Trains headed toward Varanasi were busy busy, so I decided to stop off in Khajuraho before heading to Varanasi. Khajuraho, for being a relatively small town, has a seemingly disproportionately high number of "hasslers," (those individuals trying to direct you to certain hotels and persistently offering rickshaw rides and tours). It was initially a bit of a turn-off and I really did not want to stay long, but I am glad that I stayed an extra night!
First, the Western group of temples dating back to 950, which are sometimes called the Kama Sutra temples (though only 1/10th of the sculptures are sexual in nature), are beautiful, well-preserved, and very spiritual structures with hundreds of ornate and detailed sculptures of humans, gods and goddesses (their representations) nymphs, elephants...
I found these temples to be far more spiritual than some of the more modern temples that tend towards flashy lights and signs and gold-colored accents.
Tribal body tattoos
First, the Western group of temples dating back to 950, which are sometimes called the Kama Sutra temples (though only 1/10th of the sculptures are sexual in nature), are beautiful, well-preserved, and very spiritual structures with hundreds of ornate and detailed sculptures of humans, gods and goddesses (their representations) nymphs, elephants...
I found these temples to be far more spiritual than some of the more modern temples that tend towards flashy lights and signs and gold-colored accents.
Vishnu's boar incarnation, made out of sandstone, with detailed carvings of gods covering him
Lakshmana Temple sculptures (you can find the more "acrobatic" sculptures online elsewhere, though I did take photos!! :-) ).
Half-lion/half-human sculpture
The goddess Durga
Surasundaris (heavenly nymphs per L.P.), again very highly detailed sculptures
Rear view of Lakshmana Temple
Islamic mosque, Buddhist stupa, and Hindu temple all represented in 1 building!
The annual Khajuraho Festival of Dances started the day after I arrived, and the unbelievably free performances were elegant, athletic, toe-tappingly entertaining, and included works of both traditional and modern choreography.
I also checked out a neat little museum called the Adivart Museum of Tribal and Folk Art...really friendly staff, very interesting artwork from rural tribes within India, and a nice quiet escape from the chatty locals outside!
Cat
Tree of Karma
Tribal body tattoos
Elephant containing tiny elephant prints within (this was possibly my favorite)
Eating in Khajuraho: highly recommend Paradise Restaurant!! Very friendly, honest and helpful owner-chef Giresh loves to cook and it shows!! Tummy approved :-)
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