Best Photo Spots in Khajuraho
Khajuraho is one of the best places in India to photograph temple sculpture. The temples are built of pale sandstone that glows gold in low sun, and their walls are carved from base to tower with dancers, musicians, animals and gods. You can photograph a whole temple rising from its platform, then move in close for a single figure.
Whether you enjoy architecture, close-up detail or quiet temple scenes, these are some of the best photo spots in Khajuraho.
Entry Covered by Western Group ticket
Devi Jagadambi Temple
- Best timeMorning, when soft light falls on the east-facing front and brings out the three bands of carving.
- ColorsOchreCreamTeal
Medium crowdEntry ₹40 (Indian) / ₹600 (foreign, Western Group)
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
- Best timeLate afternoon, when the low sun turns the sandstone tower a warm gold; early morning for soft light on the front steps and fewer people.
- ColorsOchreCreamRust
Medium crowdEntry Covered by Western Group ticket
Lakshmana Temple
- Best timeEarly morning, when the sun lights the east-facing front and the carved base frieze; late afternoon for warm light on the side walls.
- ColorsOchreWhiteSage
Entry Free
Matangeshwara Temple
- Best timeEarly morning, when the light is soft on the plain stone tower and the temple is at its calmest.
- ColorsOchreSaffronWhite
Low crowdEntry Free (Eastern Group)
Parsvanath Temple
- Best timeMorning, when soft light falls on the carved walls and the Jain complex is at its quietest.
- ColorsOchreCreamMaroon
Why Khajuraho Is Great for Photography
The main temples of the Western Group stand in open lawns inside one enclosure, so you can step well back for a full view with no traffic or buildings in the way. Then you can walk up close and fill the frame with carving. The Eastern Group is quieter, and its Jain temples give you calm, uncrowded detail shots.
Almost all the temples face east. Morning sun lights their fronts and entrance steps, while late-afternoon sun warms their sides and backs, so the same temple looks different at each end of the day.
Photography Tips for Khajuraho
- Arrive at opening time: The Western Group opens at sunrise, and the first hour is the coolest and quietest.
- Follow the sun: Shoot the east-facing fronts in the morning and the sides in the late afternoon. Chaturbhuj Temple in the Southern Group faces west, which makes it the one to photograph at sunset.
- Use a zoom: Many of the best figures sit high on the towers, so a zoom lens or your phone's telephoto helps.
- Look after the sculptures: Do not climb on, touch or lean against the carvings for a pose.
- Check before bringing a tripod: Ask at the ticket office first, and do not fly a drone, which needs official permission at protected monuments.
- Respect worship: At Matangeshwara and the Jain temples, ask before you photograph people at prayer or the images inside.
- Carry water and a hat: There is little shade on the temple platforms from late morning to mid-afternoon.
Best Time for Photography in Khajuraho
October to March gives clear skies, comfortable mornings and low winter sun that brings out the depth of the carvings. From April to June the midday light is harsh and the heat is intense, so shoot only at dawn and dusk. The monsoon months turn the lawns green and bring dramatic skies, with fewer visitors but a good chance of rain. See the best time to visit Khajuraho for the weather month by month.
Photography rules and opening hours can change, so check them at the ticket office before you visit.
Questions
Khajuraho — FAQ
What are the best photo spots in Khajuraho?
Some of the best photo spots are Kandariya Mahadeva, Lakshmana Temple and Devi Jagadambi in the Western Group, Matangeshwara Temple next to it and Parsvanath Temple in the Eastern Group. Together they cover full temple views, close-up sculpture and a temple still in worship.
What is the best time of day for photography in Khajuraho?
Early morning is best for soft light on the east-facing temple fronts and for fewer people. Late afternoon gives warm, golden light on the sandstone towers, especially at Kandariya Mahadeva.
Is photography allowed at the Khajuraho temples?
Yes. You can photograph the temples in all three groups with a phone or camera. Ask at the ticket office before bringing a tripod, do not fly a drone without official permission, and at the temples still in worship, ask before photographing the images inside.
Can I photograph the erotic sculptures at Khajuraho?
Yes. They are part of a protected World Heritage monument, and you can photograph them like any other carving. Keep it respectful: do not pose in imitation of the figures, and be aware of families and other visitors around you.
Is Khajuraho good for Instagram photos?
Yes. The tower of Kandariya Mahadeva at golden hour, the Lakshmana Temple on its high platform and close-ups of carved dancers and musicians all make strong photos. Outfits in maroon, teal or rust stand out well against the pale sandstone.