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| Khajuraho City Tour Guide - Madhya Pradesh |
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Khajuraho Facts:
• Area 16.93 sq. km
• Population 6,541
• Altitude 257 m above sea level
• Languages Hindi and English
• Best time to visit October to March
• STD code 07686 |
It is really one of the most fortuitous accidents of history that Khajuraho lies where it does – well away from the path taken by the fanatical hordes that periodically unleashed their destructive wrath on the towns and villages of medieval India. The amazing temples built here by the Chandela Rajput rulers during the 10th to 12th centuries, were thus spared the destruction and mutilation suffered by countless other temples throughout north and central India. Khajuraho has grown into a major tourist destination from the obscure village it was. The temple town lies on the northern fringe of the state and served by an airport where loads of tourists arrive to see the magnificent temples. Of the 85 temples that were originally built, only 22 remain but just these put Khajuraho right up there, top of the list of India’s must visit destinations such as Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Varanasi.
History
Most of the temples at Khajuraho were built in a short span of about a hundred years, between 950 and 1050 AD. The Chandela dynasty claimed its descent from a Brahmin priest’s daughter, Hemvati, who is said to have fallen in love with Chandra, the moon-god, while bathing in a secluded pool. The child of this union, Chandravarman, founded the dynasty. Inscriptions found near the temples show that Harshadeva ruled in the early 10th century, and was followed by Yasovarman, Dhanga and Vidyadhara. As each of them expanded the Chandela kingdom, they also made additions to the temple complex. At the height of their empire, the Chandelas ruled over almost the entire present-day Madhya Pradesh. The first Muslim invasions of India came during the reign of Vidyadhara. A turbulent period followed during which the Chandelas moved to hill forts to defend their kingdom against Muslim attacks. Their rule eventually ended in the 14th century. And the temple complex at Khajuraho, created in a remote, heavily forested area, remained forgotten till 1838 when it was re-discovered by Captain T.S. Burt of the Asiatic Society. |
How to get there
Air
Khajuraho has an airport primarily catering to the thousands of visitors that fly in to see the temples. The town is airlinked to Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Delhi, Varanasi and Agra by regular commercial services. From the airport to the actual town of Khajuraho, catch a tourist coach, bus or taxi.
Rail
The nearest railhead for Khajuraho is off the main line, 100 km away and handles only slow passenger and good trains, so entraining it to Khajuraho isn’t a convenient option. Jhansi is a more convenient railhead (172 km) if you are travelling from Delhi or Chennai; Satna (117 km, on the Mumbai-Allahabad line) is the most suitable if you are travelling from Mumbai, Calcutta or Varanasi. At both these railway stations, connecting trains may or may not be available the same day, so hire a private taxi or try the local roadways buses.
Road
Private cabs and taxis, cars, coachs run by tour operators and the state roadways buses are the options if you are travelling to Khajuraho by road. Regular buses run to and from Jhansi, Satna, Harpalpur (94 km) and Mahoba (61 km).
Best time to visit
Travellers to Khajuraho can come over any time between July and March, a period at the end of the monsoon season and just before the hot summer months. The best time would be when it’s balmy and cool in the early winter months of October/November.
Dining Out
Raja Caféstrong: Raja's Cafe, built around a tree right in the city centre. It is run by a Swiss lady who settled down here long back. Serves Indian and continental cuisine. Swiss rosti is its specialty.
Mediterranean: Run by an Italian lady serves Mexican and Italian food.
Safari : Serves Indian, continental, Israeli and Korean cuisines.
Food and Fun : Serves Continental, Chinese and Italian dishes.
Lovely restaurant : Serves wholesome Vegetarian thali
Shopping
Folk and tribal artifacts are the main attractions of Khajuraho. Hand-crafted figurines in wood, brass, iron, terracotta and stone, paintings on cloth and paper and tribal jewellery are available at stores in Gole Market. Bargaining is a norm here. There are some stalls selling handicrafts near the Eastern Group as well.
Market timings: 10 am to 8 pm.
Mrignayani is a handicraft showroom run by Madhya Pradesh state government. Open: 10am to 8 pm. Closed on Tuesday.
A weekly bazaar is held at Rajinagar on Tuesdays, 5 km from Khajuraho. The market is worth a visit to buy silver goods and brassware.
Tourist Offices
There are two good tourist offices in Khajuraho, one run by the Government of India’s Department of Tourism, the other by the MPTDC. The offices are located close to the western group of temples close to the town.
Government of India Tourist Office, Opposite the Western Group of Temples, Khajuraho - 471606. Tel: 2047
Regional Office, Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd., Tourist Bungalow Complex, Khajuraho - 471606. Tel: 2051
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