Location
The
ancient town Khajuraho is located in the Bundelkhand region of the northern
side of the state Madhya Pradesh. It is 274 km from Gwalior and 600 km from
Delhi.
The Town Khajuraho
The temple city of central India is popular among tourists for its
beautifully sculptured temples. These exquisitely carved temples represent
the rich Hindu art and architecture. This beautiful village town was the
first capital of the Chandelas. Chandelas were the medieval Rajput kings who
ruled this region during the 9th century. The city houses several carved
temples built during 950-1050 AD. The temple town is now regarded as a World
Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1986, for its architectural and historical
importance.
Climate
The town has an extreme climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summers
have a maximum temperature of 47 degrees C and the minimum temperature of
winters is 4 degrees C. Average annual rainfall in Khajuraho is around
1120mm(July-Aug). October to April is the ideal time to visit the town.
Sightseeing
Khajuraho is one of the most visited city of India after Agra. Major
tourist attractions of the city include various temples of different groups.
» Temples - Originally there were around 85 temples
built over a time span of 100 years(950-1050AD), out of which only 20 have
survived now. All the temples are divided into different groups :
The
Western Group of Temple complex consists of temples like
Lakshmana Temple, the Devi Jagdamba Temple, the Chandragupta Temple. The
temples are generally dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu or Shiva. The temples in
this complex are large and lavishly decorated.
The
Eastern Group of Temple complex has temples of
Hindu and Jain. The major Hindu temples are the Ghantai Temple, Vamana
Temple, Brahma Temple etc. The Jain temples like Temple of Adinath,
Shantinath Temple were constructed and maintained by the Digambara sect in
the 11th century.
The
Southern Group of Temple complex has only two
temples, one dedicated to Lord Shiva and called Duladeva Temple, and the
other to Lord Vishnu and called Chaturbhuj Temple. The temples can be best
viewed in the afternoon, when the sunrays lights its complex.
» Museum - There are three museums in the town
displaying numerous ancient objects. The ASI Museum and the Jain Museum are
housed numerous statues of various sizes. The State Museum of Tribal and
Folk has an excellent collection of tribal artifacts including wooden craft,
paintings, jewellery etc.
ASI Museums entry fee is Rs 5 and timing is from 10 am to 4.30 pm. Jain
Museum's entry timing is from 7 am to 6 pm with no entry fee. State Museum
entry fee is Rs 20 and timing is from noon to 6 pm.
Fairs and Festivals
Khajuraho Dance Festival - The famous dance festival of
Khajuraho is held in the months of February and March every year. This
attract numerous artists from all over India to show their dance skills on a
perfect backdrop of temples. Different classical dances are presented in
this festivals including Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi and Odissi. Other
important festival is the Mahashivratri which marks Lord Shiva's marriage
with Parvati. It is celebrated in the temple of Kandariya Mahadeo Temple.
Shopping
There
are several small shops outside temple gates selling iron, brass and stone
made items. The state emporium, Mriganayani, artisan workshops and bazaars
at Rajinagar are the places from where one can buy different handicraft
items.
Accommodation
Several hotels are located within a kilometer or so of the temple complex.
Accommodation is available in all categories ranging from luxury to budget.
Some major hotels are :
» Five Star - Hotel Taj Chandela, Hotel Jass Trident
etc.
» Four Star - Hotel Holiday Inn
» Three Star - Hotel Clarks, Hotel Greenwood, Usha
Bundela, etc.
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