Posted 12 July 2023 in Culture and Heritage

11 reasons why you should plan a trip to Khajuraho

Khajuraho is a well-known heritage city in Madhya Pradesh that is home to various Hindu and Jain temples. Khajuraho, a prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site, will astound you with its symmetrical temple decorations, which include the finest sandstone carvings and sculptures. Many people come here from around the world to imagine the timeless narrative of Hindu art and culture inscribed in stone. It’s now your turn to plan a trip to Khajuraho.

History of Khajuraho

Chandela Rajputs governed this region from the 10th through the 12th centuries and Khajuraho was their cultural capital. There were roughly 85 temples during that time, which have now been reduced to 22 and are being conserved by the State Government. Khajuraho is a prominent tourist destination spread over an area of approximately 20 sq. km in the state's northeastern region.

The sculptures in Khajuraho depict numerous aspects of Indian life thousands of years ago, making the temple a great example of Indo-Aryan architecture. Here, you will be greeted by beautiful stone friezes depicting gods, goddesses, heroes, and kings, among others. The structures showcase architectural genius and depict royalty, courting, marriage, spiritual teachings, meditation, kinship, and scenes of human emotions and relationships.

1. Take a temple tour

Khajuraho is well-recognised for its historical appeal, and it is home to some of the world's best and most ancient temples. The Khajuraho group of monuments are a collection of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist temples. They are known for their beautiful nagara-style architecture and sculptures.

Some temples date from the 9th and 10th centuries, and they have witnessed the rise and fall of various dynasties, notably the Chandela dynasty. One of the most popular activities in Khajuraho is visiting the temples.

For an exciting religious tour, visit the temples of Ghantai, Adinath, Matangeshwar, Vamana, Kandariya Mahadev, Brahma, Jagdambi, and many more.

2. Don’t miss the sound and light show

The sound and light spectacle put on by the Western Group of Temples is undoubtedly among the interesting nighttime activities in Khajuraho. It is a ticketed event where people can explore the historical, religious, and cultural aspects. Even though these temples are stunning, the light and sound display puts them in a brand new light.

3. Visit Panna National Park

Panna National Park is the fifth tiger reserve of Madhya Pradesh and the 22nd in the country. Wild boar, langur, chinkara, and cheetah are among the natural species that call this national park home. You have the option of staying in the jungle cottages and forest houses.

4. Indulge in the dance festival

When the severe winter gives way to the joyous season of spring, the town is graced by the splendour of the Khajuraho Dance Festival. The festival, which is usually celebrated in the latter weeks of February, has a fascinating backdrop of the magnificently lit Khajuraho Temples.

Famous Indian classical dance styles such as Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, and Bharatanatyam, as well as modern dance forms, are the central theme of the festival. The Dance Festival of Khajuraho is unquestionably one of the most interesting things to do in Khajuraho and should not be missed. The festival is held in a large, open auditorium near the Western Group of Temples — Chitragupta and Vishwanatha Temples.

5. Get to know more about the tribal and folk art

The State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art is housed at Khajuraho's Chandela Cultural Complex and serves as a hub for ancient relics and artefacts. The museum captures tourist’s attention from the moment they walk in, displaying stunning tribal works of artists.

The State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art attracts curious visitors and fans of history, and it successfully answers the plethora of questions that swarm their mind. Except Mondays and public holidays, the museum is open from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. every day.

6. Get lost in the beauty of Raneh Falls Canyon

Raneh Falls form a 30-foot-deep canyon with dazzling crystalline granite that attracts a large number of nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Several huge and tiny waterfalls may be found across the landscape, greeting you at practically every turn. Its beautiful foliage is a breath of fresh air for everyone, and a trip to Raneh Falls will unquestionably provide you with far more than you could have imagined.

7. Click scenic pictures at the Ajaigarh Fort

The fort of Ajaigarh is located 80 km from Khajuraho. Ajaigarh Fort, perched on a picturesque hill at a height of 688 m, was a citadel of the Chandela Kings and one of their most important monuments. The fort is bordered by the picturesque Vindhya Ranges, which provide spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The forts served as a stronghold for the Chandela Kings during their rule.

