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  India » Khajuraho
      City Guide





Khajur is the Indian word for the date-fruit and Khajurapura (the original name of the city), when translated alludes to the imagery of the tall date palms which used to guard the city gates. While the gates have ceased to exist, the willowy date palms continue to grace this temple town.

The temples in Khajuraho are a fabulous example of Indo-Aryan architecture, an elegant combination of intricacy and simplicity. The city traces its origin to the 10th century when it was the bastion of the Chandela dynasty. The Chandelas were a people who branched off from the Rajputs and belonged to the Lunar dynasty, which was founded by Chandravarman, the son of Hemwati (daughter of a Brahmin Priest) and the Moon God.

 




AIR
Indian Airlines and Jet have shuttle flights between Khajuraho, Varanasi, Agra and Delhi. Though the Airport is small it is functional, centrally located and very close to all the hotels.

RAIL
Jhansi (175 km) and Satna (120 km), are the two convenient railheads.Harpalpur (100 km) is the nearest railhead when travelling to and from the city.

ROAD
The town is well connected with bus routes to Indore, Jhansi and Jabalpur. For the adventurous traveller, a bus journey with the numerous picturesque stops en route is a real treat. The Bus Stand is centrally located


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CLIMATE
Extreme, with a drastic shift in the day and night temperatures and minimal rainfall. The summer temperatures vary from 45°C to 20°C; winter 27°C to 5°C. Temperatures range between 15°C and 27°C from July to January.

STD CODE
07686

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Temples
The temples are a superb example of Chandela art and architecture, depicting scenes of gods and goddesses, valiant warriors, animals and people, often engaged in acts of love. There is a specific portrayal of sensuality and erotica, which far from appearing vulgar, enhances the beauty and purity of the temple art forms.
From the exterior, the temples are a series of towers each higher than the other, culminating in a soaring shikhara. The inner sanctum sanctorum is almost as elaborately carved as the exterior.
At the time of being built since there was no mortar, these blocks have merely been fitted together. The common material used was granite or sandstone and the horizontal band of sculptures were an integral part of the design, which was used to balance the vertical elements for design symmetry.

Western Group
The Western Group of Temples are the most elaborately carved from the three groups. Set within an enclosure amidst manicured lawns the temples in this group include:
Lakshmi and Varaha Temple, dedicated to Lakshmi and the Varaha (boar) avtaar of Vishnu.
Lakshmana Temple, one of the better examples of intricate workmanship is dedicated to Vishnu.
Kandariya Mahadev, the largest and architecturally the most perfect, has an interesting exterior and an interior which houses 872 spectacularly carved statues.
Mahadeva Temple, the smallest temple, has the one of the best sculptures of a sardula figure caressing a lion.
Devi Jagadamba Temple, believed to have originally been dedicated to Vishnu, then Parvati and finally to Kali. According to legend, the idol within is one of Parvati, painted black to symbolise Kali.
Chitragupta Temple dedicated to the Sun God, Surya.
Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Shiva, the destroyer and his faithful vahan, Nandi.
Matangesvara Temple, the only temple in this group, where worship continues, dedicated to Shiva.
Chausath Yogini Temple, presently in ruins, believed to be the oldest temple in Khajuraho

Eastern Group
Can be further divided into two groups-one being an enclosure housing the Jain Temples and the second being a cluster of four temples. Though all the temples are worth a visit, the main attractions are:
Parasvanath Temple, originally dedicated to Adinath, subsequently to Parasvanath is the largest and finest Jain temple in the city. The beautiful image of a woman removing a thorn from her foot and another applying make-up are memorable.
Adinath Temple, smaller in size than the Parasvanath Temple. Its sculptures are in a tri-band formation, similar to Hindu temples. The interior has a solid black image, typical of a Jain temple.
Shantinath Temple, modern compared to the others, was built a century ago with raw materials from older temples. Digambara Jains come here to worship Adinath.
Ghantai Temple, mostly in ruins, only the gracefully carvings of the bell and chain motifs remain.
Javari Temple, dating back to AD 1075-1100 is dedicated to Vishnu.
Vamana Temple, slightly older than the Javari Temple, stands alone in the middle of a field, dedicated to the dwarf incarnation of Vishnu.
Brahma and Hanuman Temple, actually dedicated to Vishnu, rendering its title as a Brahma and Hanuman Temple as incorrect.

Southern Group
This temple complex has only two temples to offer. If you have more than a day, you have time for the Southern Group, otherwise contain time and travel by visiting the other two temple groups.
Duladeo Temple, 1 km away from the Jain enclosure, this almost seem to be built as an afterthought. The sculptures appear cold and do not communicate the emotion evident in the other temples.
Chaturbhuja Temple, south of the river, approximately 3 km from the city centre. The remains of this temple house an image of Vishnu.

Archaeological Museum
At a short distance from the Western Group, this museum is packed with statues and figurines, which have been restored from the ruins of the temples. Particularly noteworthy is the Ganesh sculpture in the entrance gallery.
Note: The entrance fee is included in the ticket for the Western Group of Temples.

Jain Museum
A recent addition to enhance the viewer s experience when visiting the Jain Temples, the museum exhibits 24 tirthankaras.

Shilpgram
A 10-acre complex showcasing traditional handicrafts from various parts of India. The ethnic offerings are both for viewing and sale. Within the complex there is an amphitheatre where cultural programs are staged.


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Dhubela
On the road from Khajuraho to Jhansi at a distance of 64 km there is an old fort, which unfortunately is falling into ruin and a museum with ancient Shaki cult sculptures and a cache of weapons, clothes and personal memorabilia of the Bundela rulers.

Panna National Park
Sprawling over an area of 543 sq km, the sanctuary is situated adjacent to the Ken River and is teeming with a wide variety of flora and fauna. The park has 22 tigers; however, as they are not tracked it is almost impossible to spot one. The other wildlife includes deer, leopards, langur and sambar.
Note: Panna is closed from June to October. The Raneh Falls and the Majhgawan Diamond Mines are close by and are well worth a visit.

Ajaigarh and Kalinjar Forts
The solitary Ajaigarh Fort, 80 km from Khajuraho, built by the Chandela rulers was an effort to protect the local folk during attacks or sieges. The Kalinjar Fort, 25 km northwards, much older in origin was built during the Gupta period is just within the U P border.

Pandav Falls
From the city, 32 km on the mighty Ken River are the Pandav Falls. The rays of the sun filtering through the misty spray turn the sunlight into incandescent rainbow colours - truly a sight to behold. The area is picturesque and is a great picnic spot.

Beni Sagar Dam
A great spot for a fun, 11 km from Khajuraho, the dam is a good place to swim and go boating. The surrounding landscaped gardens offer shade and green areas to rest and relax in.

Gangau
A mini wildlife sanctuary situated on the banks of the Ken River, 38 km from the city. The park has a small population of cheetal, sambhar, langurs etc and is well worth a visit.


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Most shops situated around the temple complex sell local handicrafts and temple souvenirs. The city is small and the shopping areas are few, the major one being in opposite the temple complex near the Gole Market. The most popular souvenirs are the erotic mini sculptures, which display great flexibility and imagination!
All the hotels have mini shopping arcades with a good variety of handicrafts.
Oswal Complex (city centre) - Handicrafts
Shilpgram (city centre) - Handicrafts


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