Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh, is famous for its magnificent temples embellished with seductive and sensual carvings. Khajuraho, a small hamlet in the Bundelkhand region, is a great representation of Indian architecture and culture from the mediaeval period. The passionate forms of love are depicted in the design of these Hindu and Jain temples, and the sculptures on the walls display desire in the most sensual yet elegant manner. The sheer confrontational character of these engravings, built between 950 and 1050 AD, reveals a strong contrast with traditional Indian eroticism ideals, leaving everyone enthralled.
All of the monuments in this small hamlet are infused with art, and they are a wonderful illustration of India's cultural and aesthetic legacy. The wonderful thing about Khajuraho is that despite numerous attempts by kleptocrats to destroy the entire complex, they were never able to do so, even if they did manage to reduce the number of temples and caves to 25 from a startling 85 at the time it was built.

The Art Place's History

The temples of Khajuraho were built one at a stretch over a hundred years by Chandela emperors. The first written reference of the temples can be discovered in Abu Rihan-ul Biruni's writings around the end of the 11th century. After the Chandela monarchs were deposed in the 12th century, the temple complex rose in size and eventually came into the clutches of the Sultan of Delhi, Qutb-Uddin Aibak. The temples were kept and cared for by Muslim monarchs in the years that followed. Some of the temples have been destroyed and deformed over time, and due to their remote locations, they have been left unsupervised. In 1830, T.S. Burt, a British engineer, re - discovered the temples and attempted to restore them.

Taste the Excitement of Exotic

While you're in Khujuraho, try some of the local delicacies. Korma, Rogan Josh, Mutton Kebabs, Chicken Biryani, Kheema, Sabudana Khichdi, Moong Dal Halwa, Jalebi, Kusli, Lavang Lata, Cashew Barfi, and more are among the dishes to try. The region is noted for Bafla, a whole grain and 'ghee' dish that is customarily served with delectable Ladoos. Try some of the local cuisine, such as Lassi and Sugarcane Juice. Aside from these regional flavours, Chinese, Indian, Greek, French, Spanish, Italian, South-Indian, Rajasthani, and Moglai cuisines are available to experience.

Culture of Khajuraho

The city of Khajuraho is most famous for its art. Erotic sculptures influenced by the Kama Sutra adorn the temple walls. In Khajuraho, yoga is quite popular, particularly traditional Hatha Yoga, which is offered at the Arhanta Yoga Ashram. The Khajuraho Annual Dance Festival, which takes place in February, is an important and well-attended cultural event. The artisans of Khajuraho specialise in crafting iron, brass, and stone sculptures of figures in Kama Sutra positions, taking a lesson from the book of the Temples.

