Khajuraho

Khajuraho is a town in Madhya Pradesh which is located in Chhatarpur District that is about 620 kilometres southeast of New Delhi. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in India. Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples and is famous for its erotic sculpture. The Khajuraho group of monuments has been listed as a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE, and is counted among the “seven wonders” of India.

The city was the cultural capital of the Chandela Rajputs, a Hindu dynasty that ruled this part of India between the 10–12th century. The political capital of the Chandelas was Kalinjar. Khajuraho temples were built from 950 to 1150 that is in 200 years. The Chandela capital was shifted to Mahoba after this time, but Khajuraho flourished for some time. There are no forts in Khajuraho as the Chandela kings never lived in their cultural capital.

The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions: western, eastern and southern.

The Western Group

This is clearly the most important section of Khajuraho temples. It is here that you will find the biggest and most intricate temples of all. The Kandriya Mahadev which is dedicated to Lord Shiva is the largest temple in Khajuraho towering to a height of 31 m. In the Sanctum Sanctorum, there is a lingam. Do notice the ceilings and pillars of the temple that are magnificently carved. Other well-known temples in the group are Chausath Yogini Temple, Lakshmana Temple and Matangeshwar Temple. The Chandela Kings were Lord Vishnu’s ardent devotees, so you will find many temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The most important of them is the 9 feet high Boar statue- Varaha Temple

The Eastern Group

The eastern group consists mostly of Hindu and Jain temples. They are located close to the Khajuraho temple. The Parshvanath temple, which is the largest Jain temple, is the most magnificent structure in the group. There is another famous Jain temple in the Golai temple group. The paintings on the walls portray the lives of people from day to day. The three Hindu temples in the group are Brahma, Vamana, and Javari Temples.

The Southern Group

The southern group is also known as Jain group of Temples. They are situated 5 km to the southeast of the town. Chaturbhuj Temple and Duladeo Temple are the most important of all. Chaturbhuj temple has a huge structure of Lord Vishnu inside the sanctum.

Khajuraho Dance Festivals

Khajuraho, is a small village situated in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. Due to the presence of world famous temples, this small village is one of the major tourist destinations of Madhya Pradesh. Tourists from far and wide to visit this place to see these temples, which in those days are known for highly artistic representation of human sexuality and magnificent temple architecture. Various cultural festivals associated with Khajuraho promote tourism in Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from major cities

• Orchha 265 Kms
• Panna 140 Kms
• Gwalior 240 Kms

How to reach there

• Khajuraho airport is well connected to many cities in India, like Delhi, Varanasi, Mumbai, Indore, Bhopal, Allahabad, and Mumbai.
• Mahoba is the nearest railway station to Khajuraho which is Located at 63 Km from Khajuraho.
• Khajuraho is connected by road to all major nearby cities of Madhya Pradesh.

Recommended Restaurants

• Jeet Bundela, Khajuraho
• The Jewel of the Jungle, Khajuraho

Hotels in Khajuraho