Khajuraho

Khajuraho is a small town in the Bundelkhand region (Chhatarpur District) of Madhya Pradesh and is famous for groups of Hindu and Jain temples. These temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their beautiful and erotic rock carvings.

Khajuraho has the Vindhya range of mountains as its beautiful backdrop. This makes Khajuraho a particularly fascinating destination to visit.

Understand

Khajuraho's art is a manifestation of the essence of the philosophy of Indian aesthetics. The erotic sculptures of Khajuraho depicting Kama Sutra are unique in the world.

These sculptures representing the Indo-Aryan architecture, congeal in stone a lyrical paean to love and passion and reflect the Chandela dynasty's passion and immense appreciation for the forbidden art, paradoxically, in the land of Kama Sutra. They cannot be passed off as just erotic sculptures, the temples have some of the most revered gods of Hinduism.

History

The temples of Khajuraho were built between 950 and 1050 AD during the Chandela dynasty of Central India (These rulers claimed descent from the moon, hence the name Chand-ela). After the decline of the Chandela dynasty in 13th century, the temples were left under the cover of dense date palm trees for many years, which gave the city of Khajuraho its name, Khajur in Hindi means a date. In the ancient times it was known as Vatsa.

In 1838, a British army engineer, Captain T.S. Burt rediscovered them. By that time only 22 of the original 85 temples had survived.

Climate

Khajuraho's climate is quite extreme, with wide variation in day and night temperatures along with minimal rainfall. Summers are hot at 45°C and winters are extremely pleasant at 27°C. Rainfall of 14 cm is observed annually. As summer is too hot, winter is a good time to visit Khajuraho. During month of March, the annual Dance Festival takes place. So from September to March is the best time to visit Khajuraho.

Talk

Though Hindi is spoken widely here, communicating in English should not be problem for the tourists. Dutch, French, German and some other foreign languages are also spoken by tourist guides and at the restaurants/hotels.

Get in

By plane

By train

A train station was finally opened in Khajuraho in 2008, linking it to Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) (175 km) on the Delhi-Chennai/Bangalore/Thiruvananthapuram mainline. You can not buy train tickets at the Khajuraho train station. You must go to the bus station, about 1 km walk out of town, to buy train tickets (much cheaper than buying tickets through your hotel). Train tickets can also be booked online at or with credit cards/ Debit cards or Indian bank account at www.irctc.co.in. Without an IRCTC account, tickets can be booked on 12Go Asia website with credit card or PayPal.

There are direct trains from New Delhi Station (Hazarat Nizamuddin Railway Station), Agra and Varanasi. Train departs from Delhi everyday except Wednesday at 8:15PM and reaches 6:15AM next morning at Khajuraho Railway Station.

Uttar Pradesh Sampark Kranti / Khajuraho Nizamuddin Express (Train number 22447) runs from Delhi Hazarat Nizamuddin to Khajuraho 6 days a week except Wednesday. If you have to go back towards New Delhi from Khajuraho then try to book this train's tickets as its very convenient to go from Khajuraho by train than by bus. It departs from Khajuraho (train no 22447) at 6:20PM and reaches Delhi at 5:30AM in the morning. For coming to Khajuraho the train (train no 22447) departs from H. Nizamuddin at 8:15PM and reaches Khajuraho next day morning at 6:35AM.

The other options to reach Khajuraho are through Jhansi. It takes around six hours to reach Jhansi from Delhi by train, and another 3-4 hours (plus connecting time) to go to Khajuraho. Get the Dakshin Express from Delhi (10:50PM) and reach Jhansi by 5AM, connecting to the Jhansi-Khajuraho Link Passenger (Train No:51821) which now runs along with Jhansi-Allahabad Passenger (Train No:51821) starts from Jhansi at 7:10AM and reaches Khajuraho at 12:05PM. Another option is the Bhopal Shatabdi train from Delhi (6AM) to Jhansi. Train from Khajuraho to Jhansi departs from Khajuraho at 12:25PM and will reach Jansi by 5:30PM. Both the trains stop at Orcha.

An alternative station is Satna (Madhya Pradesh) (117km) on the Allahabad-Mumbai main line. Another option is Mahoba station on the Varanasi- Jhansi Route.Alight at Mahoba and catch the 11AM Passenger (Train No:229A) to Khajuraho.

The Western Temples group is about 5 km away from the railway station, in fact the airport is much closer to the temples than the railway station. There is no bus service from the railway station to the town, and you will have to travel in a "Vikram"/ Diesel Auto, you can join a group of passengers for ₹10 or hire one for yourself which will cost between ₹100-150 one way.

By taxi/bus

Satna and Jhansi both are connected to Khajuraho by regular bus service. It takes around 3 hours to reach Khajuraho from Satna or Jhansi by taxi, and 5-6 hours by bus. There are daily bus services with Satna, Jhansi, Harpalpur, Chhatarpur, Mahoba, Sagar,Jabalpur, Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Panna, Agra, Allahabad and Varanasi.

