Excited to explore the ancient charm and unmatched glory of Khajuraho? A Khajuraho city tour is not just about grand temples with stunning architecture. The beautiful town and its many wonders transport you to a time in history that marked the flourishing reign of the Chandelas. If you want to go on a trip soon, this blog will come in handy for you. We have shared all the important information from the ways to reach the city to the various temples and nearby places you can visit during your trip. Keep reading!
The History of Khajuraho
Located in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur, Khajuraho is an idyllic town with temples that display the exceptional beauty of the Nagara style of architecture. Back in the day, it was called Kharjuravahaka. ‘Kharjura’ means date palms and ‘vahaka’ refers to the person who carries something. The name comes from an old legend stating that the city was gated by two huge date palm trees made of gold.
As the capital city of the Chandela dynasty, the place saw immense prosperity during the 9th and 10th centuries, especially architecturally. 85 magnificent temples were built by the Chandelas, some of which survived the test of time while others were either destroyed by Muslim invaders or perished due to neglect. You can still see the ruins of many of these structures on a Khajuraho sightseeing tour.
Ways to Reach Khajuraho
If you are planning to visit Khajuraho, we suggest the following two modes of transportation for a comfortable journey:
By Air: While the Khajuraho Airport (Airport code: HJR) was not operational for a while during COVID, it is back in action now. A daily flight from Delhi to Khajuraho operated by SpiceJet is available. It lets you cover the distance in just 1.5 hours. If budget is an issue, you can check flight ticket booking offers on platforms like My Flight Trip to plan an affordable trip.
By Train: The railway station in Khajuraho offers great connectivity with various cities in Madhya Pradesh. The Gita Jayanti Express runs from Kurukshetra to Khajuraho and can be boarded if you are near Delhi or flying to Delhi.
Accommodation Options in Khajuraho Tour Packages
As a popular tourist destination, there are many comfortable stay options that the town offers. Some of the renowned Khajuraho hotels that you can book for luxurious accommodation are The Lalit Temple View, Ramada by Wyndham, and Radisson. For budget options, you can explore hotels by Madhya Pradesh Tourism like MPT Payal and MPT Jhankar.
Exploring Western and Eastern Group of Temples
Khajuraho temples are divided into various groups based on their position. Let’s have a look at the Western and Eastern Group of Temples.
Western Group of Temples
Located on the banks of Sib Sagar, they make for the more popular component of Khajuraho holiday packages. Temples belonging to the Shaivite and Vaishnavite cults can be seen predominantly on this side. These are the most well-kept and carefully preserved temples of the lot and are certainly a sight to behold. The largest and the most grand temple of them all, the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, features among the Western Group of Temples. The facility of audio-guided tours is only available for this section where 7-8 temples are open to be explored with the aid of a guide. The attractions include:
- Kandariya Mahadev Temple
- Lakshmana Temple
- Varaha Mandapa
- Devi Shrine
- Mahadeva Shrine
- Chitragupta Temple
- Devi Jagdambi Temple
- Vishwanatha Temple
- Chausath Yogini Temple
- Chaturbhuja Temple
Eastern Group of Temples
Located around Ninora Lake or Khajura Sagar, the Eastern Group of Temples is spread throughout the old village and offers you the chance to engage in a thrilling walking tour. They are dedicated to both Hindu and Jain gods, however, Jain temples are more in number. Unlike the Western temples that incline towards the erotic theme, the art on the temples here depicts regular, mundane scenes like a woman writing a letter. Some of the fascinating temples that you can visit here are:
- Brahma Temple
- Ghantai Temple
- Parshvanatha Temple
- Shantinatha Temple
- Adinatha Temple
- Vamana Temple
- Javari Temple
- Hanuman Statue
Places to Visit Near Khajuraho
People often assume that due to the erotic nature of the Khajuraho temples, they are not suitable to be visited with family. However, that’s not true. The stunning architecture of the temples, including the erotic art, is one of a kind and must be appreciated for its artistic brilliance. However, if you are looking for other attractions in the city, there are many fascinating places to visit nearby that are perfect for a Khajuraho tour package for families. These include:
- Ajaygarh Fort—a famous strategic bastion of the Chandela dynasty
- Dhubela—home to the marvelous Dhubela Lake and museum
- Kalinjar Fort—a medieval-era fort displaying excellent Chandela craftsmanship
- Panna National Park—the place for lush landscape and memorable wildlife sightings
Book Your Khajuraho Holiday Package via MFT
My Flight Trip is dedicated to offering you the freedom to travel your world, your way. That’s why, we provide globetrotters with comprehensive packages, comfortable accommodations, and affordable airline tickets. So, if you are looking for a service provider to help you with a Khajuraho tour you won’t forget, get in touch with us today! From offering you same-day and multi-day Khajuraho excursions to helping you book your hotels and flights, our team will be there with you every step of the way. Don’t wait! Contact us and get going on an unforgettable tour of the charming ancient town of Khajuraho.