauty of the temple many sculptures and intricate carvings will leave you stuck. The entrance of the temple with beautiful carvings, sculptures of Goddess Ganga and Goddess Jamuna, walls with nearly 900 images, and structures of apsaras and nymphs, many will make you experience the ancient architectural marvel.

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4. Chausath Yogini Temple:

Located on the banks of Sib-Sagar Lake, Chausath Yogini Temple is a simple and ruined temple. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The structure of the temple is simple with a courtyard in the middle and surrounded by various 65 small shrines.

The 64 shrines were dedicated to the Yoginis of the Goddess Kali. Many shrines were destroyed during the invasions, right now there nearly 35 shrines are left. The special thing about the temple is it is fully constructed with granite and none in Khajuraho was built like.

5. Chitragupta Temple:

Chitraguputatemple is also one of the prominent temples in Khajuraho. This temple is dedicated to Lord Surya Dev (Sun God). As per historians, this temple dates back to the 11th century. The major attraction of the temple is the massive structure of the Sun God on a Chariot with seven horses.

The next big thing about this temple is the magnificent structure of Lord Vishnu with eleven heads signifying the avatars of his lifetime. When it comes to carvings the erotic structures of couples stand as beautiful attractions.

6. Brahma Temple:

The temple is familiar as the Brahma temple but this temple adorns the sanctum of Lord Shiva with four faces. It leads to the mistake of it is Lord Brahma. Although a simple and beautiful temple in Khajuraho.

The structures of Lord Vishnu stand as the attraction of the temple. The temple was built with both sandstone and granite, which are rarely used in Khajuraho temples. Overall, it is a simple and worthy visit temple.

Complex: Eastern group of temples.

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7. Parsawanatha Temple:

Among the Jain temples in Khajuraho, Parsawanathatemple is the largest one. The temple was dedicated to Parswanatha(the 22 nd Jain Thirthankara) and constructed by Dhangadevain in the 10 th century.

The temple adorned with majestic naked structures of male and female on the left and right doors seeks attraction. A ten-armed Jain Goddess is also a great attraction of the temple. Other than these, various structures of elephants, sea nymphs, Vishnu idols, lions, etc exhibit architecture.

8. Vamana Temple:

Vamana temple is one of the notable temples of Lord Vishnu. The special attraction of the temple is the sanctum of Lord Vishnu in Vaman avatar. Different idols and structures of the temple look brilliant and attractive.

Among them, Lord Brahma’s Bhumisparsamudra structure and Lord Vishnu and Brahma with their consort’s structures are significant to experience. The walls adorned with apsaras, celestial nymphs, and erotic sculptures showcase the brilliance of intricate carving.

9. Duladeo Temple:

Duladeo temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is believed to be the last temple built. The temple comprises five chambers and houses Lord Shiva. The effigy of the four-armed Gana and other carvings stand as the major attractions of the temple.

Apart from all the temples in Khajuraho, Duladeo looks flatter than all. It is the uniqueness of the temple. In a few words, Duladeo is Khajuraho’s simple and artistic attraction.

Complex: Southern group of temples.

10. Chaturbhuja Temple:

Being located near Jatkarivillage, the temple is also known as Jatkari. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was built in nearly 1100 AD. The major attraction of the temple is the 9 feet sanctum of the four-armed Lord Vishnu.

Because of the idol of the four hands of Lord Vishnu, the temple was named after Chaturbhuja. When it comes to architectural marvels, the mandapa and entrance porch look stunning and the erotic poses on the walls of the temple are special attractions.

Best Time to Visit Khajuraho:

Winter: During winter from October to February, it is favorable who want to explore the chills of Khajuraho. For outdoor activities, this time is the best to visit to explore all the tourist attractions of Khajuraho.

Monsoon: Between July and September, the location looks good with the liveliness of nature. During this time the place will not be crowded so you can enjoy the beauty in peace.

Summer: Better to visit in March or June. Because during April and May, temperatures will be high. However, during March and June, you can have a pleasant atmosphere to explore the place.

How to Reach Khajuraho:

By Road: Khajuraho is well-connected with surrounding cities. So you can use the Madhya Pradesh tourism or transportation services easily. NH 75 connects Khajuraho with all surrounding cities.

By Rail: Khajuraho has a railway station but is not connected well to cities. From Delhi , you can have a train to Khajuraho, which takes 10 to 11 hours to reach. Train name is Khajuraho – Hazrat Nizamuddin Express.

By Air: Khajuraho has a domestic airport, named Civil Aerodrome Khajuraho. From Delhi and Varanasi , you can have direct flights to Khajuraho.

