The capital of the Chandela Kings, Khajuraho is famous for its magnificent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras. These temples are built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. The temples of Khajuraho represent some of the most exquisite specimens in medieval India, only 22 temples out of 85 now survive.

Khajuraho is famous for its magnificent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras.

For many centuries after the Chandela dynasty's decline in the 13th century, the temples were concealed by dense jungles. Khajuraho was re-discovered by captain T.S. Burt, a British army engineer in 1838

Places of Interest
The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three geographical groups viz, Western, Eastern, and Southern groups.

Western Group of Temples

Chausath Yogini One of the three granite temples in Khajuraho. Dedicated to Kali, it is also unique in being quadrangular. Only 35 of the original 65 cells remain and the image is the earliest surviving shrine
Kandariya Mahadeo It is the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple. Perfectly symmetrical, it soars 31m high.

Devi Jagdamba Temple Another Kali temple, originally dedicated to Vishnu.

Chitragupta Temple  North of Devi Jagdamba temple and facing eastwards to the rising sun, dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. The idol, an imposing 5 feet in height, is driving a seven-horsed chariot.

Vishwanath Temple The steps leading to the temple on the northern side are flanked by lions and on the southern side by elephants. There is a impressive three-headed image of Brahma inside.

Eastern Group of Temples 

Brahma Temple, Vamana Temple and Javari Temple
A double row of celestial nymphs adorn the outer wallsof the Vamana temple in a variety of sensuous attitudes. Granite was used in the construction of the Brahma temple.

Parsvanath Temple The largest Jain temple in this group. Sculptures on the northern outer wall make this timeless, of a woman bending thoughtfully over a letter, a damsel removing a thorn from her foot.

Ghantai Temple
Bearing evidence of its original splendour, particularly arresting is a frieze depicting the dreams of Mahavir's mother and a multi armed Jain goddess riding on the winged Garuda.

Southern Group of Temples

• Dulhadeo Temple
• Archaeological Museum
  Chaturbhuj Temple

Excursions
Dhubela Museum : 64 km. Located on the bank of the lake, the museum houses a wide variety of Shakti Cult Sculpture. There are different sections on garments, weapons and paintings.Timings : 1000 -1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays and Gazetted holidays.

Beni Sagar 11 km

Panna Diamond Mines 56 km

Panna National Park 60 km

Pandav Falls 35 km

Raigarh Palace 25 km

Raneh Falls 20 km

Ranguan Lake 25 km

Ajaygarh Fort 80 km

Kalingar Fort 125 km

Nachana 100 km

How to get there

Air: Indian Airlines services connect Khajuraho with Delhi

Rail : Jhansi (175 Km.) and Satna (117 Km.) are the two convinient railheads to visit Khajuraho from Bombay, Delhi & Madras. However Harpalpur (110 Km,) is the nearest railhead to visit Khajuraho.

Road : Khajuraho is connected with major tourist centres by good motorable roads. Some important distances from Khajuraho are: Agra (395 km), Allahabad (285 km), Bandhavgarh (237 km), Bhopal (372 km) Chitrakoot (176 km), Delhi (590 km), Jabalpur (296 km) Lucknow (267 km) and Varanasi (415 km)

Bus service : Direct bus services connect Khajuraho with Panna, Satna, Rewa, Jabalpur, Jhansi, Harpalpur, Mahoba, Bhopal, Indore and Agra.