The Western Group of Temples
Khajuraho’s
Western Group has a fascinating collection of temples, in fact, it is
regarded as the best that comprises of temples such as Kandariya
Mahadeo, Devi Jagadambi Temple, ChausatH Yogini Temple, Chitragupta
Temple, Varaha Temple and Vishwanath Temple. However, amongst them all,
the three most visited are mentioned below:
1. Kandariya Mahadeo Temple
One
of the most impressive and refined temples in Khajuraho is the
Kandariya Mahadeo Temple that displays over 800 sculptures. In fact,
this is the most impressive temple structure as compared to the rest and
it is dedicated to the Hindu deity, Shiva. Inside, in the sanctum, you
can find a Shiva Linga made of marble surrounded by around 646 statues
making it look spellbinding. During your visit here, you can also
witness the entire yellow sandstone temple featuring the erotic
sculptures and perhaps, this is the temples sole purpose, ‘to display
the affection of love and the art of sex.’
2. Lakshmana Temple
One
word description that surrounds this particular temple of Khajuraho is
Magnificent. Lakshmana Temple appears similar to Kandariya Mahadeo
Temple, however, it is the oldest and the largest in the Western Group
of Tempe. It is a must visit shrine that will certainly captivate the
beholder through its intricately carved statues and the adhisthana
(lower platform) that will levitate your heart seeing its beautiful work
of art. Lakshmana Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and inside the
shrine, you can witness a beautiful female bracket figure and a high
carved ceiling at the entrance porch of the temple.
3. Matangeshwar Temple
Unlike
other temples in Khajuraho, Matangeshwar Temple has its own specialty.
It may not be adorned with intricate decor or exotic sculptures but one
thing this shrine offers is the eight-foot Shiva Linga. It is the
highest lingam in the entire North India made of yellow sandstone.
Besides, here, you can expect to be engrossed in the worship of Lord
Shiva and the best time to visit is during the morning aarti as there
will be fewer people as compared to evenings. However, make sure to plan
a visit during the festive months of February or March during
Shivratri.
Eastern Group of Temples
Slightly
smaller as compared to Khajuraho’s Western Group, the eastern side too
has a mishmash of beautifully adorned temples and they are Parsvanath
Temple, Ghantai Temple, Hanuman Temple, Brahma Temple and Vamana Temple.
Amongst these temples, the below mentioned are most visited and
photographed.
4. Adinath Temple
Adorned
with delicate carvings of Yakshis, which is a female mythical being and
a style of Islamic architecture in its Ardha Mandapa (entrance porch),
Adinath Temple is where you can wander and admire medieval Indian
architecture as you circumambulate around its Pradakshina. Adinath is a
small and charming temple dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar,
Adinath, who was also the founder of Jainism. This temple is a part of
the eastern group of temples and is surrounded by lustrous gardens. A
visit here can help you explore marvellous figures of female goddesses.
5. Javari Temple
One
of the alluring tourist attractions in Khajuraho known for its
complicated and intricate design, the temple of Javari is a beautiful
shrine surrounded by Godly figures. According to the locals, this
particular temple is named after the owner of the land and that it is
not dedicated to any Hindu deity, however, on the other hand, it is
believed that the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. A visit here can
certainly be worth it as the artwork is amazing in the Niranthara
temple, mandapa, sanctum, vestibule, and portico.
Other Places to Visit around Khajuraho
Your
visit to the temple town does not only limit your exploration here, in
fact, there are many places of tourist interest that needs to be visited
such as.
6. Panna National Park
Just
40 minutes drive from the temple town of Khajuraho, you will be greeted
by a beautiful wildlife destination called, Panna National Park. It is a
must to visit this tiger reserve, in fact, you can consider this as an
opportunity to make the most of your holiday in Khajuraho. While here
the wild attraction you can see are leopard, wolf, hyena and many other
species also the beautiful river Ken adds a charming effect to the
entire park where you can go for a boat safari. However, there are no
jeep safaris provided but there are possibilities for you to hire your
own jeep for a wildlife safari in Panna National Park.
7. Raneh Falls
Another
enthralling sightseeing spot for tourists that will alleviate your
heart is Raneh Falls. Located around 30 minutes from the temple town of
Khajuraho, this waterfall is best visited during monsoons to get a sight
of a full flash of gushing water. However, the beauty this place offers
is not the sole waterfall but also its rock formations. The granite
landscape appears to look as if the rocks have been finely cut from the
top making it appear like a series of crystal towers. So beautiful, your
eyes won’t blink seeing the landscape, emerald waters, and sandy
granite rock walls. Nature lovers are certainly going to enjoy a day
trip to Raneh Falls.
8. Ken Gharial Sanctuary
A
haven for enthusiastic nature explorers, here is another interesting
wildlife place around 5 km north of Raneh Falls, Ken Gharial Sanctuary.