These are a few well-known temples of temples of Khajuraho. Other than these, many temples namely Lalguan Mahadev Temple, Parvati Temple, Nandi Temple, Varaha Temple, Javari Temple, Adinath Temple, and Santinath Temple are worth paying a visit in Khajuraho.

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2-Day Khajuraho Itinerary

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Table of contents

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: keep it simple, khajuraho western group of temples.

Khajuraho Temple

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

Bhagawan parshwanath digambar jain mandir, kalinjar fort, where to eat, rajacafe restaurant.

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Parvati Hill

Chaturbhuj temple, hotel isabel palace.

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Popular road trips from Khajuraho

What's the weather like in khajuraho.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Khajuraho for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Khajuraho in January
• Weather in Khajuraho in February
• Weather in Khajuraho in March
• Weather in Khajuraho in April
• Weather in Khajuraho in May
• Weather in Khajuraho in June
• Weather in Khajuraho in July
• Weather in Khajuraho in August
• Weather in Khajuraho in September
• Weather in Khajuraho in October
• Weather in Khajuraho in November
• Weather in Khajuraho in December

All road trips from Khajuraho

• Khajuraho to New Delhi drive
• Khajuraho to Agra drive
• Khajuraho to Jaipur drive
• Khajuraho to Mumbai drive
• Khajuraho to Varanasi drive
• Khajuraho to Kathmandu drive
• Khajuraho to Udaipur drive
• Khajuraho to Hyderabad drive
• Khajuraho to Kolkata (Calcutta) drive
• Khajuraho to Jodhpur drive
• Khajuraho to Lucknow drive
• Khajuraho to Ahmedabad drive
• Khajuraho to Pokhara drive
• Khajuraho to Pune drive
• Khajuraho to Bhopal drive
• Khajuraho to Amritsar drive
• Khajuraho to Shimla drive
• Khajuraho to Jaisalmer drive
• Khajuraho to Manali Tehsil drive
• Khajuraho to Gangtok drive
• Khajuraho to Darjeeling drive
• Khajuraho to Sawai Madhopur drive
• Khajuraho to Nainital drive
• Khajuraho to Orchha drive
• Khajuraho to Chandigarh drive
• Khajuraho to Gwalior drive
• Khajuraho to Amer drive
• Khajuraho to Indore drive
• Khajuraho to Dharamsala drive

Explore nearby places

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All related maps of Khajuraho

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• Map of Satna
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• Map of Kaushambi
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• Map of Bandhavgarh National Park
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Khajuraho throughout the year

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Things to Do in Khajuraho – The Complete Travel Guide

The Chandela dynasty built a group of Hindu and Jain temples in Khajuraho, a small town located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, a state in central India, between the 10th and 12th centuries. These temples feature intricate carvings and sculptures that depict various aspects of life, including daily activities, divine beings, and erotic scenes. The Khajuraho temples, which are considered some of the finest examples of Indian temple architecture and art, have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town attracts visitors from all over the world and is a popular tourist destination in India.

Table of Contents

• Architecture

Temples in Khajuraho

• Places to visit in Khajuraho
• Places to eat in Khajuraho
• How to reach
• Best time to visit
• Places to stay in Khajuraho

About Khajuraho Temple

Probably one of the most famous heritage sites in India, the Khajuraho Group of Monuments in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh gained popularity due to the erotic sculptures and the nagara-style architectural symbolism. Khajuraho temple sculptures are intricately carved depicting various values of human life.

These temples were built by the rulers of the Chandela Dynasty between AD 900 and 1130. In fact, it is believed that every Chandela ruler has built at least one Khajuraho temple in his lifetime. Hence, building these temples was more of a tradition of Chandela rulers. These temples find their first mention in the accounts of the Persian Scientist and Historian Abu Rihan al Biruni in AD 1022 and the popular Arab traveler Ibn Battuta in AD 1335.

Temples here are scattered over an area of around 23.3 square kilometers. It is believed that there were nearly 85 temples in the area. However, only 22 of those have managed to survive the test of time.

Temple Architecture

Each temple built by the Chandelas had all elements of the Nagara style of architecture from North India. All temples have a central tower having its highest point right over the deity of the temple. It is called Shikhara . This tower usually has many smaller towers around it called Urushringa. These gradually rise to the peak of the central tower. The temple sits on a raised base called the Adhisthana . The arches in temples are created by using corbelling techniques wherein overlapping masonry courses are used to create the arch.

