Khajuraho is a historic city in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in North India. The city is widely known for its temples belonging to the medieval Jain and Hindu period. Known as the Land of Moon God, Khajuraho today is ranked amongst the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Khajuraho is an idyllic place if you are seeking for a break from the hustle-bustle of big cities and looking for composed time with culture and tradition. The beautiful and the erotic rock carvings of the temples are truly amazing and depict the commitment of the Chandela Rulers towards arts and architecture.
Serving as the symbol of the medieval heritage, Khajuraho has approximately 22 temples depicting religious dedication of the rulers back then. Thousands of tourists come to Khajuraho each year to explore the Indo-Aryan style of construction of the beautiful temples of Khajuraho. With the beautiful backdrop of Vindhya Mountains, Khajuraho is a captivating destination to visit and to explore the unique artistic figures.
What to See?
Lakshmana Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lakshmana Temple is termed as one of the best-preserved temples in Khajuraho. The temple walls have carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses and the temple is named after the ruler who built it. The main entrance of the temple has beautiful carvings of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva with Lakshmi. Every nook and corner of the temple has figures of Apsaras, forms of women with jewelry all over and over 600 Hindu mythological characters. It has a typical medieval Indian architecture and is built on a raised platform.
Address: Western Temple Complex, Khajuraho
Opening Hours: 06:00 AM-06:00 PM
Entry Fee: 10 per person for Indians and 250 per person for foreigners
Kandariya Mahadeo Temple
Kandariya Mahadeo Temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple in Khajuraho. The walls have exquisite carvings of deities, gods and goddesses and eternal lovers, depicting the typical medieval architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple has sculptures, counted among the supreme masterpieces of Indian Art. Tallest and biggest of all the Khajuraho temples, it’s a must visit place for magnificence and beauty.
Address: Western Temple Complex, Khajuraho
Opening Hours: 06:00 AM-06:00 PM
Entry Fee: 10 per person for Indians and 250 per person for foreigners
Khajuraho Archaeological Museum
In the year 1967, Khajuraho got an amazing museum that is the best place to get a glimpse of history and culture of Khajuraho. The museum houses sculptures, statues and architectural remains of the temples during the 10th and the 12th century. Today, the museum houses more than 2000 objects, the most popular ones amongst them are Nritta Ganesha, Uma-Maheshwara, Andhakasuravadhamurti and Vaikuntha.
Address: Opposite Circuit House, Khajuraho 471606, India.
Opening Hours: 10.00 am-7.00 pm (Saturday-Thursday)
Entry Fee: Rs 5 per person
The Parshvanatha Temple
Housing a huge image of the Jain Tirthankara Parsvanatha, this one of the largest and most visited Jain Temples. Largest among the Eastern Group of Temples, the Parshvanatha Temple reflects a mix of three cultures: Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim. The wall carvings of Surasundaries in different poses are eye-catching and non-erotic. The artistic brilliance of this temple will leave you spell-bounded; visit this temple for its remarkable architecture and construction.
Address: Eastern Temple Complex, Khajuraho
Opening Hours: 06:00 AM-06:00 PM
Entry Fee: Rs. 10/- for Indians and USD $5 for foreigners
Chaturbhuj Temple
The Chaturbhuj Temple derived its name from a Sanskrit word “Chaturbhuj” meaning “One who has four arms”. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and houses a 9 feet intricately carved Vishnu idol with four arms, hence its name. It dates back to 1100 A.D and is known for its amazing architecture that is very similar to the Javari Temple in Khajuraho. The beautiful carvings of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh will leave you spell-bounded, don’t forget carrying your camera.
Address: Chattarpur, Khajuraho
Opening Hours: Open from: 8.00 am-6.00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs 10
Where to Dine?
Paradise Restaurant
True to its name, Paradise Restaurant is truly a paradise for food lovers; this is one of the most popular restaurants in the city. Serving delicious Indian Cuisine, the restaurant comes as a surprise in terms of quality and service. The restaurant offers awesome views of the sunset and lake view and also free wireless internet access. A must try here is Malai Kofta, made of mashed potato balls mixed with spices.