This nature reserve in Khajuraho is another tourist hotspot that offers
scenic sights of critically-endangered animal species. As a matter of
fact, this nature destination is adjoining the Panna National Park, and
the landscapes are similar. But making the waterfall and this nature
reserve close by, most of the tour guides prefer to take this route,
i.e. if you want to visit these two attractions in one day. Here, like
Panna, you can spot animals like tigers, spotted deer, wild boars as
well as a variety of birds, and if you are in luck, you may get to see
Shaheen Falcon.
9. Ajaigarh Fort
A
drive for almost two hours can get you to another best-kept tourist
place to visit, hovering high in the Vindhya Mountain Range, Ajaigarh
Fort. Approximately 206 meters in altitude, this fort offers
breathtaking sight of the Ken river and Panna National Park, i.e. if the
day is clear. Nevertheless, the fort glorifies its fine example of
architecture of the Chandela dynasty but despite having very little to
explore in terms of architecture and old building structures (with most
being left out, just series of ruins) the fort still attracts tourists
as it oozes fumes of ancient tales of the people once lived here.
10. Beni Sagar Dam
Within
a kilometre from the Khajuraho railway station lies another nature
hotspot, the Beni Sagar Dam that offers riveting and refreshing public
picnic spot for families. Spreading around 7.7 sq. km, with only lush
greens and soothing ambience, this place shouts peace and tranquility.
It is perhaps an ideal place to come and soothe your tired and restless
soul from the chaotic city life. Beni Sagar Dam also provides a few
activities that include hiking and rowing, you can go for a nature walk
to nearby offbeat trails and later row your boat (or get rowed) on a
boating activity around the dam.
11. Archaeological Museum Khajuraho
Originally
built by W.A. Jardine in the year 1910 and newly constructed in 2016,
this Archaeological Museum in Khajuraho is located in the north of
Western Group of Temples. This place offers attractions of tourist
interest that tells stories of the past, a place perfect for tourists,
historians to be specific. Inside, you can witness a rare collection of
sculptures, architectural ruins, and various galleries. Also, you can
find a few information panels that narrate Chandela history. The main
purpose for the tourism department to maintain such museum is to
preserve antiques that are exquisite and priceless. Make sure to make a
pitstop here while traversing the historical temple town.
Also Read: Must Visit Museums of Madhya Pradesh
12. Jain Museum
Considering
Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain Kala Sangrahalaya to be a rather too
complicated name for a museum, you can simply call it as a Jain Museum.
Because all things you will find inside are associated with Jain
culture. Ever since 1987, as an establishing year, this museum gathers
many tourists, historians, and children for educational tours. Located
amid the Eastern Temple Group, this museum displays a circular gallery
that shows Jain sculptures and Yakshis sculptures. There are also
statues of Tirthankaras (spiritual leaders) and Makara Toranas situated
right at the museum entrance.
Things to Do
13. Attend the Sound and Light Show inKhajuraho
As
the sunsets deeming all the artsy work in different temple complexes,
you can watch an exciting show. If you plan a stay in Khajuraho, make
sure to attend the sound and light show that takes place near the
Western Group of Temples. The Indian classical music and the
technicolour floodlights are for sure going to sweep you off your feet.
Don’t believe us? Well, find it for yourself. The show narrates the
story of the past through their folk dances and musical acts and to be a
part of the show as a spectator, you need to give an entry fee of
Rupees 120 (Indian) and 400 (Foreigners). Also, make sure to mark the
timings (cross-check as it may differ).
English: 18:30 – 19:25
Hindi: 19:40 – 20:35
English: 18:30 – 19:25
Hindi: 19:40 – 20:35
14. Savour delicious and cheap street food of Khajuraho
The
street food of the local place is certainly a must try, that tangy
chutney and crunchy samosas are the prized possessions of this Indian
destination. Although there is more to offer as this temple town has a
couple of restaurants and cafes serving only the best Indian delicacies.
In fact, for cheap eats, visit the Jain Temples Road and here as soon
as the sunsets, the neon lights and yellow bulbs light the street and
various joints selling south and north Indian cuisine along with fast
foods such as omelettes, patties and of course Tibetan dumplings start
to line up.
15. Explore the old town of Khajuraho
The
land of Khajuraho has two beautiful sides, but the one that must be
visited to explore its culture and lifestyle is the old city. A walk
down the rural grounds of the temple town, which was anciently called as
Kharjura Vaahaka will give a rather rustic appeal as you traverse old
mud cemented huts and crack wooden doors easily able to peek into their
lives. An old town cultural walking tour may also let you encounter
ladies dressed in colourful sarees engrossed in their daily chores. If
you take a local guide in Khajuraho, there are chances to get insight
into their homes, lifestyle.
Visiting
this popular destination of Khajuraho filled with many exotic
attractions may make you feel like your heart has skipped a beat; the
artsy architectural wonders and nearby tourist places are certainly
charming and should not be missed.
