Khajuraho Group of Monuments
Historical Site Medieval Hindu and Jain temples famed for sculptures
Khajuraho’s temples in Madhya Pradesh are sandstone monuments noted for sculpted exterior panels, including erotic and secular scenes; tourists visit for temple architecture, archaeological interpretation and regional dance festivals.
Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a cluster of medieval Hindu and Jain temples in Madhya Pradesh, central India, built mainly between the 10th and 12th centuries by the Chandela dynasty. The ensemble is celebrated for its intricate sculptural decoration and architectural form.
The sculptural program across the temples includes figurative relief panels, narrative friezes and ornamental sculpture, with the Western Group containing some of the most elaborate and best-preserved temples such as the Kandariya Mahadeva. Visitors study both the iconography and the temple plans, which display high medieval North Indian temple architecture.
The grouping is divided into Western, Eastern and Southern clusters, each with distinct temple types and devotional associations; the Western Group is the main focus for visitors and tourism infrastructure. The site’s combination of monumental form and detailed stone carving attracts scholars, photographers and general visitors alike.
Constructed under Chandela rule during the 10th and 11th centuries, the temples were gradually abandoned or fell into disuse by the late medieval period and were later surveyed and conserved from the 19th century onward. The complex is now protected and managed for conservation and tourism.
The monuments are located near the modern town of Khajuraho in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, and are accessible from regional transport hubs and the local town.
- Surviving temples and dates: Approximately 20 major temples survive intact from an original larger complex, and surviving monuments date primarily to the Chandela dynasty across the 10th and 11th centuries.
What to See #
- Western Group: The Western Group contains the largest cluster of temples, including the Kandariya Mahadeva and Lakshmana temples, and is the most visited sector.
- Eastern Group: The Eastern Group includes several Jain temples and smaller Hindu shrines located to the east of the main complex.
- Southern Group: The Southern Group comprises a small cluster of temples south of the principal Western Group and is less visited.
How to Get to Khajuraho Group of Monuments #
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is on the outskirts of Khajuraho town. Khajuraho Airport (domestic) is about 6-8 km from the temple groups and taxis/auto‑rickshaws connect the airport, town and sites (10-20 minute drive). From Khajuraho town centre the main Western and Eastern groups are a short drive (5-15 minutes) or a walk of up to a couple of kilometres depending on which cluster you visit.
Tips for Visiting Khajuraho Group of Monuments #
- Plan your visit for sunrise or late afternoon when the sandstone carvings pick up warm light and the major Western Group temples are far less crowded than midday.
- Start with the Western Group (Kandariya Mahadeva and nearby temples) early, then walk to the Eastern and Southern groups-many tour buses only stop at the Western cluster, so the other groups are often much quieter.
- Allow time for the small onsite museum in the town and for the viewpoints around the complex; the museum and peripheral temple orientations contain explanatory material and photo angles that many visitors skip.
Best Time to Visit Khajuraho Group of Monuments #
Plan your trip between October and March for the most comfortable weather and best conditions to visit the Khajuraho Group of Monuments.
Weather & Climate near Khajuraho Group of Monuments #
Khajuraho Group of Monuments's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with very hot summers (peaking in May) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 43°C. Abundant rainfall (1088 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is hot with highs of 39°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and clear sunny skies.
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May
May is the hottest month with highs of 43°C and lows of 27°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 37°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (344 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (371 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (192 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
