Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho Temples
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Magnificent temples built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D.
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- Pedro V2 contributionsKhajuraho TUCK TUCK best trip with PramadWe were lucky enough to meet Pramad outside the train station. It was without a doubt an excellent experience due to this wonderful person. Pramad is a simple Tuck Tuck driver, but without a doubt he has the quality of a true tourist guide. with him we spent 2 days discovering Khajuraho. Pramad knew how to guide us, give the best advice, tourism, restaurants, shopping. was always available via whatsaap. someone trustworthy 1000%!!! we recommend. +91 98931 80202! nothing better than talking to him!Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten January 4, 2024
- Praveen60New Delhi, India133 contributionsKhajuraho - a must visit for every Indian travelerAmazing place - better than what we hear about. Western group of temples has about 11 temples and takes about 3 hours to cover them - get a guide (costs about Rs. 2000). The architecture is priceless. Hard to believe that even 1000 years ago, our land was so advanced. One just kept clicking. Eastern group of temples are scattered - the ones in Jain temple must be seen but with a guide. We visited Kutni Dam and Raneh Galls also. Took a safari to Panna National Park also. Worth a visit again.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten January 6, 2024
- LMELondonMilford Haven, United Kingdom21 contributionsGetting to - and getting the most out of - Khajuraho templesThese temples are not easy to reach…3 hours by private taxi from Jhansi. (4,500 each way). But they are worth it. We had an excellent official guide, Siasanan Shula (9755505508) for a half day tour of the Western Temples. 1800 rupees + entrance fee. His English is excellent, he knew the temples well and he told us about modern day India too. Informative, but not pushy. Highly recommended and we would never have understood it so well without a guide. (He speaks Spanish too) Our taxi driver Bablu (9839404887) was a safe and careful driver. We were very happy with him and would recommend him highly. He can pick up fromJhansi station. He also has good English.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten January 21, 2024
- ASussexEaterBodiam, United Kingdom21 contributionsDay tour around Khajuraho.Following advice from another review I contacted Siasanan (9755505508) to organise a day tour of the temples. He was busy, but passed me on to his colleague Ghanshyam (9981295637). I’m very pleased I made that contact. Ghanshyam is an excellent guide - easy to understand, likeable and very professional. He organised extremely comfortable transport and gave me a very full day where we found time to visit all of the temple complexes as well as an astonishing nearby gorge - India’s answer to the Grand Canyon. His explanations were clear and meant I got much more out of my visit than I would have done had I tried to make the trip alone. I thoroughly recommend both of these gentlemen.Visited February 2024Travelled soloWritten February 22, 2024
- Clifford WGreater Palm Springs, California4 contributionsKhajuraho TemplesOur tour to the Jain Temples of Khajuraho was excellent. Our guide Anoop Jain was very experienced (27 years) and was very knowledgeable. You can email him at anoop_khj11@rediffmail.com or anoopjain@rediffmail.com 0091-9425143679 Mr. Jain is your guide for KhajurahoVisited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten March 12, 2024
- Ashok DGoa, India62 contributionsA jewel amidst deep forest.Full of beautiful temples with historical significance. All temples within 4-5 km radius from city. Mostly from 10th-12th century. Generally in good condition. Escaped Moghul vandalism because they are deep in forest area. Spend as much time as possible on West group of temples. Not much in Eastern and Southern group. Sunset at Shiva temple is a spectacular sight to see fading sunlight illuminating Shiva idol from feet upto face. Do not miss Raneh waterfall. Two clear days good enough.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten March 17, 2024
- Tina1 contributionLife time experience!The temples are amazing! Highly recommended to have a tour guide. Trust me, it's worth it. I promised Ganshyam, our guide, to leave a comment because he was EXCELLENT. He really brought history to life with his passion and knowledge. His WhatsApp is +91 99812 95637Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten March 19, 2024
- Mandy MLeicestershire, United Kingdom75 contributionsAmazing temples and carvings….Amazing place. Temples are so intricately carved and most are in good condition given their age. Some very “interesting” scenes from the Kama sutra that may need explaining to the children. Very hot but very worth it.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten April 1, 2024
- SweetraUnited States291 contributionsMagnificent and Fun Works of ArtThese temples are the prettiest ones we’ve seen so far in inida. The area has very few crowds. It’s so easy and relaxing to visit the temples. Get a good guide who can explain the temples in detail. We had Govind and he was very knowledgeable and fun. You should allow a good 4 hours or more to see the western and eastern group of temples. The gardens are beautiful. Every part of this temple complex is very nicely maintained and clean. It is a must see when in India!Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten April 13, 2024
- Raul RajIndia306 contributionsA Must See: an Eye OpenerThis is absolutely must see, the architecture, the carvings, the thought at those times, the beauty; AMAZING. Do hire a good guide to understand the artistry of these temples and the meaning. All fashion designers should visit and take inspiration from here!Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten July 1, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Sandeep Bhattacharya
