Western Group of Temples
The main UNESCO complex including Kandariya Mahadeva, the largest and most ornate temple.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 3 hours
- Best time to visit
- Morning
Khajuraho
A thousand years of stone sculpture.
- State
- Madhya Pradesh
- Recommended duration
- 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Best months
- October – March
- Estimated package price
- ₹12,000 onwards
About the destination
Why travellers visit Khajuraho
Khajuraho's temples were built by the Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050 CE, and around 25 of the original 85 survive. Their sandstone walls carry some of the finest sculpture in India, depicting deities, musicians, warriors and daily life. The Western Group is the most complete and hosts an evening sound-and-light show.
Heritage
Places to visit
Top attractions in and around Khajuraho
Suggested visiting durations, ideal timing and approximate distances for each place.
Eastern & Southern Groups
Jain temples and quieter shrines scattered around the village, easily reached by cycle.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 2–3 hours
- Best time to visit
- Late afternoon
- Approximate distance
- About 2 – 5 km
Sound and Light Show
An evening show at the Western Group tracing the Chandela dynasty's history.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 1 hour
- Best time to visit
- After sunset
Panna National Park
A tiger reserve on the Ken river, an easy day trip for a morning safari.
- Suggested visiting duration
- Full day
- Best time to visit
- Oct – June, sunrise slot
- Approximate distance
- About 25 km
Suggested itinerary
A sample 3-day plan
This is an example itinerary. Days can be shortened, extended or reordered depending on your travel dates, pace and interests.
Day 1 — Arrival in Khajuraho
Reach Khajuraho, check in and settle down. Spend the evening exploring the market area nearby, trying local food and getting a feel for the place.
Day 2 — Western Group of Temples + Eastern & Southern Groups + Sound and Light Show + Panna National Park
Western Group of Temples: The main UNESCO complex including Kandariya Mahadeva, the largest and most ornate temple. Eastern & Southern Groups: Jain temples and quieter shrines scattered around the village, easily reached by cycle. Sound and Light Show: An evening show at the Western Group tracing the Chandela dynasty's history. Panna National Park: A tiger reserve on the Ken river, an easy day trip for a morning safari.
Day 3 — Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, pick up souvenirs and begin your journey back from Khajuraho.
Estimated trip cost
What the trip may cost
Estimated cost for 2 people · 3 days / 2 nights
Accommodation
Approx. 2 nights in a comfortable mid-range hotel for two.
₹5,000
Transportation
Approximate travel to and from the destination, plus transfers.
₹3,000
Local sightseeing
Cabs, entry tickets and day-trip travel within the destination.
₹2,000
Food
Three meals a day for two at mid-range local restaurants.
₹2,000
Activities
Optional experiences, guides and activity fees.
₹500
Estimated total
₹12,500 onwards
These figures are approximate and can vary depending on travel dates, accommodation, transportation and personal preferences.
Accommodation
Where travellers usually stay
Typical accommodation categories in Khajuraho and what each generally includes.
Budget
Approx. ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per night
Guesthouses, homestays and small hotels. Expect a clean room, hot water, basic Wi-Fi and simple breakfast. Often located slightly away from the main sightseeing area.
Mid-range
Approx. ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 per night
Comfortable hotels and boutique properties with better locations, room service, on-site dining and reliable heating or air-conditioning depending on the region.
Premium
Approx. ₹6,000 – ₹12,000+ per night
Resorts and luxury properties with larger rooms, views, spa or pool facilities, multiple restaurants and full-service assistance for sightseeing arrangements.
Accommodation rates are indicative averages for a double room and change significantly with season, location and property category. This website does not list, recommend or arrange specific hotels.
Getting there & around
How to reach Khajuraho
Nearest airport and railway station, road routes and the local transport options once you arrive.
By Air
Khajuraho Airport
About 5 km
15 minutes
Seasonal flights from Delhi and Varanasi.
By Rail
Khajuraho Railway Station
About 6 km
15 minutes
Direct trains from Delhi and Jhansi.
By Road
Jhansi – Khajuraho
About 175 km
4 hours
Jhansi is a convenient railhead on the Delhi–Bhopal line.
Local transport options
Private cab (full day)
Most convenient for sightseeing with fixed timings and multiple stops.
Approx. ₹2,500 – ₹4,500 per day
Shared taxi
Common on fixed hill and intercity routes; departs when full.
Approx. ₹150 – ₹500 per seat
Local bus
The cheapest option, best for short hops and popular routes.
Approx. ₹20 – ₹300 per trip
Auto rickshaw
Ideal for short in-town distances; agree the fare or use the meter.
Approx. ₹30 – ₹300 per trip
Rental scooter or bike
Popular in beach and hill towns; carry a valid licence and wear a helmet.
Approx. ₹400 – ₹1,200 per day
Sightseeing cab per point
Point-to-point rates for single attractions or short excursions.
Approx. ₹800 – ₹2,000
All transport distances, timings and fares are approximate estimates. Actual availability, routes and rates vary by season, operator and road conditions.
Best time to visit
Khajuraho through the seasons
Recommended months: October – March.
Summer
March – June
Very hot, often above 40°C. Sightseeing is best restricted to early mornings; carry water, light cotton clothing and sun protection.
Monsoon
July – September
Occasional heavy showers cool things down and monuments look striking against grey skies. Humidity stays high.
Winter
October – March
The ideal season. Comfortable 10–25°C days suit full-day sightseeing, though December and January mornings can be foggy and may delay trains and flights.
Things to do
Experiences to plan for in Khajuraho
Temple tours
Cycling
Sculpture photography
Wildlife safari
Folk dance performances
Photo gallery
Khajuraho in pictures
Landscapes, culture, food and the everyday texture of travel in this part of India.
Travel tips
Good to know before visiting Khajuraho
- Monuments often have separate camera or video fees — carry small change.
- Visit major monuments right at opening time to avoid heat and crowds.
- Hiring a licensed guide at the entrance makes the history far more rewarding.
- Carry a government-issued photo ID; most hotels ask for it at check-in.
- Check the weather forecast a couple of days before you travel and pack accordingly.
- Keep some cash handy — smaller shops, local transport and remote areas may not accept cards or UPI.
- Carry basic medicines, a reusable water bottle and sunscreen.
- Save offline maps and note down emergency numbers before heading into low-network areas.
- Respect local customs, dress codes at religious sites and photography restrictions.
Prices shown are indicative estimates and may vary depending on season, hotel category, transportation, number of travellers and duration.
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