Significance: Well-known for the sculptures in erotic poses in its temples.
Climate: Khajuraho has extreme tropical climate with temperature as high as 47°C in summers and as low as 4°C in winters.
Even if situated in the middle of nowhere, the Khajuraho temple complex site is one the most popular places both foreign and Indian tourists. Temples of Khajuraho hold the attention of a visitor with their sculptural art, which is so exquisite and intricate, that one cannot even dream of cloning it now. Perfect in execution and sublime in expressions these Khajuraho temples are a dedication to the womanhood. The artist's creative instincts have beautifully captured various facets and moods of life in stone.
Khajuraho, the ancient "Kharjjuravahaka", was the principal seat of authority of the Chandella rulers who adorned it with numerous tanks, scores of lofty temples of sculptural grace and architectural splendour. The local tradition lists eighty-five temples but now only twenty-five are standing examples in various stages of preservation. But for Chausath-Yogini, Brahma and Mahadeva, which are of granite, all the other temples are of fine-grained sandstone, buff, pink or pale yellow in colour.
Khajuraho Temples - A Celebration Of Life
Khajuraho TempleThe existing temple of Khajuraho can be divided into three groups, Western, Eastern and Southern. The famous Western Group, designated a World Heritage site, is enclosed within a beautifully laid-out park. Yasovarman (AD 954) built the temple of Lord Vishnu, now famous as Lakshmana temple is an ornate and evolved example of its time proclaiming the prestige of the Chandellas.
The Vishvanatha, Parsvanatha and Vaidyanatha temples in Khajuraho belong to the time of king Dhanga, the successor of Yasovarman. The Jagadambi, Chitragupta, are noteworthy among the western group of royal temples of Khajuraho. The largest and grandest temple of Khajuraho is the immortal Kandariya Mahadeva, which is attributed to king Ganda (AD 1017-29).
The other examples that followed viz., Vamana, Adinatha, Javari, Chaturbhuj and Duladeo, are smaller but elaborately designed. The Khajuraho group of temples are noted for lofty terraces (jagati) and functionally effective plans. The sculptural embellishments include, besides the cult images; 'Parivara', 'Parsva', 'Avarana' 'Devatas', 'Dikpalas', the 'Apsaras' and 'Sura-Sundaris' which win universal admiration for their delicate, youthful female forms of ravishing beauty. The attire and ornamentation embrace the winsome grace and charm.
Khajuraho Temples
Varaha TempleLakshmana Temple
Kandariya-mahadeva Temple
Vamana Temple In Khajurao
Duladeo Temple At Khajurahochausath Yogini Temple :
The Oldest Temple At Khajuraho
Lalguan Mahadeva Temple
Ghantai Temple At Khajuraho
Matangesvara Temple At Khajuraho
Devi Jagadambi Temple
Brahma Temple
Chaturbhuja Temple
Parsvanath Temple
Adinatha Temple At Khajuraho
Chitragupta Temple At Khajuraho
How to Reach:
By Air: Khajuraho has daily domestic flights to and from Agra, Varanasi and Kathmandu.
By Train: The nearest railway stations to Khajuraho are Mahoba, Satna and Jhansi. All of these are well connected to most of the major cities of India.
Excursion Points Near Khajuraho
Though it is the temples and their erotic sculptures that first come to mind when we talk about Khajuraho, but they are not the only things worth a look here. There is a fort, a palace and a museum for those who want to delve into the regal and cultural splendor of the region. There are interesting lakes and waterfalls and beautiful rock formations that can charm any nature lovers who ventures there and there are national parks and sanctuaries for the wildlife enthusiasts. For the casual tourists, who just want a break from the hectic lifestyle of the big cities, Khajuraho is an idyllic place to visit.
Rajgarh Palace
25 km from Khajuraho, just 50-year old Rajgarh Palace is situated at the foot of Maniyagarh hills.
Ajaygarh Fort
80 km from Khajuraho, Ajaygarh Fort is situated at a height of 688m. This fort remained the capital of Chandelas during the dark times before their reign ended.
Kalinjar Fort
100 km from Khajuraho, Kalinjar fort is as old as the Gupta period and was won over the Chandela ruler Shri Yashovarman in the 10th century. This fort is situated on the Vindhya ranges.
Dhubela Museum
57 km from Khajuraho, Dhubela museum is situated in an old fort on the way to Jhansi. The museum has a rare collection of Bundelkhandi artifacts and a myriad of sculptures of Shakti cult. Besides that, it also has several other sections such as those on clothes, armory and paintings.
Panna National Park
30-minute drive will bring you from Khajuraho to the famous and splendid Panna National Park. The region is rich in wildlife and its highlights are Leopards, Wolves, Gharials, Wild Boars, Sloth Bears, Cheetals, Chowsinghas, Indian Foxes and Porcupines. Flora is not the less inviting with dense teak forests and the panoramic landscape of the sanctuary has deep gorges and lush green serene valleys. But due to the hot summers, this national park remains close from June to October.
Ken Gharial Sanctuary
24 km from Khajuraho, Ken Gharial sanctuary is the best place to see the crocodiles with long-snouts living in their natural home. The dreadful glimpse of the sharp teeth seemingly ready to engulf you at once does not correspond to the behavioral characteristics of these crocodiles with normally peaceful nature. However, it is best to keep the distance.
Pandava Waterfalls
30 km from Khajuraho, Pandava waterfalls are so called because it is believed that Pandavas spent most of their time in exile here. It is on the Ken River.
Raneh Falls
20 km from Khajurao, Raneh Falls are famous for the lovely rock formations on the River Ken. Besides the multihued pure crystalline granite canyon, which is 5 km long and about 100 ft deep, in varying shades of pink, red and gray, there are a number of seasonal waterfalls in the nearby wooded area making it a perfect picnic spot.
Benisagar and Ranguan Lakes
Lake Benisagar is 11 km from Khajuraho while Lake Ranguan is 25 km from Khajuraho. Both these delightful lakes have boating facilities and are perfect venue for a short picnic.
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