New Delhi, India10 contributions
Jan 2022
The temples of Khajuraho are architectural marvels with superb stone sculptures. The monolithic deity in the Chaturbhuj temple, the Varaha wild boar figure in the Lakshmana temple are stand out examples. Most the the temples in the Western cluster are within a single campus, except one where worship is done. The temples were built by the Chandela kings and their sculptors' imaginations along with occurrences during the period have been so beautifully captured in sandstone. Seeing is believing that lends credence / proves that Indian culture was way more modern and scientific than is usually portrayed. All temples with the exception of the Chaturbhuj temple are East facing, such that the rays of the sun actually reach the deity in the morning. During the day, there is light from the North and South facing balconies / prayer pedestals. The highlights are the finesse of the figures carved in single piece sandstone. The imaginery animal figure Sardul, the Health God (calf headed), the flower pattern carving (pushp) are found all over the spires. The area is rocky with igneous granite being the most common, yet all temples are built using sandstone and interlocking using metal clamps with holes drilled in the adjacent stone blocks (akin to a staple pin). No cement / mortar has been used in the construction anywhere. The temples also contain erotic figures that were used to educate the masses about sexuality. Also worth seeing are the intricate carving of damsels performing bath, makeup, romance with a plethora of hair styles, jewellery, saree designs, etc. Do not visit without a knowledgeable guide, take a Govt registered guide from the ticket counter. Mr Tiwary is the best you can get with a career spanning almost 27 years now, he speaks 4 languages (incl Japanese). One must plan for two days to visit the temples and understand the carvings ... One day for the Western group, another day for the Eastern / Southern group (A trip to the beautiful Raneh Canyon / falls and the Ken Ghariyal sanctuary can be clubbed with the Eastern group visit). Keep a separate day for the Panna tiger safari. Superb place, not to miss. Khajuraho has an airport, however, not operative since Covid lockdown started. Approach is by train or road. I drove down from Bhopal, roads are good, must visit Bhimkund Blue water pond and Sri Jatashankar Ji temple on this route (slight detour of about 50 kms). Interior roads upto these two places were very good, though single lane, almost nil traffic.
Written January 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RkRoadie
Pune, India622 contributions
Nov 2021
The place of Khajuraho is famous for its temples. We visited in morning hours. The entry fee is Rs.40 per person above 15 years (those who are 15years and less have free entry).
The temples are divided into 3 groups, Western, Southern and Eastern out of which Western group is famous, has many temples and is very well maintained. Local guides have no permission to enter here as only MP Tourism Official guides have permission hence be careful if any local guide says you that he can guide you (he will probably take you to Southern and Eastern group...which is not that well maintained)
Somehow as per me if you read information through internet prior to visiting then there is no need of guide.
Once you enter Western group complex then you can start exploring temples from your left hand side. Laxaman, Kandariya Mahadeo, Chitragupta etc are very well craved temples. It almost takes an hour and half to see all the temples in complex.
There is washroom as well as drinking water facility in complex. Lots of squirrels around along with greenary.
The temples are divided into 3 groups, Western, Southern and Eastern out of which Western group is famous, has many temples and is very well maintained. Local guides have no permission to enter here as only MP Tourism Official guides have permission hence be careful if any local guide says you that he can guide you (he will probably take you to Southern and Eastern group...which is not that well maintained)
Somehow as per me if you read information through internet prior to visiting then there is no need of guide.
Once you enter Western group complex then you can start exploring temples from your left hand side. Laxaman, Kandariya Mahadeo, Chitragupta etc are very well craved temples. It almost takes an hour and half to see all the temples in complex.
There is washroom as well as drinking water facility in complex. Lots of squirrels around along with greenary.
Written November 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gfsc5
Perth, Australia1,786 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We visited this extensive range of temples as part of a tour group and had a local guide. It made the visit great because he was able to give us details about the various temples and point out specific details including specific carvings.
The carving is amazing. Most people know the site for the Karma Sutra carvings but they only comprise a small part of the carvings. Still amazing to look at and to hear the associated stories.
A great place to visit with some amazing photo ops.
The carving is amazing. Most people know the site for the Karma Sutra carvings but they only comprise a small part of the carvings. Still amazing to look at and to hear the associated stories.
A great place to visit with some amazing photo ops.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Khushboo Gupta
New Delhi, India249 contributions
Dec 2019
When I visited and see this, was totally awestruck on the first sight. The architecture and design of sculpture is wonderful, beyond your imagination and your thoughts. Mind blowing art and carving.
