What are the visiting hours?

The temples are open daily from sunrise to sunset, typically 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The ticket counter closes at 5:30 PM.

Is photography allowed?

Yes, still photography is allowed and free of charge. Tripods and commercial video recording require special permission from the ASI. Flash is not allowed inside sanctums.

What is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

Arrive right at opening time (6:00 AM) to experience the temples peacefully. Mid-week days in late September or early March offer lower crowd density compared to the peak winter season.

Are there any nearby attractions?

Raneh Falls is 21 km away (45-minute drive). Panna National Park is 25 km away and famous for tiger safaris. The State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art is just 1.5 km from the main temple complex.

What should I wear when visiting?

Wear breathable cotton clothing in summer. Despite the erotic sculptures, the site has religious significance, so modest attire (covered shoulders and knees) is advised. Slip-on shoes are practical as they must be removed frequently.

24.831879.9195Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

TEMPLE

Khajuraho Temple Timings, Architecture & Travel Guide

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring remarkable 10th-century Hindu and Jain temples known for their intricate Nagara-style architecture and stone carvings.

Khajuraho, Madhya PradeshHalf day (3-4 hours)6:00 AM – 6:00 PM₹40Photography OKAccessible

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Best Season:October to February is the optimal time with daytime temperatures ranging from 15-25°C, making outdoor exploration comfortable. March to June brings severe heat, often exceeding 40°C, which makes walking on the stone pathways difficult. July to September receives moderate to heavy rainfall, causing high humidity but adding rich greenery to the landscape. Visiting during the third week of February is highly recommended to attend the famous Khajuraho Dance Festival.

Duration:Half day (3-4 hours)

Entry (Indian):₹40

Entry (Foreign):₹600

Photography:Allowed

Parking:Available

Accessible:Yes

Why Visit khajuraho temples?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments consists of Hindu and Jain temples spread across a 6-square-kilometer area in Madhya Pradesh. Built entirely from sandstone without the use of mortar, the structures rely on gravity and precise interlocking stones. The site is divided into three distinct zones: Western, Eastern, and Southern groups. The Western Group is the largest and most prominent, housing the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, noted for its towering shikhara and thousands of intricate statues depicting gods, goddesses, musicians, and daily life scenes from ancient India. Visitors explore wide paved pathways connecting the various temple structures surrounded by maintained lawns. Besides the main shrines, you will see detailed friezes covering the exterior walls, illustrating royalty, warfare, and sensuality. The Eastern Group features important Jain temples with highly ornamented pillars, while the Southern Group is smaller and slightly more remote. Exploring the entire complex involves significant walking, allowing you to observe the precise construction techniques used by ancient artisans up close.

10th-century Nagara-style architecture with soaring shikharas

Intricate sandstone carvings depicting daily life, warfare, and mythology

The massive Kandariya Mahadeva Temple featuring over 800 detailed sculptures

The annual Khajuraho Dance Festival held against the temple backdrop

Detailed erotic sculptures representing human sensuality and ancient tantric practices

Exceptional interlocking stone construction without the use of mortar

Ideal For

History enthusiastsArt loversPhotographersSolo travelersFamiliesGroups

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

Jan

Winter

Feb

Winter

Mar

Spring

Apr

Spring

May

Summer

Jun

Summer

Jul

Monsoon

Aug

Monsoon

Sep

Post-M

Oct

Autumn

Nov

Autumn

Dec

Winter

BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

November to February, and especially during the Khajuraho Dance Festival in late February, attracting international and domestic tourists due to favorable weather

Moderate

October and March, when the weather is transitioning, leading to manageable tourist numbers

Low Season

April to July, due to intense summer heat and the onset of the monsoon season

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

₹40

Per person

Foreign Visitors

₹600

Per person

Opening Hours

6:00 AM — 6:00 PM

Open all days from sunrise to sunset. The Light and Sound show runs in the evening (18:30 in winter, 19:30 in summer) in English and Hindi. The Western Group is the primary ticketed area; Eastern and Southern groups have no specific closing time but are best visited during daylight.

Adults 40 INR (Indian citizens, SAARC, BIMSTEC countries), Foreign nationals 600 INR. Children under 15 years enter free. Photography is free. Light and Sound show tickets cost 250 INR for Indians and 700 INR for foreigners. Online booking via ASI website offers a minor discount.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Sevagram

Coordinates

24.8318, 79.9195

Nearest City

Khajuraho

Get Directions Open in Maps

How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Khajuraho Airport (HJR) is just 5 km from the main temple complex. It has flights connecting to Delhi and Varanasi. Taxis take about 15 minutes to reach the sit...

By Train

Khajuraho Railway Station is 6 km away, directly connected to Delhi via the UP Sampark Kranti Express. Mahoba (65 km) and Satna (117 km) are major alternative r...

By Road

Well connected by NH 39. It is 175 km from Jhansi (4 hours) and 380 km from Bhopal (8 hours). Regular state transport buses run from Jhansi, Satna, and Chhatarp...

Local Transport

Auto-rickshaws are the most common transport (50-100 INR for short rides). Bicycles and scooters can be rented near the Western Group (100-300 INR per day). The...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

The temples were built by the Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD. Originally, the complex contained 85 temples, but only 25 have survived over the centuries. They served as active centers of worship and cultural life until the late 13th century. Following the decline of the Chandela dynasty an...

Significance

Khajuraho holds immense global and national importance as a UNESCO World Heritage site representing the peak of North Indian Nagara architecture. The temples are renowned not just for their structural brilliance but for their extensive stone carvings that document the social, religious, and cultural...

Travel Tips & Guidelines

Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips

Tips

Visit the Western Group early morning at 6 AM to catch the sunrise lighting up the sandstone structures and avoid the midday heat

Hire a government-approved ASI guide at the ticket counter to understand the complex history and architectural details

Carry a water bottle, hat, and sunglasses, as walking between temples involves substantial sun exposure

Attend the evening Light and Sound show for historical context before exploring the site in daylight

Keep your ticket from the Western Group; it is valid for entry into the other enclosures on the same day

Use a wide-angle lens for architectural photography, and zoom lenses to capture the intricate details of the high friezes

Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as you will climb many steep stone stairs to access the sanctums

Safety Tips

Beware of unofficial guides offering tours; always hire ASI-approved guides from the official counter

The stone steps leading into the temples are steep and have uneven surfaces; use caution while climbing

Carry adequate water and use sun protection, as there is very little shade in the large outdoor complex

Keep your entrance ticket safe, as guards may check it at the entrance of different temple enclosures

Monkey troops are present around the site; do not carry open food items or try to feed them

Rules & Restrictions

Remove shoes before entering the inner sanctum of any active temple

No tripods or drones allowed without prior written permission from the ASI

No touching or scratching the ancient stone carvings

No smoking or consumption of alcohol within the monument premises

Food and eating are prohibited inside the temple boundaries

Flash photography is not permitted inside the dark inner chambers

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about khajuraho temples

Nearby Attractions

Explore more places near this destination

State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art - 1.5 km

Raneh Falls - 21 km

Ken Gharial Sanctuary - 24 km

Panna National Park - 25 km

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Khajuraho Temple Timings, Architecture & Travel Guide

Why Visit khajuraho temples?

Best Time to Visit

Entry Fees & Timings

Location & Directions

How to Reach

By Air

By Train

By Road

Local Transport

History & Significance

History

Significance

Travel Tips & Guidelines

Tips

Safety Tips

Rules & Restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

Nearby Attractions

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