From Jhansi railway station catch a rickshaw to Jhansi bus station which is 5 km away.

It is very difficult to get a bus to Khajuraho from Jhansi after 5PM. So try to reach Jhansi by afternoon if you want to catch a bus to Khajuraho from Jhansi.

Khajuraho to Bandhavgarh (225 km, 5 hr), Satna (117 km, 4 hr), Harpalpur (94 km), Jhansi (172 km) and Mahoba (61 km). Khajuraho is 600 km (11 hr journey) south-east of Delhi. There are bus services from Agra (12 hr), Gwalior (9 hr) and Jhansi.

Get around

Khajuraho is well connected to rail link via Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra and New Delhi.

A good way to get around and see the temples as well as the village life in Kharujaho is by bicycle, which you can easily rent in the bike shops near main temple complex. They charge ₹20 per day.

Cycle rickshaw costs around ₹15 per km and ₹200 for entire day. Taxis to and from airport cost ₹150; however auto-rickshaws cost ₹50 for the same distance.

Khajuraho is nicely connected by private and public buses. Private tour service operators can arrange Non Ac or deluxe Ac buses for passengers from the main bus stations within the city.

See

In every temple, there is the depiction of royalty, armies, wrestling, kinship, war, courtship, marriage, lovemaking, music and dancing, spiritual teachings, union, meditation, bliss, gods, goddesses, plants, animals and an abundance of all human forms.

Audio guides

The Archaeological Survey of India provides an official self-guided audio tour facility of international standards for visitors. The tour allows visitors to experience the Khajuraho Group of Monuments at their own pace, with authentic and factually accurate information. Visitors may avail of the audio guide facility from the official audio guide booth near the monument ticket counter. Prices for audio guide services are ₹100 (+ taxes) in English & Foreign Languages or ₹60 in Hindi & Indian Languages.

Western Group of Temples

There is an entry fee of ₹10 for Indians and ₹600 for foreigners to enter the Western Group of temples. You must buy ticket in advance online in order to get in (despite there is a ticket booth available on-site, but there is no cashier in it). All the temples are open from sunrise to sunset. These are the richest and largest of all temple groups.

  • 🌍 Chaunsat Yogini. This is the only granite temple in the Khajuraho group. (updated Mar 2024)
  • 🌍 Chitragupta Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Chitragupta, the bookkeeper of the good and bad deeds. 
  • Devi Jagdamba Temple. Dedicated to the Goddess (devi), this is smaller and much more delicately proportioned temple and is home to some of the finest sculptures of Khajuraho. The garbha griha has a huge image of the Devi of the Universe (Jagdambi), though it appears to have started as a Vishnu temple. It has the usual three bands of sculptures, but the third and most uppermost of these houses some of the most erotic sculptures. 
  • 🌍 Kandariya Mahadev Temple. This temple is decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art. 
  • 🌍 Lakhmana Temple. The oldest and finest of the western group of temples, named after the ruler that built the temple. The A horizontal beam over the entrance of this beautiful Vaishnavite temple shows the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva with Lakshmi, Vishnus consort. 
  • Matanageswara Temple. A temple dedicated to Shiva, a huge 8ft Lingam adorns the temple. 

Eastern Group of Temples
  • 🌍 Adinath Temple. Dedicated to Jain Tirthankar(God), Adinath, the temple is lavishly embellished with sculpted figures, including yakshis. 
  • 🌍 Brahma Temple. Considered to be one of the oldest temples of Khajuraho made entirely in granite and sandstone, is dedicated to Vishnu. 
  • 🌍 Ghantai Temple. This Jain temple has a frieze which depicts the 16 dreams of Mahavira's mother, and a Jain goddess on a winged Garuda. 
  • 🌍 Hanuman Temple. 
  • 🌍 Javari Temple. 
  • 🌍 Parsvanath Temple. Largest among the group, with exquisite carvings in detail. The sculptures on the northern outer wall are the highlights of this temple. The image was installed in 1860. 
  • 🌍 Vamana Temple. It is the dwarf form of Lord Vishnu, located in a secluded place and is known for its simple architecture. 

Southern Group of Temples
  • 🌍 Beejamandal Temple. It is a ruined temple, and is near the Chattarbhuj Temple. 
  • 🌍 Chattarbhuj Temple (The Jatkari Temple). Built in 1100 AD, is well known for its architecture, and is also the only temple to be devoid of any erotic sculpture. 3 km away from the Eastern Group. Facing West, have to take 10 steps to reach the sanctum. The massive 9 feet intricately carved Vishnu idol in Chaturbhuja (four-armed). 
  • Dulhadev Temple. The last temple of Khajuraho, lies to the south of Ghantai temple. The temple enshrines a Shivalingam. The apsara and ornamented figures are the temple's most striking features. 
  • Khajuraho Dance Festival. 
  • Light and Sound Show at Western group of temples. After visiting the temple complex is over, the sound and light show, narrated by the Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachhan, is held every evening. Entry ticket ₹120 for Indians and ₹300 for foreigners. 

