Khajuraho Travel

Khajuraho of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is world renowned for Temples, impressive architecture, and erotic or esoteric sculptures. Of a total of 85 beautiful temples built between the 9th and 12th centuries by the Chandela Rajputs, only 20 still survive in good conditions, the remaining have given way to the ravages of time and the nature.

Khajuraho travel forum is well-established to support your travel to Khajuraho and facilitate you greatly in exploring the renowned temples, which have been attracting and entertaining myriads of tourists and travelers from every part of India and the world. Today, a large number of tourists visit Khajuraho on the occasion of the Khajuraho Dance Festival held every year from 25th February to 2nd March from India and abroad.

About Khajuraho Travel

Khajuraho TRAVEL


Khajuraho, the temple city of central India, is famous throughout the world for its exquisitely carved temples in stones. Thousands of visitors and tourists from all over the world flock together to envisage this immortal saga of Hindu art and culture engraved in stone by shilpies (stone craftsmen) a millenia ago.

Today, apart from the temples, Khajuraho is a small village but a thousand years ago it was a large city of the Chandelas, medieval Rajput kings who ruled over Central India. Khajuraho is 595 km (370 miles) south-east of Delhi and can be visited by air, rail or road. An overnight train journey from Delhi takes the visitor to Jhansi, from where another morning train takes him to Harpalpur 85 km (53 miles) to the east.

According to the account of the medieval court poet, Chandbardai, in the Mahoba-khand of his Prithviraj Raso, Hemvati was the beautiful daughter of Hemraj, the royal priest of Kashi (Varanasi). One summer night, while she was bathing in the sparkling waters of a lotus-filled pond, the Moon god was so awestruck by her beauty that he descended to earth in human form and ravished her. The distressed Hemvati, who was unfortunately a child widow, threatened to curse the god for ruining her life and reputation. To make amends for his folly the Moon god promised that she would become the mother of a valiant son.

'Take him to Khajjurpura', he is believed to have said. 'He will be a great king and build numerous temples surrounded by lakes and gardens. He will also perform a yagya (religious ceremony) through which your sin will be washed away.' Following his instructions, Hemvati left her home to give birth to her son in a tiny village. The child, Chandravarman, was as lustrous as his father, brave and strong. By the time he was 16 years old he could kill tigers or lions with his bare hands. Delighted by his feats, Hemvati invoked the Moon god, who presented their son with a touchstone which could turn iron into gold, and installed him as king at Khajuraho.

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Historical Monuments

Adinath Temple

Adinath Temple

Dedicated to the Jain saint, Adinath, the temple is lavishly embellished with sculpted figures, including yakshis. The three Hindu temples of the group are the Brahma, containing a four faced lingam, the Vamana, which is adorned on its outer walls with carving of apsaras in a variety of sensuous attitudes; and the javari, with a richly-carved gateway and exterior sculptures.

The sanctum of the temple is quite simple and the Vedika (alter) seems to have been built at some later stage. The roof has been built with a Padmashila (lotus like stone giving much beauty to the sanctum.

To the sculpture of this temple, the craftsmen have been marvelously successful in imparting expression to various emotions in stone. On the southern wall, there is a figure of a women, who has received a letter with sad news. The letter received is clearly visible in one f her hands and the grief caused by the message finds expression in her face and the other hand. On the outer wall of the temple, near about the starting point of Parikrama (circumambulation) in themiddle row of figures, there exists a remarkable Apsara image of a female dancer.

The smartness of her body and te restlessness of her feet, the vigorous, dynamic movement all have been so aptly carved out. The figure is so attractive that one is reminded of the famous dancer Nilanjana in the court of Lord Adinath. Among these charming figures of Apsaras, the figures of Shashan devis, Yakshines and Vidyadevis at their appropriate places add much charm, meaning and symbolism.

Of these Apsara figures, the one looking into the mirror and applying collyrium in the eyes and the other that of a mother kissing her child are remarkable for their exquisite finish and artistic merits. Nayikas, Kaminis, Bhaminis, the various categories of women are depicted in a very dignified and graceful manner and their workmanship is very good.

