Khajuraho Temples

In the heart of Madhya Pradesh, the Khajuraho temples form one of Asia's most remarkable ensembles of medieval sculpture. Built between the 9th and 12th centuries by the Chandela dynasty, they blend shikhara architecture with erotic friezes of astonishing anatomical precision. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, they attract visitors from around the globe while remaining active places of worship for some.

Practical Information at a Glance

• Entrance fee: payable for foreign nationals (ASI rate); free for children under 15
• Western group: combined ticket for the temples of the western group, the most visited
• Recommended duration: 3 to 4 hours for the western group; a full day for all three groups
• Dress code: no strict requirements, but proper attire is appreciated in temples that remain active places of worship
• Access: Khajuraho airport (flights from Delhi and Varanasi); railway station at Khajuraho; buses from Jhansi or Satna
• Best season: October to March (comfortable heat, clear skies)

What You'll See

Of the 25 temples still standing (out of 85 originally), they are divided into three groups: western, eastern and southern. The western group, the best preserved, includes the most imposing temples. The carved friezes depict deities, apsaras, mythical creatures and erotic scenes — the latter accounting for only about 10% of the total surface.

History and Context

The Chandela dynasty ruled the Bundelkhand region from the 9th to the 13th century. The temples were built at their height, between approximately 950 and 1050. After the Chandela decline, the site fell into obscurity and was partially reclaimed by forest, which preserved it from destruction. A British officer, T.S. Burt, rediscovered it in 1838 and brought it to the attention of the Western world.

The interpretation of the erotic sculptures remains debated: Tantrism, a celebration of fertility, representation of earthly pleasures before entering sacred space — no theory has reached consensus.

Highlights of Your Visit

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

The largest and most elaborate on the site. Its shikhara tower rises to approximately 30 meters. The superimposed friezes showcase more than 800 sculptures across the entire façade, with exceptional density and execution finesse.

Lakshmana Temple

Dedicated to Vishnu, it is one of the few temples with a complete cross-shaped plan featuring four secondary shrines at the corners. Its lower friezes illustrate scenes of daily and military life, contrasting with the divine registers above.

Devi Jagadambi Temple

Originally dedicated to Vishnu, later reattributed to the goddess Parvati. Its feminine sculptures — apsaras and surasundaris — rank among the most graceful at Khajuraho.

Eastern Group and Jain Temples

The eastern group comprises Hindu and Jain temples. The Parsvanatha temple, the largest of the Jain temples, showcases sculptures of comparable quality to the western group, often less frequented by tourists.

Sound and Light Show

A sound and light show is held each evening in the western group, in Hindi and English. It retraces Chandela history against the backdrop of illuminated temples.

Etiquette and Visiting Rules

• Some temples remain active places of worship: maintain respectful and quiet behavior inside.
• Remove your shoes before entering active sanctuaries.
• Do not touch the sculptures; the reliefs are fragile and skin oils accelerate their deterioration.
• Drones are prohibited without special ASI authorization.

Photography Tips

Golden morning light (between 7 and 9 a.m.) raking across the friezes brings out the relief of the sculptures. In late afternoon, warm light illuminates the western facades of the western group. Avoid midday: harsh light flattens details. A macro lens reveals the fineness of sculpted faces and hands.

Location and Access

Khajuraho is located in Chhatarpur district, approximately 175 km southeast of Jhansi. The local airport receives direct flights from Delhi and Varanasi. Khajuraho railway station is connected to Jhansi and other major cities. In town, the temples of the western group are accessible on foot from most central hotels. The eastern and southern groups can be reached by bike or rickshaw.

Accessibility for people with reduced mobility is limited: exterior walkways are passable, but access to inner sanctuaries involves stairs.

Nearby Attractions

• Panna National Park — approximately 45 km away, a tiger reserve on the banks of the Ken River, ideal for a safari after visiting the temples.
• Raneh Falls — granite and marble canyons carved by the Ken River, about thirty kilometers from Khajuraho.
• Ajaigarh Fort — a Chandela fortress perched on a rocky outcrop, rarely visited, which offers a historical counterpoint to the temples.