Khajuraho

About Khajuraho
Khajuraho, falling in the Bundelkhand region of central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is famous the world over for the temple art forms of early medieval period. The location of Khajuraho is such that most cities and towns are at a considerable distance from Kajuraho. Khajuraho gets its name from the plenty of khajur trees dotting the place.There are a complex of famed Hindu and Jain temples in Khajuraho built during the 9th and 10th century A.D under the patronage of the mighty Chandela rulers of the place. The Chandelas were known for their love of art and luxury and gifted to the world some of the best sculpted images.

The intricately done carvings are highly erotic and sensual attempting to depict in pure form a whole range of human emotions and relationships. Dedicated to human love and passion, the images send a clear message that sensuality is not a degraded emotion but a pious virtue essential for the continuation of the human race.

The initial count of temples during that period was 85 but only 22 of them remain to speak of the splendour of that period.

Climate
The climate of Kajuraho is tropical. During summers, the mercury remains above 40 degrees. On the other hand, temperature in winters may fall to a low of only 5 degrees. The monsoon starts from the month of July and lasts until September. Annual average rainfall is around 115 cm.

Best time to visit
October to March

How To Reach
Air : There is an airport in Khajuraho. The town is air-linked with Delhi, Agra and Varanasi. Both Indian Airlines and private service providers operate flights to Khajuraho.

Rail : Khajuraho does not figure in the rail map of India. The nearest railheads from Khajuraho are Harpalpur (94 km) and Mahoba (63 km).

Road : Khajuraho is well connected to the rest of Madhya Pradesh by a good road network. There are bus services to the place from Panna, Satna, Chattarpur, Jabalpur, Mahoba, Bhopal, Gwalior and Indore.

Where To Stay
Khajuraho has ample accommodation facilities to ensure comfortable stay for tourists. The quality hotels in luxury and mid range categories are Chandela, Usha Bundela, Holiday Inn, Khajuraho Ashok and Greenwood Khajuraho.

Khajuraho Temples
The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three categories-Western Group Temples, Eastern Group Temples and Southern Group Temples. The western temples are the largest, precise and centrally located. The eastern temples comprise of five separated sub-groups in and around the present village of Khajuraho. The southern temples are located at some distance.

Kandariya Mahadeo Temple( western group) : Kandariya Mahadeo is the largest and most typical of Khajuraho temples. As many as 900 statues, most of them in erotic postures could be seen in the temple. The temple rises to a height of 31 metres from the ground. The deity worshipped is Lord Shiva. In the main shrine are exquisitely carved images of gods, goddesses and apsaras (heavenly maidens). Even the ceilings of the temple have many exquisite carvings. There are six interior compartments comprising the portico, main hall, transept, vestibule, sanctum and ambulatory.

Chaunsat Yogini Temple( western group) : This is the only temple of Khajuraho built in granite. One of the oldest surviving temples of Khajuraho, the deity worshipped is goddess Kali. Unfortunately, none of the images of Goddess Kali have survived to the present. Moreover, only 35 of the original 65 cells have remained intact. The temple dates back to 900 A.D.

Chitragupta Temple( western group) : Facing eastwards to the rising sun, this temple is dedicated to the sun-god, Surya. The inner sanctum houses a very attractive image of the the Sun God. The deity is shown riding a chariot and looms to a height of 5 feet. There are numerous beautiful images on the walls depicting royal processions, group dances and other scenes of sheer luxury.

Parsvanath Temple (eastern group) : One of the finest of sculpted Khajuraho temples, this is the largest Jain temple of the place. Originally dedicated to Adinath, saint Parsvanath is now worshipped in the temple. The art forms of the temple are very beautiful and sensitive but are devoid of sexual motifs. The sculptures on the temple walls have an amazing depiction of everyday activity of that period. Even the most ordinary human activities have been given great importance in sculpted form.

Adinatha Temple( eastern group) : Adinatha is the last of Jain temples of Kajuraho. The temple walls have some of the most attractive sculptures of yakshis among others.

Duladeo Temple( southern group) : Duladeo is one of the most attractive temples of the southern group. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has a number of sensuous images of the apsaras and a few other exquisite sculptures.

Excursion places near Khajuraho
Panna National Park : The famous Panna National Park is located at a distance of 40 kms from Khajuraho. The wide variety of fauna at the place include antelopes, chinkaras, sambars and boars. With luck on their side, tourists can also have a glimpse of the elusive tiger. Many varieties of bird species could also be spotted in Panna. Jeep safaris in the early mornings are the best ways to explore the park.

Ajaygarh Fort : Ajaygarh was the capital of Chandelas during their declining years. Although the fort has lost most of its charm, it still looks very attractive. The fort was built at a height of 688 metres. It is located at a distance of 80 kms from Khajuraho.

Dhubela Museum : Located at a distance of 64 kms from Khajuraho, Dhubela Museum is also worth a visit. The museum has an impressive collection of garments, weapons and paintings belonging to the Bundela rulers. The museum also has some sculptures belonging to the shakti cult.

Pandav Falls : The beautiful Pandav falls are located at a distance of 30 kms from Khajuraho. Falling down to the Ken river from great heights, the sight of the falls is really breathtaking. It is believed that the Pandavas spent some years of their exile here and hence the name Pandav Falls.

Shopping in Khajuraho
As regards shopping, there is nothing specific for which Khajuraho is popular. Yet, the place is a good one to buy souvenirs and exquisite handicraft items of local artisans. There are a number of small stalls outside temple gates selling interesting souvenirs. Tourists interested in buying attractive silver and brassware can make a trip to Rajinagar at a distance of 5 kms from Khajuraho town. A weekly market is held in the place on Tuesdays.

Khajuraho Vacation Tour Packages

	Northern India Travel Packages (11 Days) Highlights : Amber Fort, Elephant’s, Royal Palace Museum, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal, Khajuraho Temples, Ghats, Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb.

	Himalaya & Rajasthan Explorer (06 Weeks) Highlights : Rhinos, Tigers, Royal Chitwan National Park, Rat Temples, Rock-Hewn Caves, Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, Meharangarth Fort, Lake Pichola, Caves of Ellora and Ajanta, Western Ghats.

	Tryst with the wild (17 Days) Highlights : Sariska Tiger, Bharatpur Ghana Bird Sanctuary, Taj Mahal, Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park.

	North India & Nepal (13 Days) Highlights : Amber Fort with Elephant Ride, Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Kathmandu Valley, Mount Everest.