Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of India, is renowned for its stunning ancient temples. These date back to the Chandela dynasty in the 10th century. Discovered in the 19th century by British army captain T.S. Burt, these temples are celebrated for their intricate and sensuous sculptures. Furthermore, visitors to Khajuraho can embark on a fascinating journey through time by exploring these marvels. Here’s a suggested Khajuraho itinerary for 2 days to make the most of your visit to the ancient temples and nearby places.
Khajuraho itinerary
Day 1
- Morning: Begin your day at the Western Group of Temples, including the iconic Kandariya Mahadeva Temple.
- Afternoon: Explore the Eastern Group of Temples, featuring the Parsvanatha Temple and the Ghantai Temple.
- Evening: Witness the Sound and Light Show at the Western Group of Temples, providing a captivating narrative of Khajuraho’s history. (Purchase the tickets to the Light and Sound Show separately). Take a stroll in the marketplace and shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Day 2
- Morning: Head to Panna Tiger Reserve, merely 25km from Khajuraho for a wildlife safari. Also visit the famous Pandav Caves & Falls that lies on the same route. This is a naturally formed cave in the core forest area where the Pandavas stayed during their exile.
- Afternoon: Post Panna, visit Raneh Waterfall which lies 21km from Khajuraho. This is an exquisite waterfall on the Ken River that forms a 5 kilometres long, and 30 metres deep canyon made of pure crystalline granite in varying colours.
- Evening: Visit the Southern Group of Temples, including the Duladeo Temple and the Chaturbhuj Temple. You can also visit the Matangeshvara Temple in the market place premises, close to the Western Group of Temples.
Getting there
- Khajuraho has a small but functional airport. Check if your city has an air route for this town.
- The city also has a railway station, well connected to major railway stations in India.
- Interstate Volvo buses are not available as of now. The authorities plan to bring Volvo connectivity soon.
- The road condition is great. After the highway construction, road connectivity has improved. P.S- We drove for almost 9 hours from Gurugram to Khajuraho following Maps. Since the roads were newly built, the drive was smooth. However, be ready to see herds of cows grouped on the highways which will eventually slow you down.
Frequently asked questions
Answering some of the most asked questions about Khajuraho itinerary and sightseeing of places nearby.
How many days can I add in Khajuraho itinerary?
We recommend you spend atleast 2 days in Khajuraho. This will give you ample time to cover all the temples as well as nearby places like Panna Tiger Reserve, Pandav Caves and Raneh Falls.
What is the best time to visit Khajuraho city?
Winter is an ideal time to visit Khajuraho. Travel season begins from October through March. However, it is best to travel between November and February when the weather is pleasant.
What are the visiting hours of Khajuraho temples?
All temples in Khajuraho, irrespective the classification of groups, open at sunrise and close at sunset. Typically, the temples open between 5.30-6 am and close around 6.30 pm. The light and sound show at Western Group of Temples takes place at 7 pm.
Do I need to book tickets in advance for Khajuraho Western group of temples?
Not really. You can purchase tickets from the ticket counters. There is also an option to scan a QR code and make a digital booking to skip the queue.
Are there entry charges for all monuments?
Only the Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho has an entry fee. The Eastern group and Southern group of temples do not charge an entry fee. However, there might be a provision for it in the future.
Is wheelchair facility available in Khajuraho?
Wheelchair facility is available only in the Western Group of Temples. But the Eastern and Southern Group of Temples do not have wheelchair assistance.
What should I wear in Khajuraho?
There is no dress code mentioned in the temple rules. Khajuraho is liberal with attire, unlike other temples where you need to be fully covered. I wore a full-length dress to the Western Group of Temples and a midi dress to the Eastern Group of Temples. Henceforth, there is no restriction on sleeveless dresses or the length of trousers. Despite no dress code, it is advisable to dress modestly in temples. Wear loose-fitted, cotton clothes to stay comfortable during the temple visit.
Is photography allowed in the Khajuraho temple premises?
Yes! Khajuraho temples allow mobile phones and cameras without restriction on photographing idols or sanctums. However, the use of tripods is strictly prohibited. You can carry a selfie stick or handheld gimble though.
What modes of transportation are available within Khajuraho?
You can rely on autorickshaws. However, you should negotiate the fares. App based cabs do not operate here.
Is there a vehicle parking facility in Khajuraho?
An organized vehicle parking facility is available within the premises of Western Group of Temples. 80-90 cars can easily be accommodated in the parking area. Then, for the Eastern and Southern groups of temples, you can park outside the temple premises in open space. The Municipal Corporation employees might charge a small fee for parking outside these temples. But we did not pay anything as the person claiming to be the employee did not seem legit.
What other places can I club with Khajuraho itinerary?
If you are looking for places close to Khajuraho, then club Panna Tiger Reserve, Pandav Caves & Falls, and Raneh Waterfall. You can also do Orchha with Khajuraho that’s approximately 170 km away. For a longer duration of about 7 days, you can combine Gwalior, Orchha, and Khajuraho.
What kind of accommodations are available in Khajuraho?
From mid-range to luxury stays, there is an accommodation for every kind of traveler. You can also book your stay in MP Tourism affiliated properties listed on the official website. Apart from this, there are plenty listed on travel booking sites. For budget accommodations, you can either opt for hostels or home stays near the Eastern Group of Monuments or Duladeo Temple road.
Khajuraho in a nutshell
Overall, this Khajuraho itinerary and FAQs ensure a comprehensive experience of the city’s architectural brilliance and cultural significance. This allows visitors to appreciate the intricate details of each temple and the historical context that shaped this unique destination. For further details, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or ping on Instagram @yourtravelcurry.
