Madhya Pradesh
Khajuraho Travel Guide
UNESCO-listed Chandela temples famed for their stone sculpture.
- Best months Oct–Mar
- Ideal trip length 1–2 days
Khajuraho is a small town in Madhya Pradesh known for a group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples built by the Chandela dynasty roughly a thousand years ago. The temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, admired for their fine stone carving and graceful architecture. Only a small share of the sculptures are erotic; most show gods, musicians, dancers, animals and scenes of daily life. Plan one to two days.
Best time to visit
Recommended
October to March is the best season, with pleasant days for walking between temples. Summers are very hot, and the monsoon brings rain and green surroundings. A classical dance festival is usually held in the cooler months, often around February, but dates vary, so check with Madhya Pradesh Tourism.
How to reach
Khajuraho has a small airport with flights to a few cities, and it is a short drive from the temples. Schedules change, so check current routes.
Khajuraho has its own railway station with limited services. Larger railheads such as Satna and Jhansi have more trains and are reached by road, and Jhansi is on the main Delhi to Bhopal line.
Khajuraho is connected by road to Jhansi, Satna, Panna and Orchha, and taxis and buses run on these routes. Allow plenty of time, as the roads can be slow.
Where to stay
Hotels and guesthouses are clustered near the Western Group of temples, which makes it easy to walk to the main sights. Options cover most budgets, and quieter stays are found toward the edge of town.
Top things to see and do
- 1
Western Group of temples
The best-known cluster, with large temples on a raised platform, including the Kandariya Mahadeva and Lakshmana temples, and rich carvings on the walls.
- 2
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
The largest of the Khajuraho temples, dedicated to Shiva, with a tall spire and many sculptures.
- 3
Eastern and Southern Groups
Smaller temple groups a short distance from the town, including Jain temples, that are quieter than the Western Group.
- 4
Sound and light show
An evening show held at the Western Group that tells the story of the temples. Check current timings and availability.
- 5
Panna National Park
A tiger reserve with river, forest and gorges within reach of the town. Check seasonal closures and booking rules, and remember that sightings are not guaranteed.
- 6
Khajuraho Dance Festival
A week of classical Indian dance performances against the backdrop of the temples, usually held around February.
Food to try
Restaurants near the temples serve North Indian dishes, along with some international options for visitors. Look for local Bundelkhand sweets and snacks, and many places offer vegetarian thalis.
Travel tips
- Dress modestly and remove footwear where temples are still used for worship, and treat the sculptures with respect.
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat, and carry water and sun protection.
- A guide can help explain the carvings and their meaning; use licensed guides and agree the arrangement before you start.
- Combine Khajuraho with Orchha or Panna National Park, and check the current rules for the park before you plan.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are enough for Khajuraho?
One full day covers the Western Group and a few others. Stay two days if you want to see the Eastern and Southern Groups, the evening show or Panna National Park.
Are all the sculptures erotic?
No. Only a small part of the carvings are erotic. Most of the sculptures show gods, dancers, musicians, animals and scenes of daily life.
When is the Khajuraho Dance Festival?
It is usually held around February, but dates change from year to year. Check the official Madhya Pradesh Tourism announcements before you plan.
Official sources
- Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism)
- Madhya Pradesh Tourism
- UNESCO World Heritage List
- Archaeological Survey of India
Timings, fees, permits, closures and transport change often. Please confirm current details with the official sources above before you travel.