Khajuraho

Khajuraho

Khajuraho, Know for its breathtaking architecture of a group of Hindu Temples which were built between 950 AD and 1050 AD by the rulers of the Chandela Dynasty.

The magnificent temples of the Khujarahas were constructed during the time of the Chandela kingdom. King Chandravarman, son of Lord Chandra, established most of the temples of Khajuraho and it took approximately 100 years to build this entire group of temples.

In the 13th century when the emperor of Delhi Qutb al-Din Aibak took over on the empire of Chandela, it was a tough time for these temples as most of these temples got destroyed on his order.

During the ruling time of Alexander Lodi, ruler of the Lodi dynasty, in 1495 AD some of the great temple got destroyed forcefully on his order.

It is said that Khajuraho site was the cluster of 85 temples but now only 25 are left.

As per saying the name Khajuraho came from Khajur (Dates) as in ancient time this location was covered with the Khajoor Lawns. 

These are located approx 50 Km away from Chattarpur District in Madhya Pradesh, India. These temples are just not one of the UNESCO sites in India but also one of the wonders of India.

One can feel speechless after seeing the spectacular and beautifully embellished, advanced art, sculpture and architecture back in the 10th century.

This is the only place where you can see the emotions of human in the form of sculpture.

Best time To Explore Khajuraho :

Khajuraho is located at the centre of India most hot Place during summers, the temperature of this destination reached up to 48 'C in the mid-off summers, 

Even the morning and evening time is also not pleasant during this time of year.

Here it involves lots of walks to visit from one temple to another, during summer it becomes unbearable as these complete monuments are made of stones which add the temperature of this place too.

The best time to visit Khajuraho is from Sep to Feb or max mid of March the temperature between 18 to 22 'C add some pleasant atmosphere to visit this place.

How to reach Khajuraho 

Khajuraho is easily accessible from every part of India,

there are regular trains availability from Delhi to Khajuraho and the also from most of the major railway stations.

It takes approximately 12 hours to reach from Delhi to Khajuraho,

you can also take the trans for nearby railways station "Mahoba " which is almost 75 kilometres away from Khajuraho.

For the person who wants to travel through flights, have the Khajuraho domestic airport within the five kilometres at the main city from this place.

the second nearest airport is Kanpur which is almost 260 kilometres away from Khajuraho.

And for the international tourist, Lucknow Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport is the most suitable airport.

Khajuraho is connected with almost all major metro cities from most of airlines.

If you want to travel by road, it is almost 650 kilometres from Delhi to Khajuraho by road and can be reached in 10 hours.

tourist mainly prefer to travel via trans because of comfort and regularity. 

Khajuraho Temple

Khajuraho Temple are the last relics of the Chandela kingdom.

these temples are the prime attraction of this place and also listed under the Unesco Heritage Sites, It is said the concept to build these temple was to retain back to the young generation who were diverting their minds towards Renunciation.

The language presented on the walls of this temples id very loud and clear in the form of Sculptor.

 Some very good pictures of engravings of Shiva-Vivah are also seen here, the sculptures on the outer walls of the temple also have numerous copulation scenes differently.

This temple remains open from 8 am to 6 pm for the visitors.

Light and Sound Show 

This is the one of the popular show of this location, after visiting to temple complex, you can spend time watching light and sound show,

narrated in the voice of legendary actor Mr Amitabh Bachchan 

This is a paid event and you need to pay a fee to watch this and being conducted at every evening by the is organised by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department.

There are every day two shows available for tourists in two languages in English and Hindi.

Vishwanath Temple

Vishwanath Temple is one of the main temple, devoted to Lord Shiva who is known as Lord of Universe "Vishwanath".

In terms of size, this is the biggest temple considered among all others.

The stunning architecture of the walls have the power to hold anyone eyes for some times,

Nowadays this temple is also popular for its outstanding architecture and carvings, this temple gives you a perfect setting for photography.

