khajuraho Tourism

Khajuraho was the cultural capital of Chandela Rajputs who ruled this part of India during 10th to 12th centuries AD. Khajuraho Temples were built by the Chandela monarchs over a span of 200 years, from 950 to 1150 AD. After the fall of Chandela rulers, these temples were abandoned and long-forgotten until rediscovered by British Captain T.S. Burt, in 1838 AD. Known around the world for its stunning temples adorned by erotic carvings, the Khajuraho group of monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered to be one of the seven wonders of India.

The marvelous architecture and erotic carvings are the best and most notable aspects of Khajuraho temples. There were originally over 80 Hindu temples, of which only 25 now stand in a reasonable state of preservation, scattered over an area of about 8 square miles. The temples also have numerous other sculptures depicting the life of a common man in that era. Khajuraho is now under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India.

The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three groups - Eastern, Western and Southern wings. The Western Group is considered the finest as it features maximum number of huge and attractive temples. These include Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Devi Jagadambi Temple, Lakshman Temple, Chausath Yogini Temple and Chitragupta Temple. Vishwanath Temple, Nandi Temple and Varaha Temple are the other temples present in the Western Group. The Eastern Group is dominated by carefully designed Jain Temples, as this was the prime abode of the Jain community during the reign of Chandelas. Parswanath Temple is the largest Jain temple of this group. This temple is noted for its exquisite detailing, sculptures and theme carvings. Other temples that add to the popularity of this group are Adinatha, Ghantai, Brahma, Vamana and Javari temples.

The Southern Group of Temples in Khajuraho comprises three temples, namely Dulhadeo Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple and Beejamandal Temple. Out of these, Dulhadeo Temple is the most popular, while the Chaturbhuj is the only temple in Khajuraho that was built without any erotic sculptures. Khajuraho Dance Festival is a popular annual event organized in Khajuraho. It is organized in February / March months. The best classical dancers in the country perform in an open-air auditorium, with the temples of Khajuraho as an inspiring and awesome backdrop. Another most important festival of Khajuraho is Mahashivratri.

Khajuraho has its own airport, which is about 5 km from Khajuraho Bus Stand. It is well connected by flight with major Indian cities like Bhopal, Agra, Delhi, and Varanasi. Gwalior Airport is the nearest major airport to Khajuraho. Khajuraho Railway Station is the nearest railhead, about 8 km from Khajuraho. It has trains from Delhi, Jhansi, Kanpur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Mahoba, Agra, Mathura, Gwalior, Varanasi and Allahabad. Mahoba Junction is the major railhead, which is approximately 78 km away from Khajuraho. Tourists can also reach Khajuraho by bus from Jhansi, Bhopal, Chhatarpur, Satna, and nearby areas. Chhatarpur is the nearest town to Khajuraho which is well connected by all the major cities. The best way to explore Khajuraho is by hiring a bicycle.

Khajuraho has plenty of hotels and guest houses ranging from budget to luxury. They are spread across areas near the airport and in the main city like Jain Temple Road. Many of them organised tours around the historic city for their guests. MP Tourism also has a clean guest house with rooms available at affordable rates. Khajuraho's climate is quite extreme, with wide variation in day and night temperatures along with minimal rainfall. Winter is the best season to visit Khajuraho while summer is the least advisable time for a visit, owing to the scorching heat and the unbearable humidity. So the best time to visit Khajuraho is from September to March.

Panna National Park
Panna National Park, 32 km away and a mere 30 minute drive from Khajuraho, spreads along the river Ken. The Jungles today harbour many species of wildlife. The tiger can be glimpsed here, with other rare species such as the leopard, wolf and gharial. Herds of bluebull, chinkara and sambar are a common sight. While interesting trips can be made to Rajgarh Palace, now being converted into a Heritage Hotel. Further away is Bandhavgarh National Park and tranquil chitrakoot.

Raneh Falls
Raneh Falls (19 km.) on the ken river are famous for their rock formations. The main attraction is a 5 km long, 100 feet deep canyon made of pure crystalline granite in varying shades of colors ranging pink and red to grey. A series of seasonal waterfalls surrounded by jungles make it an ideal picnic spot.

Ken Gharial Sanctuary
Ken Gharial Sanctuary (24 kms.) is at the confluence of the Ken and Khudar rivers further down Raneh Falls and Nature Trail. This is a natural habitat of the long snouted variety of crocodiles.

Banisagar Lake
Banisagar Lake (11km) is a picnic spot and a dam on Khudar river with a waterspread of 7.7 sq. km. Suitable for Boating & Angling.

Ranguan Lake
Ranguan Lake (25 Km) is an ideal picnic spot for boating and angling.

Gangau Dam
Gangau Dam (34 km), a natural dam at the confluence of the Ken and Simri rivers, ideal for nature-lovers, anglers and the adventure minded. The dam is surrounded by the Panna National Park & Gangau Sanctuary.

Pandav Falls
Pandav Falls (34 kms), a picturesque waterfall in a bowl shaped valley on the ken river. The Pandavas are said to have spent a part of their exile here.

Majhganwa Diamond Mines, Panna
Majhganwa Diamond Mines, Panna (56 km), are the only diamond mines of Asia.

Dhubela Museum
Dhubela Museum (65 km) is located in an old fort on the Jhansi- Khajuraho road and houses a rare collection of artefacts, depicting the heritage of Bundelkhand. Pipraghat (24 km) is a recently developed excursion spot. The nearby Ken river offers boating, swimming and angling.

Ajaygarh Fort
Ajaygarh Fort (80 km) is at a height of 688 meters above sea level and was capital of the Chandelas during their decline.

Kalinjar Fort
Kalinjar Fort (100 km) is located on the Vindhya range and is 38 km from Atarra railway Station. This fort, built during the Gupta period, was captured by the Chandela ruler Shri Yasovarmanin in the mid- 10th century.

Orcha
Eight km off the Khajuraho- Jhansi highway (19 km from Jhansi), this is a medieval city flanked by the Betwa River. Paintings and mirrorwork, intricate stairways and delicate trellis work in Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and Rai Praveen Mahal are enchanting. In the fort complex MP Tourism has converted the Sheesh Mahal into a Heritage Hotel.