8. Visit the Lakshmana Temple

In Khajuraho, the Lakshmana Temple is the second largest temple. The temple was built between A.D. 930 and 950. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu, a Hindu deity. The sculptures are wonderful and the architecture is stunning. The temple is artistically built, with carvings of Hindu Gods, statues, and sculptures on the temple walls. A temple that is worth a visit, and you will never get tired of admiring this magnificent work of art.

9. Calm your mind at the Beni Sagar Dam

An environmental hotspot within a kilometre of the Khajuraho Railway Station is the Beni Sagar Dam, which provides a thrilling and refreshing picnic place for families. This area, which covers 7.7 sq. km, is surrounded by lush greenery and a relaxing atmosphere. Full of calmness and tranquillity, it's probably the best location to visit to unwind after a long day in the city. Beni Sagar Dam also offers activities like hiking and rowing. Take a nature walk to surrounding trails and then row your boat (or be rowed) around the dam.

10. Relish the street food

Nearly every street in Khajuraho is lined with tiny food booths, majority of which are set back from the temple groups because they are quiet zones. There are plenty of mouth-watering and budget-friendly Indian chaats like tikkis, samosas, bhajiyas, dal bafla, and other local delicacies to savour.

11. Go on a road trip to Orchha

Orchha is roughly 173 km from Khajuraho and is a lovely four-hour drive. It is located on the banks of the River Betwa, and is home to a number of temples and monuments that have been restored to their former splendour, making the town a sight to behold. Explore Orchha's stunning landmarks in a considerably less crowded environment.

Famous markets to visit

Gol Market: Gol Market, located in Sevagram, is one of the city's principal markets.
Raji/Raj Nagar Market: Every Tuesday, Raji Nagar Market is open for business. Evenings are the best time to visit this place. It is a well-known silver and brass market.
Shilpgram: Shilpgram is a government foundation, and the goal of this market is to encourage local artists' traditional artwork and cultural products. This group gives local folk artists a modern platform to work with. It is one of the best-organised tourist marketplaces in the city. Here you'll find a wide range of traditional crafts, handmade paintings, clay items, stone carvings, sandstone sculptures, handmade textiles, and regional outfits.

Things to buy

Prepare to haggle if you choose to shop at the local stalls in the market plaza near the Western group. Handicraft pricing can range from a few hundred rupees to tens of thousands of rupees, depending solely on the quality and where it is purchased from.

Jewellery: Traditional jewellery carved in a way to symbolise India's ancient and rich culture may be found in abundance in Khajuraho. All across town, street merchants sell bracelets, nose rings, earrings, pendants, and other jewellery.
Handicrafts: Heritage paintings, antiquities, copper wearables, and other handicrafts are among the most popular items. These are unique to Khajuraho and will make wonderful keepsakes from your visit there.
Silverware: If you are looking for excellent silverware and brassware, Khajuraho is the best place to visit. These items are far less expensive here than the rest of the country, and their polish is so bright that it will reflect off your belongings.
Sculptures: Khajuraho's artisans are so skilled that they can create near-exact copies of the sculptures found on the temple walls. Sculptures can be purchased at a low price in local shops.

Tips to keep in mind while you plan a trip to Khajuraho

Don't try to complete everything in one day because even a single temple can take a long time to explore. Each temple is remarkable in its own way, so plan accordingly.
Winters are considerably better for visiting Khajuraho.

How to reach Khajuraho?

By Air: Civil Aerodrome is the nearest airport, about 6 km away.
By Train: The nearest rail station is Khajuraho Railway Station (5.9 km).
By Road: There are a number of private buses that are available between Khajuraho and nearby cities.

Best time to visit

The winter season, from October to February, is the best time to visit Khajuraho. Winters bring pleasant weather, which is perfect for touring. Close inspection of the beautiful carvings on the edifice is possible, and a visit to the museums will keep you surprised by the amazing objects on show. Summers and monsoons aren't the best times to visit because of the humidity and burning heat.

Conclusion

Khajuraho, with its towering sites and fascinating place, is one of the best destinations to visit if you are interested in architecture, heritage, and spirituality. If you're going to plan a tour to Khajuraho, make sure you have a detailed Khajuraho sightseeing schedule, as all of the city's attractions can be fascinating and hypnotic.