A blend of Hindu, Buddhists and Jain temples that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site

Khajuraho

Historic sites

Madhya Pradesh

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The quintessential tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is nothing short of a paradise for people who have an eye for art, history, and culture. Also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khajuraho in Chhatarpur District, M.P. is famous around the world for its incredibly beautiful ancient temples that are carved with erotic sculptures. In terms of architecture, it is really hard to imagine how the people must have accomplished this feat during medieval times i.e. between 950 AD to 1050 AD without any kind of modern technology or equipment.

These carvings at Khajuraho temples also depict the liberal thought process during the medieval era. This small town is a remarkable example of Indian culture and heritage where tourists get a chance to delve into nuanced anecdotes from history.

If you are wondering to explore this place and witness the magic of history unfold before your eyes, then the best time to visit Khajuraho is somewhere between the months of October and February when the weather is pleasant during the day.

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History Of Khajuraho

As per the historical records, these beautifully carved temples were built by the Chandela rulers and these temples are a living example of the intricate art of ancient times. The very first record of these temples can be traced back to the writings of Abu Raihan-al Biruni (973-1050 AD).

After the Chandela rulers, this region came under the rule of Qutb-Uddin Aibak, and over the years, various temples were vandalized by these invaders. It was only in 1830 that a British engineer named T.S. Burt discovered the site of Khajuraho and made remarkable attempts at restoration of these architectural marvels.

Major Attractions In And Around Khajuraho

1. Dulhadev Temple

This temple is believed to be built in 1130. Inside the temple, you will find many sculptures of Apsaras and other pristine statues and figurines. If you want to explore the peak of Indian architecture, then a visit to Dulhadev Temple will leave you enthralled. We also suggest you carry a camera to capture the most beautiful shots.

2. Lakshman Temple

It is considered to be one of the oldest temples in the region and has been named after Lord Lakshman. One of the highlighting features of the temple is the trinity of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva which can be seen at the entrance of the temple itself. For anyone who is interested in Indian philosophy and religion should consider visiting here.

3. Parsvanath Temple

This particular temple is considered to be the largest of the temples situated here. The fine work done on the temple makes it a notable example of our glorious heritage. One of the interesting things is that it showcases a fusion of Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist-styled architecture.

4. Light and Sound Show

The light and sound show here is something to look forward to. One of the major reasons for it is as the show is narrated by the veteran actor who is also referred to as the Mega Star of Bollywood Mr. Amitabh Bacchan.

How To Reach Khajuraho

Khajuraho is a fine example of Indian architecture wrapped in the Indian past. It is located at a distance of about 651, 1,147, 1,064, 1,622 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Check out the details mentioned below on how you can reach Khajuraho by the following means of transportation.

Nearest Airport. Khajuraho Airport (HJR)
Distance From Airport. 4km
Distance From Bhopal. 377km
Distance From Indore. 568km
Distance From Jhansi. 175km
Distance From Delhi. 652km

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By Air

To travel here by air, you will need to deboard at Khajuraho Airport (HJR). This airport was opened in 1978 and since then it has been one of the vital links to serving the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2016, a brand new terminal was also inaugurated for making the whole region more accessible for global as well as domestic tourists. From the airport, you can easily book a taxi to reach here.

By Train

You will need to deboard at Khajuraho Train Station situated in Chhatarpur district. However, this station doesn’t have very good connectivity with the major Indian cities. Thus, in this case, you can also consider deboarding at either Jhansi Railway Station or Satna Railway Station, both of which are located at a distance of about 100-120 km. After deboarding your train at one of these stations, you will need to cover the remaining distance by some means of public transportation.

By Road

Depending upon your location, you can also consider traveling to Khajuraho by roadways and national highways. From the nearby towns and cities, you can easily consider booking state-run or private buses to reach here. Otherwise, you can also book a taxi or consider taking your own vehicle.