Khajuraho Tourism In India [2020] – Images, Temples, Hotels – Complete Travel Guide

Khajuraho is a small town and one of the tourist places in Madhya Pradesh state, India, which is famous for its ancient and medieval temples. The mysterious land of Kamasutra in Madhya Pradesh has been attracting tourists from Khajuraho from time immemorial. This small village in Chhatarpur district is world-famous due to its exemplary erotic group of monuments, due to which it has made its place in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The famous Khajuraho temple is originally a compilation of Hindu and Jain temples in Madhya Pradesh, which is about 175 km southeast of Jhansi. The temples here are very old and ancient, which built somewhere between 950 AD and 1050 AD by the kings of the Chandela dynasty.

Here, the Khajuraho group of temples were devoted to two religions, one is Hinduism, and the other is Jainism. This place is perfect for tourism lovers. Here one can get to see the beauty of Hindu culture and art. Different arts of sexual intercourse in the temples built here have embellished with a lot of beauty in the form of an idol.

Where is the Khajuraho temple located?

Khajuraho is a small village which is famous all over the world for its excellent erotic sculptured temples. It locates in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Who built the Khajuraho temple?

The Khajuraho temples were built by the Rajput rulers of the Chandela dynasty, who ruled central India from the 9th to the 13th century AD. It took more than 100 years to build the temples, and people say that each ruler from the Chandela dynasty built at least one temple in his lifetime.

How many temples are there in Khajuraho?

According to history, the temple site had 85 temples till the 12th century, and at present, only 25 left, which spreads over 6 square kilometers. Of the existing temples, the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is famous for its intricate sculptures and arts.

History of Khajuraho

Chandravarman was the founder of the Khajuraho and Chandela dynasty. Chandravarman was a Gurjara king who ruled in Bundelkhand in the medieval period of India. He considered himself as Chandravanshi. The Chandela kings ruled in central India from the 9th to the 13th centuries. After the temples built, the Chandela rulers made Mahoba their capital. Even after this, Khajuraho remained the center of attraction.

Khajuraho temples were in active use until the end of the 12th century, later Delhi Sultanate took control of Central India and seized in the 13th century. Muslim rule continued till the 18th century, where many temples destroyed, and the rest of them left in neglect. Ruins of some old temples are still visible and attractive.

In the 1830s, the local Hindus guided T.S. Burt, who was a British surveyor, to rediscover the temples. Alexander Cunningham, who was the British army engineer, later reported that the temples were in use secretly by yogis, and during Shivaratri, thousands of Hindus come here for pilgrimage.

Places to Visit in Khajuraho

Due to famous temples, Khajuraho has become the first choice of tourists, and there are many places to visit where you can include them in your trip to Khajuraho.

#1. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

The largest temple in Khajuraho is Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, which is one of the famous temples all around the globe, and due to its impressive architecture, many tourists attracts to it. It is a Shiva temple constructed between 1025 to 1050 AD. The temple derives its name from Kandarpi, the name of Kandariya Bhagwan Shiva. Temple remains open from morning 6 to 6 in the evening, and the entry fee for Indian tourists is INR 10.

#2. Lakshman Temple

Lakshman Temple, built by Chandela kings, is the most important and oldest one, which comes second in the temples of Khajuraho. This magnificent and attractive temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar. The sculptures made in this temple are beautiful and worth seeing. The walls of this temple have 600 carvings of Hindu deities and statues of animals.

If you are a lover of history, mystery, and art, then you must visit Lakshman Temple once. Here you will get to see the unusual artifacts of ancient times. Temple remains open from morning 8 to 6 in the evening every day, and the entry fee for Indian tourists is INR 10.

#3. Light And Sound Show

One of the most amazing shows which set in the outer grounds of the temples was the light and sound show. After sunset, the show set up, which is narrated by the veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan. By visiting this place, you can learn about the formation and history of the Khajuraho temples. The show timings are from 6:30 PM to 7:25 PM from October to February, and the timings are 7.30 PM to 8.25 PM from March to September. The entry fee is INR 250 each person.

#4. Matangeshwar Temple

Matangeshwar temple built in the 9th century by Chandela rulers, which dedicated to Lord Shiva. One can witness the eight feet of the huge lingam of Lord Shiva in the interior part of the temple. The ceiling of the temple is quite impressive with rock-carved figures of human beings and animals. Temple remains open from morning 6 to 6 in the evening, which locates 900 m from the bus stand of Khajuraho.

#5. Javari Temple

The Javari Temple belongs to the Group of Eastern Temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It attracts tourists from all corners of the world for its exquisite architecture and intricate design. The elaborate gateway of the Javari Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, is one of its characteristic features. Temple remains open from morning 8 to 6 in the evening every day.

#6. Chaturbhuja Temple

Chaturbhuja temple in Khajuraho falls in the southern group of temples. This temple built in the 12th century by Chandela dynasty rulers. This temple situated on a square platform. To get here, you have to climb ten steps. The unique thing in this temple is the 2.7 m massive idol of Lord Vishnu with four arms.

By visiting here, one can find the carvings of men and women on the walls of the temple. Temple opens from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM every day, and the entry fee for Indian tourists is INR 10. This temple locates 2 km from the Khajuraho bus stand.

#7. Vishvanatha Temple

This temple belongs to the group of Western Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. One who visits this place can witness the Shiva lingam surrounded by 101 smaller lingams in the interior of the temple. Temple remains open from morning 7 to 6 in the evening every day, and the entry fee is INR 10.