Parsvanth Temple

Parsvanth Temple

The group's largest Jain temple and exquisite in detail. The sculptures on the northern outer wall are particularly noteworthy . The themes depict, in charming detail, everyday activity. Within, a throne faces the bull emblem of the first tirhankara, Adinath. The Parsvanath image was installed in 1860.

Hanuman Temple

Hanuman Temple

One comes across the Hanuman temple while proceeding from the Western group towards the Khajuraho village. There is a colossal statue of Hanuman. "The monkey God" about 8 ft high in the temple which is now in ruins. There is a very ancient inscription on the pedestal dating back to the time of Maharaja Harsh, 922 A.D. This is the oldest structure discovered here so far and is very interesting from the archaeological point of view.

On the bank of Khajur Sagar or Ninora Tal near the village stands the Brahma Temple. It is simple in plan and design with its body in granite stone and shikhare and made in sandstone. In the sanctum is now enshrined a four faced image of Brahma, hence it is called the Brahma temple.

Brahma Temple

Brahma Temple

On the bank of Khajur Sagar or Ninora Tal near the village stands the Brahma Temple. It is simple in plan and design with its body in granite stone and shikhare and made in sandstone. In the sanctum is now enshrined a four faced image of Brahma, hence it is called the Brahma temple.

Originally this temple must have been dedicated to Lord Vishnu, as it is clear from his figure carved centrally on the lintel of the sanctum doorway.

This temple is really one of the earliest structures in Khajuraho, comprising only of a sanctum and an entrance porch, the latter is now completely lost and the former is roofed by a pyramidal.

Shikhara of receding tier of pidhas, crowned by a prominent bell member. Except for the deeply relieved figures of the Brahmanical Trinity on the lintel and of Ganga and Yamuna at the base, its doorway is plain. Its jangha wall is divided into two parts and stands on a plain adhisthan.

Dulah Deo Temple

Dulah Deo Temple

This finest temple at Khajuraho also called Kunwar Math offers some of the choicest sculptures especially the Shalbhanjika. It is a fully developed temple measuring 21 m by 12 m (69 ft. by 40 ft.) with the ardhamanadap, the mandapa, the maha mandapa, the antarala and the garbha griha with no circumambulatory passage. The ceiling of the maha mandap is a series of diminishing circles of overlapping stones. There is an image of Shiva on the lintel of the entrance to the garbh griha indicating that the temple was originally dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The sanctum today enshrines a shivlingam. The superstructure is in the traditional style, with several subsidiary shikhars clustering around the central shikhara. In this temple also, apart from the othr various sculptures inside the temple, the outer walls of the temple are decorated with three bands f sculptres. "The masters of Dulhadeo temple worked on a high level of inspiration", remarks Stella Kramrisch. "Indeed, whether oe examines the 'superb grace and elegance' of the Shalbhanjika-bracket capitals of the mahamandap, or the glory of the breathing bodies of apsaras on the pilasters of the ardhamandapa or again the squat forms of the living four armed ganas which provide the contrasting elements the ugly against the lovely-the masterly touch is ever apparent.

The outside ornamentation is equally rich. Specially noteworthy are the vidyadhar which occupy the highest of the three bands of sculptures. The images of these wizards are carved flying singly and flying in pairs with their consorts. They carry weapons and garlands, brandish swords, play on musical instruments, carry dance in their hands, flight in their legs, and sentiment of detachment on their faces. Their form is of the purest medieval cast, on the high level of serenity". A few extra ordinary erotic couples(mathunas), including one or two of the most embarrassing variety, provide that essential ingredient present in Khajuraho's greater temples tha putting stamp of excellence on this temple.

Chattarbhuj Temple

Chattarbhuj Temple

Three kilometers south of Khajuraho, in the village of Jatkari lie the two temples now in ruins. One of them is a Shiva temple enshrining a marble ligham. The other one enshries a 3.3 m (11 ft.) high image of Chatturbhuja (Vishnu) in the sanctum with an expression of transcendental calm and bliss on its face.

Over the lintel of the doorway are carved exquisite figures of Brahama, Vishnu and Mahesh. It is a nirandhara temple of a modes tsize similar to Javeri in plan and design consisting of a sanctum, mandapa and an entrance porch. The shikhara of the temple is plain.

