Do you think Khajuraho is all about Erotic sculptures? Wrong! There are so many temples, lush landscapes, sanctuaries and other unique places to visit in Khajuraho- the UNESCO world heritage site in India!
This ancient city has something for every kind of traveler. Get ready to be amazed, intrigued, and utterly captivated by this Indian paradise.
Are you ready to uncover the real Khajuraho?
Table of Contents
Amazing Places to Visit in Khajuraho
Temples in Khajuraho
It’s important to note that the erotic sculptures in Khajuraho temples, including the Lakshmana Temple, are not merely pornographic but are deeply intertwined with Indian philosophy and spirituality. They symbolize the cycle of life, love, fertility, and the human form as a temple of the soul.
1. Western Group of Temples
These are the temples, where you will find the famous erotic sculptures! Before jumping on any conclusions, let’s understand a bit about them.
The Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho are renowned for their exquisite architecture and intricate sculptures.
Built by the Chandela dynasty between the 10th and 12th centuries, these temples are a testament to the rich cultural and artistic heritage of India.
Prepare to be mesmerized by the erotic sculptures that adorn these temples, which symbolize love, fertility, and the cycle of life.
This shows how open-minded our ancestors were and how beautifully they studied and communicated such now-sensational subjects!
1. Kandariya Mahadev Temple
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is undoubtedly THE masterpiece of Khajuraho. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned for its sheer scale, intricate carvings, and unparalleled beauty.
Every inch of the temple is adorned with exquisite sculptures, from celestial beings to earthly desires.
Its shikhara is a breathtaking sight, while the interior is a labyrinth of divine artistry.
A visit to this iconic temple is an unforgettable experience that transports you to a bygone era of grandeur and spirituality.
2. Lakshmana Temple
The Lakshmana Temple is primarily dedicated to Vaikuntha Vishnu, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. It showcases the quintessential features of the panchayatana style, with a main shrine and four smaller shrines at the corners.
The temple is adorned with exquisite sculptures depicting various themes, including divine figures, mythical creatures, everyday life, and of course, erotic scenes.
While the erotic carvings have garnered significant attention, they are just one aspect of the temple’s rich artistic expression. The sculptures also depict spiritual, mythological, and secular themes.
3. Vishwanath Temple
The Vishvanath Temple is another magnificent structure within the Khajuraho Group of Monuments. Like the Lakshmana Temple, it’s renowned for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
the Vishvanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is also known as Vishvanath, meaning “Lord of the Universe”. Built in the 10th century, it showcases the pinnacle of Chandela architecture.
The temple is adorned with exquisite sculptures depicting various themes, including divine figures, mythical creatures, everyday life, and erotic scenes.
Similar to the Lakshmana Temple, it follows the panchayatana style with a main shrine and four smaller shrines.
4. Nandi Mandap
The Nandi Mandap is a smaller temple structure dedicated to Nandi, the sacred bull mount of Lord Shiva. It’s typically located in close proximity to Shiva temples, and in the case of Khajuraho, it’s situated opposite the Vishwanath Temple.
As the name suggests, the temple is entirely devoted to Nandi, the revered bull in Hindu Puranas. The central focus of the temple is a large, monolithic sculpture of Nandi, beautifully carved and positioned facing the main Shiva temple.
5. Devi Jagdamba Temple
The Devi Jagdamba Temple is a captivating addition to the Khajuraho Group of Monuments. Initially dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it has undergone changes over time and now houses a statue of Goddess Parvati.
It boasts exquisite carvings and sculptures depicting various themes, including mythological figures, everyday life, and erotic scenes.
The temple showcases the typical Chandela architectural style, with intricate details and a harmonious blend of art and stone.
Though not as large or as famous as the Kandariya Mahadeva or Lakshmana temples, the Devi Jagdamba Temple offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of Khajuraho. Its sculptures and architecture are a testament to the artistic prowess of the Chandela dynasty.
6. Chitragupta Temple
The Chitragupta Temple is a remarkable addition to the Khajuraho Group of Monuments. Unlike most other temples in Khajuraho, it is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya.
This sets it apart from the other temples which are primarily dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. Like its counterparts, the Chitragupta Temple is adorned with exquisite sculptures, featuring deities, mythical creatures, and everyday life scenes.
The temple is particularly renowned for its stunning sculptures of Surasundaris, representing the ideal female form according to Hindu aesthetics.
7. Pratapeshwar Temple
The Pratapeshwar Temple is a lesser-known but equally fascinating structure within the Khajuraho Group of Monuments. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a testament to the rich architectural and sculptural heritage of the region.
Compared to the larger and more famous temples like Kandariya Mahadeva and Lakshmana, the Pratapeshwar Temple is relatively smaller in size.
While it may not be as widely visited as the more famous temples, the Pratapeshwar Temple offers a serene and intimate experience for those seeking to explore the lesser-known places to visit in Khajuraho. Its architectural and sculptural beauty make it a worthwhile addition to any itinerary.
