Khajuraho Temples

Location : Khajuharo, Madhya Pradesh, India
Main attraction : Khajuraho is well known for erotic art sculptures and carved temples and Dance Festival
Significance : World Heritage Site
Nearby attraction : Panna Wildlife Sanctuary

Even if situated in the middle of nowhere, the Khajuraho temple complex site is one the most popular places both foreign and Indian tourists. Temples of Khajuraho hold the attention of a visitor with their sculptural art, which is so exquisite and intricate, that one cannot even dream of cloning it now. Perfect in execution and sublime in expressions these Khajuraho temples are a dedication to the womanhood. The artist's creative instincts have beautifully captured various facets and moods of life in stone.

Khajuraho, the ancient "Kharjjuravahaka", was the principal seat of authority of the Chandella rulers who adorned it with numerous tanks, scores of lofty temples of sculptural grace and architectural splendour. The local tradition lists eighty-five temples but now only twenty-five are standing examples in various stages of preservation. But for Chausath-Yogini, Brahma and Mahadeva, which are of granite, all the other temples are of fine-grained sandstone, buff, pink or pale yellow in colour.

Khajuraho Temples - A Celebration Of Life
The existing temple of Khajuraho can be divided into three groups, Western, Eastern and Southern. The famous Western Group, designated a World Heritage site, is enclosed within a beautifully laid-out park. Yasovarman (AD 954) built the temple of Lord Vishnu, now famous as Lakshmana temple is an ornate and evolved example of its time proclaiming the prestige of the Chandellas.

The Vishvanatha, Parsvanatha and Vaidyanatha temples in Khajuraho belong to the time of king Dhanga, the successor of Yasovarman. The Jagadambi, Chitragupta, are noteworthy among the western group of royal temples of Khajuraho. The largest and grandest temple of Khajuraho is the immortal Kandariya Mahadeva, which is attributed to king Ganda (AD 1017-29).

The other examples that followed viz., Vamana, Adinatha, Javari, Chaturbhuj and Duladeo, are smaller but elaborately designed. The Khajuraho group of temples are noted for lofty terraces (jagati) and functionally effective plans. The sculptural embellishments include, besides the cult images; 'Parivara', 'Parsva', 'Avarana' 'Devatas', 'Dikpalas', the 'Apsaras' and 'Sura-Sundaris' which win universal admiration for their delicate, youthful female forms of ravishing beauty. The attire and ornamentation embrace the winsome grace and charm.

Suggest tour package for Khajuraho

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive Cochin airport
Our company representative will meet and assit you at the airport
Later transfer to prebooked hotel (for immediate occupency)

Day 02 : Delhi sightseeing
Breakfast at hotel
Morning start sightseeing of India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its fold the ancient & the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British left behind . The division between New & Old Delhi is the distinction between the capitals of the British & the Moghuls respectively. So, wherever the visitor goes, he will invariably confront the citys’ past.

We will start our tour by visiting Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Built by Shah Jahan, the construction was started in 1844 and was not completed until 1658 ; Red Fort, which was also built by Shah Jehan. This massive fort was built from 1638 to 1648 ; Chandni Chowk and Rajghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Witness the India Gate, the Presidents House & the Parliament. Visit Humayun's Tomb : built in mid 16th century this is an early example of Mughal architecture ; Qutab Minar. The tour ends with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir).

Day 03 : Delhi - Jaipur
Morning after breakfast drive to Jaipur : The capital city of the state of Rajasthan also know as “Pink City” owes its name, its foundation and planning to the great warrior astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city of Jaipur has broad avenues. The city sits on a dry lake bed in a wild and somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by fortresses and crenellated walls.

Upon arrival, check-in at prebooked Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure

Day 04 : Jaipur
Morning after early breakfast, excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride from the foothills of the Aravallis to the fort entrance. Amber Fort : At a distance of 11 kms from Jaipur, Amber was the ancient capital of Jaipur state. Construction of the fort began in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar's army and is a superb example of Rajput architecture.

Afternoon, city tour of Jaipur. Visit the City Palace which has museum having an extensive collection of art, carpets, enamel ware and weapons; Jantar Mantar - the observatoyr built my Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728 and the façade of Hawa Mahal. Overnight at hotel

Day 05 : Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
Breakfast at hotel
Morning drive to Agra, enroute visit the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri : built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the old capital of the Moghuls, which was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other Palaces which are still preserved in its original glory. Continue drive to Agra. Arrive Agra and check-in at prebooked hotel.

Day 06 : Agra
Early morning at the time of sunrise visit Taj Mahal, which was constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Contruction of the Taj began in 1631 and was not completed until 1653.

Back to hotel for breakfast. Later continue sightseeing by visiting Red fort, which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565, and additions were made up until the time of his grandson, Shah Jahan. It contains the hall of public and private audiences amongst many other beautiful structues; Itmad-ud-daulah, which was contructed by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628 and is very similar to the tomb she constructed for her husband, Jehangir, near Lahore in Pakistan.

Evening you can walk through the local bazaar. Overnight at hotel

Day 07 : Agra - Delhi (by road) - Khajuraho (by flight)
Morning after breakfast drive to Delhi airport for flight to Khajuraho
Arrive Aurangabad and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 08 : Khajuraho
Morning visit the Eastern and Western group of temples. The temples of Khajuraho have been declared a 'world heritage' site by UNESCO in order to preserve the rich legacy of architecture, bequeathed to future generations by the Kings of the Chandela dynasty. These temples are famous for their intricate sculptures and erotic carvings that are one of the outstanding achievements of Indian art.

Overnight at hotel

Day 09 : Khajuraho - Delhi - Your home
Morning after breakfast transfer to airport for flight to Delhi
Arrive Delhi and transfer to international airport for international flight