The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures. Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 AD and 1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty, its around 20 temples. A beautiful example of incredible India. It's UNESCO World Heritage site.
It's in main Khajuraho city centre, you can take auto from railway station or airport to reach here. Sharing auto takes Rs.10. Entry fee for western group of temples is Rs.40.
The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures. Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 AD and 1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty, its around 20 temples. A beautiful example of incredible India. It's UNESCO World Heritage site.
It's in main Khajuraho city centre, you can take auto from railway station or airport to reach here. Sharing auto takes Rs.10. Entry fee for western group of temples is Rs.40.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ZenHealer7
Greenville, SC2,268 contributions
Feb 2020
Khajuraho is unique. I am both glad and sad that so few visitors come here. Glad because, there is no trampling and over crowding as at other similar places in India and sad because this architectural and historical masterpiece needs to be seen by more people. It does not help that there is poor connectivity to come here even after all these years and the air fares can be horrendous. If you make it here, consider yourself to be the fortunate few who have experienced the glory of India. It is best if you experience the Light & Sound show prior to visiting the Temples. Do not miss the beautiful and awesome banyan tree on the grounds of the Eastern Group with amazing energy. Sit and meditate there for a while.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Libby in Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH1,216 contributions
Feb 2020
These temples are older than Ankor Wat and in better shape. The complex is not nearly as large, but the carvings on the outside of the temples tell stories. They are in incredible shape. The inside of the temples are in good shape as well.
You will need to remove your shoes before entering. We had someone watch ours shoes.
You will need to remove your shoes before entering. We had someone watch ours shoes.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Setting Sun
Mumbai, India39 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I visited the western group of temples aroud 11 am without a guide. Frankly, the erotic aspect of the temples comprises a small part and there is much more to it than that. Khajuraho would benefit from a lot more tourism if they stop focusing excessively on this particular aspect.
With that out of the way, these temples have a meticulous amount of sculpturing over and around them about the daily life, folklore and avatars of the deities with their consorts and devotees all depicted in the respective directions. The ceilings host a mandala, some broken and some in their original form. It easily takes a good 3 -4 hours to observe the western group of temples carefully. Shoes must be removed before entering each temple but the floor is cold in winter, so dress accordingly. Other than this there are the Beejmandal, Dulha deo, Chaturbhuj, Chausath Yogini, Javeri, Bramha and Vaman temples nearby (3-4 km) with an important Maatangeshwar temple right next door to the western group.
I feel there is still a sense of divinity in there although no sacred rites are performed in most of the temples. There are sculptures of Goddess Parvati, Laxmi, Chamundi which are a little different than how they are normally portrayed. One can find sacred trees nearby. The expressions of the apsaras that accompany the deities are worth appreciating. The attention to detail is beyond words although destroyed in places.
Overall they have a lot to offer than the hype.
With that out of the way, these temples have a meticulous amount of sculpturing over and around them about the daily life, folklore and avatars of the deities with their consorts and devotees all depicted in the respective directions. The ceilings host a mandala, some broken and some in their original form. It easily takes a good 3 -4 hours to observe the western group of temples carefully. Shoes must be removed before entering each temple but the floor is cold in winter, so dress accordingly. Other than this there are the Beejmandal, Dulha deo, Chaturbhuj, Chausath Yogini, Javeri, Bramha and Vaman temples nearby (3-4 km) with an important Maatangeshwar temple right next door to the western group.
I feel there is still a sense of divinity in there although no sacred rites are performed in most of the temples. There are sculptures of Goddess Parvati, Laxmi, Chamundi which are a little different than how they are normally portrayed. One can find sacred trees nearby. The expressions of the apsaras that accompany the deities are worth appreciating. The attention to detail is beyond words although destroyed in places.
Overall they have a lot to offer than the hype.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NeilMMB
Winchester UK75 contributions
Feb 2020
The Western Group are the main ones to visit.Admission charge. We had a guide who pointed out some features but kept emphasising the "Kama Sutra" origins of the iconography- they all do- which is incorrect. You can hire a Tuktuk cheaply to visit the Southern and Eastern Temples to- no admission charges for those sites.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aniruddha D
Thane, India20 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This is to acknowledge the super work Pralhad is doing to maintain the toilet services in the Western Group of Khajuraho Temples. He greets you with a Namaste, if a large group has just used, suggests you wait a bit till he cleans and ensures you depart with a smile. Spotlessly clean toilets.... a true embodiment of the Swach Bharat Abhiyan. If only there are many more like Pralhad, India would be a spotlessly clean country. Way to go....
