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Brief -
  
 
Close on the heels of the Taj and the piousness of Varanasi; the enigma of Khajuraho, unfolds with the tinkling of temple bells and the graceful movement, of myriad forms, poised in dance and movement, with the beauty of the timeless sculptures. Once used to guard the city gates, Khajuraho, alludes to the imagery of the tall date palms. While the gates have ceased to exist, the willowy date palms, continue to grace this temple town. The temples are a fabulous example of Indo-Aryan architecture, an elegant combination of intricacy and simplicity. Now a quaint cluster of commerce, set against the backdrop of the magnificent temples, the city comes alive every year, during its Annual Dance Festival, when the maestros of classical dance, perform against the dramatic temple backdrop.
  
     
 
History -
 
 

The city traces its origin, to the 10th century, when it was the bastion of the Chandela dynasty. Khajuraho was formerly the capital of the old kingdom of Jajhauti, the region now known as Bundelkhand. The name Khajuraho, may be derived from Khajur (date palm), which grows freely in the area and because, there were two golden Khajur trees on a carved gate. Khajurapura (the original name of the city), when translated, alludes to the imagery of the tall date palms, which used to guard the city gates. Another name was Khajuravahaka (scorpion bearer), - the scorpion symbolising lust.

  
     
 
Culture -
 
 
The temples in Khajuraho, are a fabulous example of Indo-Aryan architecture, an elegant combination of intricacy and simplicity. The Chandelas were a people, who branched off from the Rajputs and belonged to the Lunar dynasty, which was founded by Chandravarman, the son of Hemwati(daughter of a Brahmin Priest) and the Moon God. The city comes alive every year, during the Dance Festival in March, when the maestros of classical dance, Birju Maharaj and Kelucharan Mohapatra and their disciples, perform against the dramatic temple backdrop.
  
     
  Climate & Geographical Location -  
 
The The summers are hot and dry and the winters are cool and pleasant. However there is an extreme, with a drastic shift in the day and night temperature. Perched on the northern tip of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is 365 km from Gwalior.
  
     
 
How to Reach -
  
 
Khajuraho is well connected by road, rail and air. By air, the Khajuraho airport has shuttle flights between Khajuraho, Varanasi, Agra, Mumbai and Delhi. Though the Airport is small ,it is functional, centrally located and very close to all the hotels. By rail, Jhansi (175 km) and Satna (120 km), are the two convenient railheads ,though Harpalpur (100 km) is the nearest railhead and is well connected to different parts of the country. By road, the surface is reasonably well maintained ,with bus routes to Indore, Jhansi and Jabalpore. For the adventurous traveller, a bus journey ,with the numerous picturesque stops enroute ,is a real treat. The Bus Stand is centrally located.
  
     
  : T O U R I S T   P L A C E S :  
     
  Temples -  
 
The temples are a superb example of Chandela art and architecture, depicting scenes of gods and goddesses, valiant warriors, animals and people, often engaged in acts of love. There is a specific portrayal of sensuality and erotica, which far from appearing vulgar, enhances the beauty and purity of the temple art forms. From the exterior, the temples are a series of towers, each higher than the other, culminating in a soaring shikhara. The inner sanctum sanctorum, is almost as elaborately carved, as the exterior. At the time of being built since there was no mortar, these blocks have merely been fitted together. The common material used was granite or sandstone and the horizontal band of sculptures, were an integral part of the design, which was used to balance the vertical elements for design symmetry.
  
 
 
 
Panna National Park -
  
 
Sprawling over an area of 543 sq. km, the sanctuary is situated, adjacent to the Ken River and is teeming with a wide variety of flora and fauna. The park has 22 tigers; however, as they are not tracked, it is almost impossible to spot one. The other wildlife, includes deer, leopards, langur and sambar. It is worth noting, that the Panna National Park, remains closed from June to October. The Raneh Falls and the Majhgawan Diamond Mines, are close by and are well worth a visit.
  
 
 
 
Others -
  
 
 
 
AJAIGARH AND KALINJAR FORTS - The solitary Ajaigarh Fort, 80 km from Khajuraho, built by the Chandela rulers, was an effort to protect the local folk, during attacks or sieges. The Kalinjar Fort, 25 km northwards, much older in origin was built during the Gupta period.
  
 
 
 
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM - KHAJURAHO - At a short distance from the Western Group, this museum is packed with statues and figurines, which have been restored from the ruins of the temples. Particularly noteworthy, is the Ganesh sculpture in the entrance gallery.
  
 
 
 
BENI SAGAR DAM - A great spot for fun, 11 km from Khajuraho, the dam is a god place to swim and go boating. The surrounding landscaped gardens,offer shade and green areas to rest and relax in.
 
 
 
 
DHUBELA - On the road from Khajuraho to Jhansi, at a distance of 64 km, there is an old fort, which unfortunately is falling into ruin and a museum with ancient Shaki cult sculptures and a cache of weapons, clothes and personal memorabilia of the Bundela rulers.
  
 
 
 
EASTERN GROUP OF TEMPLES - It can be further divided into two groups-one being an enclosure housing the Jain Temples and the second being a cluster of four temples. Though all the temples are worth a visit, the main attractions are the Parasvanath Temple, the Adinath temple.
  
 
 
 
GANGAU - A mini wildlife sanctuary, situated on the banks of the Ken River, 38 km from the city. The park has a small population of cheetal, sambhar, langurs etc and is well worth a visit.
  
 
 
 
JAIN MUSEUM - A recent addition to enhance the viewers experience when visiting the Jain Temples, the museum exhibits 24 tirthankaras.
  
 
 
 
PANDAV FALLS - From the city, 32 km on the mighty Ken River are the Pandav Falls. The rays of the sun filtering through the misty spray turn the sunlight into incandescent rainbow colours -- truly a sight to behold. The area is picturesque and is a great picnic spot.
  
 
 
 
REWA - Once the home of the magnificent white tiger that is now extinct due to indiscriminate hunting and poaching. The Rewa Palace is definitely worth a visit.
 
 
 
 
SHILPGRAM - A 10-acre complex showcasing traditional handicrafts from various parts of India. The ethnic offerings are both for viewing and sale. Within the complex there is an amphitheater, where cultural programs are staged.
  
 
 
 
SOUTHERN GROUP OF TEMPLES - This temple complex has only two temples to offer. The Duladeo Temple, a km away from the Jain enclosure, almost seems to be built, as an afterthought. The sculptures appear cold and do not communicate the emotion evident in the other temples.
  
 
 
 
WESTERN GROUP OF TEMPLES - The Western Group of Temples, are the most elaborately carved, from the three groups. Set within an enclosure amidst manicured lawns, the temples in this group, include the Lakshmi and Varaha Temple, the Lakshmana Temple, and the Kandariya Mahadev temple.