Khajurao

Khjurao, one of the capitals of the Chandellas, who formed the principal ruling dynasty in central India in early medieval times, is situated in Chhatarpur District of Madhya Pradesh in the heart of central India and has the distinction of possessing one of the finest groups of medieval temples.  It lies 55 kilometers south of Mahoba, 47 kilometers east of Chhatarpur and 43 kilometers north-west of Panna and is accessible by metalled roads from Mahoba, Harpalpur and Satna railway stations on the Central Railway.  The distance from Harpalpur to Chhatarpur is 55 kilometers.  There are regular bus-services to Khajurao from Harpalpur, Chhatarpur, Mahoba and Satna, the last place being 117 kilometers from Khajurao.  There is also a daily air-service connecting Khajurao with Delhi, Agra and Varanasi.

The Chhatarpur-Khajurao road coincides with the Nowgong-Satna road for 32 kilometers, beyond which the road branches from Bamitha to Khajurao, a distance of 11 kilometers, through a picturesque upland.

Khajurao itself is a small village situated along a lake known as the Khajurao-sagar or Ninora-tal; but that it represents what was once a large city is indicated by its ruins extending over an area of about 21 square kilometers.

Khajurao- after the Taj it is the most frequently visited monument in India. Khajurao is a unique example of Indo-Aryan architecture. The Chandela rulers between 950-1050 built these temples. There were 85 temples, which were built, and only 22 of them survive today.

Unlike other temples Khajurao temples are said to have a theme (women), which comes in front while going through the temples. A celebration of womankind, her myriad moods and facets. There are carvings of a woman writing letter, applying makeup to her eyes, combing her tresses, dancing, and playing with her child. Innocent, coquettish, smiling, seductive, passionate and beautiful, all depicted in intricate detail, sharply etched, sculpted with consummate skill. One opinion says Chandelas were followers of the tantric cult, which believes that gratification of Earthly desires is a step towards attaining the infinite liberation, Nirvana.

For many centuries these temples were concealed in the dense jungles to be discovered by Captain T.S Burt in 1838. But tourists were allowed here only after the basic tourist infrastructures were built in the area.

Shopping

There are shops located near the temples where you can purchase the local handicrafts and other souvenirs which at times make good gift items There are a number of handicraft shops in the market opposite to the Western group of temples and the nearby Gole market. The hotels, Chandela, Jass Oberoi, Holiday Inn, Clarks Bundela and Ashok also have shopping arcades. Photo shops are also located here and cameras are available on hire.

Accommodation

This major Indian tourist center has a variety of accommodation facilities like lodges, tourist bungalows, guest houses, five star hotels. Apart from these for budget tourists hotels with low tariffs are available. Hotel Chandela, Jass Oberoi, Holiday Inn Khajurao, Clarks Bundela, Hotel Khajurao Ashok provide five star accommodation. The Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation runs hotel Jhankar, hotel Payal, hotel Rahil, Tourist Village and Tourist Bungalow.

Climate

The place has a typical continental type of climate with summers being hot and winters cold. Best season to visit these temples is between the months of October and April.

How to Reach?

Khajurao has an Airport of its own, with flights connecting the place from Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Kathmandu. The nearest railway stations for Khajurao are those of Mahoba and Harpalpur. But for persons travelling from Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai, Jhansi is the convenient railhead and for those travelling from Varanasi and Calcutta, Satna is the railhead. Khajurao is also well connected by regular and direct bus services from the near by cities.

Sightseeing

Museums and Art Galleries - The archaeological museum houses fine sculptures and stone panels of ruined temples in three different display galleries known as the Jain, Buddhist and miscellaneous galleries. The museum has a huge statue of the Buddha and an unusual statue of a dancing Ganesha.

Shilpgram - It is located in the heart of Khajurao. The 10-acre complex has craftsmen from various parts of India working on Ethnic handicrafts. These are sold in the shops within the complex. Cultural and artistic activities are staged at an open-air auditorium here.

Excursions

Tourist Information Centers

Government of India Tourist office - Opp western group of temples, Khajurao, Madhya Pradesh, India. Tel. - +(91)--42347, 42348

Tourist office - MPSTDC, Tourist Bungalow Complex, Madhya Pradesh, India. Tel. - +(91)--2051

Fairs and Festivals

All the Hindu festivals are celebrated here, people from the neighbour ing villages turn out in large numbers adding local flavour, colour and fun to these festivals. Every month an Amavasya festival is held when a bazaar (haat) is put up where one can purchase various kinds of consumer items. The entertainment during these festivals includes tribal dances and puppet shows. People take holy dip in the tank and worship at the Matangeshwar temple.

Khajurao Dance Festival - Held in open-air theatre every year during March, renowned classical dancers perform every evening for a week. 

Shivratri - The Bundelkhand region is a strong hold of Shaivites, so Shivaratri is held with pomp and gaiety in the area. Devotees travel hundreds of miles to worship at the Matangeshwar temple. A ten-day bazaar is held which attracts pedlars and gypsies from other parts of state.

A Word of Caution

To all tourist – Beware of touts if new to place

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