There are three bands of scuolptures on the jangha of the temple. The temple is an earlier and smaller version of the Duladeo temple and can be assigned to circa 1100.

Chaunshath Yogini Temple

Chaunshath Yogini Temple

'Chaunsath' meaning 64 numbers of Yoginis (female nymphs) who attend on the fierce goddess Kali to whom this temple is dedicated to is the oldest temple at Khajuraho. This is the only shrine at Khajuraho that is built entirely of granite and the orientation of the axis of the temple is north-west southwest instead of the usual east-west.

The temple stands on a masonary terrace 5 m (18 ft.) high and is oblong is shape. The temple is in the form of a courtyard 31.3 m (103 ft.) by 18.2 m (60 ft.) surrounded by 64 smaller cells and one bigger cell, all forming tiny shrines. They are roofed and surrounded by one small spire each, the lower parts of which are adorned with triangular ornaments.

At one time all 64 cells must have had an idol of a Yogini each and the biggest cell at the central position must have had an image of goddess Kali. But now there is no image of Kali in it and only 35 cells have survived. Out of these only three have the Yogini idols in them the rest are vacant. These three Yogini images now available are not in their original position.

The image of Mahishasuramardini is now in the largest cell whereas the two cells on either side, house the three headed Brahmani and Mahesvari whose names are inscribed on the pedestal.

Verha Temple

Verha Temple

It is dedicated to the boar incarnation of lord Vishnu and is situated in front of the Matangesvara temple. An ablong structure of about 6 m by 4.8 m (20 ft. by 16 ft.) it contains a really huge statue of the boar measuring nearly 2.7 m long and 1.8 m high.

The entire body of this boar is carved with rows of tiny figures of which as many as 764 have been counted. They are the figure of the members of the Hindu pantheon - Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma, Saraswati, Ganga, the navagrahs, naga, gandharavs, dikpals etc. The image of Prithvi (Earth goddess) is all broken and only the parts of her feet many be seen on the pedestal.

The remanants of a serpent in devotional mudra are also there on the pedestal. The temple, though constructed after the Lalguan and Brahma ones, is smaller and simpler in construction and has a mere mandapa. In plan and design it is akin to the aforementioned temples.

Laxman Temple

Laxman Temple

One of the most magnificent temples of Khajuraho, the Lakshmana Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is also called as Ramchandra or Chaturbhuja temple. Measuring 29.9m (98 ft.) by 13.8 m (45 ft. 3 in.). It has four subordinate shrines at eh four corners of the platform terrace.

The direction of all the five temples is arranged in such a manner that a devotee ascending the stairs of the terrace will face the doors of all the five temples. The plan of this temple is the 'perfected Khajuraho' design of he sandhar type with two pairs of transepts. The five components that complete the architectural scheme of Khajuraho's greater temples are present in this one.

There is an extremely decorated doorway leading into the main sanctum. The lintel over the entrance shows Lakshm, the Goddess of wealth and the wife of Vishnu, with Brahma, the lord of Creation on her left and Shiva, the Lord of Destruction on her right. The nine planets are also depicted on this frieze above the lintel.

On the doorway is a relief picturing the churning of the ocean by the ogds and the demosn to obtain the devine nector, amrit, which conferred immortality on those who drank it. The ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu is depicted on another relief on the doorway.

Chitra Gupta Temple

Chitra Gupta Temple

This temple is dedicated to Surya - the sun God. The image of sun 1.5 m (5 ft.) high wearing high boots and driving a chariot of seven horses, is enshrined in the sanctum. The temple resembles the Jagdambi one in plan, design, dimensions and decorations and consists of a sanctum without ambulatory, vestibule, mahamandapa, with lateral transepts and entrance porch.

It has processional friezes of a party of stone carries, hunting scenes and elephant fight and others. The temple has an octagonal ceiling of its mahamandapa which is an elaboration of the square ceiling of the Jagdambi temple. It is a little more ornate and developed then the jad\gdambi one and therefore many have been built a few years later sometime in 1000 - 25 A.D.

