8 Best Places to Visit in Khajuraho by Road

Khajuraho happens to be one of the top tourist locations in India – a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) heritage site to boot! This means that there would be no shortage of great places to see when you embark on road trips to Khajuraho. Following are the best places to visit over here:

8 Best Attractions around Khajuraho

1. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
2. Lakshmana Temple
3. Matangeshwar Temple
4. Adinath Temple
5. Javari Temple
6. Panna National Park
7. Raneh Falls
8. Ken Gharial Sanctuary

If you want to visit a hill station near Khajuraho you can do that as well. 

1. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

Among all the temples that you get to see in Khajuraho, the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is perhaps the best of the lot. The temple dates back to 1050 BC. It was supposed to be a tribute to Lord Shiva, one of the most prominent deities in the Hindu pantheon. The Shiva Linga over here has been crafted from pure marble and this is why it is such a marvelous sight to behold. Before you visit these temples it is extremely important to know the Khajuraho temple opening days. 

• Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
• Distance from the Khajuraho bus stand: 1 km 
• Entry fee: 10 rupees for each person

2. Lakshmana Temple

The Lakshmana Temple happens to be one of the oldest among the temples that you get to see in Khajuraho. It was the Chandela kings who built the temple. The gates of the temple are graced by the divine trinity of Hinduism – Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu. The temple though is actually dedicated to Lord Vishnu. At its sanctum, the temple has a portrayal of Vaikuntha Vishnu. It is easily one of the best things to see in Khajuraho. 

• Timings: 8 am to 6 pm every day
• Distance from the Khajuraho bus stand: 900 m 
• Entry fee: 10 rupees for each person

3. Matangeshwar Temple

The Matangeshwar temple too was established by the Chandela dynasty – or Chandra Dev, to be precise. It was built during the 9th century CE and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shiva Lingam over here is 8 feet tall and has been made from yellow limestone. The morning aarti over here provides an experience that is as delightful as any. If you are looking for the best Khajuraho attractions this one surely ranks right up there with the best. 

• Timings: 6 am-6 pm every day
• Distance from the Khajuraho bus stand: 900 m 
• Entry fee: no information available 

4. Adinath Temple

The Adinath Temple forms a part of the Jain group of temples that Khajuraho happens to be famous for as well. It is extremely appealing from an aesthetic point of view and was built during the 11th century. It was designed to serve as a memorial to Saint Adinath, one of the most famous members of the fraternity of Jain saints. This is indeed one of the Khajuraho best places to visit.

• Timings: 8 am to 6 pm every day
• Distance from the Khajuraho bus stand: 1.5 km 
• Entry fee: none

5. Javari Temple

The Javari Temple is a part of the Eastern Group of Temples here at Khajuraho. The unique features of the temple are its interior carvings, which are as fine as any, and the architecture that is so remarkable. The temple has been dedicated to Lord Vishnu and its walls show the most exquisite images of women and men in various postures. This is the reason why it is mentioned in every Khajuraho travel guide. 

• Timings: 8 am-6 pm every day
• Distance from the Khajuraho bus stand: 1.3 km 
• Entry fee: none

6. Panna National Park

The Panna National Park was established in 1981. It happens to be the fifth tiger reserve in the state of MP (Madhya Pradesh) and the 22nd in India. It has different species for the wildlife enthusiasts to come and watch such as the following:

• jackal
• Sambar
• Nilgai
• wild boar
• Chinkara

It is indeed the perfect place to be for nature lovers and trekkers. It could also be one of the places to visit in Khajuraho at night if you are brave enough.   

• Timings: 6 am-5 pm every day
• Distance from the Khajuraho bus stand: 92 km 
• Entry fee: 15 rupees for each person

7. Raneh Falls

The Raneh Falls create a canyon, which is 30 feet deep, from pure, crystalline, and beautiful granite that is decorated naturally with so many colours. It is indeed one of the breathtaking tourist attractions in this part of the world. It cannot be doubted that it has been bestowed with the bounty of Mother Nature. As far as Khajuraho sightseeing goes it does not really get much better than this!  

• Timings: 9 am to 5 pm every day
• Distance from the Khajuraho bus stand: 21 km 
• Entry fee: 15 rupees for each person

8. Ken Gharial Sanctuary

The Ken Gharial Sanctuary happens to be one of the most critical tourist locations in Khajuraho. A lot of tourists like to visit the spot as well. It is part of the Panna National Park, which means that trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers from around the world keep visiting it. It has been created around the lovely Ken River that flows in a northern direction to the confluence with the Holy Ganges. It is easily among the best places to visit in Khajuraho, and there can be no doubt about that. 

• Timings: from sunrise to sunset every day
• Distance from the Khajuraho bus stand: 20 km 
• Entry fee: 100 rupees for each person

Conclusion 

So, as you would have understood by now that Khajuraho has plenty of beautiful things for you to offer. It is also quite easy to get there. If you live close by you could take a car rental from Revv. Khajuraho is also a good place and you can spend some time over there. If you want you could get back on the same day from there. In fact, you can take a self drive car on rent and explore the entire state with Khajuraho as your base.