Tourism Ministry Showcases Exquisite Khajuraho Temple Architecture

Khajuraho temple architecture was showcased in a webinar, titled ‘Khajuraho-Temples of Architectural Splendour’, organised by the Tourism Ministry.

The Dekho Apna Desh webinar was presented by Anurag Shukla, a regional level guide with expertise in Khajuraho temple art, architecture, and iconography. Shukla is the only guide in Khajuraho who reads the inscriptions of Khajuraho.

Khajuraho Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site, were built between 950-1050 AD by the Chandela Dynasty. The temples are categorised into three groups – eastern, western and southern.

These temples, some of which are Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Chaunsat Yogini Temple, Brahma Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Devi Jagdamba Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Matangeshwar Temple, Parsvanath Temple, display intricate carvings and architectural skill. This quality makes Khajuraho one of the most popular tourist destinations among domestic as well as international visitors.

During the webinar, the architecture styles of the temples were also discussed.

In around Khajuraho, there are important places to visit like the State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art, sound and light show in the evening near Western Group of Temples, Panna National Park and Tiger Reserve, Raneh Waterfalls and many more.

The Ministry's Central Sector Scheme development has identified 19 iconic destinations in the country that would developed as tourist sites, and Khajuraho is one of them.

In March 2021, Tourism and Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the Maharaja Chhatrasal Convention Centre at Khajuraho. Developed under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the ministry, the centre will host corporate events and will cater to business needs of the business traveller.

Culture Principal Secretary Sheo Shekhar Shukla of Madhya Pradesh said how the accessibility of Khajuraho has been increased whether it’s by train, road, or by air.

Madhya Pradesh is developing Khajuraho as a family destination by adding more dimensions like eco-tourism, heritage trails, rural homestays etc. Introduction of hot air ballooning and night safari in the Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks of Madhya Pradesh will help to boost the tourism in the state.

He also said that very soon Air India was going to start bi-weekly flights from Delhi to Khajuraho via Varanasi from 1 May 2021.

Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, spoke about the various budget options available in Khajuraho for tourists. She also discussed about the training programmes for students in hospitality and service industry.
India has a splendid heritage that is reflected in its architecture, monuments, arts, crafts and cultures.

The webinar series is an effort to showcase India’s rich diversity under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.