11 awesome things to do in Khajuraho (2019)
Khajuraho is a place that fills your heart and soul. It is not just the visual enchantment that it offers but the in depth view it gives on the rich cultural heritage of the lives of the people of the past. Visit Khajuraho to feel and experience life in its true essence.
Temples
Temples such as Lakshmana, Kandariya Mahadev, Devi Jagadambe, Vishwanath, Nandi,
Parswanath and Javari stand as the last remnants of the reign of the Chandela kings in the beautiful hamlet of Khajuraho. Look into the marvelous architecture and erotic carvings which are the crowning glory of these temples and understand why they have earned the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built over a period of 200 years, the Chaturbhuj is the only temple in Khajuraho that lacks any erotic carvings.

Panna National Park
A popular tiger reserve is home to some of the rarest wildlife species. This park is situated about 57 kilometers away from Khajuraho in the Chattarpur region of Madhya Pradesh. Spread over a large area of 543 sq km, it can be best explored by jeep safari, boat ride or elephant safari.
Famous for its wildlife and flora, the park can be enjoyed by visitors through an hour-long boat ride here that allows them to catch a glimpse of aquatic animals. Besides, they can opt for elephant safari or night safari arranged by the park.

Kalinjar Fort
Listed among the eight forts of the Chandela rulers, the Kalinjar Fort rests 244 metres above the plains on a flat-topped rocky hill of the Vindhya Range. The visitors will find the mark of every king who ruled the fort in fine artwork, sculptures and stone images.

Ajaigarh Fort
Ajaigarh Fort is among the top attractions of the region. It stands alone on a hilltop in the district of Panna and is easily accessible from Khajuraho. Providing absolutely stunning views of the Ken River, this grand fort is noted for its rich historical past and architectural beauty, which speaks volumes about the Chandela dynasty.
Museums
• State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art
Set in the Cultural Complex, the State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art in Khajuraho is an ideal place for history lovers. The museum showcases a vast collection of masterpieces that is symbolic of the rich culture of the region.
Timings: 12:00 pm – 08:00 pm. Open all days, except Monday and Government Holidays
• Archaeological Museum Khajuraho
The Archaeological Museum Khajuraho, a noted tourist attraction of the destination, gives insight into the royal past of India. Khajuraho has been identified as UNESCO World Heritage Site owing to its beautiful temples with the erotic carvings.
Timings: 05:00 am - 12:00 pm; 04:00 pm - 09:00 pm
Open all days
• Jain Museum
Jain Museum, popular as Sahu Shantiprasad Jain Kala Sangrahalaya which was inaugurated in the year 1987, with circular gallery is known for housing more than a hundred Jain sculptures from the past.
Timings: 08:00 am – 05:00 pm. Open all days, except Sunday

Archeological Museum

Sound and Light show
The town’s tourism department presents a sound and light show in the garden of the western part of temples every evening. The view of the laser lights on the temples of Khajuraho keeps taking your breath away for a whole hour or more.
Timings: January to December: 06:30 pm - 08:30 pm

Raja’s Café
For more than 35 years, with espresso coffee, English breakfasts, wood-fired pizzas, superb dishes and an otherwise eclectic menu full of things you might miss, Raja’s Café comes with a temple-view terrace, with a delightful courtyard shaded by a 170-year-old neem tree perfect for a peaceful outing.

Ayur Arogyam
Near the Jain Temples, is the health and wellness centre which, given that many ayurvedic treatments are more oil baptism than drool-inducing relaxation coma, is supremely soothing.

Raneh Falls
Located some 20 km from Khajuraho,these falls with stunning rock formations create an abode for nature lovers in a picturesque setting surrounded by beautiful forests. The place should be visited during rainy season to enjoy the sight it has to offer with waterfalls in various sizes gushing through the rocks. Sunset is one view visitors should not miss.

Beni Sagar Dam And Gangau Dam
Spread across an area of around 7.7 sq. km., Beni Sagar Dam offers visitors the harmony and serenity only a few places can give. It offers various activities such as boating, swimming or more.

Gangau Dam is a huge structure built at the confluence of two rivers, namely the Simiri River and Ken River . This site is perfect for picnic or a day out, where seekers of calm can just relax and enjoy few moments away from the humdrum of city life replete with beautiful views, bird watching opportunities at the dam.
Writer, Aparna Abhijit.