[ Khajuraho photo ]
Khajuraho
Khajuraho's 20 surviving temples, built by the Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050 CE, are among the finest examples of Indian temple architecture. While celebrated — and marketed — for their explicit erotic sculptures, only a fraction of the carvings depict such scenes; the vast majority celebrate gods, dancers, musicians, and daily life. The western group of temples is a masterpiece of stone, best seen at sunrise.