Some very fine figures of sura sundaries and erotic couples are curved over the temple walls. An eleven headed Vishnu with the central head of Vishnu and the remaining heads representing the ten incarnations, is carved in the central niche of the south façade.

Shopping in Khajuraho

Shopping in Khajuraho


Shopping is Khajuraho would turn out to be a pleasant experience if you know what to buy and where. The ace craftsmen of Khajuraho have over the years developed a tradition of handicrafts and handlooms.

Textile weaving is a major craft in Khajuraho. You may pick up from the variety of saris and other Indian wear while shopping in Khajuraho.

Miniature stone-carved replicas of erotic sculptures are hot favourite items for shopping in Khajuraho. They display great flexibility and imagination! If you are looking for souvenirs to take back, these are of course the best bet.

Hotels in Khajuraho

Hotel Chandela

Location :: 3 kms from Airport, 176 kms from Jhansi Railway Station

Rooms :: 95 ( Single 4, Double 87, Suites 4 )

Room Facilities :: Room Service, H/C Running Water, Telephone, TV, Channel Music, Tea/ Coffee Maker

Other Facilities :: Beauty Parlour, shopping Arcade, Health Club, Swimming Pool, Tennis, Mini Golf, Banking Safe Deposit, Coffee Shop, Bar.

Details :: Hotel Chandela is one of largest 5 star hotels in khajuraho. It is the part of the prestigious Taj group of hotels. Hotel Chandela has set standards that are at par with any international hotel. Hotel Chandela provides you a very calm and peaceful environment. It is only 1 km away from the beautiful khajuraho temples and hotels.

Jass Trident

Location :: 2 kms from Airport, 170 kms from Jhansi Railway Station

Rooms :: 94 ( Double 91, Suites 3 )

Room Facilities :: Room Service, H/C Running Water, Telephone, TV.

Other Facilities :: Beauty Parlour, Health Club, Swimming Pool, Coffee Shop.

Details :: Hotel Jass Trident is situated just half kilometer from the temples of khajuraho. It provides you the perfect location for visiting this mesmerizing city. It is surrounded natural and peaceful environment. It offers you 94 elegantly appointed rooms.

Hotel Clarks Bundela

Location :: 1 km from Jaipur Airport, 176 kms from Jhansi Railway Station

Rooms :: 68 ( Double 68 )

Room Facilities :: Room Service, H/C Running Water, Telephone, TV, Channel Music.

Other Facilities :: Beauty Parlour, shopping Arcade, Tribal/ Folk Dance, Puppet Show, Yoga & Meditation, Fishing, Horse/ Elephant Safari.

Details :: Hotel Clarks Bundela promises you for a wonderful stay in the sensuous and historical city of khajuraho. It proudly presents you the most fascinating experience of you tour. It has all the modern facilities and is located in the lush green environment of khajuraho.

Hotel Clarks

Location :: 1.2 kms Airport, 176 kms from Jhansi Railway Station

Rooms :: 104 ( Single 40, Double 56, Suites 8 )

Room Facilities :: Room Service, H/C Running Water, Telephone, TV, Channel Music, Tea/ Coffee Maker

Other Facilities :: Separate Executive Floor, Executive Lounge, Beauty Parlour, shopping Arcade, Swimming Pool.

Details :: This 5 star hotel offer you with 104 air-conditioned rooms and suites. It is situated across 18 acres of garden space where guests can enjoy great facilites like outdoor pool, multi-cuisine restaurant, coffee shop, cocktail lounge bar and many more.

Holidays Inn

Location :: 3 kms from the airport and less than 2 kms from the Khajuraho Temples.

Rooms :: 85 Rooms

Room Facilities :: 24 hr room service, Running hot & cold water.

Other Facilities :: Multi Cuisine Restaurant, Steam, Jacuzzi, Swimming Pool, Massage, Beauty Parlour, Bar, Fitness Centre, Night Club, Indoor Games, Doctor on call, Credit Cards accepted, Secretarial Services, Library, Laundry.

Details :: Hotel Holiday Inn is located in the beautiful city of khajuraho and is approximately 3 km from the airport and 2 km from the famous khajuraho temples. It treats you with great hospitality and extraordinary service.