Top 10 Places to Visit in Khajuraho is known for housing several Hindu and Jain temples. A popular UNESCO world heritage site, Khajuraho will simply astonish you with its unique temple carvings which are lined in symmetry including the finest sandstone carvings and erotic sculptures. A number of tourists from all across the world flock this place to ideate the immortal saga of Hindu art and culture etched in stone.
Khajuraho was earlier the cultural capital of Chandela Rajputs who ruled this part of India during 10th to 12th centuries. Built over a span of 200 years (950-1050 AD), there were around 85 temples during that time which reduced to 22 and now it’s preserved by the State Government. Sprawled over an area of approx 20 sq.km in the northern eastern part of the state, Khajuraho is a popular tourist destination which are categorized into three sections including western, eastern and southern Khajuraho Tour Packages.
The temple is a perfect example of Indo-Aryan architecture as the sculptures highlights several facets of Indian life thousand years ago. Lovely stone friezes of gods, goddesses, heroes and kings, concubines, and many more would hail you as you journey to Khajuraho. The erotic sculptures of this place portraying Kama Sutra are completely unique in the world. Above all, it reflects a unique architectural talent which depicts royalty, courtship, marriage, spiritual teachings, meditation, kinship and intimate scenes of human emotions and relationships.
You may also enjoy watching the folk dances, light and sound shows, organized in the temple premises and other art centers. So, be it the erotic carvings or the evening shows, you’re adhered to be stunned by the grandeur of Khajuraho temples.
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple – For A Spiritual Retreat
One of the best places to see in Khajuraho, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is quite famous all around the globe due to the vividly mesmerizing architecture that is bestowed upon the walls of the temple. Primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was built in between 1025 to 1050 A.D. You will get to witness the surprisingly erotic carvings of women all around the walls of the temple. Every wall has images and sculptures of women, and some of them are more than three feet high. In the interior of the temple, you will find a Shiva Lingam. If you are spiritually or religiously inclined, you can take part in the prayers in the Garbhagriha if you visit during the timings mentioned below.
Location: Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606
Timings: You will be able to visit the temple at any time between 6 AM to 6 PM.
Places To Stay: The Lalit Traveller Khajuraho, Sunhouse homestay, The Lalit, Hotel Buddha Palace Khajuraho, Headquarter Khajuraho
Lakshmana Temple – Marvel At The Architecture
One of the prime tourist places in Khajuraho, Lakshmana temple was built by the Chandela rulers and is one of the most important and oldest temples of the area. The temple was dedicated to Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar, and you will be able to view their statues at the entrance of the temple. Though Lord Vishnu adorns the Garbagriha or the interior of the temple. Even if you are not a religious or spiritual person, you will be stunned by the exterior architecture of the temple. With over 600 carvings of the Hindu deities, this temple must not be missed at any cost.
Location: Rajnagar Rd, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606
Timings: You can visit the temple at any time between 8 AM to 6 PM every day of the week.
Places To Stay: The Lalit Traveller Khajuraho, Sunhouse homestay, The Lalit, Hotel Buddha Palace Khajuraho, Headquarter Khajuraho
Javari Temple – Amidst Lush Greenery
Amongst the best Khajuraho tourist places, Javari Temple is located in the eastern part of the Khajuraho group of temples. It is one of the most beautiful temples out there. Located amid the lush greenery of the gardens, this temple stands tall and is breathtakingly beautiful to look upon. Javari Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the pillars and walls of the temple depict erotic postures of different men and women. If anyone visits Khajuraho Tourism, then this temple is a must-see, and without it, the trip would not be complete.
Location: Eastern Group of Temples, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606
Timings: You will be able to enter the temple anytime between 8 AM to 6 PM any day of the week.
Entry Fee: You can visit the temple for free.
Places To Stay: Magi Homestay Khajuraho, Beni Home Stay, Namaste Homestay, Chelsea Palace, Freedom Guest House
Chaturbhuj Temple – The Hidden Gem
Chaturbhuja Temple is situated amid the Khajuraho group of temples, and it was built in the 12th century by the Chandela rulers. It is not only dedicated to Lord Vishnu, but you will be able to find 2.7 meters tall statue of Lord Vishnu with four hands, and hence, the name Chaturbhuja has been provided. You will find carvings of men and women on the walls of the temple as well making it one of the best Khajuraho destinations to visit Top 10 Places to Visit in Khajuraho.
