The Khajuraho temples are open every day, from sunrise to sunset. The Western Group has a ticket. Most temples in the Eastern and Southern groups are free. The Archaeological Museum is closed on Fridays.
This page gives all the timings and tickets in one place. If you want us to plan your day for you, see our Khajuraho packages.
Khajuraho Temple Timings: Quick Table
| Place | Open | Closed on | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Group of Temples | Sunrise to sunset | Open all days | Yes |
| Matangeshwar Temple | Early morning to night (a working temple) | Open all days | Free |
| Eastern Group (Jain temples) | Morning to evening | Open all days | Free |
| Eastern Group (Hindu temples) | Sunrise to sunset | Open all days | Free |
| Southern Group (Duladeo, Chaturbhuj) | Sunrise to sunset | Open all days | Free |
| Archaeological Museum | About 10 AM to 5 PM | Fridays and some holidays | Small fee |
| Light and Sound Show | Evening, after sunset | Usually not held during the Dance Festival | Yes, separate ticket |
"Sunrise to sunset" means about 6 AM to 6 PM in summer, and about 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM in winter.
Khajuraho Temple Ticket Price
The ticket is needed only for the Western Group of Temples. It is sold by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
| Visitor | Ticket (about) |
|---|---|
| Indian citizens | ₹40 |
| Foreign visitors | ₹600 |
| Children below 15 years | Free |
Where to buy: at the ticket counter near the Western Group gate, or online on the ASI e-ticket website. Keep your ticket with you inside.
Ticket prices can change. Check the board at the counter for the latest price.
Western Group Timings
- Open: every day, sunrise to sunset.
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours.
- Best time: the first two hours after sunrise. It is cool and the light is soft.
The famous Kandariya Mahadev, Lakshmana, Vishwanath, Chitragupta and Devi Jagadambi temples are all in this group.
Matangeshwar Temple Timings
The Matangeshwar Temple is a working Shiva temple, just outside the Western Group wall. It opens early in the morning and closes at night. There is no ticket. On Mahashivratri it is very crowded, with a big fair.
Eastern and Southern Group Timings
- The Jain temples (Parsvanath, Adinath, Shantinath) are open from morning to evening. Take off your shoes inside.
- The Hindu temples in the Eastern Group (Javari, Vamana, Brahma) and the Southern Group (Duladeo, Chaturbhuj) can be seen from sunrise to sunset.
- Go to the Chaturbhuj Temple in the late afternoon. It faces west, so the sunset view is lovely.
Archaeological Museum Timings
- Open: about 10 AM to 5 PM.
- Closed: on Fridays and on some government holidays.
- Ticket: a small fee. Ask at the counter whether your Western Group ticket also covers the museum on the same day.
- Time needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Light and Sound Show Timings
- The show is held every evening after sunset, in the Western Group.
- There is a show in English and a show in Hindi. The English show is usually first.
- The time moves with the season: a little earlier in winter, a little later in summer.
- The show has its own entry gate and ticket, different from the day ticket.
Check the exact time at your hotel or at the show counter on the same day.
Best Time of Day to Visit the Khajuraho Temples
| Time | What to do |
|---|---|
| 6 AM to 9 AM | Western Group: cool, quiet and best for photos |
| 10 AM to 12 PM | Matangeshwar Temple and the museum |
| 12 PM to 3 PM | Lunch and rest (very hot in summer) |
| 3 PM to 5 PM | Eastern Group temples |
| 5 PM to sunset | Chaturbhuj Temple for sunset |
| After sunset | Light and Sound Show |
Tips
- Reach the Western Group gate a little before sunrise to be among the first inside.
- Carry change or use UPI at the ticket counter.
- Photography is allowed in most places. Do not touch or climb on the carvings.
- In summer, avoid the temples between 12 PM and 3 PM.
- The temple steps are steep. Hold the side walls and go slowly.
Short on time? We can plan your day so you see the best temples at the best hours, with a car and guide. See our Khajuraho trip packages or call +91 92850 11011. Want to see more of the state? Explore our Madhya Pradesh tour packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Khajuraho temple timings?
The temples are open every day from sunrise to sunset, about 6 AM to 6 PM.
Are the Khajuraho temples open on Monday?
Yes. The temples are open on all days of the week. Only the Archaeological Museum is closed on Fridays.
What is the Khajuraho temple ticket price?
The Western Group ticket is about ₹40 for Indians and about ₹600 for foreigners. Children below 15 go free.
Are the Eastern and Southern temples free?
Yes. Most temples in the Eastern and Southern groups are free to visit.
What time is the Khajuraho Light and Sound Show?
It starts in the evening after sunset. There is one show in English and one in Hindi. The time changes with the season.
Can I buy the Khajuraho ticket online?
Yes. You can buy it online on the ASI e-ticket website, or at the counter at the gate.
