Khajuraho, an ancient town situated in central India is a UNESCO heritage site known all over the world for its temple architecture and exquisite sculptures. The temples were built between the 9th and 11the centuries by the warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty. It is believed that 85 temples were built out of which 25 still remain.
This comprehensive two-day Khajuraho travel guide includes:
✈️How to reach
🧳Two-day itinerary
🏯Points of interest
🏠Stay options
🍽️Restaurant suggestions
⌛Best time to visit
➕Additional activities and attractions
Khajuraho is a small village situated along a lake known as the Khajuraho Sagar in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. It is extended over an area of 21 square kilometers. The group of temples at Khajuraho is a brilliant Indo-Aryan style of temple architecture. These temples were dedicated either to Shiva or Vishnu or the Jain Tirthankaras.
How to reach
✈️Flight
There are regular flights from Delhi to Khajuraho airport. If you are reaching Khajuraho from Delhi, this is the best option.
Railway station Khajuraho connecting cities like Delhi, Agra, Bhopal, Indore
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🚗Road
Khajuraho enjoys excellent road connectivity with other cities in Madhya Pradesh. It is accessible by road connected to cities like Jhansi (230 km), Gwalior (280km), Bhopal (375 km) and Indore (565 km)
Getting around
2-day travel itinerary
Day 1: Visit the temples
The temples have been divided into the Wester, Eastern and Southern group, with the most important and impressive shrines belonging to the western group. Since the latter is located next to the bustling tourist areas of the town, it is best to start your trip with this group which is located near the Shiv Sagar tank.
The Western group is very close to the archaeological museum, and it includes the temples of Lakshmana, Matangeshwara, Varaha, Kandariya Mahadev, Chitragupta, Parvati, Vishwanatha and Nandi.
This group of temples has approximately 870 marvellous sculptures engraved on the interior and exterior walls. Just after entering the Western group, the plaque on the right gives a brief introduction to the history of the Khajuraho.
Vamana Temple
Vamana Temple is dedicated to the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is built between 1050-75. This temple has few erotic carvings and a four-armed standing Lord Vishnu on its lintel.
Javari Temple
Built between 1075 and 1100, Javari Temple stands on a high plinth and has a raised Shikhara. Its delicately carved Makara Torana arch is a fine example of the stone carving skills of the people of that era.
Parsvanatha Temple
This temple is one among the couple of old temples that were constructed using honey-coloured sandstone. This Jain temple was built between 950-970 but also holds images of deities of the Vaishnava faith, Lord Vishnu.
This temple is the only temple in Khajuraho that does not have a single erotic sculpture. At the entrance of the temple, the sculpture of Ganga and Jamuna is beautifully carved. There is also a marvellous sculpture of Lord Vishnu that seems as if the god is about to step out and bless his devotees.
The temple is also known as Kunwar Math, and the term Dula is associated with the notion of the Bridegroom's temple. The flying celestials on the uppermost Shikhara tower are the most impressive features of this temple.
An amazing artistic skill can be observed in the carved jewellery of female figures of the temple. It is considered that the temple was built between 1100-1150
The light and sound show depicts all about the history of Khajuraho and is a very interesting presentation. The show starts at 7.30 pm at evening charging INR 200 per person. The tickets can be purchased at the entrance gate of western group.
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Grab a bite to eat
☕Have a coffee and breakfast at Raja Cafe, which is located opposite to the western group of temples. Enjoy temple views from the beautiful, picturesque balcony of the cafe.
🍱 For lunch you can visit Badri Seth pure veg restaurant which offers delicious Indian cuisines and desserts.
This is the best place in Khajuraho to have breakfast and lunch. It serves delicious vegetarian food
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Day 2: Visit Panna tiger reserve and Raneh falls
If you are looking for a wildlife excursion, head towards Panna tiger reserve which is situated at a distance of only 30 km from Khajuraho. Get up early morning because the morning safari starts at 6 am.
After your trip to the tiger reserve, explore the beautiful unexplored Raneh falls near Kha. It is a beautiful tourist attraction you should not skip. You can see the captivating waterfalls that create a 30-foot-deep canyon.
Panna National Park is located in the Vindhya Ranges and spans the northern districts of Panna and Chhatarpur. The National Park is home to a wide range of species of birds. Wild cats, tigers, deer and antelopes are some of the prominent wild animals that can be found in the park. You can go to the jungle to experience a thrilling adventure.
The Raneh Fall is a natural waterfall on the Ken River, located in Khajuraho in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
The Ken River forms a 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) long, and 30 metres (98 ft) deep canyon made of pure crystalline granite in varying shades of colours ranging from pink and red to grey.
Maharaja Chhatrasal (4 May 1649 - 19 December 1731), was a medieval Indian warrior who fought against the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, and established his own kingdom in Bundelkhand, becoming a Maharaja. Maharaja Chhatrasal Maqbara is one of those historical monuments of Chhatarpur that is actually the cenotaph of the Maharaja of Chhatrasal
Situated in Khajurāho, 1.2 km from Lakshmana Temple, Hotel Ramayana Khajuraho features accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace.
Located 200 metres away from the famous Khajuraho Temples which are renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hotel Harmony has a 24-hour front desk and guests can enjoy the tranquillity of a well-maintained garden that features a lotus pond. Free WiFi access is available.
Hotel Chandela Khajuraho offers 5-star accommodation in Khajurāho and has a garden, a restaurant and a bar.
Boasting a concierge service, this property also provides guests with a children's playground. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi.
Located 500 metres from the famous Khajuraho Temples, The Lalit features a spa and outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy working out in the fitness centre and taking yoga classes.
The modern Radisson Jass Hotel offers car rental, currency exchange and laundry/dry-cleaning facilities. A tour desk can assist guests with travel arrangements. A business centre is also present for those looking to organise meetings. Work-out enthusiasts can break a sweat in the fitness centre.
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Hello wanderers,
I am Ishita Khemariya and I have traveled extensively in many parts of India, exploring its vast majestic landscapes, learning about its diverse culture, history and people. I am the person to trust when it comes to planning your perfect India trip. If it's your first time in India, you can be assured of having a great time. I know all about the overrated tourist hotspots which you should skip and also about the hidden gems which are not found on tourist maps.
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