8. Varaha Temple
Unlike most other temples in the complex, which are dedicated to Shiva or Vishnu in human form, the Varaha Temple is devoted to Varaha, the boar avatar of Lord Vishnu.
The temple houses a massive, monolithic statue of Varaha, depicting the god as a boar. Compared to the ornate carvings of other temples, the Varaha Temple is relatively simple in its architecture.
2. Eastern Group of Temples
The Eastern Group of Temples in Khajuraho presents a fascinating contrast to the more renowned Western Group. While the latter is celebrated for its intricate Hindu sculptures, the Eastern group is primarily composed of Jain temples, offering a distinct perspective on religious art and architecture.
9. Parsvanath Temple
The Parshvanath Temple is the largest Jain temple in the Eastern group of Khajuraho and a significant pilgrimage site for Jains. Though it was initially built as an Adinatha shrine, it is now dedicated to Parshvanath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankara.
Despite its Jain affiliation, the temple’s exterior showcases Vaishnavaite themes, reflecting the religious diversity of the region.
The temple follows a traditional Jain temple layout with an entrance porch, a small hall, a large hall, a vestibule, and a sanctum.
While the Parshvanath Temple might not have the same level of fame as its Hindu counterparts, it is a significant architectural and religious site, offering a glimpse into the Jain heritage of Khajuraho.
10. Adinath Temple
The Adinath Temple is a Jain temple located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Adinath. Unlike many other temples in Khajuraho, the Adinath Temple is dedicated to a Jain deity.
Compared to the Parshvanath Temple, the Adinath Temple is smaller in size. It shares architectural similarities with the Vamana Temple, another temple in the Eastern group.
The temple features intricate carvings, although the themes differ from the erotic sculptures found in the Western group.
Despite being a Jain temple, the exterior walls showcase some Hindu deities, reflecting the religious blend of the region.
11. Javari Temple
The Javari Temple is a captivating structure within the Eastern group of temples in Khajuraho. Unlike many other temples in the complex, the dedication of the temple to a particular deity remains uncertain.
It is a relatively smaller temple compared to some of the more prominent ones in Khajuraho.
The temple showcases the classic Chandela architectural style, with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple is adorned with detailed carvings, depicting various themes including mythological figures, everyday life scenes, and decorative patterns.
Despite its smaller size, the Javari Temple is known for its harmonious proportions and elegant design.
12. Ghantai Temple
The Ghantai Temple, also known as the Ghanti Temple, is a fascinating yet ruined Jain temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. It is part of the Eastern group of temples and is renowned for its unique architectural features.
It was originally dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara Rishabhanatha. The temple gets its name from the beautiful chain and bell (ghanta) motifs carved on its tall and elegant pillars.
The Ghantai Temple was significantly larger than the Parshvanath Temple, suggesting it was built later.
13. Brahma Temple
The Brahma Temple is an intriguing part of the Eastern group of temples in Khajuraho. Though named after the Hindu creator god Brahma, it’s actually dedicated to Shiva. This discrepancy in naming has led to some confusion over the years.
Believed to be one of the earliest temples in Khajuraho, it offers a glimpse into the early architectural style of the region. The presence of a four-faced linga in the sanctum is the reason for the temple’s name.
Built of granite, it represents a transition period between the use of granite and sandstone in temple construction.
14. Vamana Temple
The Vamana Temple is a significant part of the Eastern group of temples in Khajuraho. As the name suggests, it is dedicated to Vamana, one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu.
It showcases a distinct architectural style, with a unique roof structure reminiscent of medieval Western Indian temples. Compared to some of the more famous temples in Khajuraho, the Vamana Temple features fewer erotic sculptures.
Built between 1050 and 1075 AD, it offers valuable insights into the architectural and artistic trends of that period.
Despite the reduced emphasis on erotic themes, the temple is still adorned with intricate carvings depicting various mythological and everyday life scenes.
3. Southern Group of Temples
15. Dulhadeo Temple
The Dulhadeo Temple, also known as Kunwar Math, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s one of the two main temples in the Southern Group of Khajuraho and is renowned for its unique architectural features.
The temple boasts a massive octagonal mahamandapa (main hall) adorned with intricate carvings. The apsara sculptures in this temple are particularly noted for their delicate beauty and expressive features.
Believed to be the last temple built in Khajuraho, it marks the end of the Chandela dynasty’s architectural brilliance.
16. Chaturbhuj Temple
Also known as the Jatakari Temple, the Chaturbhuj Temple is a unique addition to the Khajuraho Group of Monuments. Unlike its counterparts, this temple is entirely devoid of erotic sculptures.
The temple houses a magnificent 10-foot tall idol of Vishnu, showcasing the sculptor’s skill. Though lacking the erotic exuberance of other temples, it still exhibits impressive architectural elements and intricate carvings.