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YogiKaliya
Jabalpur, India151 contributions
Feb 2021
It is very clear that Khajuraho temples has been promoted as erotic sculptures carved on the wall of temples and temples dedicated for kamasutra. Yes,there are erotic sculptures of Khajuraho that adorn the walls of these temples, but you can only see that when your tour guide point out to that. Ancient Indians were so advanced that they have created these temple to educate future generations. It is a depiction of the Hindu philosophy of Dharma, Artha, Kama , Moksha. Perhaps you can attain nirvana, once you are done with all your worldly pleasures.
Khajuraho temples represent one of India's finest examples of art and architecture. Built by Chandela rulers nearly a thousand years ago makes one awestruck at the skills and technology that was used.
As one goes around the temples, the details on the statues are breathtaking. Even, if you have no interest in temples or history, this can be a very interesting place to visit. The entire complex is so photogenic. There are East and West temple complexes, if you have limited time prioritize the West.Don't forget the Light and sound show (English show at 6:30 Pm and Hindi show at 7:45 PM).
It's a magical place. While in the West temple complex just try to imagine when these temples were light up with thousands of oil lamp in their golden days. Imagine sight on moon light with every temple is shining with lamp.
Enjoy it.
Khajuraho temples represent one of India's finest examples of art and architecture. Built by Chandela rulers nearly a thousand years ago makes one awestruck at the skills and technology that was used.
As one goes around the temples, the details on the statues are breathtaking. Even, if you have no interest in temples or history, this can be a very interesting place to visit. The entire complex is so photogenic. There are East and West temple complexes, if you have limited time prioritize the West.Don't forget the Light and sound show (English show at 6:30 Pm and Hindi show at 7:45 PM).
It's a magical place. While in the West temple complex just try to imagine when these temples were light up with thousands of oil lamp in their golden days. Imagine sight on moon light with every temple is shining with lamp.
Enjoy it.
Written March 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
is it advisable to travel to khajuraho temples with 14 yr old kid
Written August 17, 2021
Hello Climber40,
Both Khajuraho sites are safe, green, full of butterflies and very interesting to visit. I suppose your question is about the Kama-Sutra & bestiality carvings.
First these scenes are just a few percent of the total of carvings.
In the chandela-dynasty sex was ment as religion, as an art of concentration ...
Some scenes were not ment to be seen by every body. So the temples are built up in layers. Explicit scenes are often on higher levels.
My general advice is you take a local guide (dr. Anand Tiwari is perfect for the job) and explain him that you don't want to see the explicit sex scenes.
It will be a very interesting visit for yourself and your kid of 14!
Written August 19, 2021
Suvarna
India
Hi, I am planning to visit Khajuraho in mid Nov 2020. How open or closed to tourism is the place just now due to COVID?
Written November 3, 2020
Hi Guys. I am planning to visit KHAJURAHO in mid August. Is it a good time to visit considering the rains ?
Also i hope the temples are not closed during monsoons, we really dnt mind visiting in rains as well.
How much time will it take to visit? I am reaching khajuraho station at 2pm...so should i plan to visit that day itself... Say 3 to 6pm or the next day early morning?
Is there any other places to visit IN and around khajuraho?
I'll be there for 2 days.
Need your suggestions.
Thank u in advance.
Written June 16, 2019
Visit the western temples after your arrival in the town and the see the evening show the same evening. The day after you should visit Orchha. It will probably take the whole day considering that you will find plenty of places to visit there, including the Rama rites in the evening and the duration of the round trip by car.
Written June 16, 2019
How is the car parking arrangement for the western and eastern group ? Any good restaurants\eateries near these 2 groups of temples ?
Written October 27, 2018
It's very safe and you can put your car near by Western temple and you can eat food in Agrawal marwadi restaurant and if you need anykind of information so please contact with me on my Whatsaap +919893857028
Written October 27, 2018
What is road conditions from Varanasi to Khajuraho
Written August 27, 2018
Sorry. I don'tknow about the condition of this road. I went there from New Delhi by train, but I supposed there isn't any problem because I met a girl there who did this trip and told me that everything was ok
Written August 28, 2018
How long this temple complex remain open .. We are short of time ..can we visit them early morning 7 am perhaps or in the evening ....
Written July 3, 2018
they open from sun rise to sun set. if u can go at 7 a.m. by 11 a.m. u can cover western group n in the evening u can see the remaining temples to get goood idea about variations in sculpture
Written July 4, 2018
I m confused about the train Does it got directly to Khajuraho or Manikpur ??
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MANIKPUR
Written February 15, 2018
Guys i m planing for second week of march , Can someone advise ? The temperature is showing 30... will that be okay ?
Written February 14, 2018
Hi
In March it's cold in the mornings and evenings but weather wise it's comfortable
Written February 14, 2018
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