Do

Yoga

Swimming

  • Some star hotels like Jas Raddison and Chandela offer use of their swimming pool for ₹300 onwards, which is a popular activity during summers.

Places worth visit

  • The Annual Dance Festival of Khajuraho. This festival happens from 1st Feb to 7th Feb. The same date goes for 2012 year also. 
  • 🌍 Archaeology Museum. It is very small museum located exactly opposite to Shiv Sagar and nearby to Hotel Lakeside. The museum is a must place to visit as it features varied selection of unique carvings from area. The photography is strictly banned in the museum. 
  • Nandi Temple. It is grand hall of more than 20 square size pillars with spectacular circular ceiling. You can spend some peaceful time here as it is one of the less crowded spots in Khajuraho. 

Buy
  • Iron, brass and stone sculptures depicting Kama Sutra poses are a specialty of Khajuraho and are available at the handicraft stores in the town.
  • Crafts Emporium, Hotel Gem Palace, Jain Temple Rd, ☏ +91-7686-274100. Government authorised shop. Sells gold and silver ornaments, sandstone statues, and various other local handicraft. 
  • Market - A weekly bazaar is held at Rajinagar (5km from Khajuraho) on Tuesdays. The market is a good place to pick up silver and brass ware.

Eat
  • Agrawal Veg Restaurant. located beside Hotel Gem Palace on the Jain Temple road near the Western group of temples. It offers great quality vegetarian food, specially alu tamatar and boondi raita. Specially Jain cuisines are a delight there and the waiters are very friendly.
  • Apsara, ☏ +91 7686 -272 344. Radisson Jass - Eclectic Cuisine 
  • Blue Sky restaurant. A rooftop dining area offering views over the Western group of temples - excellent Indian cuisine.
  • lassi corner & universal paratha shop (same place) Jain Temples rd. in front to Bella Italia. The only place where you can get a sweet lassi for ₹15, aloo paratha for ₹15 (starting at) and milk coffee also for ₹15. Long menu, pancakes also available. Just a stand on the street.
  • La Dolce Vita, Jain Temples Road, Town center. An Italian-theme restaurant, rooftop dining and good, hearty breakfasts.
  • The Green view Restaurant. A very colorful and nice restaurant, red and green colour. The cook is one of the best in town, he will prepare you the most tastefully meal as the waiter will serve it with a smile. Most welcome to have breakfast, lunch and/or dinner. In front of the western groups of temples.
  • Madhya Pradesh cuisine. The area offers a good opportunity to try some local MP delicacies. The region is famous for its desserts, which are mainly sweet though there is also a spicy variety called namkeen. Popular desserts are cashew burfi, jalebi, lavang lata, kusli, khurma, moong dal ka halwa (a pudding made from green lentils), sabudana ki khichadi and shikanji.
  • Madras Coffee House Off Main Square, located across from Western group of temples. A restaurant specializing in Southern Indian cuisine
  • Mediterranean Restaurant - a Greek delicacy café, Rooftop café serving western food and snacks.
  • Paradise Restaurant. A small, but cozy restaurant offering delicious, and inexpensive meals. It is also very clean establishment with helpful and friendly staff. Try the breakfast specialty of mango pancakes.
  • Punjab Restaurant, across from the Western group of temples.
  • Raja Cafe, opposite the Western temple group and next to the main square. Popular restaurant run by two Swiss sisters. Good Swiss food and breakfast for ₹70.
  • Shivam restaurant, jain temple Rd (150 mtr from western group of temples), ☏ +91 9200271589. 8AM-11PM. Pure Vegetarian Food Only ₹50 per thali. 
  • Siddhartha Hotel Restaurant, Located across from the Western group of temples.
  • La Terraza Off Main Square, the western group of temples

Drink

Bars & pubs
  • Bella Italia, Jain Temples Rd. 
  • Blue Sky Restaurant, Main Rd, Western Temples. 
  • Downing Street, Ramada Khajuraho, Airport Road, Chhatarpur District, ☏ +91 7686272302, . 
  • Mediterraneo, Jain Temples Rd. 
  • Raja’s Cafe. Right opposite to temples, Raja’s café is a famous eatery started by a Swiss woman. One can choose to sit at grand tables under the shadow of tree in courtyard of café to get nice view of temples. At one side of courtyard, you can find a little souvenir shop. While at other corner, a board displaying government approved rate guide. 
  • Sura Sundari, Taj Chandela, Chattarpur, Chhatarpur District, ☏ +91 7686272355, +91 7686272364. 
  • Temple Bar, JRadisson Hotel, By Pass Road, Chhatarpur District, ☏ +91 7686272777. 