#8. Devi Jagdamba Temple

Devi Jagdamba Temple or Jagdambika Temple, Khajuraho, is one of a group of about 25 temples in Madhya Pradesh. This temple built between 1000 to 1025 AD, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Devi Jagdambika Temple, in a group to the north, which is one of the most decorated temples in Khajuraho with many erotic carvings. Temple remains open from morning 7 to 6 in the evening every day, and the entry fee is free, which locates 1.6 km from Khajuraho bus stand.

#9. Shantinatha Temple

Shantinatha temple belongs to the group of Eastern Temples, which is sacred for the people of Jain religion as it is related to the Jain temple. The temple adorned by carvings and sculptures in the exterior part, whereas 12 feet tall idol of Lord Shantinatha in the interior of the temple. Temple remains open from morning 6 to 8 in the night every day, and the entry fee is free, which locates 1.3 km from Khajuraho bus stand.

#10. State Museum Of Tribal and Folk Art

Apart from the group of temples in Khajuraho, there is also a place where you can visit is the State Museum of Tribal and folk art. Here you can find different ruins, artifacts of the tradition, culture, and religious aspects of Khajuraho.

All over the globe, many tourists visit this place to explore Khajuraho. Museum remains open from 12 in the noon to 8 in the morning except on Mondays and public holidays. The entry fee is INR 10, and the museum locates 2 km from the Khajuraho group of temples.

#11. Kalinjar Fort Khajuraho

The fort city in the Bundelkhand region of central India is Kalinjar fort. Kalinjar is in the Banda district of Uttar Pradesh state, which locates near the temple town and the World Heritage Site of Khajuraho. The fort strategically situated on an isolated rocky hill at the end of the Vindhya Range.

At an altitude of 1,203 ft (367 m) and the plains of Bundelkhand is visible from here. It served several dynasties of Bundelkhand, including the Chandela dynasty of Rajputs in the 10th century and the Solankis of Rewa.

#12. Ajay Garh Fort

Along with visiting the ancient temples and Panna Tiger Park in Khajuraho, you can also see the old forts here. Ajay Garh Fort, located here, is one of the most prominent tourist destinations of Madhya Pradesh. This fort built at the height of 206 meters on the Vindhya Mountains.

From this mountain, you can get a unique experience by looking at the beautiful view of the river Ken. Ajay Garh Fort built during the rule of the Chandela dynasty. This fort built by the rulers at the time when their empire began to decline.

#13. Panna National Park

If you go to Khajuraho, then Panna Tiger Park must be visited. After seeing the magnificent temples of Khajuraho, you will get a fantastic view of the nature in Panna. If you go missing here, you will get a different experience. You will find tigers roaming in Panna Tiger Park. You can also book Safari Ride online for Panna Tiger Park.

#14. Raneh Falls

Raneh waterfall is a natural waterfall on the river Ken, located in Chhatarpur district, at a distance of 20 km from Khajuraho, is a beautiful Raneh waterfall, famous as Raneh Falls. It lies between the False rocks. The beautiful view here attracts tourists immensely. For those who like a natural place, this place is no less than a paradise.

Surrounded by greenery, this waterfall shows fantastic views of nature. This place is quite attractive during the rainy season. If you go to roam here, the time of sunrise and sunset will fascinate you. When the sunlight falls on the granite rocks, it looks quite attractive.

Best time to visit Khajuraho

If you are planning to visit Khajuraho, then you can go in any season, monsoon time in the city is pleasant to visit Khajuraho. As in this season, moderate rainfall receives for a few days. But if one wants to enjoy all the fun of walking, then the winter season will be the best.

The months from October to February are the best time to visit Khajuraho with crowds from all over the world. The Khajuraho Dance Festival held every year in February is the best time to plan your Khajuraho trip.

One can visit Khajuraho from October to February or March.

Weather in Khajuraho

Minimum Temperature is 8°C, and Maximum Temperature is 45°C

How to Reach Khajuraho

It is quite easy to reach Khajuraho. [Khajuraho] has its domestic airport, known as Khajuraho Airport and Railway Station, which connects it to other parts of India.

By Train:

Khajuraho has its railway station, which not connected to many of the cities in India. There is one regular train that connects from New Delhi to Khajuraho called Khajuraho-Hazrat Nizamuddin Express, which takes about 10 to 11 hours of travel to reach Khajuraho.

By Air:

Khajuraho also has its Airport, famous as Civil Aerodrome Khajuraho, which is only 6 km from the city center. There are fewer flights from Delhi to Khajuraho as this small domestic airport not connected to many cities in India; it has regular flights from Delhi and Varanasi. Apart from this, you can also reach here from Mumbai, Bhopal, and Varanasi.

By Road:

[Khajuraho] has functional road connectivity with other cities of Madhya Pradesh. Several direct buses of MP tourism are available around Madhya Pradesh and from towns like Satna (116 km), Mahoba (70 km), Jhansi (230 km), Gwalior (280 km), Bhopal (375 km) and Indore (565 km). Huh. NH 75 connects Khajuraho to all these major destinations.

Hotels in Khajuraho

If you also want to know about the arrangements to stay here, then tell you that you will find hotels here ranging from two stars to five stars. The cost of a room available here ranges from INR 1400 to INR 5000. At this price, you will find charming rooms here, where you can stay with your family.

Lalit Khajuraho Temple View

Radisson Khajuraho

Golden Tulip Khajuraho

Ramada by Wyndham Khajuraho