Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh - Travel Information
Are you planning to visit Khajuraho Temples in Madhya Pradesh? Read this article to learn more about this divine place and also find out information about hotels, food, travel tips and other information helpful to plan your travel to Khajuraho Temples.
The Khajuraho temple complex is located in the small town of Khajuraho in Bundelkhand in Chhatarpur district of the state of Madhya Pradesh. The majestic peaks of the Vindhya mountains look over the temples, thus making for a picturesque backdrop.
The temples are spread over the town, demarcated by their locations in the western, eastern and southern regions of the town. Due to the long distances between each group of temples, you may need to cover your visit to the entire complex over a span of two days.
Of course, if you have plenty of energy and enthusiasm, it is possible to visit all the temples at this place at one go within one day! I would personally prefer to stay two days, take my time to relax, meditate and visit all places, enjoying every minute of my visit.
Also Read: Reaching and accommodation at Khajuraho templesBest Time to Visit
The Dance Festival is hosted at the Chitragupta or Vishwanath Temples generally from February 22nd to March 2nd. Hence, this is the best time to visit the temples.
It is advisable to explore the main temples in the morning hours, when there are fewer tourists and it is generally less hot. You should then come back late evening to enjoy the Son-et-Lumière (sound and light show) organized at the Western Group of temples. The 50-minute sound and light program at this place is in both Hindi and English, with a narration of the story of this temple town by Indian Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan.Entry fees to visit temples
The temple are open from 8 am - 6 pm. It is not advisable to visit after dark, as you could stumble and fall amidst some of the temples. Tourists have to pay entry fees for visiting the Western group of temples at this place. Entry Fees for Indians is Rs.10/- per person and for Foreigners are $10 per person (to be paid in equivalent value in Indian rupees).
Fees of Sound & Light Show:
* For Indians: Adult: Rs. 75/- // Child: Rs. 25/-
* Foreigners: Adult: Rs. 300/- // Child: Rs. 150/-Timings of sound & light show
1. Program in English: 06:30 pm to 07:25 pm.
2. Program in Hindi: 07:40 pm to 08:35 pm.
Fees of Sound & Light Show at Western group of temples at this place:
* For Indians: Adult: Rs. 75/- // Child: Rs. 25/-
* Foreigners: Adult: Rs. 300/- // Child: Rs. 150/-Shopping and dining options
A not-to-be missed event by shopaholics is the Tuesday bazaar at Raj nagar (about 5kms from the town) where you can bargain and get good deals on unique brass and silver wares.
Within the town itself you can purchase traditional handicrafts and ornaments of the region from the Govt. Crafts Emporium at the Hotel Gem Palace located on Jain Temple Road. As souvenirs of your visit to the temples, you can take home sculptures in poses exactly as depicted in the temples' architecture. These sculptures are available in local stone as well as brass and iron. Shopping here can be an interesting experience!
Also See: Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary
To drive away hunger pangs after all that walking around the temples, there are plenty of restaurants in this place. Within a small budget of just Rs.100/- you can have a very sumptuous breakfast, lunch or dinner. A vegetarian Thali is generally Rs.50/-.
Food specialities of the region in and around include moong dal ka halwa, sabudana khichadi, shikanji and other sweet dishes. Those looking for an upscale dining experience can dine at one of the western-styled restaurants.
Thali-style meals, South Indian cuisine, Italian dishes…there is an amalgam of various cuisines in the restaurants. Eating out in this place can be a delectable experience!Nearby tourist attractions
When scheduling a trip to visit the "Temples of Love", it is a good idea to keep aside one or two extra days to enjoy the scenic spots near the town.
1. Waterfalls : The Raneh waterfalls are located about 20kms from this place, while the Pandav waterfalls are locted about 34kms from the town.
2. Picnic Spots : Benisagar (7 kms) Ranguan (25 kms) are very picturesque spots with lakes, within a short driving distance from this place.
3. Museums nearby: You should visit the State Museum of Tribal & Folk Arts at the Chandela Cultural Complex, where you will get to see traditional folk art and tribal artifacts. Masks and jewellery, pottery and metal items are on display in this museum. The Museum is open on all days except Mondays and Government Holidays (Time: 12noon to 8p.m.).
The museum at Dhubela is a good distance away (over 55kms) but the historically inclined would be eager to undertake a journey there to see weapons and garments of a bygone era.
4. Chitrakoot town: Located in Satna district, Madhya Pradesh, Chitrakoot is roughly 200kms from this place by road. One of the main attractions in this small town is the Bharat Milap temple. As legends go, Bharata met Rama in Chitrakoot to persuade him to return to Ayodhya to rule the kingdom. Apparently the footprints of Bharat and Rama as well as the other brothers are said to be imprinted on the rocks at the Bharat Milap temple.
5. Wildlife Parks nearby: Those planning to have a long stay in the town, should definitely visit the two famous national parks of Madhya Pradesh – the Bandhavgarh National Park, located 210 kms from the town and the Panna National Park, located 56 kms . (Contact Nos. for both: +91-11-27948870, 27947265, 27297686).Tips for tourists
1. Those who have visited the temple recommend exploring the various temples on bicycles. For about Rs.20/- you can rent a bicycle from one of the shops in the town.
2. Wear sensible footwear and light clothes which are comfortable during the hot seasons when visiting the temples. Ladies: avoid those high heels!
3. Do cover your head from the hot sun with a wide-brimmed hat and wear sunglasses too.
4. Avoid visiting the temples after sunset as you can stumble around in the dark. If at all you happen to be amongst the temples after dark, make sure you have a large torch.
5. It is a good idea to keep a map of the town with you before exploring, so that you can avoid the services of so-called guides.
6. Speaking of guides, do not get conned! Other than the usual touts out to make a quick buck, you should also steer clear of people requesting you to donate money for so-called good causes such as for the poor and for the improvement of schools in the area.
7. When booking rooms at budget hotels and lodges, you should confirm if the bathrooms are shared ones.
8. If you are keen on learning yoga, a few of the hotels in the area provide free yoga and meditation courses in the town. You can also have a refreshing spa treatment at the Kairali Ayurvedic Health Centre, located opposite to the Airport.
9. Make sure you have spare cash for eating out, as not all restaurants take credit cards for bill payments.
10. Please do not litter the temples complex or any of the places where you visit. Don't spit anywhere too!
