Temples in Khajuraho
- 01
Adinatha Temple
A Jain temple dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Adinatha. One of the few Jain monuments at Khajuraho, showing the Chandelas' patronage of multiple traditions.
- Time needed
- 25 to 40 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon, when light is angled across the carvings
- Tickets
- Included in the Khajuraho temples complex ticket or may be ticketed separately for the Eastern Group. Check the official site for current arrangements.
- 02
Brahma Temple
The only temple in the Khajuraho complex dedicated to Brahma the creator, sitting in solitary elegance east of the main cluster with finely carved walls and columns.
- Time needed
- 30–40 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Early morning before groups arrive; late afternoon for warm light on the stone
- Tickets
- Included in the main Khajuraho monument ticket or may be free depending on current management. Confirm at the entrance.
- 03
Chaturbhuj Temple
A single-shrine temple with four-armed Vishnu imagery and a pillared portico, offering a less ornate but intimate experience compared to the larger complexes.
- Time needed
- 20–30 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon; October to March for clear skies
- Tickets
- Usually included in the main monument ticket. Confirm current fee at the entrance complex.
- 04
Chitragupta Temple
Dedicated to Surya, the sun god, this temple is notable for its unique positioning with steps leading to the sanctum and its celestial imagery. The name comes from Chitragupta, the cosmic recorder of deeds.
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon; the temple is dedicated to the sun and catches light beautifully
- Tickets
- Included in the Khajuraho temples complex ticket. Check the official site for current rates.
- 05
Devi Jagdambi Temple
A temple originally dedicated to Vishnu but repurposed for the goddess Jagdambi. Its sculpture focuses on feminine imagery and is notable for its central sanctuary and graceful proportions.
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Mid-morning or late afternoon, when the carved surfaces have angled light
- Tickets
- Included in the combined Khajuraho temples ticket. No separate fee. Check the official site for current ticket information.
- 06
Duladeo Temple
A temple dedicated to Shiva in the Eastern Group, notable for its refined carving and the married couple imagery often associated with it. The southernmost temple in the complex.
- Time needed
- 25 to 40 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning when light is fresh; the afternoon sun can be harsh on the southern exposure
- Tickets
- Included in the Khajuraho temples complex ticket for the Eastern Group.
- 07
Javari Temple
A compact Chandela temple with intricate stone carvings and a distinctive shikhara, often overlooked by crowds but rewarding for those who seek it out.
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon for soft light on the carvings; October to March for pleasant weather
- Tickets
- Free entry. The adjacent temples charge separate fees; check current rates at the main complex entrance.
- 08
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
The largest and most ornate temple at Khajuraho, dedicated to Shiva. Its 31-metre spire is visible across the sanctuary, and the carved facades are among the finest in India.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Early morning between October and March, before the complex fills; the spire catches the sunrise
- Tickets
- Ticketed as part of the Khajuraho temples complex; different rates for Indian and foreign visitors. No separate entry for this temple. Check the official Khajuraho site for current combined ticket information.
- 09
Lakshmana Temple
Dedicated to Vishnu as Lakshmi-Narayana, this temple rivals Kandariya Mahadeva in artistic achievement. Its sculpture is celebrated and its layout is one of the clearest examples of North Indian temple design.
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Late morning after the main crowds have moved on, or early afternoon when light rakes the carvings
- Tickets
- Ticketed as part of the Khajuraho temples complex; included with the combined temple ticket. Check current rates on the official Khajuraho site.
- 10
Matangeshwar Temple
One of only two temples still used for active worship at Khajuraho, dedicated to Shiva. Its living ritual life makes it fundamentally different from the monument temples nearby.
- Time needed
- 20 to 30 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning during puja hours, when rituals are in progress, or late afternoon. Avoid midday when it is quieter and the atmosphere is less engaged.
- Tickets
- No entry fee. This is an active place of worship, not a monument. Donations are welcome but not required. Respect the space as a temple first.
- 11
Parshvanatha Temple
Another active Jain temple at Khajuraho, dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara. Restored and maintained by the Jain community, it offers both architectural significance and living worship traditions.
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning during puja hours, or late afternoon. Morning visits show the temple in active use.
- Tickets
- This is an active temple, not a monument site. There may be no entry fee, but donations are welcome. Respect the space as a place of worship.
- 12
Vamadeva Temple
A smaller Shaiva temple in the Eastern Group, dedicated to Shiva. Architecturally simpler than the Western Group temples but showing the same craftsmanship in its carved details.
- Time needed
- 20 to 30 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon, when light angles across the carved surfaces
- Tickets
- Included in the Khajuraho temples complex ticket for the Eastern Group.
- 13
Visvanatha Temple
A Shiva temple adjacent to the Lakshmana Temple, renowned for the delicate carving of its apsaras and the harmony of its proportions. Often overlooked in favour of the three largest temples.
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Late morning or late afternoon, when light emphasises the carved details
- Tickets
- Included in the Khajuraho temples complex ticket. No separate entry required.
Day trips in Khajuraho
- 14
Kalinjar Fort
An ancient hilltop fort in Uttar Pradesh, about 70 km south-east of Khajuraho, with carved temples, water systems and panoramic views of the Vindhya valleys.
- Time needed
- Full day (6–8 hours) including travel
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- October to February for clear views and comfortable walking; avoid May–June when heat and dust are intense
- Tickets
- Entry is free or a small fee may apply. The fort is less developed than Khajuraho temples, with minimal facilities. Bring your own water.
- 15
Panna National Park
A tiger reserve and national park with dry forests, grasslands and the Pandava River, about 50 km from Khajuraho. Visits require a guide and permits.
- Time needed
- Full day (6–8 hours) including travel and safari
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- October to April for wildlife viewing and comfortable weather; avoid June to September monsoon
- Tickets
- Entry requires permits, which can be arranged through lodges in Khajuraho or at the park gate. Hire a licensed guide at the entrance. Prices vary; confirm current fees before visiting.
- 16
Raneh Falls
A dramatic gorge where the Ken River drops over volcanic rock in the dry season, ringed by steep cliffs of banded stone. A scenic drive and walk from Khajuraho.
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours including travel
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- November to January when Ken River has water flowing; the canyonside colours are best in soft morning or late afternoon light
- Tickets
- Entry is free or a small donation may be requested. The nearest rest stop is Khajuraho; bring water and snacks.
Landmarks in Khajuraho
- 17
Beni Sagar Dam
A 11th-century dam built across the Bani River to create a water reservoir, visible from the road south of Khajuraho with carved temples and a scenic lake setting.
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- October to March when water levels are stable and weather is cool; November–January for bird activity on the lake
- Tickets
- No entry fee. It is an open site. Some areas may be restricted if the dam is being maintained.
- 18
Ken River
A perennial river flowing east through central India, known for clear water, rocky banks and wildlife habitat. Access points near Khajuraho offer swimming, picnicking and birdwatching.
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours depending on how long you linger
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- October to March for comfortable weather and clear water; July to September monsoon brings fast currents
- Tickets
- No entry fee. The river is public. Some local operators offer boat rides or fishing permits; ask your accommodation.
Museums in Khajuraho
- 19
Khajuraho Museum
A small museum of sculptural fragments and temple artifacts in Khajuraho village, showing pieces that have been displaced, damaged or removed from the temple complex over centuries.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Midday when temples are too hot; the museum is cool and a good break
- Tickets
- Ticketed separately from the main temple complex. Check current fees at the entrance or museum office. A state or composite ticket may not cover it.
