Visiting Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh – The City of Beautiful Temples
There are many culturally and historically significant cities and towns in the colourful state of MP. The most notable are the temples of Khajuraho.
In addition to Orchha, famous for its architecture, forts, and temples, the small town of Khajuraho is also well-known.
Khajuraho was once the capital city of the Chandela rulers. Today, it lies in the plains of Madhya Pradesh. And its beautiful temples are extremely popularly!
These temples bring back reminisces of the past and highlight the bygone era.
KHAJURAHO, A FAMOUS TOURIST DESTINATION
DID YOU KNOW? The temples of Khajuraho are a World Heritage Site. They are known for their fine detailing and architectural magnificence. These depict the Indo-Aryan architecture.
In addition, Khajuraho enjoys global appeal. Thousands of tourists from all over the world visit Khajuraho every year. And they appreciate its fine artistry, stone carvings and architectural excellence – evident between 950 A.D and 1050 A.D when the region was under the Chandela rulers.
More than 85 temples of Khajuraho were built over 100 years and twenty-two of these original temples remain till date.
POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN KHAJURAHO

The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three geographical groups. These magnificent temples depict excellence in Architecture.
Temple Group – Western
CHAUSAT YOGINI TEMPLE, KHAJURAHO
While in Khajuraho, do visit the Chausat Yogini Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Kali and named after the 64 yoginis or attendants at Goddess Kali’s service.
It is made of granite stone and is the oldest temple of the time, built to hold 64 cells for the images of the yoginis.
KANDARIYA MAHADEO TEMPLE, KHAJURAHO
It is the largest temple of the western group. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple portrays the famous Chandela creativity and art at its best.
MATANGESHWARA TEMPLE, KHAJURAHO
The Lord Ganesha Statue outside the temple is a major distinguishing feature of the temple. If you are a true devotee of Lord Shiva, experience enchantment as you look at the beautiful and large Shiva lingam, placed in the sanctum.
LAKSHMANA TEMPLE, KHAJURAHO
The temple is well preserved, standing out for its architectural detailing. For instance, figures of apsaras and other Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
Each figure is wonderfully carved, and it seems like the sculptors have taken care of every small detail.
CHITRAGUPTA TEMPLE, KHAJURAHO
The Chitragupta temple is another beauty, dedicated to the Sun God, Surya.
Here you will find beautiful sculptures and figures of dancing girls, elephant fights, and scenes of hunting.
Inside, there is a breathtaking image of the Sun God, riding a five feet tall horse-drawn chariot.
VARAHA AND LAKSHMI TEMPLE
Here, you will find two small temples. One dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and the other to Lord Vishnu’s incarnation, the Varaha or wild boar.
Temple Group – Eastern
PARSVANATH JAIN TEMPLE, KHAJURAHO
It is the most revered and largest temple in Khajuraho. And it is dedicated to Lord Parsvanath.
Well seen and deciphered figures include an apsara or female dancer, a woman experiencing sadness and a mother with her child.
GHANTAL TEMPLE, KHAJURAHO
Though mostly ruined remains of this temple exist today, it is still a holy place. The temple highlights include fine columns, bell-chain decorations, and a figure of a Jain goddess on a Garuda.
It depicts the 16 dreams of Lord Mahavira’s mother.
VAMANA TEMPLE, KHAJURAHO
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar.
Temple Group – Southern
DULAH DEO TEMPLE, KHAJURAHO
Located towards the south, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The lingam in the inner sanctum is uniquely beautiful.
CHATURBHUJ TEMPLE, KHAJURAHO
At the temple, there is a large carved statue of Lord Vishnu.
Other Getaways near Khajuraho
In addition to its temples, Khajuraho is also hugely popular with travellers who visit the spectacular attractions nearby. These include
Rajgarh Palace – Situated just 25kms from Khajuraho, the Rajgarh Palace is over 150 years old. In addition, it is one of the most wonderful fort palaces.
Raneh Waterfalls – This is a perfect picnic spot, just 20kms away and situated on the river Ken. People come here to see the most talked-about granite rock formations.
Panna National Park – This is a green and natural forest belt, about 32 km away from Khajuraho. It is located along the Ken River. If you are a true nature lover, you will thoroughly enjoy your visit here. It’s because you can see a variety of different wildlife including tigers, sambar, panther, and gharials, etc.
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Majhgawan Diamond Mines – Located at about 56kms, the Majhgawan Diamond Mines are the largest mines in Asia. In addition, they are also the only Indian working mine, under the control of the Indian Government.
Chitrakoot – Also known as the Hill of many wonders, Chitrakoot is a holy town. According to beliefs, Lord Rama and his wife Sita spent 14 years of exile here. The town of Chitrakoot is 185kms from Khajuraho.
Also, there are many other places to see, visit and discover around Khajuraho.
These include the Benisagar Lake, Archaeological Museum, Ken Natural Trail, Ranguan Lake. Also the Kalinjar Fort, Satna, Pandav Falls, and Panna, among others.
IN CONCLUSION
Khajuraho is a wonderful tourist spot, especially if you love architecture. So make sure to plan your visit here! And getting to Khajuraho is easy too. For instance, you can reach Khajuraho by road, rail, and air.
Also, there is a regular bus service connecting Khajuraho with Jhansi, Panna, Indore, Agra, Bhopal, and Satna, etc.
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