KHAJURAHO
Khajuraho has an impressive series of Hindu temples aggregated in three separate areas. The temple walls have an astounding level of detailed miniature sculptures. The sculptures are well preserved leaving little to the imagination of what they are depicting - poses from the Kama Sutra. While the kama sutra poses account for less than 10% of the total statue poses they wind up being the main photographic focus.
Khajuraho is a nice, small town. The eastern part of the town is an historical village, where people are living like they have for the past century, while the western part caters to tourists without being obtrusive. The calmness, cleanliness, and organization is a welcomed change from Varanasi. The sleeper train arrived early in the morning so I grabbed a coffee at Bean Grounded and chatted with the teenage owner who was quite the entrepreneur.
I started with the Eastern Temple group. On the road out kids followed me eager to practice English…I think. There’s a blurred line between kids asking questions and practicing English vs. one who’s playing the part and will ask for money down the line. I’m not a horrible person who wouldn't give a kid a few rupees but I’d like to know what I’m getting into at the start of the conversation so there’s no surprises at the end. The guidebook warned of kids taking visitors back to a “school” and entrapping them for more than the few rupees that are typically handed out. After Varanasi I was wary of talking to anyone. The Eastern group of temples was small but had a picturesque setting in fields and farms without anyone or anything else around.
Two photos of Vamana Temple and Bean Grounded.
Khajuraho is a nice, small town. The eastern part of the town is an historical village, where people are living like they have for the past century, while the western part caters to tourists without being obtrusive. The calmness, cleanliness, and organization is a welcomed change from Varanasi. The sleeper train arrived early in the morning so I grabbed a coffee at Bean Grounded and chatted with the teenage owner who was quite the entrepreneur.
I started with the Eastern Temple group. On the road out kids followed me eager to practice English…I think. There’s a blurred line between kids asking questions and practicing English vs. one who’s playing the part and will ask for money down the line. I’m not a horrible person who wouldn't give a kid a few rupees but I’d like to know what I’m getting into at the start of the conversation so there’s no surprises at the end. The guidebook warned of kids taking visitors back to a “school” and entrapping them for more than the few rupees that are typically handed out. After Varanasi I was wary of talking to anyone. The Eastern group of temples was small but had a picturesque setting in fields and farms without anyone or anything else around.
Two photos of Vamana Temple and Bean Grounded.
|
|
|
And nearby Javari Temple:
|
|
The Western Group of temples were larger and part of a grander complex. I picked up the audio tour which did a good job of explaining the historical significance of the various statues placed along the sides of the temple. The general shaping and contours of the temples were equally as impressive and intricate as the statues. There were statues and carvings at all levels leading towards the top of the temple. The Western Group of statues are also nearer town making it convenient to find a place for dinner after touring the complex.
|
|
|
Thousands of mini statues adorn the temples.
|
|
Some of the mini statues contain sexually explicit poses that leave nothing to the imagination.
|
|
For additional Khajuraho photos see FLICKR ALBUM.