Khajuraho is a place well known for the sculptures in erotic poses in its temples, some hewn entirely out of a single block. It is not about religion and worshipping and deities. An amalgamation of science and art of architecture, these 10th-11th century temples have a very interesting legend behind them that connects them to the origin of the Chandela dynasty. It is said that in a fit of passion and lust, the Moon God seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girl known as Hemvati, resulting in the birth of Chandravarman (the founder of the Chandela dynasty). Later, Chandravarman had a dream where his mother requested him to make a temple, which would reveal all aspects of the treasure of passion and erotic fantasy to the world.Thus he brought an artistic revolution by building the famous Khajuraho temples, in the town, which was his capital.
Some people also believe these erotic art forms to be the visual depiction of Kamasutra, art of sex or the relations between Shiva and Parvati, the divine couple. Khajuraho temples got lost into obscurity and were only discovered by chance but they quickly became India's second most favoured tourist destination after the Taj Mahal. This temple complex is perhaps the largest group of medieval temples. Other than eroticism, these sculptures also depict other refined courtly accomplishments such as music and dance. Only 22 temples have survived out of the original 85 temples. It displays one of the most unique stone-carving works and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1986.
As far as honeymoon destinations go, Khajuraho was probably created with newly-weds in mind - lost in a time warp from ages past. There is little else to intrigue you except each other and the temples. They are very familiar to the eye, with countless photographic reproductions and even Bollywood using them as a backdrop for films. You wonder at the imagination and openness of the citizens who, as early as 950, took a hundred years to complete this celebration of humanity. One of the most famous ones is that of a woman holding a mirror. A winking elephant is also strategically placed when you notice his gaze at a kissing couple. They say the Taj Mahal is best viewed in moonlight on a full moon night. At Khajuraho, dawn is the time to glorify these temples. The rising sun really brings the statues to life.
Getting to Khajuraho
By Air: Khajuraho has daily domestic flights to and from Agra, Varanasi and Kathmandu.
By Train: The nearest railway stations to Khajuraho are Mahoba, Satna and Jhansi. All of these are well connected to most of the major cities of India.
By Road: Khajuraho has frequent bus services and good roads to and from the major cities of India including Panna, Mahoba, Satna, Jabalpur, Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Agra and Jhansi.
