Khajuraho - India
From Travel Information and Popular Attractions: TravelName.com
Khajuraho also known as the "The temple city" is famous throughout the world for its exquisitely carved temples in stones. It is the evidence of the exotic architecture and sculpture during the Chandela dynasty in the 9th and 10th century. Out of the 85 temples that were built in a short span of 100 years, only 20 of them have survived today to reveal to the world their great artistic wonder.Khujuraho derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which are found in abundance in this area. Today Khajuraho is a small village in India but thousand of years ago it was a big city, ruled by the Chandelas, the Rajput Kings. It is visited by thousands of tourists each year from all around the world to admire its exquisitively carved temples in stone. Erotic sculptures featuring Apsaras and mithunas (couples) is the main theme of these temples depicting
Warning:
Khajuraho temples have sculptures displaying nudity and sex. Therefore it is not advisable to take children there
Brief History:
It is believed that a woman named Hemwati, daughter of a Brahmin priest, was seduced by the moon-god while bathing in a forest pool, resulting in the birth of Chandravarman (founder of the Chandela dynasty). Chandravarman, when established as a ruler, had a dream in which his mother requested him to build temples that would reveal all the aspects of human passion and erotic fantasies that would bring about the realization of the emptiness of human desire. Inspired by this Chandravarman built these temples of human love and passion.
Location:
These famous Khajuraho temples are located in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh, India. Khajuraho is 595 km (370 miles) south-east of Delhi.
Climate:
Khajuraho has a tropical climate, a typical continental type of climate with summers being hot (47-21 degree Celsius) and winters being cold (32-4 degree Celsius) with an annual rainfall of approximately 114cm. (July - September). The ideal time to be in Khajuraho is October to March.
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Popular Tourist Attraction And Sightseeing
The temples in Khajuraho are the main attraction of khajurajo, these temples are mainly divided into two three geographical groups-Western Group of temples, the Eastern group of temples and the Southern Group of Temples.
Western Group of temples:-
Chausath Yogini Temple:This temple is the earliest temple of the group that has survived. It belongs to 900 AD and is dedicated Goddess Kali and is the only granite temple here.
Kandariya Mahadeo Temple:
This temple is 31m high and is considered to be the most evolved example of central Indian temple architecture. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also the largest of Khajuraho temples.
Devi Jagdamba Temple:
The temple of Devi Jagdamba is among popular tourist attractions and considered by many to be one of the most erotic temples of Khajuraho. The temple houses Khajuraho's most talked-about image, mithuna, and the sensuously carved figures. It is not clear until today as to which deity this temple is dedicated.
Vishwanatha Temple:
This temple has impressive entrances with magnificent stone guarding its northern steps and royal masonry elephants taking care of the southern steps. The three-headed image of Lord Brahma in the temple is captivating.
Lakshmana Temple:
The Lakshmana Temple is one of the oldest and finest of the western group of temples. This temple has four other shrines attached to it. The main themes of this temple are, women, battles and hunting.
Other important temples in the western group are the temples of Lakshmi and Varaha, Mahadev, Chitragupta, Parvati, and Matangesvara.
Eastern group of temples:-
Brahma and Hanuman Temple
This is one of the oldest temples of Khajuraho built in sandstone and granite.
Parsvanath Temple:
The temple of Parsvanath is the largest of the Jain temples on the Eastern group. The temple was originally dedicated to Adinath and latter to Parsvanath. It is the finest example of the sensitive art without any sexual motives. Near this temple is the temple of Adinath with fine carvings. The temple is quite similar to the Hindu temples of Khajuraho.
Ghantai Temple:
This Jain temple which is mostly in ruins today, has remarkable frescos depicting the 16 dreams of the mother of Lord Mahavira at the time of his birth and a Jain goddess mounted on a Garuda.
Some other temples of this group are Javari, Vamana and Shantinath temple.
Southern Group of Temples:-
Dulhadeo Temple:
This temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and is known for striking images of the celestial maidens and richly ornamented figures.
Apart from the temples, another place that can be visited here is the Archeological Museum. It has a very good collection of sculpture, inscriptions, and architectural objects.
Excursions:
Dhubela Museum (65 kms), Pandav Falls (34 kms), Raneh Falls(19 kms), Ken Natural Trail (22 kms), Benisagar Lake (11 kms), Ranguan Lake (25 kms), Gangau Dam (34 kms), Panna National Park (25 kms), Panna Diamond Mines (45 kms).
Khajuraho Dance Festival:
Khajuraho Dance Festival is celebrated every year in the month of March for a period of 7 days. Khajuraho Dance Festival is a cultural event where dance performances take place on various rhythms of music. You can get an opportunity to witness the performances of some of the best classical dancers in the country.
Shopping In Khajuraho
Since Khajuraho is a small city, the shopping areas are few, the major one being in the market opposite to the Western Group of Temples and the Gole Market. Also hang out at Oswal Complex and city center for shopping in Khajuraho. Both are located close to the city center. Apart from the government emporia, numerous private outlets where you would also find usual assortment of various crafts from all parts of Madhya Pradesh.
Shopping in Khajuraho can turn out to be a good experience if you know what you want and where to get it from. One can buy souvenirs and handicrafts made by the local artisans, at the shops of Khajuraho. There are a number of small stalls outside temple gates selling interesting souvenirs. Tourists interested in buying attractive silver and brassware can make a trip to Rajinagar at a distance of 5 kms from Khajuraho.
Hotels In Khajuraho:
khajuraho is not a very big place but due to the large number of tourists that come here from all around the world, there are many luxurious hotels available in Khajuraho. Apart from these, budget hotels are also available according to one's requirement. The price ranging from $30 to $150 per night.
Some of the good hotels in khajuraho are:-
Hotel Chandela,
Hotel Usha Bundela,
Ken River Lodge ,
The Grand temple view,
Holiday Inn,
Kairali Ayurvedic Resort,
Hotel Khajuraho Ashok,
Hotel Greenwood Khajuraho.
Transportation:
Khajuraho can be reached by air, rail or road from most of the prominent cities of India. Taxi's are easily available within the city to go from place to another.
Food:
Khajuraho being a popular tourist place, a variety of food is easily available over here.