Lakshmana Temple 

Lakshmana Temple is dedicated to Hindu Lord Vishnu, This temple is also considered one of the oldest structure among all others. This is an exquisite temple with stunning architecture, you can spend hours, watching these idols.

At the entrance of the temple the Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva is depicted in the form of Trimurti.

The Archaeological Museum of Khajuraho 

The Archaeological Museum of Khajuraho also initially known as Jardine Museum in past as is was constructed by W.A. Jardin in the year 1910. later on in 1952 after the take over of archaeological of India, it was renamed as archaeological Museum. 

This museum is an open-air construction where most of the ruined sculptural from all parts of the temple have been stored.

that is why it is one of the most important places of this entire premises.

Panna National Park 

Panna National Park is located at Chattarpur district and approximately 58 kilometres away from Khajuraho, This the one of the tiger reserve centre among 22 of India and 5th in Madhya Pradesh.

This is also the home of some of the rarest species in the world, covering an area of 543 sq km.

This tiger reserve remains open for the safari for tourists 

between 16th Oct- 30th June, every year.

Beni Sagar Dam 

Beni Sagar Dam has been built over River Khudar, this is the most peaceful and green location of this area, this dam is very popular for the picnic with family and friends. the dam stretches across an area of 7.7 sq. km. 

Early morning and sunset time is the most favourable time to explore the beauty of this location. 

Things to do in Khajuraho

Trip to Khajuraho Temples

The most popular this is to visit the Khajuraho temple, Because of the spectacular architecture, this complete location is world-famous and also listed in the UNESCO world heritage sits. Most of tourist from all across the world come to to see the ancient artwork done by the artist around 1000 years back.

These temples are the main attraction point of Khajuraho. 

Enjoy the Dance Festival of Khajuraho 

Ustad Alauddin Khan Music and Arts Academy, Madhya Pradesh, conducts a dance festival every year at Khajuraho and it is the worlds biggest dance festival for Indian classical dancers and this dance form.

This is almost a program of 1 week where you can get a chance to see the different dance form every day, performed by the professional dancers. 

Sound and Light Show in Khajuraho

At every evening, you have a chance to participate in the light and sound show, which is being conducted by the authorities of the temple committee.
This is a paid program and you need to buy the tickets to attend this,
For approximately one and a half hours, you will be the witness of a glorifying program about Indian history, in the voice of legendry actor Mr Amitabh Bacchan.

Visit to Old Town of Khajuraho

The old town is considered, one of the best offbeat destinations of this area, this place is a heaven for the tourists who are keen to know the ancient glory of India.

By the help of a local guide, you may get a chance to see the inside of the villager's houses and can also feel the actual culture which these villagers are is contained in their lifestyle.

This is just a different part of Khajuraho main city and there are humongous difference in the lifestyles. 

Raneh waterfall khajuraho

Raneh waterfall is another natural place to visit near Khajuraho, this is just 30 minutes away from the Khajuraho temples.
this is basically a granite landscape and the stones of this area have been taken a very sharp and crystal shape because of regular waterfall on these stone.  
The best time to visit this location is during monsoon to get the scenery of fully flushed water squirt.
The person who loves to explore the natural beauty, are advised to visit this place during to Khajuraho trip.

Khajuraho weather

Khajuraho is in MP which is a subtropical region, hence this place remain hot from March to September. during summers the temperature of Khajuraho reached up to 48 'C.
The best time to explore this place is during winters while visiting to this place you can feel the ancient glory of the Chandela Kingdom and Indian architecture.
This site is also one of the UNESCO world heritage sites.  

There are a few very good local market like Rajinagar, Jain temple road and Gole Market,

Although Khajuraho is world-famous for its unique temple with spectacular architecture but tourists also love to do shopping here.

few unique items like silverware, Handicrafts, Jewellery, Gems, Traditional Cloths, Sculptures, Craft items etc.

