Khajuraho Travel Guide: Temples, Timings, Best Time and Travel Tips
Welcome to our Khajuraho travel guide. Khajuraho is a small town in Madhya Pradesh, in the heart of India, famous for its temples covered with fine stone carvings. The Chandela kings built about 85 temples here between about 950 and 1050 CE, and about 25 survive. Together they are the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. This Khajuraho travel guide tells you what to see, when to go, how to get there and how long to stay.
Khajuraho Travel Guide at a Glance
- State: Madhya Pradesh, Central India
- Known for: Hindu and Jain temples with carvings of gods, dancers, animals and daily life
- Time needed: two to three days
- Best time: October to March
- Nearest airport: Khajuraho (HJR), with flights from Delhi and Varanasi
The Khajuraho Temples
The temples are built in the Nagara style, with tall towers that rise like mountain peaks. Every wall is covered with sculptures: gods and goddesses, celestial dancers, musicians, warriors and animals. The famous erotic carvings are only a small part, and many see them as a celebration of all parts of life, from duty and wealth to love and spiritual freedom.
The Western Group
The largest and finest group, in a garden with a ticket gate. See the Kandariya Mahadev temple, the biggest and most richly carved, the Lakshmana temple, the Vishvanatha temple and the Chitragupta temple to the sun god.
The Eastern Group
A mix of Hindu and Jain temples, including the Parsvanath temple, the largest Jain temple here, and the Ghantai and Adinath temples, with the old village nearby.
The Southern Group
Two quieter temples, the Duladeo temple and the Chaturbhuj temple, with its tall image of Vishnu.
Khajuraho Temple Timings and the Light Show
This part of our Khajuraho travel guide covers opening hours, the evening show and tickets.
- Temple timings: the Western Group is open every day from sunrise to sunset.
- Light and sound show: every evening at the Western Group, in English and Hindi, telling the story of the Chandela kings.
- Tickets: one ticket covers the Western Group; the Eastern and Southern temples are mostly free. Check current fees on the official ASI website before you go.
Places to Visit near Khajuraho
Our Khajuraho travel guide suggests these trips beyond the temples.
- Panna National Park: tigers, leopards and crocodiles on the Ken river, about 30 km away.
- Raneh Falls: a red granite canyon on the Ken river, about 20 km away.
- Pandav Falls: a waterfall and caves inside the Panna area.
- Archaeological Museum and Adivart Tribal Museum: carvings, tribal art and folk culture in Khajuraho town.
- Orchha: riverside palaces and temples, about four hours away.
A Two-Day Khajuraho Plan
- Day 1: the Western Group at sunrise, the Archaeological Museum, and the light and sound show in the evening.
- Day 2: the Eastern and Southern Groups, then Raneh Falls or a safari in Panna.
Best Time to Visit Khajuraho
- October to March: pleasant days, the best time.
- February: the Khajuraho Dance Festival, with classical dance in front of the temples.
- April to June: very hot, often above 40°C.
- July to September: monsoon rain and green fields; Panna is closed for safaris.
How to Reach Khajuraho
Khajuraho is easy to reach, and this Khajuraho travel guide covers the main routes.
- By air: Khajuraho airport has flights from Delhi and Varanasi.
- By train: Khajuraho station has trains from Delhi and Varanasi. Jhansi, about 175 km away, has more trains.
- By road: about four hours from Orchha and five hours from Jhansi.
Khajuraho Travel Guide: Tips for Your Visit
- Visit the Western Group early in the morning for soft light and fewer people.
- Hire a licensed guide; the carvings tell stories that are easy to miss.
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and wear shoes you can slip off.
- Carry water and a hat; there is little shade.
- Read our Shamrock India Travel Tips before you go.
Ready-Made Khajuraho Tours
If you want us to plan everything, these private tours include Khajuraho. See all our Khajuraho tour packages.
- 4-day Khajuraho Heritage tour: all three temple groups, the light show and Raneh Falls.
- 5-day Khajuraho Panna National Park tour: the temples and a jeep safari in Panna.
- 6-day Varanasi Khajuraho tour: the Ganga Aarti, Sarnath and the temples.
- 7-day Khajuraho Bandhavgarh Kanha tour: the temples and tiger safaris in two famous parks.
- 10-day Delhi Agra Khajuraho tour: the Taj Mahal, Gwalior Fort, Orchha and Khajuraho.
- 12-day Varanasi Khajuraho Agra Delhi tour: the great North and Central India circuit.
Khajuraho Travel Guide FAQ
How many days are enough for Khajuraho?
Two days for the temples, three with Panna or Raneh Falls.
Are the Khajuraho temples only about erotic art?
No. Most of the carvings show gods, dancers, animals and daily life.
Are the temples open every day?
Yes, from sunrise to sunset.
What should I wear?
Light, modest clothes that cover shoulders and knees.
Can I see tigers near Khajuraho?
Yes, in Panna National Park, from mid-October to June.
Plan Your Khajuraho Trip
We hope this Khajuraho travel guide helps you plan. Shamrock Journeys has planned Central India tours since 2002. See our Khajuraho tour packages, our Central India tours and our cultural tours of India. Request your free quote
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