Khajuraho Temples Tour Simplified: A Complete Guide to Khajuraho Architecture, History & More

A glorious testament to the flourishing reign of the Chandelas and their superior craftsmanship, the Khajuraho Temples are a noteworthy travel destination for art and history lovers. It is a wonderful example of India’s rich cultural heritage that has been impressing globetrotters for ages. A Khajuraho temple tour will transport you back in time and make you fall in love with the unparalleled charm of the iconic landmark.

Want to experience the magic? We have mentioned all the necessary details below, from Khajuraho’s history to the must-visit places and the best time to visit, to make your trip seamless and stress-free. Give it a read, and book a tour soon!

All You Need to Know about Khajuraho’s History

The Khajuraho temple history is rather fascinating. Located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, the town of Khajuraho was called Kharjuravahaka in the past, where Kharjur referred to date palms and Vahaka meant the person carrying it. If legend is to be believed, the ancient city of Khajuraho was gated by two enormous gold palm trees, and hence the name.

Khajuraho saw its golden period during the 9th and 10th centuries when it was the capital of the Chandelas. The royalty had a deep interest in growing its architectural legacy. They built 85 grandiose temples, out of which many were destroyed by Muslim invaders or couldn’t stand the test of time. The ruins are still visible in the city of Khajuraho. The ones that survived the perils and didn’t perish are the ones that people come to see from far and wide and make for magnificent architectural marvels.                                                                                                                             

Top Things to Do in Khajuraho

Khajuraho is a treasure trove for art and culture lovers. Based on their location, they are divided into two groups, namely the Western and Eastern Groups of Temples. Visiting these iconic structures is one of the top things to do on a Khajuraho city tour. Let’s dig a little deeper into the tourism opportunities that Khajuraho presents.

Visiting the Western Group of Temples

Amongst the two divisions, the Western Group of Temples are more popular. Situated along the Sib Sagar banks, these are carefully preserved temples dedicated to the Shaivite and Vaishnavite denominations. If you want to see the best of Khajuraho architecture and interesting erotic art carvings, you must come here. Audio-video guided assistance is only available for the sightseeing of this group. Some popular temples to explore here are:

• Kandariya Mahadev Temple: This is the largest temple in Khajuraho and also the most grand. It is considered one of the best preserved temples featuring the Nagara style of architecture.
• Lakshmana Temple: This 10th-century temple belongs to the Vaishnavite denomination and is known for its stunning erotic sculptures.
• Devi Jagdambika Temple: This temple shares its platform with the ornate Kandariya Mahadev Temple and is another example of unparalleled architectural magnificence that is awe-inspiring for the onlookers.
• Chausath Yogini Temple: Believed to be the oldest temple in Khajuraho, the Chausath Yogini Temple holds profound significance, especially for believers of the Tantric philosophy.
• Chaturbhuja Temple: Located 3km south of Khajuraho, this is the farthest temple in the group and, thus, rather unique to look at. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is strategically constructed in such a way that the last rays of the sun fall on the feet of the Vishnu idol situated in its sanctum. 

Exploring the Eastern Group of Temples

This group of temples is spread across the villages around the Khajura Sagar and is great for thrilling walking tours. Here, you will see a beautiful amalgamation of Hindu and Jain temples, while the Jain temples outnumber the Hindu shrines. The art depicted on these temples is strikingly different from the Western Group. Unlike the erotic art there, these temples feature mundane scenes on their carvings. Some of the temples to visit here are:

• Brahma Temple: It is one of the oldest surviving temples in Khajuraho. It features a four-faced Shiva Linga in its sanctum sanctorum, which is often mistaken for Lord Brahma.
• Ghantai Temple: Named after the chain and bell on its pillars, the Ghantai Temple is a Jain temple that is now in ruins. It is dedicated to the Jain Tirthankar, Adinatha. 
• Parshvanatha Temple: The largest Jain temple in Khajuraho, Parshvanatha Temple is believed to have been constructed by a prominent Jain family in the early 10th century. It is known for its intricate art and detailed motifs.
• Adinatha Temple: A cluster of three Jain temples, the Adinatha Temple features intricately carved sculptures with a stunning black idol of Adinatha in its sanctum sanctorum. 
• Vamana Temple: Dedicated to Vishnu’s avatar, Vamana, this temple is yet another relic of the Chandela dynasty. It features stunning artwork and is a sight to behold.                                                                                           

Attending the Light and Sound Show

The Khajuraho Light and Sound Show is a spell-binding program depicting the story of Khajuraho—from its discovery to its development and ruin, and the final restoration and emergence as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The show lasts for 50 minutes and is narrated in the voice of Amitabh Bachchan. The timings vary for different seasons:

• October to February Timing: 6:30–8:35 PM
• March to September Timing: 7:30–9:35 PM

Heading to the Nearby Attractions

Once you have explored the magical temples of Khajuraho and absorbed the beauty of their unparalleled art, you can spend some more time visiting nearby attractions. Some of the popular places to visit near Khajuraho are:

• Panna National Park: If you like lush landscapes and interesting wildlife sightings, Panna National Park is the perfect place for you.
• Kalinjar Fort: An example of spectacular Chandela craftsmanship, this is a medieval-era fort worth a visit.
• Ajaygarh Fort: It is a popular bastion built strategically by the Chandela dynasty.
• Dhubela: It is home to the marvelous Dhubela Lake and museum and is a fun place to visit for a sightseeing tour.

Best Time for a Khajuraho City Tour

Since India is prone to extreme temperatures, it is important to plan your trip at a time when the weather is agreeable and well-suited for long walking tours on your Khajuraho exploration. Thus, the best time to visit Khajuraho is from November to February. The temperature during these months stays between 10-25 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for sightseeing.

Plan Your Khajuraho Tour with Indiator

Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or just someone interested in visiting ancient relics, a trip to Khajuraho is apt for you. At Indiator, we are committed to offering a seamless and enjoyable travel experience to all our clients. If you book our Khajuraho temples tour with a guide, you can be sure of exploring this historical site in the company of an expert guide. We also promise complete comfort, owing to our convenient private transfers and well-rafted itineraries. So, why wait? Peruse our itinerary, and plan a tour soon!