About Khajuraho
Khajuraho, a small town with a rich history, is renowned for its Kamasutra temples attracting tourists worldwide. Ganges City Tours provides a comprehensive travel guide covering Khajuraho's history, architecture, culture, and crafts. The town, once the capital of the Chandela dynasty, houses impressive temples built between the 10th and 12th centuries, adorned with masterful sculptures inspired by the Kama Sutra.
Despite originally having 85 temples, only 25 remain today, showcasing the pinnacle of Hindu temple construction in Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho can be explored on foot or by bike, with an annual dance festival adding cultural vibrancy in February-March.
The Chandel kings, rulers from the 9th to 12th century, constructed these temples. Huen Tsang, a Chinese traveler in the 7th century, praised the lively cut and carved stones, and today, 24 temples are recognized as national monuments, preserving the town's historical and cultural significance.
Tourist Attraction of Khajuraho:
1. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple:
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in Khajuraho is the best one there, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It's known for its intricate carvings and is the largest and tallest in the area. The main tower is adorned with 84 smaller ones, making it visually stunning.
Built in the 11th century, this temple originally had four smaller ones on the corners, but they're gone now. The entrance has a beautiful arch with figures of gods and musicians. Inside, there are 226 sculptures, and outside, 646 more! The carvings depict river goddesses, ascetics, and other artistic details.
The temple's exterior has rows of sculptures and smaller towers going up to the spire. It's a masterpiece of ancient art and architecture, a must-see for those fascinated by historical marvels.
2. Lakshmana Temple:
The Lakshmana Temple is a sacred temple found in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The Lakshmana Temple Khajuraho, which is dedicated solely to Hindus, is part of the Khajuraho collection of temples, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. The Lakshmana Temple Khajuraho architecture is spread out across a broad area and, like all other temples in Khajuraho, it mimics erotic art.
The Lakshmana Temple's history is long and illustrious, which adds to its religious value. The temple, which was established in the 10th century, is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Vaikuntha Vishnu devotees. Lord Vishnu and his Vaikuntha avatar are housed at the shrine. The temple, which is located in Madhya Pradesh's Chattarpur District, is a popular destination for legends about Lord Vishnu and his various forms.
3. Matangeshwar Temple:
The Matangeshwar Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, dating back to the ninth century, is a significant shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Constructed by Chandra Dev, a devoted follower of Shiva, the temple features an eight-foot Shiva Lingam named Matangeswarar. It stands out as one of the oldest and holiest temples in the region, with some of India's largest Shiva Lingams.Made of glossy yellow limestone, the temple's exterior and interior lack intricate sculptures, but its roof is adorned with figures. Also known as Mrityunjaya Mahadeo, the temple houses a small Ganesh and a large goddess image. Despite its unfinished appearance, the temple holds deep religious importance, drawing devotees to its revered sanctum. Adjacent to the temple, an archaeological museum showcases statues and friezes from the area.
4. Javari Temple:
The Javari Temple, situated in the eastern group of Khajuraho temples, is a Hindu or Brahmanic temple crafted from stone. Built on a plinth and supported by various pillars with intricately carved capitals, it may be small by ancient Indian standards, but it encompasses essential architectural elements of a Hindu temple, including a sanctum, mandapa, portico, and vestibule. The temple's name, Javari, is derived from the landowner, Javar.Constructed between 950 AD and 970 AD, the Javari Temple's origins have led to some scholarly debates. While some assert its association with the Jain faith, dedicated to the 23rd Jain Tirthankar, Lord Parshwanath, others maintain its Hindu Brahmanic origin. Regardless of its religious affiliation, the temple boasts fine sculptures on its walls that are captivating and worthy of photography.
5. Adinath Temple:
The Adinath Temple in Khajuraho, dating back to the 12th century, is a Jain temple dedicated to Lord Adinath or Rishabh Dev, the first Jain Tirthankara. Positioned next to the Parsvanath Temple, it is frequented by Jain devotees. The exterior displays a row of figures, including some nude females, while the temple's design is not particularly noteworthy. The temple, however, houses numerous Jain statues, both whole and broken, with dated inscriptions that provide historical insights. Multiple sculptors' names are found in these inscriptions, offering valuable information about the temple's age and the artisans involved.Adinath Temple is one of the significant structures in Eastern Group of Khajuraho Temples.
6. Panna National Park:
Panna National Park , Madhya Pradesh, India! Spread across 1,645 sq. kms., this wildlife haven is a true marvel. The park is laced with the serene Ken river, home to fascinating creatures like the Gharial and Mugger. The river, one of the cleanest in the country, breathes life into the park's ecosystem, offering a stunning view along its 55 km meandering route.
Panna's hot and dry climate creates a thriving teak forest and a unique dry deciduous landscape. Here, you'll encounter diverse wildlife, including the elusive tiger, graceful leopard, elegant chital, nimble chinkara, majestic nilgai, stately sambhar, and the adorable sloth bear.
Bird enthusiasts are in for a treat with over 200 bird species, including the bar-headed goose, Oriental Honey buzzard, soaring eagles, and majestic vultures.
7. Raneh Falls:
Raneh Falls near Khajuraho is a stunning natural attraction carved by the Ken River. Cascading over granite rocks, it forms a captivating canyon-like landscape with varying hues. Surrounded by dense forests, the falls offer a serene escape and hold geological significance. A popular spot for nature lovers and photographers, Raneh Falls showcases nature's artistry in a pristine setting.
8. 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 and is bordered by the beautiful Vindhya Hills which provides absolutely stunning views of the Ken River. The fort stands alone on a hilltop in the district of Panna and is easily accessible from Khajuraho.
9. Ken Gharial Sanctuary:
The Ken Gharial Sanctuary near Khajuraho is a protected area focused on saving the Gharial, a rare crocodile. It's part of the Panna Tiger Reserve and provides a safe home for Gharials, Mugger crocodiles, turtles, and various birds. Visitors can see these unique crocodiles in their natural surroundings, promoting awareness about endangered species and conservation efforts in the region.
11. Chitragupta Temple:
The Chitragupta Temple is a special place dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. The temple features a carving of the Sun-God riding a seven-horse chariot. Its design is similar to the Jagadamba Temple, including garbhagriha, mahamandapa, ardhamandapa, and side transepts, but without an ambulatory inside. However, it stands out with a more impressive presence. The exterior walls showcase beautiful erotic sculptures and an eleven-headed Vishnu on the south facade. There's also a fascinating image of Vishnu with ten extra heads representing his ten incarnations. The temple's outer walls depict scenes of hunting, royal processions, dances, and elephant-fights. The sun riding on a seven-horse chariot symbolizes the seven colors in sunrays
Best time to visit Khajuraho:
The best time to visit Khajuraho is in the winter, from September to March. During this period, the weather is pleasant, making it comfortable for tourists. Summers can be scorching, with temperatures soaring up to 48 degrees Celsius, making it tough to explore the stone monuments. Monsoon, once avoided, is gaining popularity as tourists now enjoy seeing the architectural gems against a lush green backdrop. Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a famous tourist destination in India, nestled in the Vindhya mountains plateau.