Khajuraho
City of Temples
For even the most experienced vacationer, Khajuraho is a bolt from the blue when one sees the temples here ascend like an apparition over India’s glittering plains. Khajuraho is in the state of Madhya Pradesh and is at a distance of about 620 km southeast of Delhi. Khajuraho gains recognition due to its host of medieval Hindu and Jain temples and erotic sculptures all over them. These temples were built between 950 AD to 1050 AD. Originally there were about 80 temples out of which 22 are still preserved in a perfect condition. The most important aspect of these temples is the north Indian Shikhara (rising tower) style. Among these temples, the Kandariya Mahadeva is the most famous one. This was built by Vidyadhara, a king of the Chandela dynasty in 1050. Its Shikhara rises up to 31 m. Some of the other beautiful temples of Khajuraho include the Chaunsath Yogini, Chitragupta Temple, Vishwanatha Temple and the Lakshmana Temple. Most of the temples do not bear erotic sculptures inside the temple. The carvings which bear tantric sexual poses are all on the exterior. Some of the temples have two layers of walls with erotic carvings on the outside of the inner wall. The Chandela rulers who followed tantric traditions built them to manifest their belief that gratification of desires leads to attaining Nirvana.
Trips that visit Khajuraho
- North India and Nepal TourDay 7: Drive to Khajuraho(via Orcha and Jhansi) 14 days
- India Nepal & Bhutan OdysseyDay 4: Drive to Khajuraho 17 days
Near Khajuraho
More to see around Madhya Pradesh.
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Sight
Ashoka Pillar
Ashoka Pillar with its Four Lion headed stubs is the creation of the great Emperor Asoka.It is the construction that dates back to the 3rd Century BC, and…
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Sight
Bandhavgarh
The Bandhavgarh National Park lies in the heart of the Vindhya. Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968. This is also White Tiger country.
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Sight
Bhimbetka
One of the most primitive dwellings of human race, Bhimbetka boasts of a history of 35000 years old.
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Sight
Bhopal
Located around a lake and is famous for its archaeological wealth. It is situated on the site of the 11th century city Bhojapal, named after Raja Bhoj.
