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Khajuraho Travel Guide
Khajuraho Travel Guide
Area : 16.93 sq. km.
Altitude : 257 m above Sea Level
Temperature :
Summer : Max 47ºC, Min 21ºC.
Winter : Max 32ºC, Min 4ºC.
Rainfall : 114 cms annual
Languages : English, Hindi.
The art of Madhya Pradesh at once brings in to mind the exuberant art and the creativity immortalized in the figurative molds in the temples of Khajuraho. The temples of
Khajuraho are one of India’s major attractions. Once a great Chandella capital, Khajuraho is now a quiet village of over 6000 people. The temples are superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture, but it’s the decorations
with which they are so liberally embellished, that have made Khajuraho famous. Around the temples are bands of exceedingly fine and artistically carved stonework.
There are sculptors, which have shown many aspects of Indian life, 1000 years ago - gods and goddesses, warriors and musicians, real and mythological animals. But two
elements appear over and over again and in grater detail than anything else-women and sex.
Stone figures of apsaras, or celestial maidens, appear on every temple. They pout and pose for all the world like pin-up models posing for the camera. In between are the
mithuna, erotic figures, running through a whole Kamasutra of positions and possibilities.
Why did the Chandelas choose Khajuraho or Khajirvahila - garden of dates, as it was known then - as the site for their stupendous creations? Even in those days it was no
more than a small village. It is possible given the eclectic patronage of the Chandelas and the wide variety of beliefs represented in the temples, that they had the concept of
forming a seat of religion and learning at Khajuraho. It is possible that the Chandelas were also believers in the powers of Tantrism; the cult which believes that the
gratification of earthly desires is a step closer to the attainment of the infinite. It is certain however, that the temples represent the expression of a highly matured civilization.
Yet another theory is that the erotica of Khajuraho, and indeed of other temples, had a specific purpose. In those days when boys lived in hermitages, following the Hindu
law of being "brahmacharis" until they attained manhood, the only way they could prepare themselves for the worldly role of 'householder' was through the study of these
sculptures and the earthly passions they depicted.
Kandriya Khajuraho Dance Festival 
Indian dance lovers the world over can feast their eyes and senses at this celebration of the beauty of the Khajuraho temples. The 7-day Khajuraho Dance Festival highlights
the richness of the Indian classical dance and music and draws the best classical dancers in India every year, who perform against the spectacular backdrop of the
magnificently lit temples. The various classical styles of Indian dance performed here are Kathak, Odissi, Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali. Modern Indian
dance is a recent addition.
Western Group :
The Western group is certainly the best known, because it is to this group that the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple belongs : the Kandariya Mahadev.
Perfectly symmetrical, it soars 31 km high.
»» Kandariya Mahadeo
»» Chaunsat Yogini
»» Chitragupta Temple
»» Vishwanath Temple
»» Lakshamana Temple
»» Matangeshwara Temple
Eastern Group
»» Parsavanatha Temple
»» Ghantai Temple
»» Adinatha Temple
»» Shanti Nath
»» Javari
»» Vamana
»» Brahma & Hanuman
»» Duladeo
»» Chaturbhuja
Southern Group 
This group comprises of only two temples. A track running south from the Jain enclosure reaches the first at a distance of one Kilometer. Called Buladeo
Temple. It is among he latest built temples at Khajuraho, more accurate, finer and equally graceful, with figures of Mithuna and women in various poses. The other temple is
about 3 kilometers. Of the Chaturbhuj Temple which has a 3 meter high image of Vishnu. This temple is situated to the south of the river. The sculptures and statues play
such an important part in the total design that many have their own terminology:
»» Apsara - heavenly nymph, beautiful dancing woman.
»» Mithuna - Khajuraho's most famous image, sensuously carved and erotic.
»» Salabhanjika - female figure with tee, which together act as supporting brackets in the inner chambers of the temple.
»» Sardula - a mythical beast partially lion and partially some other animal or even human.
Khajuraho Fair & Festivals
The most important festival of Khajuraho is Mahashivratri . The festival marks Shiva's marriage with Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas. The 2.5-m-tall lingam of Kandariya
Mahadeo temple is dressed as a bridegroom, with white and saffron dhotis, and surmounted by a huge, conical, silver paper crown. The nightlong ceremony is performed by
the chief priest's son who anoints the lingam with water from the sacred rivers of India. The chanting of hymns continues throughout the night, until the Brahmins stand to
throw bel leaves and flower petals over the lingam, a sign that the wedding is complete. Khajuraho festival of dance is organized every year in the months of February/March.
The cream of Indian classical dancers performs here to display the best of Indian dance and music. The floodlit temples of Khajuraho provide the perfect backdrop to the
festival.
A Beautiful Occasion for Dance and culture admirers:
Khajuraho Dance Festival, the amazing 7-day festival is the time for electrifying dance performances every year in February / March. The best classical dancers in the
country perform in an open-air auditorium, with the western group of Temples as an inspiring and awesome backdrop.
Khajuraho Best Season 
The climate of this region is tropical. The place has a typical continental type of climate with summers being hot and winters cold. Best time to be in Khajuraho is October to
March. In summers it can be hotter than a furnace. Winters are dry and fog-free and also the best time to witness the Khajuraho Dance Festival of international fame.
How to Reach
By Air : Regular services link Khajuraho with Delhi, Agra and Varanasi.
By Rail : The nearest rail heads are Harpalpur (94 km) and Mahoba (61 km ) . Jhansi (172 km) is a convenient rail head for those traveling from Delhi and Madras; Satna (117
km) , on the Mumbai-Allahabad line of the Central Railway for those coming from Mumbai, Calcutta and Varanasi
By Road : Khajuraho is connected by regular buses with Satna, Harpalpur, Jhansi and Mahoba.
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