Khajuraho

27 hand-picked places in 7 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

8 places on the map

Free things to do

1
Active Shiva temple with a giant lingam
3 tips
- Still used for worship
- Remove shoes
- Visit at dawn or dusk
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2
Small ornate temple near Vamana with a carved doorway
- Tip: Late afternoon
2 tips
- Short visit
- Pair with Vamana
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3
Plain-walled temple in the Eastern Group with sculpted bands
3 tips
- Quiet and less visited
- Combine with Javari
- Carry water
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4
Southern Group temple with a large Vishnu image
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Best at sunset
- Visit with Duladeo
- Quiet spot
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5
Late Chandela Shiva temple south of the village
3 tips
- Ride a bike or rickshaw
- Quiet temple
- Visit with Chaturbhuj
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6
Largest Jain temple in the Eastern Group
3 tips
- Take a rickshaw from town
- Respect Jain customs
- Carved celestial figures are notable
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7
Jain temple with bell-and-chain carvings
3 tips
- Part of the Eastern Group
- Quiet and good for photos
- Shade is limited
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8
Lake beside the Western Group of temples.
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Rent a bicycle: Khajuraho is small and flat, and cycling is a pleasant way to reach the Eastern and Southern temple groups outside the centre.
Fix auto fares first: Auto-rickshaws are handy for the station or airport, but agree on the price before setting off.
Fly or take the train: Khajuraho has its own airport and railway station, with trains linking it to cities like Delhi and Varanasi.

Use official guides: Hire licensed guides at the Western Group ticket office rather than touts who approach you on the street.
Decline shop detours: Some guides and drivers steer you to handicraft shops for commission; say no firmly if you are not interested.
Watch for hassle: Persistent touts can be tiring; a polite but firm no thank you and walking on usually works best.

Visit free temples: The Eastern and Southern Group temples are mostly free to visit and far less crowded than the main complex.
Eat thalis: Simple local restaurants serve vegetarian thalis with unlimited refills, a filling meal for much less than hotel dining.
Travel in shoulder season: Hotels drop rates outside peak winter months, while October and March still offer pleasant weather.

Visit in winter: October to March is the most comfortable time, with warm days; nights in December and January can be cold, so pack a sweater.
Avoid peak summer heat: April to June is extremely hot; if you go then, explore early or late and wear light, loose cotton clothing.
Bring shoes that slip off: Many temples require removing footwear, and stone platforms get very hot in the sun, so carry socks.

Respect active temples: The Matangeshwar Temple is still used for worship; remove shoes, dress modestly and follow devotees' lead.
Understand the carvings: The temples are famous for erotic sculptures, but these are a small part of rich carvings showing daily life and gods.
Catch the dance festival: The Khajuraho Dance Festival each February showcases classical Indian dance with the temples as a backdrop.

Arrive at opening time: Visit the Western Group early in the morning for soft light, cooler air and fewer people for photos.
Watch the light show: The evening sound and light show at the Western Group tells the temples' history and is a relaxing way to end the day.
Day trip to Panna: Panna National Park and the Raneh Falls canyon are close enough for a half-day trip to see nature beyond the temples.

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 2

🕘 9:30–16:30📍 6 stops

Day 2 of 2

🕘 9:30–12:45📍 4 stops