Why visit Khajuraho
- UNESCO World Heritage site
- Largest group of medieval temples in India
- Represent the pinnacle of north Indian temple art & architecture
Khajuraho was once the capital of the Chandela Rajputs, who ruled over this part of India from the 9th to the 12th century. The city derives its name "Khajuraho" from the Hindi word "Khajur" meaning "date palm", as the whole area was enclosed by a wall with eight gates, each flanked by date palm trees. The spectacular temples, dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma and Tirthankaras, famous for their sheer beauty and masterpiece of art work on stone, intrigue the mind with the wide variety of beliefs that existed during the time. Apart from Khajuraho, the Budelkhand region in which Khajuraho is situated, has treasures hidden in small places like Orchha and Datia. Founded in the 16th century, what remains of Orchha's grandeur, that was captured in stone, is a fort complex approached by a multi-arched bridge housing three palaces set in an open quadrangle. The 17th century palace of Bir Singh Deo in Datia is a fine example of Hindu domestic architecture in the region. Going further north out of the Bundelkhand region is the city of Gwalior where the princely past lives on in the great palace and its museums.
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