25 Most Famous Places to Visit in Khajuraho

India is a great seat for many historical constructions and monuments coming from many centuries back. Every monument that was located in India extols about India’s great heritage, culture, and uniqueness of Indian artisans. Till to the date, 37 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India portrays the heights of Indian architecture to the world. Among them, the Khajuraho group of monuments are the magnificent architectural wonders that are gifted to India.

Located in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a must-visit place to explore marvelous architectural sights, heritage, history, and arts. Khajuraho is the name for its temples built in between 950 AD and 1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty. The intricate carvings and structures on the temples depict the forms of meditation, spiritual teachings, and eroticism. The real count was 85 temples but right now only 22 temples were left to see. Besides, the city with wonderful natural attractions entertains tourists.

Overall, Khajuraho trip is a combination of acknowledging heritage with natural attractions. In Khajuraho, you can enjoy the best trip ever. Let’s have a look, what are the best places to visit in Khajuraho.

1. Kandariya Mahadev Temple

Among Khajuraho temples, Kandariya Mahadev temple is the finest and an important temple to visit. The grandeur and the architecture sprawled on this temple signifies the greatness of artisans. This temple is known for its architectural styles, nearly 800 images of women are carved on the temple. An interesting thing is most of the images are 3ft high.

The temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Shiva Linga in this temple is a great attraction. It was made of marble and it will be surrounded by 646 statues. The structure of Lord Shiva surrounded by statues seems to be fantastic. Moreover, the erotic sculptures on the walls of this temple are another great attraction, which exclaims intense love and the kama sutra.

Timings : Everyday from 6 AM to 6 PM.

2. Lakshmana Temple

In Khajuraho’s Western group of Temples, Lakshman Temple is the oldest and the largest magnificent temple to pay a visit. Lakshmana temple was dedicated to Lord Vishnu, in the form of Vaikunta-Vishnu sanctum. This temple is an architectural marvel in Khajuraho with intricate erotic sculptures, Hindu idols, and animals.

Especially, the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva adorned at the entrance of the temple is a wonderful architectural attraction. The idol of 600 deities carved on the walls of the temple is a mind-blowing thing that stuns everyone with their detailed carvings.

Timings : Everyday from 8 AM to 6 PM.

3. Adinath Temple

Adinath temple is a small and beautiful temple dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar, Adinath. It is one of the famous temples in Khajuraho dedicated to Jainism. With the architectural styles of this temple, you can see Islamic architecture touch in some sites of the temple.

The major attraction of the temple is the detail carvings of Yakshinis. It means female mythical beings. They were beautifully carved with exquisite looks. Most of the temple seems to be ruined but the charming architectural styles attract you. Besides, gardens spread around the temple offers a pleasant environment to relax.

Timings : Everyday from 8 AM to 6 PM.

4. Javari Temple

Javari temple known for its complex and stunning architectures leaves everyone in surprise. The temple seems to be small but the Shikhara architecture and the structures adorned to the walls exclaims it’s a wonderful temple in Khajuraho.

This temple was dedicated to Lord Vishnu but the sanctum head was broken. But some people used to say this temple was not dedicated to any deity it was dedicated to the owner of the land. However, the beauty of the temple attracts everyone. The best artworks of the temple can be seen in mandapa, portico, sculptures of navagrahas, Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma sculptures, etc.

Timings : Everyday from 8 AM to 6 PM.

5. Matangeshwar Temple

Unlike other temples in Khajuraho, Matangeshwar temple is quite different in some special cases. This temple was built in the 9th century and it was dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shiva Linga sanctum in this temple is the specialty of the temple. The Shiva Linga is an eight-foot height made of Yellow sandstone, which is the highest one in entire North India. Moreover, you can observe Nagari and Persian inscriptions on the sanctum.

The pillars in the temple remain very plain and simple but the roof adorns beautiful carvings. For Lord Shiva devotees, this temple is very famous. Always try to visit in the mornings because morning aarti is a beautiful thing to experience here.

Timings : Everyday from 6 AM to 6 PM.

6. Raneh Falls

The collective of several small and large waterfalls called Raneh Falls. Very close to Khajuraho temples, Raneh falls are the fantastic sites for nature lovers. These waterfalls are formed over Ken river and carved a deep canyon into 30ft. The valley was made of red, pink, and grey that’s why the falls seem to be different with several rock cuts. They appear like imposing tower standings.

During Monsoons, you can see gushing waterfalls from rock cuts. Flowing of water through the granite rocks with different hues seem to be very interesting and attractive.

Timings : Everyday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

7. Panna National Park

Panna National Park is one of the best wildlife destinations in Madhya Pradesh. In 1981, this national park was established as the 5th Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. For nature and adventure lovers, Panna National park is an ideal place. This park is home to many endangered species like tigers, leopard, sambar, wild boar, jackal, nilgai, hyena, and wolf, etc.

