Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the heart of India, MP, is renowned for its exquisite temples and the architecture, dating back to the Chandela dynasty in the 10th century. They are a mesmerizing blend of Hindu and Jain architecture, featuring intricately carved figures depicting gods, goddesses, celestial beings, and scenes representing various aspects of life, love, and spirituality.
The temples are also known for their explicit depictions of sensuality and erotica, which serve as a testament to the open-mindedness and artistic expression of ancient Indian culture. Apart from its architectural splendor, Khajuraho also offers insights into India’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance.
A visit to Khajuraho promises an unforgettable journey through time, where ancient art and architecture converge to create an unforgettable experience.
How To Reach Khajuraho
Khajuraho is well connected by rail/road and airways. Depending on your location and budget, you can choose your convenient mode of transport.
By Air – Khajuraho has its own airport, Khajuraho Airport (IATA: HJR), which is well-connected to major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Varanasi. Several domestic airlines operate regular flights to and from Khajuraho.
By Train – Khajuraho Railway Station is connected to various cities like Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, and Mumbai through regular train services. The station is located about 5 kilometers away from the main temple complex.
By Road – Khajuraho is well-connected by road to major cities and towns in Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring states. State-run buses, as well as private buses, operate regular services to Khajuraho from cities like Jhansi, Satna, and Chhatarpur. Additionally, travelers can hire taxis or use their own vehicles to reach Khajuraho via well-maintained highways.
We took flight from Pune with a stop over in Delhi.
Best Time To Visit Khajuraho
The best time to visit Khajuraho is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for exploring the temples and other attractions.
During the winter season, Khajuraho experiences mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F), making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The days are sunny and pleasant, while the evenings can be cool and refreshing.
Many festivals and cultural events take place in Khajuraho during the winter months, offering a chance to witness vibrant celebrations and traditional performances. The Khajuraho Dance Festival, held in February, attracts artists and performers from across the country, showcasing classical Indian dance forms against the backdrop of the ancient temples. Winter season is perfect from all aspects as most festivals happen during this season, even for wildlife safaris this time is the best. Also, as most tourist visit Khajuraho during summer vacations, the touristy crowd is lesser making winter months ideal to travel to Khajuraho.
Our Three Days Khajuraho Itinerary
For us, visiting Khajuraho was a captivating journey through time and artistry, offering a unique blend of history, spirituality, and architectural splendour. It transported us to a world of sublime beauty and profound meaning. We were so inspired that we recommend this trip to everyone. Here’s our three day itinerary to make most of your Khajuraho visit.
Day 1
Our flight from Delhi to Khajuraho landed at 05:00pm hence we kept day 1 easy. The only thing that we had planned for was the iconic Light and Sound show.
The Khajuraho light and sound show is a mesmerizing spectacle that brings the history and legends of Khajuraho’s temples to life through vibrant lights and captivating narration by none other than Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. Against the backdrop of the magnificent temple complex, the light and sound show took us through the rich cultural heritage of Khajuraho. Illuminated temples serve as a stunning canvas for the dynamic play of lights, enhancing the architectural marvel. The narration weaved together tales of love, devotion, and mythology. The show created a magical ambiance that breathe new life into temples.
We were completely awed by the light and sound show and couldn’t wait torevisit the temples in day light the next day.
Day 2
Khajuraho temples are divided into 3 groups – the Western, Eastern and Southern. On our day 2, we decided to explore Eastern and Southern group of temples.
We took an autorikshaw from the hotel and went to see the Eastern group of temples first. This group comprises a collection of Hindu and Jain temples. Some of the prominent temples from the group are –
Vamana Temple – Dedicated to Lord Vamana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is one of the smaller temples in the group but is notable for its unique structure. The temple features a sanctum with a shikhara (spire) and a mandapa (hall) adorned with exquisite sculptures of deities, celestial beings, and mythical creatures. The outer walls of the temple are embellished with intricate friezes depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and everyday life.
