Khajuraho is best known for its 1,000-year-old temples. But there is more to see: a museum full of old statues, an evening light show, a tiger reserve, waterfalls and a river gorge with crocodiles.
This page lists the best Khajuraho tourist places in one place, with how much time you need for each. It ends with simple 1-day and 2-day plans. If you want us to plan it all, see our Khajuraho tour packages.
Khajuraho Tourist Places at a Glance
| # | Place | Type | Time needed | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Group of Temples | Temples | 2 to 3 hours | Ticket |
| 2 | Kandariya Mahadev Temple | Temple | 45 minutes | In Western Group ticket |
| 3 | Lakshmana Temple | Temple | 30 minutes | In Western Group ticket |
| 4 | Matangeshwar Temple | Working temple | 20 minutes | Free |
| 5 | Archaeological Museum | Museum | 1 hour | Small fee |
| 6 | Light and Sound Show | Evening show | 1 hour | Ticket |
| 7 | Chausath Yogini Temple | Ruins | 20 minutes | Free |
| 8 | Eastern Group (Jain temples) | Temples | 1 hour | Free |
| 9 | Javari and Vamana Temples | Temples | 30 minutes | Free |
| 10 | Duladeo Temple | Temple | 20 minutes | Free |
| 11 | Chaturbhuj Temple | Temple, sunset point | 30 minutes | Free |
| 12 | Shiv Sagar Lake | Lake | 20 minutes | Free |
| 13 | Khajuraho village walk | Village | 1 hour | Free |
| 14 | Tribal and Folk Art Museum | Museum | 1 hour | Small fee |
| 15 | Raneh Falls and Ken Gharial Sanctuary | Nature | Half day | Ticket |
| 16 | Panna National Park | Tiger safari | Half day | Safari permit |
| 17 | Pandav Falls | Waterfall | 1 to 2 hours | Ticket |
| 18 | Ken River | River | 1 hour | Free |
| 19 | Beni Sagar Dam | Lake, picnic spot | 1 hour | Free |
| 20 | Khajuraho Dance Festival (February) | Festival | Evenings | Free |
Places to Visit in Khajuraho
1. Western Group of Temples
This is the heart of Khajuraho and the place you must not miss. The best temples stand together in a big garden with lawns and paths. The ticket is about ₹40 for Indians. Come early in the morning for cool air and soft light.
2. Kandariya Mahadev Temple
The biggest and grandest temple in Khajuraho, for Lord Shiva. Its tall top rises like a mountain. Walk slowly around it and look at the hundreds of figures on its walls.
3. Lakshmana Temple
One of the oldest and best-kept temples, for Lord Vishnu. Look at the long carved bands around its base. They show armies, elephants and daily life of 1,000 years ago.
4. Matangeshwar Temple
A Shiva temple just outside the Western Group, with a huge Shiva Linga. It is the only old temple where people still pray every day. It is free, and very lively on Mahashivratri.
5. Archaeological Museum
Opposite the Western Group. It keeps beautiful old statues found around the temples, so you can see the details up close. It is closed on Fridays.
6. Light and Sound Show
Every evening after sunset, lights fall on the temples and a voice tells the story of Khajuraho. The new show (from 2025) is in the voice of Amitabh Bachchan. There are English and Hindi shows.
7. Chausath Yogini Temple
The oldest temple in Khajuraho, made of rough granite. It is mostly ruins now, but the quiet spot by the lake is nice for a short walk.
8. Eastern Group (Jain Temples)
A walled area with Jain temples: Parsvanath, Adinath and Shantinath. The carvings are as fine as in the Western Group, and there are fewer people. Free entry.
9. Javari and Vamana Temples
Two small Vishnu temples in the open fields of the Eastern Group. Javari is slim and tall. Vamana stands alone, so you can walk all around it.
10. Duladeo Temple
A Shiva temple in the Southern Group, one of the last built in Khajuraho. Its carvings of flying heavenly women are lovely.
