India Travel Information

An Introduction :
Khajuraho, once the great Chandela capital, is today a village of about a few thousand people in the interiors of central India, in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. Tradition records the existence of eighty five temples, of which only twenty five, strewn amidst lakes and fields, have survived. The temples at Khajuraho, brilliant examples of medieval Indian architecture, were built under later Chandela kings between AD 950 and AD 1050. Each ancient structure in India has a fascinating story to tell. But few match the temples of Khajuraho.

Attractions :
Khajuraho is world famous for its temples. These temples represent an outstanding synthesis of advanced architecture and refined sculpture, and their beauty means that a trip here should definitely be included in your North India itinerary, particularly if you plan to fly from Agra or Delhi to Varanasi. Known for the profusion of sculptural embellishments on both exterior and interior walls, Khajuraho's temples are also recognizable for the exaggerated vertical sweep in the majority of the temples, with a series of shikharas (spires) that grow successively higher. These shikharas are believed to be a visual echo of the soaring Himalayan mountains, abode of Lord Shiva. Most of the sculpted temples are elevated on large plinths (often also shared by four smaller corner shrines), and follow the same five-part design.

The Khajuraho temples are almost all aligned east to west, with the entrance facing east. A profusely carved arch leads to the oblong porch or ardhamanapa, behind which is the large assembly hall or mandapa, open on three sides, followed by the still larger hall mahamandapa, a closed hall with a corridor around it. This hall finally leads into the vestibule or the antarala. Beyond this is the garbhagriha or sanctum, entered through another ornate doorway, that houses the cult deity.

Besides the temples, Khajuraho is famous for its dances. 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.

How To Get There?
You can reach this exotic place through air, rail or road.
» By Air - The airport is at Khajuraho.

» By Rail - Jhansi (172 kms) and Satna (117 kms) are the major railheads.

» By Road - Khajuraho is 590 kms from Delhi via Gwalior and Jhansi.