• The city of Khajuraho derives its name from the Hindi name of the date fruit – Khajur . This is because in ancient times the city was famous for its date palms.
• The Khajuraho Temple, constructed by the Chandela Dynasty is more than 1000 years old.
• While the temples gained popularity due to the carving of Kamasutra , Khajuraho Temples have other sculptures too. In fact, erotic sculptures are not even 10% of the overall sculptures at these temples.
• Craftsmen made the Khajuraho Caves and Temples from sandstone in subtle shades of yellow, buff, and pink.
• The temple art is considered to be the best example of translating theological concepts into symbolic art.
• Experts consider temple art to be the finest illustration of transforming theological concepts into symbolic art.

Things to Do in Khajuraho

The temples in Khajuraho are divided into groups as follows:

1. Western Group of Temples

• Kandariya Mahadev Mandir – This magnificent Mahadev temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Lakshmana Temple – Dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Varaha Mandap – Dedicated to Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
• Chitragupta Temple – Dedicated to the Sun God.
• Devi Jagadambi Temple – Dedicated to Devi Jagadambika.
• Nandi Mandap – Dedicated to Nandi, the bull the serves as the mount of Lord Shiva.
• Vishwanath Temple – Dedicated to Lord Shiva.

2. Eastern Group of Temples

• Brahma Temple – Despite the name, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Javari Temple – Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Vamana Temple – Dedicated to Vamana, an avatar of Lord Vishnu.

3. South-Eastern Group of Temples

• Chaturbhuj Temple – Dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Duladeo Temple – Also known as Kunwar Math, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of a lingam .

4. Jain Group of Temples

• Adinath Temple – Dedicated to the Jai Tirthankara Adinatha.
• Ghantai Temple – Dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara Rishabhanatha (also known as Adinatha).
• Parsvanatha Temple – Dedicated to Parsvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism.
• Shantinath Temple – The main deity is the Jain Tirthankara Shantinatha.

Book a cab in Khajuraho to visit all these religious places and enjoy a great trip with your family.

Tourism Ministry Showcases Exquisite Khajuraho Temple Architecture: Swarajya Read the full article here: https://t.co/XV8ZLZy43X @prahladspatel @pspoffice @MPTourism — Ministry of Tourism (@tourismgoi) April 22, 2021

Best places to visit in Khajuraho

Here is a list of places to see:

• The first one is obvious – tour the temples of Khajuraho. The most famous temple is the Kandariya Mahadev Mandir .
• The best thing to do in the evening is to attend the sound and light show organized by the Western Group of Temples . The stories narrated during the show will bound to leave you in awe.
• Visit the Panna National Park . You can live in one of the exotic jungle cottages and spot some rare birds and animals.
• Witness the grandeur of the Khajuraho Dance Festival that takes place in an open-air auditorium near the Western Group of Temples. The Khajuraho dance festival history dates back to 1975 ; it is a celebration of dance as an ancient art form.
• One of the most interesting places to visit is the State Museum of Tribal Art and Folk Art .
• Visit the magical Raneh Falls Canyon to witness the crystalline granites created by the waterfall.
• Experience the rural life of Khajuraho.
• Visit the Ajaigarh Fort , one of the most important monuments of the Chandela Kings.

Hire a car rental in Khajuraho to travel around the place with ease and visit all these interesting places.

Best place to eat

Here are some places to eat in Khajuraho:

• Zorba The Buddha, Jain Temple Road – a multi-cuisine restaurant
• Madras Coffee House, Sevagram – authentic South Indian food
• Paradise Restaurant, Opposite Shivsagar Lake – Indian, Asian, and Chinese food with vegetarian and vegan options
• Mediterraneo, Jain Temple Road – Italian cuisine
• Maharaja Cafe & Restaurant, Opposite Western Group of Temples – Indian and Chinese food
• La Bella Italia, Jain Temple Road – Italian cuisine
• Raja Café, Bhanumati Road – a multi-cuisine café 
• Badri Seth Sweets, Near Shivsagar Lake – a must-visit for Chironji Barfi and Ghol sweets
• Lassi Corner, Jain Temple Road – Indian and Asian food

Top Festivals to Experience in Khajuraho

Apart from its rich heritage, Khajuraho is also known for its vibrant festival culture. Here are some of the top festivals that you should not miss in Khajuraho:

• Khajuraho Dance Festival: The Khajuraho Dance Festival is an annual event that takes place in February. The festival features classical dance performances by some of the best dancers from all over India. It is a great opportunity to witness the beauty and grace of Indian classical dance forms like Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Kuchipudi.
• Mahashivratri: In February or March, the people of Khajuraho celebrate Mahashivratri, a major Hindu festival that honors Lord Shiva and is marked by elaborate processions, music, and dance performances. During the festival, the Khajuraho temples, particularly the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, feature beautiful decorations.
• Diwali: Diwali is the festival of lights, celebrated across India in October or November. In Khajuraho, the festival is marked by lighting up the temples and houses with earthen lamps and candles. The atmosphere during Diwali is electric and is a great time to experience the local culture and customs.
• Chhath Puja: The local Bihari and UP communities in Khajuraho celebrate Chhath Puja, a popular festival observed in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. During the festival, people offer prayers to the sun god and take dips in the holy rivers. It is a great opportunity to witness the traditional customs and rituals of North India.