Rajinagar Marget 

 Raji Nagar market is one of the weekly market of Khajuraho city, This market is being held at every Tuesday.

and you can buy the books, jewellery, Silverware and traditional clothes here, Some restraint is also here to enjoy local foods.

Jain Temple road

Jain temple road is the main market of Khajuraho and main place for accommodation, You can find the categories of hotels here with some very budget too. 

Temple Road being accessible to important landmarks in Khajuraho, hence it makes it a good place to stay and the budget hotels will allow you to save money on your accommodation.

Popular shopping places

Gole Market

Gole market at Khajuraho offer you the best budget hotels and some very good option for lunch and dinner, this market is properly connected with the rest of the city which provides easy access to this place.

in some of the hotels there are the opting to shop the regional items also.

Foods to try

Madhya Pradesh is famous for its cultural food since a very long time.
During Khajuraho trip, you are suggested not to miss a few items like Bafla Sabudana Khichdi, Moong Dal Halwa, Jalebi, Cashew Barfi, Kusli, Lavang Lata etc,
For the nonveg lover Korma, Rogan Josh, Mutton Kababs, Chicken Biryani, Kheema are the dishes to be tried at least once. The area is known for Bafla, a preparation of whole-grain and 'ghee', traditionally followed by delicious Ladoos.
Poha is one of the regular item for the breakfast at entire MP .the same you can find here also in different flavours.
 

Recommended places to eat

Khajuraho is considered one of the famous town in MP,

because of the tourist spot, this place has many good opting to enjoy the varieties of food under your budget.

One can find some very good reviews on the internet of these restaurants 

Zorba Di Buddha 

This restaurant is the part of hotel harmony and serves quality food.

the major attraction of this restaurant is its chines stuff.

but one can easily order the north Indian food and regional food items too.

As compared to locality this restaurant is considered a little expensive but value for money.

Raja's Cafe

this is one of the most attractive restaurant located at the nearby hotel Siddhartha, opposite of western group of temples, Sevagram, Khajuraho,

known for its world-class customer satisfaction.

This is also very popular among the foreigner tourists as this restaurant serves popular food of some different countries too.

La Bella Italia

This restaurant offers Italia, Chinese, Indian and continental food, very popular among the foreigner tourist. it is located front of the ICICI bank top floor of the maharaja hotel, Shanti Nagar Colony, Chetgiri Colony, Narayanpura,

Traditional pizza and homemade pasta are some very good items of this restaurant.

Madras Coffee House

This place of Khajuraho remains crowded in the evening time every day as this is the most famous South Indian restaurant in Khajuraho.

The mushroom dosa, special butter dosa, and south Indian thali are highly recommended for their original flavours like in south India. During moring time tourist usually come here to have the beak fast of Idli sambhar. 

Snacks Stalls

During the temple visit, one can easily be fined a small kiosk selling snacks and cold drinks inside the Western Group of temples.this is most selling kiosk of this region.

Tips for Travelers

As Khajuraho is not considered as a metro cities, hence of you explore the options in a better way surely can save some good amount of money during this trip.

the distance between temple and railway station is approx 10 kilometres and the airport is in between the distance. 

During the visit of the temple, you are suggested to carry a torch as there the electricity fluctuations and most of the temple is dependent on the natural light.

You are advised to wear comfortable shoes which are easy to put on and take off as there are a group of temples and you have to take off your shoes before entering any temple.

The Panna national park opens from October onwards hence if you have a plan to visit at the national park, you should take care of the dates first.

Things to Carry

during the Khajuraho visit, you are advised to carry a few important things with you.here you have to walk from one temple to another and most of the template ate build of stones so pack this below-mentioned thing before heading to Khajuraho Trip.

A Torch

Long and short sleeve shirts

Light footwear

Skirts

Sandals

Dresses

A Mobile power bank 

Sunscreen lotion

Shorts or short pants