Khajuraho

Why Khajuraho is special
This millennium-old temple complex is world famous for its erotic stone carvings.

Khajuraho tips & insights
Widespread misconception
Most travelers who have not visited this wonder believe one comes only for the voyeur experience. Yet, less than 10% of the statues convey eroticism. The rest have religious or everyday life themes, are interesting, and are masterly sculpted. The temples themselves are also remarkable.

Meaning
Archaeologists debate what the sensual statues were supposed to convey to the faithful.

Not unique
Khajuraho's erotic statuary is not unique. Other religious sites in India (and Nepal) have them, too. What sets Khajuraho apart is it has a significantly large number of them.

Three geographical groups
The Khajuraho temples reside in three separate sections: Western, Eastern, and Southern groups. The first group is by far the best. If you are short of time, explore only this one.

Kandariya Temple is the top must see
The Western Group temple rises 31 meters (100 feet) and is home to numerous statues.

Physical condition
Originally, there were over 80 temples, but only about 20 survived the elements and jungle strangulation. Some structures are in poor condition, but most (especially in the Western Group) are in good shape and worth exploring.

Museum
Leave time for the onsite Archaeological Museum.

Location in India