Khajuraho Travel Guide
The 9th to 12th century temples of Khajuraho is the evidences of the architectural geniuses during the times of Chandela dynasty. Situated in Madhya Pradesh, India, Khajuraho oozes with passion, eroticism, dance and music and other finesses of creative arts depicted in sculpture and images of the temples. The 85 temples were built in North Indian 'Nagara' style of architecture, though only 20 of them have survived the rough weather conditions over long years of time. The two richer distinctive groups of temples are the Western and Eastern group of temples.
Temple town of Khajuraho is much different from any other temple city of India. It is not about religion and worshipping and deities. The temples of Khajuraho are instead famous for the eroticism etched on its walls in the form of sculptures. An amalgamation of science and art of architecture, these 10th-11th century temples have a very interesting legend behind them that connects them to the origin of Chandela dynasty. It is said that in a fit of passion and lust, the Moon God seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girls known as Hemvati, resulting in the birth of Chandravarman (the founder of the Chandela dynasty). Later, Chandravarman had a dream where his mother requested him to make a temple, which would reveal all aspects of the treasure of passion and erotic fantasy to the world.
Places to see:
The world renowned temple town of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site for its archaeological and historical monuments.The Khajuraho temples were built in the short span of a hundred years, from 950-1050AD in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world's great artistic wonders.
The Creators of Khajuraho claimed descent from the moon and the legend behind the founding of this great dynasty and the temples is a fascinating one. Hemwati, the lovely young daughter of a Brahmin priest, was seduced by the moon-god while bathing in a forest pool. The child born of this union was Chandravarman, founder of the Chandela dynasty. Brought up in the forests by his mother who sought refuge from a sensorious society, Chandravarman, when established as a ruler, had a dream-visitation from his mother. It is said that she implored him to build temples that would reveal human passions, and in doing so, bring about a realization of the emptiness of human desire. It is also possible that the Chandelas were followers of the Tantric cult, which believes that gratification of earthly desires is a step towards attaining the infinite liberation of nirvana.
Why they chose Khajuraho, even then a small village, as the site for their great complex is also open to of their faith and the many beliefs represented in the temples, the Chandelas conceived Khajuraho as a seat of religion and learning, to bring together many sects.
Shopping:
Shopping in Khajuraho can be an experience to boast upon only if the tourists reach the right place for the right thing. Shopping in Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh in India can be exciting as the tourists get to buy things which are of ethnic value and bear a traditional touch to it.People who have a knack for buying and collecting metal wares, dhokra pieces of art, jewelry, bamboo articles and artifacts that reflects a traditional hue, for them Khajuraho is the best place to go for shopping. Khajuraho can be a unique shopping destination for people with an artistic bent of mind and having a passion of collecting tribal artifacts. It is indeed a one stop shopping destination for the tourists who have a taste for tribal designs. With time, Khajuraho as a Shopping destination has not limited its products to jewelleries and tribal artifacts. The tourists can also buy contemporary things like electronic goods, books and many other things while on a tour to Khajuraho.
Where to stay:
The World Heritage Site, Khajuraho, is the most visited in India after Agra. And travelers have options ranging from medium budget to five star hotels. Some reputed names are listed below:- Taj Chandela
- Radisson Jass Hotel
- Clarks Bundela (Clarks Group)
- The Grand Temple View Khajuraho
- Khajuraho Ashok (Ashok Group)
How to reach Khajuraho:
By Air: The centrally located Khajuraho Airport has regular flights to Varanasi, Agra and Delhi. The centrally located Khajuraho Airport has regular flights to Varanasi, Agra and Delhi. From Agra, Khajuraho is just 40 min away.By Rail: Khajuraho has no direct trains from the metro cities. Jhansi (175 km) and Satna (120 km), are the two convenient railheads. If you are traveling from Delhi, board the Shatabdi Express to Jhansi that gets you there in just 4 hours. You can board buses or taxis from Jhansi Railway station, to Khajuraho (travel time is 4 hours). Santa, on the Bombay-Allahabad line of the Central Railways is another option if you are traveling from Delhi, Calcutta and Bombay.
By Road: Direct buses to Khajuraho can be boarded from Jhansi, Satna, Agra, Jabalpur, Gwalior. The Bus Stand is centrally located. Khajuraho is located 600km (11hrs journey) south West of Delhi.
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