Khajuraho, located in the heart of India in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exquisite group of temples. These temples, built between the 9th and 11th centuries, showcase intricate and sensual stone carvings that depict various aspects of life, love, and spirituality.
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is celebrated for its architectural excellence and intricate sculptures that are both artistic and symbolic. The temples are divided into three groups - Western, Eastern, and Southern, with the Western Group being the most well-known and visited. The artistic carvings found on the temple walls encompass themes from daily life, eroticism, and mythological tales. The artistry displayed in these sculptures is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and creativity of the Chandela dynasty.
Beyond the temples, Khajuraho offers a serene atmosphere and lush gardens, making it an ideal place for exploration and contemplation. The annual Khajuraho Dance Festival, featuring classical Indian dance forms, adds a cultural dimension to the city. Khajuraho is a place where history, art, and spirituality harmoniously converge, creating a destination that transports visitors to a bygone era and leaves a profound impression with its stunning architectural and artistic heritage.
A genuine attempt to promote the centuries-old Indian culture, Shilpgram, allures the tourists with its heart throbbing performances of folk arts. Located at the heart of Khajuraho, this brilliant venture is a government-run cultural center started in the year 1998. Spread over a vast area of ten acres, Shilpgram's nights are colorful with the stunning performances of classical and folk dancers.
Visit Eastern Group of temples mainly dedicated to the Jain teachers-Tirthankaras. The Parsvanatha Temple, the Adinatha Temple, and the Santinatha Temple. The temples are ornately carved on the outside with beautiful figures of Hindu gods, goddesses. Also visit the Western Group of temples, which consist of a group of artistic (erotic) temples built in sandstone. The sculptures of Hindu deities, dancers and musicians appear to be so natural as if they would come alive any time.
A genuine attempt to promote the centuries-old Indian culture, Shilpgram, allures the tourists with its heart throbbing performances of folk arts. Located at the heart of Khajuraho, this brilliant venture is a government-run cultural center started in the year 1998. Spread over a vast area of ten acres, Shilpgram's nights are colorful with the stunning performances of classical and folk dancers. In addition to the art performances, the Shilpgram houses works of the craftsmen from various parts of India, whose work on clannish and tribal handicrafts are being sold out through the shop housed in the complex.
The Light and Sound show on the Western Group of temples complex reminds the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and mark out the story of the exclusive temples from the 10th Century to the present day. The 50-minute fascinating show is held every evening and it runs in Hindi and in English. Amitabh Bachchan, biggest of Bollywood stars, narrates the story of the magnificent temples, and his majestic voice attributes a special effect to the show and is very informative.
Raneh Falls (19 km from Khajuraho) on the ken river are famous for their rock formations. The main attraction is a 5 - km - long, 100 - foot - deep canyon made of pure crystalline granite in varying shades of colors ranging pink and red to grey. A series of seasonal waterfalls surrounded by jungles make it an ideal picnic spot.
Eastern Group of temples mainly dedicated to the Jain teachers-Tirthankaras. The Parsvanatha Temple, the Adinatha Temple, and the Santinatha Temple. The temples are ornately carved on the outside with beautiful figures of Hindu gods, goddesses. Also visit the Western Group of temples, which consist of a group of artistic temples built in sandstone. The sculptures of Hindu deities, dancers, and musicians appear to be so natural as if they would come alive at any time.