These 85 granite and sandstone temples of Khajuraho are renowned for their fine blend of sculpture and architecture. They consist of bands of horizontal sculptures which balance and blend with the vertical line of the temples superstructure. Besides the Chausath-yogini, the Brahma and the Mahadeva temples which are of granite, all the other temples are made of fine grained sandstone and are buff pink or pale yellow in colour. They have been constructed on a high and solid platform, which provides an open ambulatory. The temple of Vishnu built by Yasovarman (AD 954), now famous as the Lakshman temple proclaims the prestige of the Chandellas. The Visvanatha, Parsvanatha and Vaidyanatha temples belong to the time of king Dhanga, the successor of Yasovarman. The Jagadambi, and the Chitragupta Temples, are noteworthy among the western group of royal temples of Khajuraho. The immortal Kandariya Mahadeva temple is the largest and the grandest temple of Khajuraho, attributed to King Ganda (AD 1017-29). These temples are known for their lofty terraces (jagati) and functionally effective plans. The sculptural embellishments include parivara, parsva, avarana devatas, dikpalas, the apsaras and sura-sundaris in their delicate, youthful female forms of ravishing beauty exuding an irrevocable charm and grace.

Tourist Information

Open on all weekdays from sunrise to sunset. Entry fee for those above 12 yrs. : Rs. 5.00 Free entry on Fridays.

Best time to visit

October to April

Get There

Air : Air links to Delhi, Agra and Varanasi.

Rail : Nearest railheads are Harpalpur, Mahoba, and Jhansi.

Road : Road links to Satna, Harpalpur Jhansi (175 km) and Gwalior (280 km).

Places to visit

Rajgarh Palace, Dhubela Museum (65 kms), Pandav Falls (34 kms), Raneh Falls (19 kms), Ken Natural Trail (22 kms), Benisagar Lake (11 kms), Ranguan Lake (25 kms), Gangau Dam (34 kms), Panna National Park (25 kms), Panna (45 kms).