Khajuraho Temples – History

Khajuraho temples are one of the UNESCO world heritage sites and is located in the small town of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. There were around 85 temples built by the Chandela dynasty from 950 to 1050 AD. After the decline of the dynasty, the temples were hidden under a dense forest of date palm trees (Khajur) before it was rediscovered in 1838 by a British Engineer. The uniqueness of the temples lie in the erotic sculpture that depicts Kamasutra. This is just on the outside of the temple though. Inside of the temples there are Hindu Gods.

Getting to Khajuraho

By Air :-

Khajuraho airport is just 4 kms from Khajuraho station and is connected from Delhi and Varanasi by Air India, Spicejet and Jet Airways.

By Train:-

Khajuraho has a train station and has train services connecting to Delhi 6 days a week. Also there are daily train services to Jhansi, which is roughly about 200 kms away and takes four hours by train.

By Road:-

Khajuraho is well connected to Satna and Jhansi by road. Khajuraho is roughly 180 kms from Jhansi by road. Though there are buses from  Varanasi, Bhopal, Panna, Allahabad, Agra, Jabalpur, Indore, Gwalior and Agra the roads are pretty bad and journey times are longer because of that. It is better to drive or take the train.

Weather in Khajuraho:

The best time of the year to visit Khajuraho is winter when it is not too hot, as the temperature can hit as high as 45 deg C in summer. 

Places to visit in Khajuraho: 

The biggest group of temples is the Western group of temples. Each of the temples is dedicated to a different God. 

The Western group of temple is:

• Lakhmana Temple
• Kandariya Mahadeo Temple
• Devi Jagdamba Temple
• Chaunsat Yogini
• Chitragupta Temple
• Matanageswara Temple
• Varaha temple
• Vishwanath Temple 

The Eastern Group of Temple consists of: 

• Parsvanath Temple.
• Ghantai Temple
• Adinath Temple
• Hanuman Temple
• Brahma Temple
• Vamana Temple.
• Javari Temple

The Southern Group of Temples: 

• Dulhadev Temple
• Beejamandal Temple
• Chattarbhuj Temple Or The Jatkari Temple

Opening times: Sunrise to Sunset

Entrance fee: For Indian citizens Rs 10 per head and for foreigners, it is US $ 5.

Images of Khajuraho

Places to visit near Khajuraho: 

Panna: 

Panna National park and Tiger Reserve is just around 30 kms from Khajuraho. River Ken runs through the park. The park is home to tigers, cheetahs, deer, antelope, sloth bear and wolf. The Guide for this park is compulsory. Elephant rides can also be taken in this park and the charges are different. 

Opening times: The park opens at 6 am.

Entrance Fee: For Indian citizens (up to 8 persons in a car/jeep) Rs 1200 per round. Others Rs 2400 per round.

Pandav / Raneh Falls:

While Raneh falls is on the Ken river, Pandav falls is on a tributary of the Ken river. Pandav falls gets its name from the story that the five Pandavas from Mahabharata visited here. Both the water falls are natural waterfalls and are about 30 meters high. 

Entrance Fee: For Indian citizens Rs 50 per head. Others Rs 250 per head 

Ken Gharial Sanctuary: 

Ken Gharial sanctuary is in the confluence of Khudar and Ken. Other than gharials, one can spot peacock and wild boars too. 

Note: This sanctuary is closed during monsoon season as that is the breeding season of gharials.

Tips: 

• Do not miss the light and sound show in the evening. The charges are Rs 120 for Indians and Rs 400 for foreigners.
• Shopping – stick to government authorised craft shops for local handicraft.
• There are hotels in all classes to stay – Budget, mid range and luxury. Book in advance and enjoy.
• Try and plan your trip to match with the annual dance festival in February. The entry to the festival is free.
• Early morning is the best time to go to Panna to spot tigers.