Best places to visit in Khajuraho
Best places to visit in Khajuraho
Khajuraho, a small town in Madhya Pradesh, is home to one of India's most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites — a group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples built by the Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050 CE, celebrated worldwide for their exquisite erotic sculptures that represent only a fraction of the temples' vast iconographic program. The three temple complexes — Western, Eastern, and Southern — contain 20 surviving temples of the original 85, each a masterpiece of Nagara-style architecture adorned with thousands of meticulously carved figures depicting every aspect of human life, divine beings, and erotic union. The annual Khajuraho Dance Festival held in front of the illuminated temple facades is a cultural highlight of India's classical arts calendar.
Western Group of Temples
→Main temple complex featuring Kandariya Mahadev and Lakshmana temples.
Kandariya Mahadev Temple
→Largest and most ornate temple in Khajuraho.
Eastern Group of Temples
→Khajuraho's Eastern Group comprises beautifully crafted Chandela and Jain temples scattered through the old village, including the intricately carved Parsvanath Temple — widely considered one of the finest Jain temples in India. Far less crowded than the Western Group, it offers a more intimate and personal heritage sightseeing experience. Free entry to most temples; Parsvanath has a small fee. A top Khajuraho destination for Jain heritage enthusiasts and anyone wanting to escape the main site crowds.
Light & Sound Show
→Evening show narrating the history of Khajuraho temples.
Panna National Park
→Panna National Park is Madhya Pradesh's great tiger conservation success story — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on the Ken River, 25 km from Khajuraho, with a thriving tiger population, leopards, vultures, and rare gharials in the river. Jeep and boat safaris offer excellent wildlife sightseeing. A top Khajuraho day-trip destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Safari permits must be booked in advance through official portals. Open October to June; February to April offers the best tiger sightings.
