This small city in Madhya Pradesh is home to some of the most magnificent Hindu and Jain temples in the world. Built over 1000 years ago by the Chandela Dynasty, the exquisite complex lay ruined in the jungle for centuries, until it was shown to a British army officer in 1838.

• Lakshmana Temple – Part of the western group of shrines, this is one of the earliest and best-preserved temples. Some of the finely crafted carvings portray life as it was a millennium ago, while others feature erotic scenes taken from the Kama Sutra.
• Kandariya-Mahadev – This temple to Shiva contains 872 of the finest carved statues in Khajuraho, most of them nearly 1m high.
• Devi Jagadamba – Originally built for Vishnu, this smaller, elegant temple was at some point rededicated to Paravati. Not for the prudish, the upper level has some of the most erotic carvings in the whole complex.
• Parsvanath – The largest of the Jain temples in the complex is famous for its precise construction and particularly fine sculptures.
• Chaturbhuja – Much of this temple is ruined, but the 3m-high, four-armed idol of Vishnu is still going strong.
• Archaeological Museum – Displaying a collection of statues and sculptures rescued from the ruins, this museum is well worth a visit after a day of trudging up and down temple steps.
• Adivart Tribal and Folk Art Museum – Features vibrant paintings, woodcarvings and silverwork made in the traditional Madhya Pradesh style.