3. Other Temples
17. Chausath Yogini Temple
The Chausath Yogini Temple is a unique and historically significant structure in Khajuraho. It’s considered the oldest surviving temple in the entire complex.
Dedicated to the worship of sixty-four Yoginis, female deities associated with Tantric practices. Unlike other Yogini temples which are typically circular, this one has a rectangular layout.
The temple is in ruins, but the remnants still offer a glimpse into its former grandeur.
18. Lalgun Mahadev Temple
The Lalgun Mahadev Temple is a significant historical site in Khajuraho, known for its antiquity and architectural simplicity.
It’s considered the second oldest temple in Khajuraho, after the Chausath Yogini Temple. As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Unlike most other Khajuraho temples built with sandstone, the Lalgun Mahadev Temple is constructed primarily of granite. The temple is relatively plain in design compared to the ornate carvings of later temples.
Like the Chausath Yogini Temple, the Lalgun Mahadev Temple is also in a state of ruin.
19. Shantinath Temple
The Shantinath Temple is a prominent Jain temple located in the Eastern group of temples at Khajuraho. Dedicated to the sixteenth Jain Tirthankara, Shantinath, it’s a significant pilgrimage site for Jains.
Unlike many other temples in Khajuraho, the Shantinath Temple is purely dedicated to Jainism.
The temple houses 18 shrines, each containing numerous Jain images. The main idol of Shantinath is quite ancient, with an inscription dating back to 1028 AD.
Other Places to Visit in Khajuraho
20. Panna National Park
Panna National Park is a jewel nestled in the heart of India, specifically in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh. Known for its remarkable wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich history, it’s a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Panna National Park is a testament to the power of conservation. Once on the edge of losing its iconic tiger population, the park has made a remarkable comeback. Through dedicated efforts and stringent anti-poaching measures, it has successfully re-established a thriving tiger population.
Beyond tigers, Panna is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, and various deer species. The park’s rich avian fauna boasts over 300 bird species, making it a birder’s paradise.
The best time to visit Panna National Park is between November and June when the weather is pleasant.
Panna National Park is one of the best places to visit in Khajuraho.
21. Pandav Falls
Pandav Falls is a picturesque waterfall located about 35 kilometers from Khajuraho in the Panna district of Madhya Pradesh. The falls are named after the legendary Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata, who are believed to have spent some time here during their exile.
Crafted by nature’s artistry, Pandav Falls cascades down from a height of about 30 meters, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The water plunges into a heart-shaped pool, surrounded by lush greenery, making it a serene escape from the hustle and bustle.
Due to bear presence in the area, the falls are closed in the evening.
| Guide Fees | Rs. 100/- |
| On foot/ Bicycle (per person fee) | Rs 25/- |
| Scooter/Motorcycle/ other two wheelers | Rs. 50/- only two persons permit fee of riding the vehicle. |
| Auto Rickshaw | Rs. 100/- only three persons permit fee of riding the vehicle. |
| Light Motor Vehicles (Car, Jeep, Gypsy or similar) | Rs. 150/- only six persons permit fee of riding the vehicle. |
| Mini Bus | Rs. 300/- only twenty persons permit fee of riding the vehicle. |
22. Raneh Falls: The Grand Canyon of India
Raneh Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder located near Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of India,” it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.
The Raneh Falls aren’t just a single waterfall; they’re a series of cascades formed by the Ken River as it cuts through a stunning canyon. The canyon itself is a marvel, with its walls rising up to 30 meters high, showcasing a mesmerizing palette of colors in the granite rock formations.
The monsoon season transforms Raneh Falls into a roaring spectacle, but the water levels are usually high.
| Guide Fees | Rs. 125/- |
| On foot/ Bicycle (per person fee) | Rs 50/- |
| Scooter/Motorcycle/ other two wheelers | Rs. 100/- only two persons permit fee of riding the vehicle. |
| Auto Rickshaw | Rs. 200/- only three persons permit fee of riding the vehicle. |
| Light Motor Vehicles (Car, Jeep, Gypsy or similar) | Rs. 300/- only six persons permit fee of riding the vehicle. |
| Mini Bus | Rs. 600/- only twenty persons permit fee of riding the vehicle. |
23. Aadivart Tribal and Fold Art Museum
The Aadivart Tribal and Folk Art Museum in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, is a fascinating destination that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region’s tribal communities. Established in 2001 by the Department of Culture, Government of Madhya Pradesh, the museum aims to preserve, promote, and develop Adivasi folk art.
The museum houses a wide range of tribal artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, masks, terracotta objects, metal craft, and bamboo items.
A unique feature of the museum is the replica village that showcases the life-sized huts and traditional dwellings of different tribal communities.
Visitors can learn about the customs, traditions, and way of life of the tribal people through interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Entry Fees :
| Indian Visitor | INR 20 |
| Foreign Visitor | INR 400 |
| Camera Charges | INR 100 per camera |
Timings : 12:00 Noon to 9 PM
Closed on Mondays and Government of India Declared Holidays
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