Tips for Khajuraho Visit

jaiashutosh

1. First thing first – Carry a torch before going to Khajuraho temples. The inside of temples lacks electricity and relies only on natural light. If there is low light due to overcast weather, you won’t be able to see the exquisite sculptures and statues inside the temple. So, better a torch.

2. Wear footwear that’s easy to take off and put on. The footwear needs to be taken out before entering Khajuraho temples. Since there are multiple temples, its convenient to carry such footwear.

3. There is a daily local passenger train between Khajuraho and Jhansi via Mahoba. Between Kharuraho-Mahoba (travel time - ~ 1 hour ), the train is almost unoccupied while between Mahoba-Jhansi (travel time - ~ 3.5 hr), its fully packed. So, it’s a good option if you are going from Khajuraho to Jhansi as you’ll easily get seat and can enjoy scenic view outside. But not so attractive if you want to travel from Jhansi-Khajaruho as you’ll hardly get a seat.

4. There is no pantry service in Sampark Kranti. So, if you are returning from Khajuraho to Delhi, better get the food packed from Khajuraho itself as you won’t get anything to eat on the way. The stations like Mahoba, Jhansi etc don’t offer much.

5. Khajuraho railway station is around 10 km away from the main city. The auto charges around Rs. 50. The airport lies between city and railway station.

6. For local sightseeing, you can hire the auto which’ll be cheaper than a taxi. The auto can even comfortably take you to Renah fall which is ~ 20 km away from Kharuraho (time – 30 min). However, be explicit in fixing the places that auto will take you to as sometimes, they say that this spot was not covered under the deal and then ask for exorbitant money for that.

7. Khajuraho is still a small peaceful town in idyllic setting and mercifully spared from commercialization. There are plentiful of cheap but clean hotels available. These hotels are at a better location than their expensive counterparts. I believe that tourists should discourage commercialization by staying in these small hotels rather than overpriced expensive hotels. Instead, tourists should spend money by hiring guides, giving liberal tips, doing shopping by roadside shops and hawkers etc. It’ll help common people there as the entire Bunderkhand region has abject poverty. Don’t worry about ‘fleecing’ as the common people there are honest despite such poverty. The crime is almost negligible.

8. The ‘erotic’ part of Kharuraho temples is over hyped and misinterpretation. No doubt, there are has many erotic sculptures but the theme of these temples is not eroticism and it majority of figures are non-erotic yet marvelously beautiful. The sanctum sanctorum of these temples houses Gods like Shiva, Shivling, Vishu etc.

9. The Panna national park normally opens on Oct 1 every year. Howeover, the opening date may change by few days although the official website of national park may erroneously show Oct 1. For example, its opening date is postponed to Oct 15 in year 2009 as the onset of winter is delayed.