Javari Temple – It is a well-preserved example of Chandela architecture. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple dates back to the 11th century and showcases detailed carvings and sculptures depicting various Hindu deities and mythological scenes. Its sanctum houses a graceful idol of Lord Vishnu in his reclining form, known as Anantasayana. The temple’s exterior is adorned with finely detailedornamental motifs, showcasing the artisans’ skill and devotion to their craft.
Parsvanath Temple – Built in the 10th century, the Parsvanath Temple is adorned with sculptures of yakshis (celestial nymphs), amorous couples, and divine beings. The sanctum houses a majestic idol of Lord Parsvanath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankara.
After exploring the Eastern group of temples, we went to the southern group of temples. Below are two most important temples from this group.
Lakshmana Temple – Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this is the largest and most prominent temple in the Southern Group. Built in the 10th century, it features a central sanctum with a towering shikhara (spire) and is decorated with elaborate sculptures.
Chaturbhuj Temple – Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is unique in that it lacks a shikhara (spire). It is believed that the temple was originally intended to house an image of Lord Rama but was later dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
We took our time walking through these temples and did not even realize when the sun set on Khajuraho. By now we were also super tired. So, we decided to get a quick dinner and call it a day.
Day 3
We like to cover as much as possible when we travel. We try to make the most of our time and destination. So, on day 3 we decided to do a jungle Safari at the Panna National Park first and then complete the Western group of temples on our way to the airport.
Jungle Safari at the Panna National Park – Embarking on a jungle safari at Panna National Park is an exhilarating adventure that offers a glimpse into the diverse wildlife and natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh. Safari timings are different during summer and winter season. Since we visited during winters, our safari started at 06:00am and we strolled through the dense jungle till 09:00am. Pre book your Safaris here. The Safari is led by experienced guides and naturalists, safari vehicles traverse through the diverse ecosystems of the park, including dense woodlands, open grasslands, and riverbanks. Panna National Park is most famous for its thriving population of Bengal tigers, making it a prime destination for tiger sightings. Usually, we are not very good at spotting any birds or tigers but guess it was our lucky day and we managed to spot the great Bengal tiger. Tiger spotting made the journey and the trip all the more thrilling and exciting.
On our way back to the airport, we visited Western group of Temples ofKhajuraho. The Western Group of Temples is the most famous and iconic cluster of temples. The group has approx. 870 sculptures on it’s interior and exterior walls. Some of the significant temples here are
KandariyaMahadeva Temple – Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it stands as the largest and most ornately decorated temple in Khajuraho, showcasing complex carvings and sculptures depicting mythological scenes. Its towering shikhara (spire) reaches heights of around 31 meters, dominating the skyline of Khajuraho. A symbol of devotion and artistic brilliance, the KandariyaMahadeva Temple is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and architectural mastery of the Chandela dynasty.
Jagdambi Temple – Built around the 11th century, dedicated to goddess Parvati, Jagdambi temple features a towering shikhara (spire) and detailed sculptures add grace to its walls and doorways. The temple’s architecture reflects the Nagara style, characterized by its elaborate mandapas (pillared halls), and ornamental motifs. The ambiance here is serene and brings peace.
Chitragupta temple – This one-of-a-kind temple is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and is known for its peculiar architecture and spiritual significance. Constructed during the Chandela dynasty, this temple showcases exquisite carvings depicting various celestial beings and mythological scenes related to Surya worship. The temple’s sanctum houses a majestic idol of Surya riding a chariot drawn by seven horses, symbolizing the seven days of the week. We experienceda unique and divine energy at this temple.
ASI Museum – the museum offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. It houses a diverse collection of artifacts, and architectural remnants dating back to the Chandela dynasty and beyond. The museum provides valuable insights into the artistic and architectural evolution of Khajuraho and the surrounding region. The ASI Museum serves as an educational and immersive experience, enriching our understanding of Khajuraho’s temples and their historical context.
We made it just in time to complete the museum tour and leave for our return flight. As we bid farewell to Khajuraho, we carried a sense of wonder and reverence for its timeless beauty. The memories of the enchanting temples and the stories they told lingered for a long time and left an indelible mark on our soul.