Timings: You will be able to visit the temple anytime between 5.30 AM to 6.30 PM all days a week.
Entry Fee: Indian tourists are charged with INR 10.
Location: The temple is situated 2 km from the Khajuraho bus stand.
Places To Stay: Friends in Khajuraho, Krishna Home Stay, Greetoe Resort Khajuraho, Clarks Khajuraho, MPT Jhankar
Vishvanatha Temple – A Sight To Withhold
Amongst the best Khajuraho destinations to visit, not only does Vishvanatha temple beautifully constructed, but the setting of the temple amid the lush greenery and a clear sky is a sight to withhold. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is located in the western part of the Khajuraho group of temples. In the interior of the temple, you will find a Shiva lingam surrounded by 101 smaller lingams. It is quite marvelous to witness, and you should not miss the temple at any cost Top 10 Places to Visit in Khajuraho.
Location: Rajnagar Rd, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606
Timings: You can enter the temple any time between 7 AM to 6 PM any day of the week.
Places To Stay: Hostel Buddha Khajuraho, Casa De Mono, Hotel Yogi Lodge, Hotel Casa di William, Hazel Home stay Khajuraho
Jagadambi Temple – Adorned By Sculptures & Carvings
Jagadambi temple was built between 1000 to 1025 AD, and primarily it was dedicated to Lord Vishnu, but some people believe the temple was dedicated to Goddess Parvati or Maa kali. Not only is the temple adorned by mesmerizing sculptures and carvings, but it looks visually stunning as well, it is one of the best places to visit in Khajuraho. While visiting Khajuraho, you must visit the temple to explore the area thoroughly Top 10 Places to Visit in Khajuraho.
Timings: You can enter the temple any time between 7 AM to 6 PM any day of the week.
Entry Fee: The temple can be visited without any charges.
Location: The temple is located 1.6 km from the Khajuraho bus stand.
Places To Stay: Casa De Mono, Hostel Buddha Khajuraho, Hazel Home stay Khajuraho, Fusion guesthouse
Vaman Temple
There is no dearth of historical and religious places in Khajuraho, so the next one on the list is Vaman Temple. The temple is dedicated to the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Vaman. The walls of the shrine are adorned with the erotic carvings of women and celestial bodies in several positions. This place receives a heavy footfall of tourists throughout the year Top 10 Places to Visit in Khajuraho.
Location: Eastern Group of Temples, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606
Timings: 5 am – 12 pm, 4 pm – 9 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Varaha Temple – Dedicated To Lord Vishnu
Another one on the list of the best places to visit in Khajuraho is Varaha Temple that enshrines an idol of an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The sculpture is made with sandstone and has many carvings all over the body which makes it a unique place to visit in Madhya Pradesh. The amazing fact about this sculpture is that it looks like Goddess Saraswati if seen from one angle Top 10 Places to Visit in Khajuraho.
Location: Rajnagar Rd, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: INR 10 per person
Kalinjar Fort – Ideal For History Buffs
It is one of the eight most famous forts that were built by the Chandela rulers. Settled at a height of 244 meters in the Vindhya Ranges, the whole fort was under the Chandela kings. It is one of the best places to visit in Khajuraho for history buffs and artists so make sure that you include it in your itinerary and visit it this year Top 10 Places to Visit in Khajuraho.
Location: Kalinjar, Madhya Pradesh 210129
Timings: 9 am – 5pm (Mon-Sat), 8 am – 8 pm (Sun)
Entry Fee: Free
Places To Stay: Bear Valley Camp, The Surendra Palace, Hotel Parth, MPT Kutni Island Resort, Pooja Family Home Stay
Nandi Temple – A World Heritage Site In Khajuraho
The famous Nandi temple is one of the most prime attractions of Khajuraho, they are part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments which is a World Heritage Site in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Nandi – the bull which is the mount of Lord Shiva Top 10 Places to Visit in Khajuraho.
Timings: 6 am – 6 pm
Location: Khajuraho Airport Area, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606
Entry Fee: No entry fee