Khajuraho

Travel tips you can trust

Why
Khajuraho
is special

This millennium-old temple complex is world famous for its erotic stone carvings.

Khajuraho
tips & insights

Widespread misconception

Most travelers who have not visited this wonder believe one comes only for the voyeur experience. Yet, less than 10% of the statues convey eroticism. The rest have religious or everyday life themes, are interesting, and are masterly sculpted. The temples themselves are also remarkable.

Meaning

Archaeologists debate what the sensual statues were supposed to convey to the faithful.

Not unique

Khajuraho's erotic statuary is not unique. Other religious sites in India (and Nepal) have them, too. What sets Khajuraho apart is it has a significantly large number of them.

Three geographical groups

The Khajuraho temples reside in three separate sections: Western, Eastern, and Southern groups. The first group is by far the best. If you are short of time, explore only this one.

Kandariya Temple
is the top must see

The Western Group temple rises 31 meters (100 feet) and is home to numerous statues.

Physical condition

Originally, there were over 80 temples, but only about 20 survived the elements and jungle strangulation. Some structures are in poor condition, but most (especially in the Western Group) are in good shape and worth exploring.

Museum

Leave time for the onsite Archaeological Museum.

Location in India