Experience the best of Khajuraho

Khajuraho lies in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh, among farmland and low hills. Its temples were built by the Chandela dynasty between about 950 and 1050, and roughly a quarter of the original number survive. The Western Group, set in landscaped gardens, includes the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, whose tall spire is covered in sculpture.

The carvings show gods, dancers, musicians, animals and scenes of daily life, together with the erotic figures for which the temples are known. The Eastern Group has Jain temples, among them the Parshvanath. Beyond the town, the Ken River runs through Panna National Park, a tiger reserve of dry forest and gorges, and the Raneh Falls canyon, with walls of coloured granite, is a short drive away.

Vegetarian thalis, poha and jalebi breakfasts and milk sweets are the staples here. Winter from November to February is pleasant, summers are extremely hot, and the monsoon arrives from July to September. A festival of classical Indian dance is held each February against the temples.