Lakshmana Temple
The large Lakshmana Temple took 20 years to build and was completed in about AD 954 during the reign of Dhanga, according to an inscription in its mandapa…
Mark Read
Khajuraho
India's most titillating town is famed far and wide for the erotic stone carvings that swathe Khajuraho’s three groups of World Heritage–listed temples. The Western Group of temples, in particular, contains some stunning sculptures that together make up some of the finest temple art in the world.
As we all know, sex sells, and so Khajuraho is fully on the tour bus map, but despite this it's a delightful, quiet little village, where it's easy to while away several days walking and cycling between stunning temples and enjoying the easy-going traveler vibe. The town also makes a reasonable base for nearby Panna Tiger Reserve .
Explore Khajuraho
- Lakshmana Temple
The large Lakshmana Temple took 20 years to build and was completed in about AD 954 during the reign of Dhanga, according to an inscription in its mandapa…
- Kandariya-Mahadev Temple
The 30.5m-long Kandariya-Mahadev, built between 1025 and 1050, is the largest Western Group temple and represents the high point of Chandela architecture…
- WWestern Group
Khajuraho’s most striking and best-preserved temples are those within the fenced-off section of the Western Group. An Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)…
- Vishvanath Temple
Believed to have been built in 1002, the Vishvanath Temple anticipates the plan and style of the Kandariya-Mahadev Temple. Dedicated to Shiva, it's a…
- PParsvanath Temple
While not competing in size or erotica with the Western Group temples, this largest of the Jain temples in the walled enclosure is notable for the…
- CChitragupta Temple
The Chitragupta Temple (1000–25) is unique in Khajuraho – and rare among North Indian temples – in being dedicated to the sun god Surya. While its…
- DDevi Jagadamba Temple
Devi Jagadamba was originally dedicated to Vishnu, but later to Parvati and then Kali. The carvings include sardulas accompanied by Vishnu, surasundaris …
- MMahadeva Temple
Mahadeva, a small, partly ruined temple on the same platform as Kandariya-Mahadev and Devi Jagadamba, is dedicated to Shiva, who is carved on the lintel…
- AAdivat Tribal & Folk Museum
Impressive, and creative little museum that showcases central India's rich tribal arts and culture through life-size village houses, as well as displays…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Khajuraho.
See
Lakshmana Temple
The large Lakshmana Temple took 20 years to build and was completed in about AD 954 during the reign of Dhanga, according to an inscription in its mandapa…
See
Kandariya-Mahadev Temple
The 30.5m-long Kandariya-Mahadev, built between 1025 and 1050, is the largest Western Group temple and represents the high point of Chandela architecture…
See
Western Group
Khajuraho’s most striking and best-preserved temples are those within the fenced-off section of the Western Group. An Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)…
See
Vishvanath Temple
Believed to have been built in 1002, the Vishvanath Temple anticipates the plan and style of the Kandariya-Mahadev Temple. Dedicated to Shiva, it's a…
See
Parsvanath Temple
While not competing in size or erotica with the Western Group temples, this largest of the Jain temples in the walled enclosure is notable for the…
See
Chitragupta Temple
The Chitragupta Temple (1000–25) is unique in Khajuraho – and rare among North Indian temples – in being dedicated to the sun god Surya. While its…
See
Devi Jagadamba Temple
Devi Jagadamba was originally dedicated to Vishnu, but later to Parvati and then Kali. The carvings include sardulas accompanied by Vishnu, surasundaris …
See
Mahadeva Temple
Mahadeva, a small, partly ruined temple on the same platform as Kandariya-Mahadev and Devi Jagadamba, is dedicated to Shiva, who is carved on the lintel…
See
Adivat Tribal & Folk Museum
Impressive, and creative little museum that showcases central India's rich tribal arts and culture through life-size village houses, as well as displays…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Khajuraho
Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.