Address: Opposite Shivsagar Lake Khajuraho
Opening Hours: 7am-9.30pm
Phone Number: N/A
Mediterraneo Restaurant
Serving as an easy spot for early risers, Mediterraneo Restaurant is a small rooftop restaurant serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. The restaurant serves amazing bruschetta and pasta, popular among tourists and restaurant excels in Lasagna, pasta, pizza and ravioli. A must try here is pizza baked in a wood-fired oven, a different fashion altogether.
Address: Jain Temples Rd
Opening Hours: Early Morning until late
Phone Number: 7.30am-10pm
Bella Italia
Traveling on a Budget? Bella Italia serves delicious food at unbelievably low prices. Known as the cheaper version of Mediterraneo restaurant, it’s a rooftop restaurant overlooking the market. The restaurant specializes in Italian Cuisine and excels at making Pizza baked in "A Brick Oven" and Pasta.
Address: Jain Temple Rd, Khajuraho 471606, India
Opening Hours: 7am-10.30pm
Phone Number: 07686 274582
Raja’s Café
The friendly staff and amazing food makes this place counted among the best places to grab a bite after a long tiring day. The apt location of the restaurant ads to its charm and the amazing food steals the show. Raja’s café is perfect for Solo Travelers, the food here is inexpensive and the quality of Indian and Chinese food is second to none. Raja’s Café is one of the best places in Khajuraho to kill hunger and has a friendly staff aiming to serve you better.
Address: Main Road, Khajuraho
Opening Hours: 8am-10.30pm
Blue Sky Restaurant
Located close to the Western Group of Temples, Blue Sky Restaurant is a rooftop restaurant, perfect for a beautiful sunset view. The restaurant serves Indian, Japanese and western food and has a table up in a Tree House balcony that offers amazing view of the Western Group of Temples.
Address: Located close to the Western Group of Temples
Opening Hours: 6am-10pm
Phone Number: 07686 274120
Where to Stay?
Budget
Hotel Harmony
If traveling to Khajuraho on budget, Hotel Harmony is the best place to look for accommodation. The hotel has a perfect setting with green lawns and is away from the hustle-bustle of city life. Top amenities offered by the property are Airport Pick-up, Valet Parking, STD and ISD facility and 24 hours room service. Guestrooms are equipped with Color TV with Multi Channels, attached bath with running hot & cold water and much more. Take up the daily yoga and meditation classes during your stay.
Address: Jain Temple Road, Khajuraho, India
Phone Number: +91-7686-274135, 274238
Rates: Starting from Rs 500/night
Shri Krishna Jungle Resort
Shri Krishna Jungle Resort is one of the most beautiful spots to stay while vacationing in Khajuraho. The resort is surrounded by lush green grass and is away from the noisy city life, making you feel like being home. The resort staff is friendly, attentive and aims at making your stay a memorable one. The resort believes in the philosophy of "Atithi Devo Bhavah".
Address: By-Pass Road, Near Hotel Radisson, Khajuraho, India
Phone Number: 07489577231, +919425143570, +919685626786
Rates: Starting from Rs 200/night
Hotel Zen
Hotel Zen is situated in the heart of Khajuraho and is located close to the Khajuraho temples. Here you can choose from the three categories of rooms offered which are: AC Deluxe Room, AC Semi Deluxe Room, Non AC Standard Room and AC Standard Room. Guestrooms have balconies with city and garden views and are equipped with TV, hair dryers, complimentary newspapers and much more.
Address: Jain Temple Road, Khajuraho, India
Phone Number: +91 7686 274 228
Rates: Starting from Rs 250/night
Midrange
Hotel Isabel Palace
Hotel Isabel Palace is a Midrange hotel offering all modern facilities and is located close to Khajuraho Airport. Top amenities offered by the property are 24 Hours room service, Laundry, Conference Hall and a Multi - cuisine restaurant. Choose from the 14 Executive Rooms and Suites with A/C and Non A/C and get an experience that is second to none. The friendly staff aims at making your stay comfortable and pleasant. The hotel has a three day cancellation policy and accepts all major credit and debit cards for payments.
