North
India Travel Guide
Khajuraho Tourism
Khajuraho derives its
name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) found in abundance in the area.
The temples are superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture, built in the short
span of a hundred years, under the generous and artistic patronage of the Chandela
Rajput kings of Central India in a truly inspired burst of creativity. In the
temple architecture of India, the Khajuraho complex remains unique. Khajuraho
is located in the forested plains of Madhya Pradesh in the Bundelkhand region.
Temples in Khajuraho Western
GroupThese groups of temples are entirely Hindu, and constitute some of
the finest examples of Chandela art at its peak. The largest being the Kandhariya
Mahadev, followed by a granite temple - Chaunsath Yogini. The Chitragupta Temple
is dedicated to the Sun God, while the Vishwanath Temple sports a three-headed
image of Brahma - the Creator of the Universe. The Lakshmana Temple is superbly
decorated, while the Devi Jagdambi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Other
temples in the Western Group include the Varaha Temple with a nine-feet high boar-incarnation
of Lord Vishnu, the Matangeshwara Temple with a eight-feet high lingam, and the
Brahma Temple.
Eastern GroupThis group comprises of two historic
Jain temples - the Adinath Temple lavishly embellished with sculpted figures,
and the Parsvanath Temple, the largest Jain temple, sculpted with charming detail.
There are other shrines such as the Vamana Temple with apsaras in sensuous poses,
and the Javari Temple that has a richly-carved doorway.
Southern GroupThis
group has two impressive temples, mainly belonging to the 12th century - the Chaturbhuja
Temple, with a massive, carved image of Vishnu, and the Duladeo Temple, one of
the last temples of the Chandela era, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
ShoppingThere
are shops located near the temples where you can purchase the local handicrafts
and other souvenirs which at times make good gift items. There are a number of
handicraft shops in the market opposite to the Western group of temples and the
nearby Gole market. The hotels, Chandela, Jass Oberoi, Holiday Inn, Clarks Bundela
and Ashok also have shopping arcades. Photo shops are also located here and cameras
are available on hire.
Best SeasonThe
place has a typical continental type of climate with summers being hot and winters
cold. Best season to visit these temples is between the months of October and
April.
How to Reach By Air
A
daily Boeing 737 of Alliance Air links Khajuraho with Delhi, Agra, and Varanasi.
By Rail
The nearest railheads are Harpalpur (94 km) and Mahoba (63 km). Country
buses and tongas take you to Khajuraho. The Shatabdi Express from Delhi to Bhopal
stops at Jhansi (172 km from Khajuraho). Satna, 117 km away, is convenient for
travelers from Mumbai (Bombay), Calcutta, and Varanasi. Taxis and buses are available
from here.
By Road
Direct bus services connect Khajuraho with Panna,
Satna, Chattarpur, Jabalpur, Mahoba, Bhopal, Gwalior, and Indore. For local transport,
cycle rickshaws, tongas, and taxis are available