Things to do at Khajuraho

• Visit The Temples Of Khajuraho: It is well-known for its rich historical attraction, and some of the world's best yet oldest temples are said to be found there. The Khajuraho Complex of Monuments is known for its spectacular nagara-style architecture and sensual artworks that adorn the temples, as well as a group of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist temples. Some of these temples trace back to the 9th and 10th centuries, and it's no exaggeration to claim that they've seen multiple kingdoms rise and fall.
• Observe Wildlife at Panna National Park: Panna National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur region, is the state's fifth tiger reserve and the country's 22nd. Cheetah, jackal, langur, wild boar, and Chinkara are among the animals that call it home. Many kinds of birds, including king vultures, honey buzzards, Indian vultures, and hawk-eagles, nest in its thick green draperies. With the Vindhya Hills as a background, it's safe to assume that the Panna National Park offers exciting safari rides in park-owned vehicles.
• Appreciate the Khajuraho Dance Festival: Witnessing the magnificence of the spectacular dance festival held at Khajuraho is undoubtedly one of the most famous activities to do in Khajuraho. It usually takes place in the last few weeks of February and is set against a gorgeous background of magnificently lit Khajuraho Temples. During the festival, guests will be able to observe popular Indian classical dance forms such as Kathak, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Odisha, and Bharatanatyam, as well as various modern dance forms.
• Surrender yourself at the Grandeur of Raneh Falls Canyon: Raneh Falls Canyon is a 30 foot deep crystalline granite canyon with a stunning concentration of hues. The canyon is ideal for birdwatchers and anyone who appreciate being in nature. There are numerous tiny and huge waterfalls that add to the beauty of the area. The thick foliage provides a breath of fresh air as well as a visual pleasure. One of the nicest things to do in Khajuraho is to go there.
• Endure the Ayur Arogyam's Soothing Ayurvedic Spa: While travelling, a necessary dosage of rejuvenation is an essential if you want to have a truly enjoyable trip. This so-called lovely Ayurvedic spa was developed and maintained by a trained Keralan couple, and it is a perfect alternative for individuals seeking the bliss of recuperation after a long day. It is the ultimate in relaxation, as the amazing short head, neck, and back massages, along with an hour-long full body massage using special oils, will undoubtedly relieve all of your strain and tension.
• Go to the Sound and Light Show near Western Group of Temples: The sound and light spectacle put on by the Western Group of Temples is definitely one of the most popular nighttime activities in Khajuraho. This ticketed event will feed attendees' burning interest like nothing else by displaying diverse historical and religious truths and cultures from ancient times. While the temples are stunning in and of themselves, the sound and light display puts them in a completely new light.

Places to visit

• Dulhadev Temple: The Dulhadev Temple, which was built in 1130, houses a stunning shivalingam as well as striking statues of Apsaras and other embellished figures. The temple also contains a beautiful sculpture of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati, with delicate carvings that add to the overall beauty of the structure.
• Ajaigarh Fort: Ajaigarh fort is located 80 kilometres from Khajuraho and sits atop a picturesque hill at a height of 688 metres. It was renowned as a fortification of the Chandela Kings and is regarded as one of the most significant structures in their illustrious history.
• State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art: The State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art, located in Khajuraho's Chandela Cultural Complex, is a one-of-a-kind museum. It is home to some of the most important antique artefacts and treasures. Artisans' outstanding tribal creations are also on display at the museum. It draws people from all walks of life, including travellers, historians, folklorists, and cultural enthusiasts.
• Lakshman Temple: The Lakshman temple is the earliest and most pleasing to the eye of the Western group of temples. It is originally named after the ruler of the time. The Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva trinity is portrayed in the horizontal column over the temple's entrance.
• Devi Jagdamba Temple: The Devi Jagdamba temple, which was originally established as a Vishnu temple, includes exquisitely sculpted sensual sculptures. A beautiful sculpture of the Goddess of the Universe can be found at the Garba Griha. A lovely picture of Goddess Parvati, together with the image of Mithuna, can be found in the temple.
• Beni Sagar Dam: Beni Sagar Dam, on the borders of Khajuraho city, was constructed over the River Khudar and is a magnificent work of art. It also allows for recreational activities like as angling, fishing, and boasting, and is a popular spot for day picnics and relaxation. The dam also provides breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.

How to reach?

• Via Road: Daily bus service connects Khajuraho to nearby cities such as Jhansi, Satna, Mahoba, Jabalpur, Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Panna, Chhatarpur, Agra, Allahabad, and Varanasi. This route offers both non-AC and air-conditioned buses.
• Via Train: Despite the fact that Khajuraho has its own station, only a few trains stop here. It is, however, immediately connected to Delhi via rail. Mahoba, about 63 kilometres from Khajuraho, is the main railhead. Significant trains stop here on their way to and from Mumbai, Jabalpur, Delhi, Varanasi, Gwalior, Kolkata, and other key Indian cities. Outside the station, cabs and vehicles transport tourists to various locations in Khajuraho.
• Via Air: Khajuraho has its own local airport, which can accommodate flights to and from places such as Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, and Bhopal. This route is primarily served by stopover planes. The airport is around 2 kilometres south of Khajuraho.