To enjoy the views of the park means, you have to hire your own jeep for the safari because jeep safaris are not available in the park. Other attractions of the park are its Ken river and Pandav waterfalls. Through boating, you can enjoy the bewitching looks of the park.

Timings : Everyday from 6 AM to 5 PM.

8. Ken Gharial Sanctuary

To the north of Raneh Falls, Ken Gharial sanctuary was located. It is also an important wildlife destination in Khajuraho. This sanctuary is located in Panna National park enclosed by waterfalls. At this wildlife sanctuary, you can spot tiger, wild boars, spotted deer, nilgai, sloth bear, wolf, etc. For Gharials, this sanctuary is a great seat. Here you can find them very easily. Those who want to enjoy trekking can participate in trek trails. Visiting Gharial Wildlife sanctuary is like a paradise for nature lovers.

Timings : Everyday from Sunrise to 6 Sunset.

9. Beni Sagar Dam

Settled on the river Khudar, Beni Sagar Dam is an attractive and best recreation space for families. In Khajuraho, this dam is well-known for its beauty covered with lush greenery and landscapes. It is famous for picnic spots because of the environment, which is very pleasant and soothing.

Coming to activities, here you can enjoy boating, fishing, angling, hiking, rowing, etc. For people living in the city, Beni Sagar Dam is the best choice to get out of the hustle and bustle lifestyle.

Timings : Everyday from 6 AM to 10 PM.

10. Ajaigarh Fort

Ajaigarh Fort is the standing pride of Panna district, which is home to the Chandela dynasty. The fort perched on the Vindhya ranges at an altitude of 688mts looks massive and majestic even it is ruined mostly. The architecture and the history of the fort attracts everyone. Is there any ancient fort in Khajuraho means, Ajaigarh stands first.

The views of Ken river and Panna National park from the fort are the other great attractions to witness here. The remnants and the structures left in fort portrays the days of Chandela.

Timings : Everyday from 6 AM to 6 PM.

11. Jain Museum

Jain museum is also known as Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain Kala Sangrahalaya is a must-visit place in Eastern Temple Group of Khajuraho. This museum in circular structure houses many artifacts and remnants of Jain culture. In 1987, the gates of the museum were opened to the public. The major things that are placed to display are Jain sculptures, statues of Tirthankaras, Yakshis sculptures, Makara Toranas, etc. Those who want to acknowledge the culture of Jainism can visit Jain Museum.

Timings : Everyday from 8 AM to 5 PM.

12. Archaeological Museum Khajuraho

Museums are like educational institutions of history and heritage. The Archaeological Museum in Khajuraho is such an important place to stop there to witness the historic ruins and heritage of Khajuraho. This museum was also familiarly known as Jardine Museum because it was built by W.A Jardine. In the north of the Western Group of Temples, the museum was located.

This archaeological museum houses nearly 2000 relics, sculptures, remnants, and belongings of 9th and 12th century temples. Everything housed in this museum speaks about the authentic culture of Hinduism and Jainism. Several galleries in the museum explain the history of the Chandela dynasty. Still any precious elements found in the land of Khajuraho means, they will be preserved in this museum.

Timings : Everyday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

13. Chitragupta Temple

Chitragupta Temple dedicated to Lord Surya means the Sun God, is an exceptional temple with stunning architectural styles. The temple belonging to the 11th century is an outstanding marvel with its intricate carvings and erotic sculptures on the walls. The idol of Lord Surya riding on the chariot by 7 horses is a remarkable attraction to see in this temple.

In addition to this, the statue of Lord Vishnu with 11 headed form is another magnificent thing to catch in this temple. For fantastic architectural styles, the Chitragupta temple is an ideal place to visit.

Timings : Everyday from 5 AM to 9 PM.

14. State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art in Khajuraho

State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art is another important museum to visit in Khajuraho. It houses wonderful artifacts and relics works of tribal artisans of the past days. This museum was part of the Chandela Cultural Complex. Here you can see beautiful art culture of thousands of years ago such as terracotta sculptures, bamboo articles, folk-paintings, old scriptures, masks, etc. It is like home to showcase the significance of culture and traditions.

Timings : Opens from 12 PM to 8 AM except on Mondays.

15. Brahma Temple

For Lord Brahma, we see very few temples in India. Among them, the Brahma temple in Khajuraho is one of the important temples of Lord Brahma. This temple was located in the Eastern Group of temples along the banks of Khajur lake. The environment of the temple at the lake is very soothing and lovable. Architecturally, this temple is also a good one to take an eye in Khajuraho. Especially, the sanctum of Lord Brahma with four-faced linga is a great attraction.

Timings : Everyday from 7 AM to 8:30 PM.

16. Vamana Temple

The temple dedicated to Lord Vamana, the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu is the famous ancient temple in Khajuraho. The architectural styles of this temple hold magnificent works of mind-blowing carvings and sculptures. The mandapa with spectacular entrance porch routing to the sanctum is a great example of stunning architecture and the beauty of Indian culture. The 2000 magnificent carvings on the walls of the temple representing the deities with their consorts, erotic sculptures of nymphs, celestial bodies, are the other great attractions of the temple’s architectural wonders.

