Khajuraho, located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, is famous for its Hindu and Jain temples with intricate sandstone carvings. The temples have been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are vital to Khajuraho tourism. In addition to the temples, Khajuraho offers a glimpse into India's rich history and culture, making it a popular destination. Let’s explore the captivating city through this Khajuraho travel guide.
How to reach Khajuraho
- By air: Khajuraho Airport (HJR) is located around 3 km from the city centre. This domestic airport serves the cities of Chhatarpur and Khajuraho, and has a single integrated terminal offering several flights to Khajuraho from significant destinations.
- By train: The city is well-connected by railways through Khajuraho Railway Station and Chhatarpur Railway Station. Regular trains connect Khajuraho to major destinations like Delhi, Udaipur, and Jhansi.
- By road: Khajuraho has excellent road connectivity with several cities in the state. MP Tourism offers direct buses from cities like Satna, Mahoba, Jhansi, Gwalior, Bhopal, and Indore.
- Getting around/local transport in Khajuraho: The city is compact, and many attractions, including the Western Group of Temples are within walking distance and can be either explored on foot or by renting bicycles. Additionally, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, buses, and taxis are common forms of local transport.
Places to visit
Trending
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
A stunning example of medieval temple architecture featuring intricate carvings and a towering shikhara, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and artistry.
Experience Time: 1-2 hours
Dulhadev Temple
Exploration time: 30 minutes
Manjeshwar Temple
Exploration time: 5-6 hours
Javari Temple
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
Raneh Falls
Exploration time: 2-3 hours
Archaeological Museum
Exploration time: 30 minutes-1 hourView All 6 places
Places to eat
Khajuraho offers a range of dining options to suit various tastes. Here are some popular places to eat in Khajuraho for a delicious culinary experience.
Raja Cafe
If you are craving Indian cuisine and wish to try local flavours, visit Raja’s Cafe. They provide a range of regional specialities, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.
Popular dishes: Haryali chicken tikka, mutton kadhai, and veg seekh kebab.
Madras Coffee House
Madras Coffee House is a popular eating joint known for its South Indian cuisine. It offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy refreshing coffee and sample delicious delicacies.
Popular dishes: Cheese dosa, masala dosa, and podi idli.
LA Bella Italia Restaurant
LA Bella Italia is a casual dining place specialising in pasta, pizza, and grilled dishes. It is famous for its excellent service and friendly staff.
Popular dishes: Tomato pizza, tandoori pizza, and chilli potato.
Annapurna Restaurant
For those seeking authentic Indian cuisine with a focus on local flavours, Annapurna Restaurant is a must-visit in Khajuraho.
Popular dishes: Chicken sandwich, paneer butter masala, and dal tadka.
Sun Shine Restaurant
Sun Shine Restaurant is a charming establishment known for its delightful ambience. Whether you're in the mood for traditional Indian fare or international dishes, it caters to various tastes.
Popular dishes: Potato pancakes and tandoori chicken.
VS Cafe & Restaurant Khajuraho
VS Cafe & Restaurant Khajuraho combines a relaxed atmosphere and delicious food. It offers diverse dishes to cater to various tastes.
Popular dishes: Cheese uthappam and kalmi kebab.
Things To Do
For those craving excitement and knowledge, Khajuraho offers a range of activities to satisfy your curiosity and sense of adventure.
Heritage excursions
Historical sites
Cave exploration
Architectural tours
Cultural tour
Shopping trips
Local cuisine
Nature and wildlife
Best time to visit
Most commonly spoken languages
Shopping
The town offers exclusive handicrafts and antiques that are popular among shoppers. Let’s explore some of the best shopping places in the city:
- Gole Market: The largest and most important shopping destination in Khajuraho, this market offers a variety of items such as textiles, ethnic apparel, brass and silver artefacts, and sandstone miniature replicas.
- Shilpgram: Shilpgram is a government foundation that promotes traditional artwork and cultural crafts by local artists. It provides a platform for local talent to showcase their skills. This market is well-organised and offers a variety of artistic and heritage craft items such as handmade paintings, terracotta products, stone carvings, sandstone sculptures, handcrafted textiles, and regional dresses.
- Rajnagar Shopping Area: Rajnagar is a renowned hub for buying brass and silver artefacts. Every Tuesday, a bustling weekly bazaar draws crowds seeking these items. The market is known for its exquisitely carved brass and silver sculptures, crafted using traditional techniques. These artefacts make excellent gifts due to their craftsmanship and cultural significance.
Festivals
Witness the best of Khajuraho during the festive season. Here are some famous festivals celebrated in the city:
Shivratri
Shivratri, the festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, is celebrated enthusiastically in Khajuraho. On this day, devotees offer special prayers and conduct rituals at the Kandariya Mahadev Temple and Matangeshwar Temple, which are dedicated to Lord Shiva, and decorated with flowers and lights.
Diwali
Diwali, also called the ‘festival of lights’, is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in Khajuraho. Houses, shops, and buildings are decorated with lights, candles, and traditional rangoli designs. Special puja ceremonies are held, and the temples are illuminated with oil lamps, giving them a breathtaking appearance, especially at night, against the dark sky.
Holi
The celebrations begin with a Holika Dahan, where a bonfire is lit to symbolise the victory of good over evil. The next day, known as Rangwali Holi, people play with coloured powders and water. Holi in Khajuraho is a vibrant and colourful affair, with locals and tourists participating in the festivities. It is a time for joy, laughter, and togetherness as people celebrate the festival's spirit.
More reasons to visit
Immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are some more reasons why you should visit the place:
- Panna National Park: The rugged and captivating terrain of Panna National Park is home to at least 40 tigers, along with leopards, chital, chinkara, nilgai, sambar, and over 200 species of birds. It's a haven for animal lovers.
- Ajaigarh Fort: Ajaigarh Fort, located 80 km from Khajuraho, sits majestically atop a picturesque hill, at the height of 688 m. Once a stronghold of the Chandela Kings, it is now recognised as one of the most important monuments in history. The stunning Vindhya Ranges surround the fort, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art: Located in the Chandela Cultural Complex in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, the State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art is a well-maintained repository of old scriptures showcasing tribal art and culture. The museum features terracotta sculptures, masks, folk paintings, bamboo articles, and other collectables.
- Khajuraho Dance Festival: Khajuraho is renowned for its classical dance festival, an experience that brings the arts and traditions of the region alive. The festival showcases magnificent performances of classical dances and historical reenactments by talented artists. It celebrates the glory of Indian classical dance forms such as Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, and Kathakali. The festival takes place in an open-air auditorium near the Chitragupta Temple.
