Khajuraho is a very small town in Madhya Pradesh situated in the Bundelkhand District. It is highly popular for its Hindu as well as Jain temples. These temples are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The magnificent and erotic rock sculptures displayed in these temples are a tourist delight. The beautiful Vindhya range of mountains makes this town an even fascinating place to be.
The temples in Khajuraho date back to the tenth and eleventh century during the Chandela dynasty. The Chandela dynestry met its decline in the thirteenth century and since then the temples were left untended and well hidden under a thick date palm trees for centuries. It was only in 1883 when a British captain rediscovered them, however, by then most of these temples have been destroyed and only 22 out of 85 temples remained.
Khajuraho’s artwork is an expression of the essence of the Indian esthetics. The erotic sculpts of Khajuraho describing Kamasutra are quite unique. These sculpts represent the Aryan architecture, set in stone a paean to passion and warmth. These temples contemplate the love and huge admiration for the proscribed art. These temples are not just about the erotic sculptures, they have edifice devoted to some venerable Hindu gods.
What to see: The temples in Khajuraho are divided in three groups the western, the eastern and the southern. The glorious Kandariya Mahadeo temple is in the western part along with several other significant temples. The eastern part houses several delicately sculpted Jain temples. There are two temples in the southern part.
Location: Khajuraho is in northern part of Madhya Pradesh. It is at a distance of about six hundred kilometers from Delhi.
Climate: Khajuraho experiences extreme climate in winters and summers. The best time to visit is in September-October and March-April.
Language: Hindi is well spoken and understood in Khajuraho. English is also well understood even by the locals. Some of the tourist guides even speak French and Dutch.
The Dance Festival of Khajuraho: A week long dance festival is celebrated at the Chitragupta Temple every year in Khajuraho in February or March. Classical dance troupes from all across India reach Khajuraho during this week. Apart from the dance performances you will also enjoy a lot at the craft fair held here.
Timings: The temples in Khajuraho are open to visitors from early sunrise till sunset. Watching the sunrise from the courtyard of a temple here is a blissful experience.
Entrance Fees: There is no entrance fee for the temples in eastern and southern parts. A minimal fees is applicable for the temples in the western part.
How to reach Khajuraho: It is easiest to reach Khajuraho by plane. The Khajuraho airport is at a distance of only five kilometers from the main town. One can get a flight to Khajuraho from Delhi, Mumbai and Varanasi.
Very recently, a train station was also made operational in Khajuraho connecting it with Jhansi on the Delhi-Chennai, Delhi-Bangalore and Delhi-Trivandrum route. It is also possible to reach Khajuraho by car or bus from Jhansi or Satna.
Getting Around: the best way to explore this temple town is on a bicycle which can be hired from bike shops near the temples. Alternatively, you can hire the cycle rickshaw.
Places to stay: You can easily find a comfortable accommodation that suits your budget in Khajuraho. There are plenty of luxury hotels, Inns as well as guesthouses available.