11. Chaturbhuj Temple
A Vishnu temple with a tall four-armed statue. It faces west, which makes it the best sunset spot in Khajuraho.
12. Shiv Sagar Lake
A small lake next to the Western Group. Sit by the water in the evening and watch the temples turn golden.
13. Khajuraho Village Walk
Walk through the old village near the Eastern Group. You will see simple houses, small shrines, farm life and friendly people.
14. Tribal and Folk Art Museum
A state museum in the town with the art, crafts and daily things of the tribal people of Madhya Pradesh. A good stop for families.
Places to Visit Near Khajuraho
15. Raneh Falls and Ken Gharial Sanctuary (about 20 km)
Here the Ken River falls through a deep gorge of pink, red and grey rock. The area is a sanctuary for gharials and crocodiles. The falls are best in and after the monsoon.
16. Panna National Park (about 25 to 30 km)
A tiger reserve with forest, hills and the Ken River. Go on an open jeep safari from the Madla gate. The core area is closed from July to September. Our Khajuraho Panna Tour Package adds a safari to your temple trip.
17. Pandav Falls (about 34 km)
A small waterfall that drops into a green pool, with small caves near it. A local story says the Pandavas stayed here.
18. Ken River
The Ken is one of the cleanest rivers in central India. Stop on the bridge on the way to Panna for a lovely view.
19. Beni Sagar Dam
A quiet lake a short drive from town. A good spot for a picnic and birds in winter.
20. Khajuraho Dance Festival (February)
If you visit in February, do not miss this festival. India's best classical dancers perform in front of the lit-up temples. Entry is free.
Things to Do in Khajuraho
- Watch the sunrise over the Western Group of Temples.
- Hire a guide to learn the stories behind the carvings.
- Rent a bicycle and ride to the Eastern and Southern temples.
- Watch the sunset at the Chaturbhuj Temple.
- Enjoy the Light and Sound Show in the evening.
- Go on a tiger safari in Panna National Park.
- See the crocodiles and the colourful gorge at Raneh Falls.
- Shop for stone carvings, brass items and local handicrafts in the market.
Khajuraho in 1 Day
- Step 1Sunrise to 10 AM: Western Group of Temples.
- Step 210 AM to 12 PM: Matangeshwar Temple and the Archaeological Museum.
- Step 312 PM to 3 PM: lunch and rest.
- Step 43 PM to 5 PM: Eastern Group (Jain temples, Javari, Vamana).
- Step 5Sunset: Chaturbhuj Temple.
- Step 6Evening: Light and Sound Show.
Khajuraho in 2 Days
- Day 1follow the 1-day plan above.
- Day 2early morning safari in Panna National Park, then Raneh Falls, and back to Khajuraho by evening.
Our 2 Nights Khajuraho Tour Package is built around a plan like this.
Tips for Your Visit
- The best time to visit is October to March.
- Carry water, a cap and comfortable shoes.
- Keep your Western Group ticket with you.
- Take off your shoes in working temples like Matangeshwar and Shantinath.
- Book your hotel early if you come in December to February.
Want all of Khajuraho sorted in one go? We can book your hotel, car, guide and safari together. See our Khajuraho holiday 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 famous tourist places in Khajuraho?
The Western Group of Temples, Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Matangeshwar Temple, the Archaeological Museum and the Light and Sound Show are the most famous.
Which places can we visit near Khajuraho?
Raneh Falls (about 20 km), Panna National Park (about 25 to 30 km) and Pandav Falls (about 34 km) are the best nearby places.
How many days are enough to see Khajuraho?
One day is enough for the temples. Take two days to add Panna and Raneh Falls.
What can we do in Khajuraho in the evening?
Watch the Light and Sound Show at the Western Group. In February, enjoy the Khajuraho Dance Festival.
Is Khajuraho good for families?
Yes. Children enjoy the light show, the tiger safari in Panna and the crocodiles at Raneh Falls.
