10 Best Things To Do In Khajuraho, India

things to do in khajuraho india
Heena
Heena 
Updated
| 5 min read

Today we are talking about a place which has many monuments, the name of the place is Khajuraho. Khajuraho is situated in Madhya Pradesh and it is mostly recognized the world over for its group of temples, which symbolize both Hindu and Jain religion. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site in India. The temples built here are mainly famous for their building style and erotic scriptures. The rulers of the Chandela Dynasty got these temples constructed between 950-1050 AD. The name Khajuraho is derived from ancient Sanskrit. The rulers built 85 temples but today there are only 22-25 temples remaining. The temples are situated at a distance of 175 kilometers (108 miles) from Jhansi.

Every city in India has something special to look out for, and Khajuraho is no different. Every traveler likes to explore new things and in Khajuraho, you would never be disappointed with anything, there’s a ton of things to explore here. The erotic carvings of Khajuraho’s temples are the finest temple carvings in the world. The design plan of Khajuraho’s temple includes Mandala, Purusha and Vastu, and this pattern is followed in all temples.

Check out the top 10 places you shouldn’t miss out on, while planning your trip to Khajuraho in India.

1. Kandariya Mahadev Temple

Khajuraho.KandariyaMahadeva
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user China Crisis used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Kandariya Mahadev Temple is the most ornate and the largest temple of the Khajuraho group. Kandariya Mahadev Temple means “The Great Cave Of God”. It was built by the Vidyadhara King of the Chandela Dynasty. The temple was constructed, keeping a north Indian architectural style in mind. There is a Shiva linga made of marble in the temple and the temple is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva. There are idols of Lord Vishnu and Brahma too in the temple. Overall, there are 870 sculptures in the Kandariya Mahadev Temple.

Kandariya Mahadev Temple

Address: Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606

Website: Kandariya Mahadev Temple

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2. Lakshman Temple

Khajuraho-Lakshmana temple
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Christopher Voitus used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Lakshman Temple is another beautiful temple in the Khajuraho group of temples. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. On the southern side, you can find orgiastic carvings in this temple, and the carvings are said to portray that a horse can be man’s best friend forever. It was constructed by King Yasovarman in the 10th-century and the idol was brought from Tibet. It was made by keeping a north Indian architectural style in mind.

Lakshman Temple

Address: Rajnagar Road, Sewagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606

Website: Lakshman Temple

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3. Devi Jagdamba Temple

Devi Jagdambi Temple Khajuraho 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Antoine Taveneaux used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This temple is a part of the western group of temples in Khajuraho. There are many erotic sculptures around the temple. The beautiful carvings on the walls include Sardulas, followed by Vishnu and Mithunas. The temple is more similar to Chitragupta, but it is less embellished with carvings. Visiting this temple is a must, as it showcases brilliant craftsmanship, but it is smaller than the other temples in this area.

Devi Jagdamba Temple

Address: Rajnagar Rd, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606

Website: Devi Jagdamba Temple

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4. Dulhadev Temple

Khajuraho Dulhadeo 2010
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Marcin Białek used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This temple is included in the southern group of temples of the Khajuraho temples. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was constructed in 1100 A.D. There is a Mandapa where the idol is placed in the temple along with a Maha Mandapa and an Ardh Mandapa also in the temple complex.

Dulhadev Temple

Address: Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606

Website: Dulhadev Temple

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Khajuraho Tour Guide

Narender Kumar

Narender Kumar

I have been a tour guide/ escort for more than 10 years and have guided tourists pan India to historical and cultural heritage sites, national parks & bird sancturies, monuments places like- Delhi , Agra, Jaipur, Khajuraho Exotic Temples, Ranthambore National Park, Mumbai, Nashik , Aurangabad ( Ajanta Rockcut Caves & Ellora Rockcut Temples ), Goa etc. I am proficient in English, Russian, Hindi and Urdu. I became a tour guide due to my passion for travelling and I love meeting new people and share incredible experiences and learn more about a culture and place. I have a good sense of humor and love cracking jokes which will make your trip fun and lively. I love taking care of people and your safety is my top priority. You will have the best holiday memories with me as your tour guide/escort.

Tours by Narender

5. Parsvanatha Temple

Khajuraho Parshvanath temple 2010
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Marcin Białek used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Parsvanath Temple was built by Dhangdeva. The temple was built in the 10th-century and is in the group of eastern temples of Khajuraho. When it was built, it was dedicated to Adinath, who was the first Tirthanka of the Jain religion, but now it is dedicated to Parsvanath. There are images of lions, sea nymphs and elephants on the walls of the temple.

Parsvanatha Temple

Address: Eastern Group of Temples, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606

Website: Parsvanatha Temple

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6. Vishvanath Temple

Vishwanath N-MP-23
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Asitjain used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Vishvanath Temple was built in the year 1002 A.D. It is part of the western group of temples in the Khajuraho group. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Vishvanath Temple is a superlative example of Chandela architecture. There are sculptures of women carved around the temple on the outer walls and the women in the sculptures are seen in sensual poses, writing letters, taking care of their babies and playing music. At the East side, you can find a long statue of Nandi.

Vishvanath Temple

Address: Rajnagar Rd, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606

Website: Vishvanath Temple

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7. Khajuraho Dance Festival

Khajuraho Dance 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Flying Pharmacist used under CC BY 2.5

Khajuraho Dance Festival is held between 20th to 26th February every year. Khajuraho Dance Festival is organized by the Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad. It is a one week long festival behind the temples. Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, and Kathak are the main dance forms performed in the open air theaters where the festival is organized. It is an event not to be missed when in Khajuraho!

Khajuraho Dance Festival

Price: Free

Website: Khajuraho Dance Festival

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8. Adinath Temple

things to do in khajuraho india | adinath temple
Source: instagram

This temple is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara Adinatha. The temple was built in the 11th-century. There are only two parts of the temple that are still remaining, the vestibule and the sanctum.

Adinath Temple

Website: Adinath Temple

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9. Lakshmi Temple

things to do in khajuraho india | lakshmi temple
Source: instagram

Lakshmi Temple is one of the best monuments among Khajuraho’s attractions. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and is located on the western side. You can easily find this temple on the North side of the Varaha Temple and the opposite side of Lakshman Temple. This beautiful architectural temple is in a square shape, which is called Chabutara. It is smaller than the other temples in Khajuraho. One thing that is a mystery, is how you will not find any sculptures on the side and back walls.

Lakshmi Temple

Address: Rajnagar Rd, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606

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10. Varaha Shrine


Varaha Shrine faces the Lakshman Temple, and has a 1.5 m (4.9 foot) high sandstone carving of Lord Vishnu. It dates back to 900 A.D and you can find many carved arts of gods here, which will definitely mesmerize you.

Varaha Shrine

Address: Rajnagar Rd, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606

Website: Varah Shrine

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The end of the holy journey through Khajuraho's culture

Currently, Khajuraho is served by Civil Aerodrome Khajuraho, which is associated with Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Mumbai. Each and every temple has its own meaning and value. Khajuraho’s architecture is symbolic, with proper meaning, and reflects Hindu beliefs strongly. Khajuraho Dance Festival is held every year in the month of February. Many Indian classical dancers represent their devotee through a dance in front of Chitragupta or Vishwanath Temple during this time. The beautiful and expressive sculptures of Khajuraho will leave you in awe and wonder, and should not be missed.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Hailing from India, Heena explores the world through information and people's preferences. She sees beauty in every place and excels as a storyteller and expressive writer. Moreover she is an...Read more

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