Address: Airport Road, Khajuraho, India
Phone Number: +91 98 93 286538
Rates: Starting from Rs 700/night
Hotel Krishna Cottage
Hotel Krishna Cottage offers excellent accommodation, rooms are fully air-conditioned, beautifully decorated and have all amenities required by travelers. The hotel is minutes away from the Western Group of the Temples and offers beautiful sunset and sunrise view from its roof. The hotel features Wi-Fi in public areas, safety deposit boxes and a restaurant. Guestrooms are equipped with dressing table, cable TV, telephone, night lamp and much more to make your stay pleasant and comfortable.
Address: Opp Shiv Sagar Lake, Khajuraho, India
Phone Number: N/A
Rates: Starting from Rs 800/night
Marble Palace
Located near the main temples of Khajuraho, Hotel Marble Palace serves as a great base from where you can easily explore all parts of this vibrant city. Adding to its charm is its impeccable service and friendly staff that aims at making you stay pleasant and comfortable. The hotel offers essential amenities like 24 Hour Reception, internet access, car park and airport transfer. Room amenities include AC, Cable TV, shower area, hot and cold running water and bathroom toiletries.
Address: Opposite to Gole market, across main road, Khajuraho, India
Phone Number: N/A
Rates: Starting from Rs 975/night
Upscale
The Radisson Jass Hotel Khajuraho
The Radisson Jass is an apt choice whether you are traveling for business or a tourist. Located just a kilometer away from the city center, the property is popular among tourists looking for a luxury accommodation in Khajuraho. Top facilities offered by the hotel are room service, a restaurant, safety deposit boxes, meeting facilities and business center. Guestrooms are equipped with plasma TV, hair dryer, internet access, minibar and much more for a pleasant stay.
Address: By Pass Road Khajuraho, Khajuraho, India 471606
Phone Number: 09320240024
Rates: Starting from Rs 2950/night
Hotel Chandela
Take a break from the hustle bustle of city life and make a stay at the calm and serene, Hotel Chandela. Located at an easy driving distance of 15 minutes from the Khajuraho Airport, the hotel is also close to the temples of Western Group. Top amenities offered by the hotel are coffee shop, airport transfer, concierge, business center, laundry service and more. Other amenities include fitness center, kids club, a garden and tennis courts.
Address: Airport Road, Khajuraho, India 471606
Phone Number: +91 7686 272 355
Rates: Starting from Rs 2400/night
Ramada Khajuraho
Ramada Khajuraho is a 4 star property located close to the Khajuraho Airport. The hotel aims at providing top class comfort to its guests and offers amenities such as shops, coffee shop, concierge, valet parking, airport transfer and much more. The beautifully decorated guestrooms are equipped with facilities like daily newspapers, internet access at a surcharge, hair dryer, bath tub and much more.
Address: Airport Road, Khajuraho, India
Phone Number: +91 7686 272 304
Rates: Starting from Rs 2050/night
Getting Here
Khajuraho by Air
The nearest airport around Khajuraho is the Khajuraho Airport, located 5 kms away from the city. The airport has regular scheduled flights from Delhi, Varanasi and Mumbai. If you wish to keep away from the bumpy road ride, flight is the best option to reach Khajuraho.
Khajuraho by Road
Regular public and private buses operate from Santa and Jhansi, total journey takes around 3 hours to reach Khajuraho. The city is also very well connected via bus to Jhansi, Gwalior and Agra. If you wish you travel by road, opt of taxis instead of buses and public transport.
Khajuraho by Train
Khajuraho has a train station that links it to Jhansi, it also has regular trains from Delhi, Agra and Varanasi. Book your train tickets online well in advance through your credit or debit card for a hassle free journey. Mahoba is the nearest railway station to Khajuraho.
Quick Travel Guide
The best time to visit the temples of Khajuraho is from the months of October to March. The average temperature at this time ranges between 90° and 40° Fahrenheit, hence apt for exploring the area. Travel back in time by visiting the museum, palace and fort and delve into the history and culture of the region. Each year the city hosts a cultural extravaganza, The Annual Khajuraho Dance Festival, held each year from 25th February to 2nd March showcasing the traditional Indian dance forms.
Important contact:
Ambulance - 102
Fire - 101
Police - +91-07686-274032 or 100
Tourist Office: +91 7686 42347