In conclusion, Khajuraho is a fascinating destination that offers much more than just its temples. With its rich festival culture, it is a great place to experience the colorful and vibrant side of India. Make sure to plan your trip to coincide with one of these festivals to have a truly unforgettable experience.

How to Plan a Trip to Khajuraho

How to reach khajuraho temple.

Here are different ways in which you can reach the Khajuraho Temple:

By Train 

While Khajuraho has its own railway station, it is not well-connected to other cities in India. If you are in Delhi, then you can take the Khajuraho-Hazrat Nizamuddin Express which reaches Khajuraho in around 11 hours. Mahoba (at a distance of around 75 km) and Jhansi (at a distance of around 230 km) are other railway stations near the town and from there, you can book a cab to reach your destination.

By Road 

Khajuraho has good road connectivity with most major cities in Madhya Pradesh. Here are some options:

• Chhatarpur – a distance of around 44 km. You can hire a Chhatarpur to Khajuraho taxi and reach there in around an hour.
• Mahoba – a distance of around 75 km. You can hire a Mahoba to Khajuraho taxi and reach there in around 2 hours.
• Jabalpur – a distance of around 260 km. You can hire a Jabalpur to Khajuraho taxi and reach there in around 5-6 hours.
• Bhopal – a distance of around 380 km. You can hire a Bhopal to Khajuraho taxi and reach there in around eight hours.

By Flight 

Khajuraho has an airport with flights from Delhi and Varanasi. The airport is located at a distance of around 5-6 km from the temple. The Lucknow International Airport is the best option to reach Khajuraho by flight. You can catch a flight from anywhere in India to reach Lucknow and then hire a Lucknow Airport to Khajuraho Temple taxi . The distance is around 300 km and the travel time should be around 7 hours.

For exclusive discounts and offers, download our Savaari car Booking app for a smooth and pleasant journey.

Best Time to Visit the Khajuraho Temple

The best time to visit these Temples is from October to February . The temperatures during these months range between 10 and 30 degrees C . During the summer months of March to June, the temperatures can soar to 47 degrees C . While the monsoon can make the city look lush green, humidity and sudden downpours make these months not an ideal time to visit.

Temple Timings

The Khajuraho temple opening time is 8 AM and the closing time is 6 PM . It is open on all days of the week.

Temple Entry Fee

The entry fee for Indians is Rs 10 while foreigners are charged $5 as an entry fee to the temple.

Best Places to Stay in Khajuraho

Here are some places to stay in Khajuraho:

• Hotel Chandela Khajuraho, Airport Road
• The Lalit Traveller Khajuraho, Opposite Circuit House
• The Lalit Temple View, Opposite Circuit House
• MPT Kutni Island Resort, Kutni Dam-Chhatarpur
• Clarks Khajuraho, Near Khajuraho Airport
• Mint Bundela Resort, Khajuraho Airport Road
• Radisson Jass Hotel, Bypass Road
• Hotel Golden Tulip, Opposite Pahil Vatika
• Syna Heritage Hotel, Near PWD Circuit House
• Ramada, Airport Road

Other useful links

• Khajuraho dance festival 2023
• First G20 culture group meet in Khajuraho next week

Last Updated on February 2, 2024 by Swati Deol

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Khajuraho Tourism and Travel Guide

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Khajuraho's unique sculptures have intrigued travellers and tourists alike for decades. Known to be a living ode to the Indian legacy of "Kamasutra", this temple town has a lot to offer for enthusiasts of history and culture. If you're planning to visit Khajuraho, here is Tripoto's hand-picked list of places you absolutely cannot miss here. 

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Khajuraho Travel Guide

Khajuraho is a historical city famous for its majestic temples and complex sculptures. The city, which lies in Madhya Pradesh's Chattarpur district, has a fascinating history and magnificent architecture.

Khajuraho, one of the most well-liked tourist locations, is well-known for its erotic sculptures and is home to the biggest collection of ancient Hindu and Jain temples in the nation. Not to mention, the Khajuraho Group of Monuments is regarded as one of India's "seven wonders" and has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1986. There are lots of activities in Khajuraho that will allow you to see the city's true splendours such as day tours to the Temples, dance festivals, exploring the Mastani Mahal and more.

You can visit Khajuraho via Air and arrive at the Khajuraho Airport. Local Cabs and Taxis are readily available outside the Airport to reach your destination.

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