Timings : Everyday from 5 AM to 12 PM and from 4 PM to 9 PM.

17. Kalinjar Fort

Most of the Khajuraho region was ruled by the Chandela rulers. They left many historical monuments and constructions to signify their presence in the history. Among them, Kalinjar Fort is one of the best forts built by Chandela rulers. This mighty and magnificent fort was located in Kalinjar at an altitude of 244mts high on the Vindhya ranges. The ruins of the fort exclaims the dominant rule of the Chandela dynasty.

The fort’s massive 7 gateways, Neelkanth Mahadev temple, and the Aman Singh palace are the marvelous attractions, which shows spectacular carvings and designs. For history buffers, Kalinjar Fort is the best place.

Timings : Everyday from 6 AM to 10 PM.

18. Vishwanath Temple

In the Western Group of Temples, Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the major temples in the Khajuraho group of monuments. The Marble Shiva lingam in this temple is a prominent attraction. It was completely made of marble crafted with 101 smaller Shiva lingas. Other than this, the statue of Lord Brahma and a massive structure bull called Nandi before Lord Shiva are the all dragging portions of the temple.

Those who want to experience the intricate designs and history, this temple is worthy one to visit.

Timings : Everyday from 7 AM to 6 PM.

19. Chaturbhuja Temple

Khajuraho’s most of the temples portray erotic sculptures and carvings, but this Chaturbhuja temple doesn’t come to this group. Because this temple is completely free from erotic sculptures just some beautiful sculptures and carvings are adorned to the walls. This temple was located in Jatakari village and also known as the Jatakari temple. The temple is home to Lord Vishnu, the sanctum with 2.7mts high having four heads form reminds the Chaturbhuja avatar of Lord Vishnu. That’s why the temple was named as Chaturbhuja.

Timings : Everyday from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

20. Shantinatha Temple

Among various Jain temples, the Shanthinatha temple is quite famous for its attractive architectural styles and craftsmanship. This temple was located in the Eastern Group of monuments, which is one of the ancient marvels of the group. In this temple, you can observe the inscriptions of the bygone era and the temple was also renovated but still, they are exhibiting.

Hordes of Jainism followers visit the temple throughout the year. The 12ft high idol of Shantinatha, statues of other Jain Tirthankaras, Kshetrapala, and Yaksha, etc are some of the iconic attractions of the temple.

Timings : Everyday from 6 AM to 8 PM.

21. Ghantai Temple

Ghantai temple is the oldest Jain temple, which dates back to 995 CE. At the outside boundaries of Eastern Group of Temples, this temple will come in the way. Its situation is almost ruined but still, the architectural glory of the temple made its mention as the must-see places in Khajuraho.

The temple was dedicated to Jain Tirthankara Rishabhanatha, familiarly known as Adinath. The great attractions of the temple are its pillars portraying fantastic carvings of chain and bell. Due to the reason Ghantai was registered to the temple. Also, the Archaeological Survey of India categorized this temple as a Museum of National Importance.

Timings : Everyday from 6 AM to 6 PM.

22. Jagadambi Temple

Among several beautiful architectural wonders of Khajuraho, Jagadambi temple is one. The temple was home to Lord Vishnu, the carvings and sculptures on the walls of the temple describe the greatness of culture and civilization. Some erotic sculptures also stand as stunning architectural glimpses. The Garba Griha of the temple houses the imposing sculpture of Goddess Parvati, due to the reason some believe that the temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati too. However, the temple dates back to 1000 to 1025 AD is an architectural marvel.

Timings : Everyday from 7 AM to 6 PM.

23. Gangau Dam

Very close to Khajuraho of 29kms far away, Gangau is a natural dam located at the confluence of the Ken and Simiri rivers. Who visits Panna Tiger Reserve can easily reach this dam because it was located in the reserve. But right now, this dam was abandoned even though the beauty around the dam attracts tourists.

For many water sports like angling and boating, this dam is a good choice. For nature lovers too, the Gangau dam is the desired place to enjoy the captivating looks of Panna National Park and Gangau Sanctuary. If you are lucky you can see various species of migratory birds during winters.

Timings : Everyday from Sunrise to Sunset.

24. Nandi Temple

Nandi temple is dedicated to the bull which is said to be the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The temple was located before the Vishwanatha temple. The carvings and the architectural styles of the temple are the wonderful attractions to witness.

Timings : Everyday from 6 AM to 6 PM.

25. Dhubela Museum

Dhubela museum, located in Dubela is a well-known museum to witness many interesting things. This museum was also known as Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum because it was located in the area of Maharaja Chhatrasal Palace. The museum houses arms, miniature paintings, sculptures, armory, and galleries, etc. Dhubela museum at the banks of Dhubela lake offers a serene environment to enjoy the day.

Timings : Opens from 10 AM to 5 PM and closed on Mondays.