Where is Khajuraho?
The bewitching city of Khajuraho (590 km southeast of Delhi) is located in
the state of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. It has a quaint charm and a
rich cultural legacy of its own.
What is the city famous for?
The city is internationally renowned for its exquisite Khajuraho group of
Temples. The temples are an eternal gift of sensual love to the world.
How will you gain access?
Khajuraho Air Service has directs links with Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and
Kathmandu. Mahoba (64 km) and Harpalpur (94 km) are the closest railheads.
However the convenient railheads are Jhansi (175 km) and Satna (117 km).
Khajuraho is connected by regular bus services to places like Mahoba, Satna,
Harpalpur, Jhansi, Gwalior, Bhopal, Jabalpur and Agra. Khajuraho is 590 km
from Delhi via Gwalior and Jhansi.
What
does the climate say?
Khajuraho faces extremes of temperature during the summers, with
temperature touching a high of 45 degrees centigrade. During the winters
temperature drops down to a minimum of 4 degrees. July to August is the time
of the monsoons. The average annual rainfall of the city records 1120 mm.
What magnetises people?
» Khajuraho Temples
The construction of the Khajuraho group of temples dates back between 950
and 1050 AD. The magnificent temples were erected during the reign of the
Chandela empire. The name 'Kahajuraho' is derived from the word 'Khajur'
meaning date palm tree and trees are present in the village in abundance.
There were a total of 85 temples, of which only 22 stand today. The
Khajuraho group of temples are considered to be the finest example of Indian
architectural genius in the medieval period. Depending on their geographical
locations the temples have been categorised into the western, the eastern
and the southern group of temples.
The Western Group of Temples : 
The
Kandariya Mahadeo Temple is the most prominent and the largest structure at
Khajuraho. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Chaunsath Yogini
temple is dedicated to goddess Kali. The temple depicts sensuous couples.
The Chitragupta temple is devoted to the Sun god. A tri-headed image of Lord
Brahma is enshrined in the Vishwanath temple.
The Eastern Group of Temples : The eastern group of
temples can further be divide into Jain Temples and a yet another group that
is scattered through the small village. Parsvanath Temple is the largest of
the groups. The Ghantai Temple represents Jainism. The temple bears a frieze
depicting the 16 dreams of Lord Mahavira's mother and a Jain goddess on a
winged Garuda. The Adinath Temple stands in dedication to the Jain saint
Adinath.
The Southern Group of Temples : The southern group
consists of the Duladeo Temple and the Chaturbhuj Temple. The Duladeo temple
is among the latest built temple at Khajuraho and bears figures of Mithuna
and women in various sexual postures. Inside the Chaturbhuj Temple is
enshrined a 3-metre image of Lord Vishnu.
Entry fee for foreign nationals is Rs. 200 while for Indians it is Rs. 50
per head. The visiting hours are from 08-00 hours to 14-00 hours.
» Banisagar Lake and Ranguan Lake
The Banisagar Lake(11 km) and the Ranguan Lake(25 km) are popular picnic
spots. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the places , indulging
themselves in activities like boating and fishing at the same time. For
angling, permission of the Assistant Director Fisheries Department, Nowgong,
Madhya Pradesh is mandatory.
»
Pandav Waterfall
The legendary Pandav Waterfall is located at a distance of 30 km from the
village of Khajuraho and is believed to have served as a sanctuary for the
Pandavas of Mahabharata.
» The Sound and Light Show
The Sound and Light Show also attracts a huge crowd. And to the amazement
of all, Amitabh Bachchan , the Bollywood superstar, narrates the story of
Khajuraho in his own mesmerising voice. The 50-minute show runs in the
complex of the western group of temples. Entry fee for Indians is Rs. 50 and
for foreigners it is Rs. 200.
Which are the nearby hotels?
Hotel Chandela, a 5-star deluxe Government approved, provides fine
accommodation. There are a total of 94 rooms in the hotel. Hotel Clark
Khajuraho( on the Airport Road), is a 3-star Government approved hotel which
has 104 rooms and provides all the basic amenities. Jass Oberoi is a 5-star
on the By-pass Road. Usha Bundela, a 3-star Government approved, lies on the
Temple Road.
Where should you shop?
Khajuraho is paved with numerous shops selling souvenirs and handicrafts
made by the local artisans. Outside the temple gates, there are smaller
stalls selling souvenirs that are truly interesting to buy. On Tuesdays, a
weekly market is held at Rajinagar which is a 5-km distance from Khajuraho.
Silver goods and brass ware can be had in this market.
