Beyond the Kamasutra: Khajuraho

Khajuraho, a small town in Madhya Pradesh, conjures up images of timeless beauty and serenity. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known to attract tourists from all over the world who come looking for India’s rich past and traditional legacies. Indeed, strolling down the corridors of these temples is a completely enchanting experience. The sculptures depict the lives of different people, from kings to courtesans, from scholars to blacksmiths. It is as if one entire kingdom of the Chandela clan has been frozen and preserved through the works of extremely talented artists. Sculptures on the outer walls of the temples are dedicated to the art of love as described in the Kamasutra and made immortal through the marvellous carvings capturing every little detail.

Come spring, this abandoned temple town will come to life as the sounds of sarod and tanpura fill up the air and famous dancers will come on stage to put up the most spectacular show at the Khajuraho Festival of Dances. An annual event organised by the Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad, this year, the festival will be held from February 20-26. Enjoy bedazzling performances in the background of the floodlit Chitragupta and Vishwanath temples under the star-studded evening sky. Surely every connoisseur would agree that there couldn’t be a better place to understand and appreciate the intricate nuances of Indian classical dance other than these temples, which stand testimony to India’s great cultural heritage.

The various dance forms that can be admired and enjoyed here are Kathak, Mohiniattam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Bharatnatyam. Enchanting is perhaps the best word to sum up the experience of watching dances depicting stories from Indian mythology and folklore in the backdrop of the exotic temples. Over the years, Khajuraho Festival of Dances has gained immense popularity and makes both Indian and foreign tourists return to it every year.

Book your hotels and flight tickets to Khajuraho now, and get set to enjoy this cultural extravaganza!

A perfect day at the festival includes a guided tour to the temples in the morning, spending the afternoon exploring the humble town followed by some shopping, and finally returning to the western complex of the temples for a memorable evening dedicated to music and dance. Though planning a trip to the festival is worth every penny and minute you spend on it, there are plenty of other things you can enjoy in addition to the festival in Khajuraho.

Extend your trip to the jungles of Bhandhavgarh National Park and explore Mowgli’s home. You may just get lucky  and spot some distant relative of Sher Khan or Richard Parker! The Rane and Pandav waterfalls make for excellent day long excursions from Khajuraho. Another good option is a visit to the Panna, famous for its National Park and diamond mines.

From wildlife reserves to ancient temples, enjoy a piece of incredible India in Madhya Pradesh with MakeMyTrip’s holiday packages.