About Khajuraho
Around
385 miles southeast Delhi, Khajuraho is a city in Chhatarpur district in the
state of Madhya Pradesh. The name Khajuraho comes from the Hindi word
'Khajur', meaning date palm. The city of Khajuraho is one of the most
popular tourist destinations in India. The city takes great pride in its
largest group of medieval Hindu temples. The erotic sculptures of the
temples have gained utmost popularity on account of their beautiful
depiction of Kamasutra postures. These Khajuraho group of temples have also
acquired World Heritage status.
Climate of Khajuraho
Khajuraho has an extreme type of climate. There is drastic variance in day
and night temperatures. Temperature during the summers touches a high of 45
degrees centigrade while in winter it goes to down to a pleasant of 27
degrees. Winter months are the best time to visit the place. March is also
an ideal time as the famous Khajuraho Dance Festival is held during this
month.
Major Attractions of Khajuraho
» The Khajuraho Group of Temples - Rediscoverd
only in the 20th century, the Khajuraho temples are fantastic examples of
ancient Indian architecture. The temples, built between 950 and 1050 AD,
represent the Jain and the Brahminical faiths. Originally there were over 80
temples of which only 22 exist today and the whole complex is spread over an
area of 21 sq km. The Khajuraho group of monuments have the privilege to be
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The earliest of the Khajuraho temples were
made of coarse granite. The western group of temples are built in pink and
yellow sandstone. The sandstone were brought in from Panna.
The Khajuraho group of temples have been divided into three categories- the
western group, the eastern group and the southern group.
» The Western Group of Temples - The western group
of Khajuraho temples is located centrally in Khajuraho and is the largest of
the other groups. The group includes some of the most outstanding monuments,
built by the Chandela kings. One of the complexes comprises of the Lakshmana
Temple, the Matangesvara Temple and the Varaha Temple. The Visvanatha Temple
and the Nandi Temples are the other popular temples of the group.
» The Eastern Group of Temples - The eastern group
consists of five detached sub groups. This group lies in the vicinity of the
Khajuraho village. The group includes three Brahmanical and three Jain
temples. Brahma, Vamana and Javari are the Brahmanical temples while the
Jain temples comprises of the Ghantai, Adinath and Parsvanath temples.
» The Southern Group of Temples - The most distant
group is the southern group of temples comprising of two chief monuments-
the Duladeo and the Chaturbhuja temples. The Duladeo temple lies at a
distance of 1 km south of the Khajuraho village while the Chaturbhuja temple
lies close to the Khajuraho Airport.
» The Dance Festival - Celebrated in the month of
March, the Dance Festival attracts hordes of visitors from all corners.
Far-famed classical dancers arrive here to perform to the cheering
onlookers. Being here, the spectators own a chance of getting an insight
into the traditional dance forms of the country, enjoying the enthralling
environs at the same time.
» Ken Gharial Sanctuary - The Ken Gharial
Sanctuary lies at a distance of 24 km from Khajuraho. The sanctuary stands
at the junction of Ken and Khudar rivers and is home to long snouted
crocodiles.
Shopping - There are numerous stalls outside the Khajuraho temple
gates selling handicrafts and souvenirs. A weekly market is also held at
Rajinagar on Tuesdays. Rajinagar is located at a distance of 5 km from
Khajuraho. If one intends to buy silver goods and brass ware then this
market is worth visiting.
Accommodation - Accommodation is no big issue at Khajuraho and
fair bunch of star-rated hotels awaits the visitors. Hotel Jass Trident, a
5-star, is located at a distance of 2 km from the airport. Another 5-star
Hotel Taj Chandela is just 3 km from the Khajuraho Airport. Hotel Holiday
Inn is a 4-star and is located in the heart of the city. The hotel is 1.5 km
from the Khajuraho Temples. Hotel Clarks Khajuraho, Hotel Grand Temple View
and Hotel Usha Bundela are 3-stars and are not far away from the Khajuraho
Airport.
How To Reach
» Air - Regular flights from Khajuraho Airport link
Khajuraho to Delhi, Agra and Varanasi.
» Railway - Harpalpur(94 km) and Mahoba(61 km) are
the nearest railheads. Jhansi, 172 km from Khajuraho is a convenient
railhead for those travelling from Delhi and Chennai.
» Road - Khajuraho is well connected by road to
Satna, Harpalpur, Mahoba and Jhansi.
