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Khajuraho, India
Khajuraho's temple complex is one of India's most remarkable architectural achievements, and walking between the sandstone temples reveals some of the finest medieval sculpture in the world. Built by the Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD, only 25 of the original 85 temples survive, but they are magnificent. The Western Group, including the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple (the largest and most ornate), the Lakshmana Temple, and the Vishvanath Temple, contains the most celebrated sculptural work — bands of figures in everyday life, devotional poses, and the famous erotic carvings that represent only about 10 percent of the total but have earned Khajuraho its reputation. The Eastern Group contains Jain temples with equally fine sculpture in a quieter setting. The Southern Group includes the Dulhadeo Temple with its elegant proportions. The temples sit in landscaped gardens that make walking between them pleasant, and the evening sound and light show provides atmospheric context. The small town around the temples retains a village character with a modest market and local restaurants.
explore by interest
The Western Group temples are best visited in the morning when the warm light illuminates the sandstone carvings. Hire a knowledgeable guide to understand the sculptural narratives.
October through March offers comfortable temperatures for walking between the temple groups. The Khajuraho Dance Festival in February adds classical dance performances in the temple settings.