Sleep

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Hotels

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

Stay safe

Always listen to the travel alerts and frequent warnings, as some areas in Khajuraho are considered extremely unsafe for foreign travelers.

Beware of the fake school teachers, principals and students who are too much interested in your dollars as donation, which hardly goes to the school itself. If you really want to donate someone, just check there authenticity or else your charity will go in vain.

Put a sticky note with your passport having local telephone number of your close family member or travel consultant.

Emergency Numbers
  • Police: Tel: +91 (7686)-274 032 or 100 (from Any phone)
  • Ambulance: 102 (from Any phone)
  • Fire: 101 (from Any phone)

Connect

The dialing code for Khajuraho is 07686. When calling from overseas, dial +91 7686 XXXX XXXX. If you have a non-working phone number with only 5 digits then try using '2' as prefix.

Cellular Network Operators
  • Airtel LTE/3G/2G GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.(Tri-Band)
  • BSNL-CellOne 3G/2G GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.(Tri-Band)
  • Idea LTE/3G/2G GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.(Tri-Band)
  • Jio Mobile VoLTE 850,1800 and 2300 MHz. (Tri-Band)

Internet

Internet is available at most of the tourist locations, with around ₹25 per hour. The western group of temples has one of the highest density of internet cafes. Don't expect broadband speeds.

  • Om Internet and travel agency - On the way to Yogi Lodge. Market square, in front western group of temples. It offers decent broadband speed, helpful and English speaker owner.
  • Hotel Surya - also has Internet services as well as a Travel Agency where you can book your train/flight and other travel.

Post Office
  • India Post, Govt-run postal office is located near to the Bus Stand. Tel: +91 (7686)-274 022, Pincode/Post code - 471606.

Cope

Try not to give any money to children or beggars who swarm at all the major tourist spots as this will only encourage them to make their livelihood. They will try all the tricks of the trade to get money off you. Even a dollar or fifty cents given by the foreign tourists is big money here in MP.

Money Changers

Banks are better for changing foreign exchange. You won't get good rates at the airport or the hotels.

  • Canara Bank (also gives advances on Visa & MasterCard), Opp. the Western group of temples. (less crowded and close to SBI) Tel: +91 (7686) -274 071
  • Khajuraho Ashok. Tel: +91 (7686)-274 024
  • State Bank of India (open until 6PM on Friday and 4PM on Saturday), Opp. the Western group of temples.Tel: +91 (7686) - 272 373, 274 083

Things to carry

A torch light/flash light and a Map.

Go next
  • Ajaygarh Fort — Located 80 km away from Khajuraho, Ajaygarh Fort is at a height of 688 meters above sea level and once called as the capital of the Chandelas during their decline.
  • Bandhavgarh National Park — The pristine environment, spectacular natural beauty and mesmerizing hilly regions make this place an ideal destination to visit in Madhya Pradesh.
  • Benisagar Dam (10 km) — It is one of the ideal picnic spots in Madhya Pradesh which is surrounded by greenery and Khuddar river, passing through Khajuraho city.
  • Gangau Dam and Sanctuary (34 km) — It is one of the spectacular picnic spot located at the confluence of Simiri and Ken rivers. Gangau Dam is surrounded by Gangu Sanctuary and Panna National Park. During winter season you can see diverse range of bird species visiting this place.
  • Kalinjar Fort — It has got magnificent history and contains several temples and multiple structures within it. Similar to other forts, Kalinjar is built to defend the Kingdom.
  • Ken Nature Trail — Around 22 km away, close to Raneh falls there is Ken Nature trail. It is a jungle track, a natural beauty and also imparts a knowledge of the surroundings.
  • Majhgavan Diamond Mines (56 km) — It is only diamond producing mine in India which is under working state. Majhgavan Diamond Mines is administered by National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC).
  • Nachna — Located 40 km from Panna, It was a famous city of the Nagvakataka and Gupta empire.
  • Orchha — It is one of the rare destinations in India which integrates aesthetic legacy of history and natural beauty at one place.
  • Pandav Falls — It is 35 km from Khajuraho and half a km from entry gate. Entry fee for vehicles is ₹200 but if you prefer to go on foot then only ₹15 will be charged.
  • Panna National Park — This small park is famous for its high density of tigers which is rare to see in other wildlife parks in India.
  • Raneh Falls (19 km)— Located more than 20 km from Khajuraho, Raneh falls is one of the rare natural waterfalls formed on Ken River.
  • Ranguan Dam (25 km) — Located around 20 km from Khajuraho, Ranguan dam offers boating facilities for visitors. The dam is key source of irrigation in Panna.
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
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