We stayed in Khajuraho for around 5 days to experience the temples, the dance festival and places around Khajuraho like Panna.

So I looked for a place which was reasonably priced, would have good rooms, and should be close to the dance festival venue – Hotel Payal checked all check boxes… And when I arrived there, it was just the perfect choice for stay.

We took our time to explore the temples.

The temples are spread in 3 clusters. The Western, Eastern and Southern Cluster. The western being the main cluster. We went to the western cluster at least 3 times to check out the temples and spend time in there.

Though the dance festival was also happening in the same complex, the entrance for dance festival and the temples were different, and every time we went in for the temples, we had to pay for tickets.

Since the time I had see those magnificent sculptures of Khajuraho in my history books, I had wanted to visit Khajuraho. This place is known for its erotic sculptures. That is there no doubt. And quite explicit. However, those make up around 20-30% of over sculptures. The detail and beauty of the sculptures are however breathtaking, unbelievable. You can just sit and keep marvelling at those beautiful sculptures!

Though Hotel Payal was walking distance from the temple complex, our 5 year old woudn’t walk the whole way. And walking that 700m or so distance with her in the lap was tiring. So we would take an auto. Autos were available aplenty. From hotel, it was a standard fare of Rs.50 to the temple complex.

The Western Group

The main temple here was Kandarya Mahadeva Temple. The dance festival was happening right in front of this temple. Of what a backdrop to a dance festival! Unreal!

There were many other temples scattered around the complex.

Eastern Group of Temples

Southern Group of Temples