Overview
About Khajuraho
Khajuraho, a small town in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, is home to one of the greatest collections of medieval temple architecture in India. The temples were built by the Chandela dynasty roughly a thousand years ago, and the surviving group, a fraction of the many that once stood here, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The temples are celebrated for their soaring shikharas, which rise like mountain peaks, and above all for their sculpture. Thousands of finely carved figures cover the walls, depicting gods and goddesses, celestial maidens, musicians, warriors, animals and scenes of everyday life. The erotic sculptures that made Khajuraho famous form only a small part of this vast artistic vision.
The monuments are divided into Western, Eastern and Southern groups, and both Hindu and Jain temples stand side by side, reflecting the religious harmony of the time. Beyond the temples, the countryside of Bundelkhand offers Panna National Park, the canyon of Raneh Falls and old forts within easy reach, making Khajuraho a rewarding stop on any central India itinerary.
- UNESCO temples
- Chandela architecture
- Temple sculpture
- Khajuraho Dance Festival
- Gateway to Panna National Park
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Khajuraho
Western Group Temples
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
The largest and most elaborate temple at Khajuraho, dedicated to Shiva, with a main spire surrounded by dozens of smaller ones and hundreds of carved figures.
Lakshmana Temple
One of the best-preserved temples, dedicated to Vishnu, with superb friezes of processions, battles and daily life along its base.
Vishwanatha Temple
A Shiva temple guarded by stone lions and elephants at its steps, with a Nandi shrine facing it.
Devi Jagadambi and Chitragupta Temples
Two elegant temples standing close together, the first famed for its graceful sculptures and the second dedicated to the sun god Surya.
Matangeshwar Temple
Located just outside the main enclosure, this is the only temple at Khajuraho still in active worship, with a large Shiva lingam.
Eastern and Southern Groups
Parsvanath Temple
The largest Jain temple in the Eastern Group, known for its fine sculptures of celestial beings and delicate carving.
Adinath and Ghantai Temples
Smaller Jain temples near Parsvanath, the Ghantai named after the bell-and-chain motifs on its pillars.
Duladeo and Chaturbhuj Temples
The Southern Group temples, set in quiet countryside away from the crowds, with a striking image of Vishnu at Chaturbhuj.
Archaeological Museum
A museum near the Western Group that displays sculptures and fragments recovered from temples across the site.
Nearby Excursions
Raneh Falls
About 20 km away, the Ken river cuts a deep canyon through crystalline rock in shades of pink, red and grey, with waterfalls after the rains.
Panna National Park
A tiger reserve about 25 km from Khajuraho, with jeep safaris through forest and plateau and boat rides on the Ken river.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Khajuraho
- 1
Hire a guide for the Western Group
A good guide helps you read the sculpture, from the structure of the temples to the stories carved on their walls.
- 2
Cycle to the outer temples
Rent a bicycle to explore the Eastern and Southern groups, which are spread across the village and fields.
- 3
Watch the sound and light show
The evening show at the Western Group narrates the history of the Chandelas and the temples.
- 4
Attend the Khajuraho Dance Festival
Held each year in February, the festival features classical dance performances with the temples as a backdrop.
- 5
Go on a safari in Panna
Spend a morning or afternoon in Panna National Park looking for tigers, leopards, deer and birds.
- 6
Visit Raneh Falls
Combine the canyon with the nearby Ken Gharial Sanctuary, where crocodiles may be spotted along the river.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Khajuraho
The best time to visit Khajuraho is October to March. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
April to June
25°C to 45°C
Extremely hot, with harsh midday sun on the stone temples. Visit only very early or late in the day if you come now.
Monsoon
July to September
24°C to 34°C
Rain cools the land and brings the waterfalls to life, but Panna National Park's core zones generally close during this time.
Winter
October to March
8°C to 28°C
The ideal season, with comfortable days for exploring the temples and safaris in Panna. February brings the dance festival.
Getting there
How to Reach Khajuraho
By Air
Khajuraho Airport, about 5 km from the town, has a limited number of domestic flights, mainly from Delhi and Varanasi. Schedules vary by season, so check before planning.
By Rail
Khajuraho railway station has a few direct trains, including services from Delhi. Jhansi Junction, about 175 km away, and Mahoba, about 65 km away, offer more connections.
By Road
Khajuraho is linked by road to Jhansi (about 175 km), Orchha (about 170 km), Satna (about 115 km) and Panna (about 45 km). Buses and taxis are available from these towns.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Khajuraho
Poha and jalebi
The classic Madhya Pradesh breakfast, served at small stalls around the town square.
Dal bafla
Baked wheat dumplings soaked in ghee and served with dal, a hearty central Indian meal.
Bhutte ka kees
Grated corn cooked with milk and spices, a popular snack in the region.
Bundelkhandi thali
A simple meal of rotis, dal, seasonal vegetables and pickles in the style of local kitchens.
Rabri and kulfi
Rich milk-based sweets that offer welcome relief on warm afternoons.
What to Buy in Khajuraho
- Stone and brass replicas of temple sculptures
- Bundelkhand handicrafts
- Books on Khajuraho's art and history
Travel Tips for Khajuraho
- Visit the Western Group early in the morning or late in the afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.
- Carry water, a hat and sunscreen, as there is little shade in the temple complexes.
- Use only licensed guides and agree on rates beforehand.
- Check flight schedules in advance, as connections to Khajuraho are limited and can change seasonally.
FAQs
Khajuraho Travel FAQs
What is Khajuraho famous for?
Khajuraho is famous for its UNESCO-listed Hindu and Jain temples built by the Chandela dynasty, known for their soaring architecture and intricate sculpture.
What is the best time to visit Khajuraho?
October to March is the best time to visit Khajuraho, when the weather is pleasant. February is especially popular for the Khajuraho Dance Festival.
How many days are enough for Khajuraho?
Two days are enough to see all three temple groups and the museum. Add a day for Panna National Park and Raneh Falls.
Who built the Khajuraho temples?
The temples were built by the Chandela dynasty, who ruled the Bundelkhand region around a thousand years ago.
How do I reach Khajuraho?
Khajuraho has its own airport and railway station with limited services. Jhansi and Satna are larger nearby rail hubs with onward road connections.
Which is the main temple in Khajuraho?
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in the Western Group is the largest and most celebrated temple at Khajuraho.