Banks: 10:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday; 10:00 to 13:00, Saturday
Post offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Department stores and shops: 09:00 to 19:00, Monday to Saturday
Museums: times vary according to the facility
Business offices: 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday

There are few serious concerns with regards to personal safety of visitors as Khajuraho has little in the way of crime; and violent crime towards tourists is almost unheard of. It’s wise, however, to be mindful of one’s cash and valuables while out and about, being sure to keep them in hard-to-reach places so as to deter opportunist thieves such as pickpockets and bag-snatchers.

You may find the touts in India to be rather intense, although much less so in Khajuraho. Never accept anything you aren’t prepared to pay for, and don’t give in to pressure to pay for something or a service you didn’t request. You may have to say the word ‘no’ a dozen times, but often simply ignoring touts is the best solution.

Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz.

Holidaying in Khajuraho brings the same risks to health present anywhere in India and hence a little care and attention is necessary to avoid illness of both mild and serious natures. India’s hygiene and sanitation standards can often fall short of those in the West so bacteria-related sickness can be something of a common issue. Without seeing the kitchens of restaurants, it can be difficult to know how seriously they take the issue of cleanliness; however, the general appearance of an establishment can be a reasonably good indication, so avoiding dingy places where few tourists hang out is advisable. Also, avoiding food from street vendors is wise if you are at all concerned about this issue.

Tap water is far from drinkable and it’s unwise to use it for brushing teeth. Bottled water is readily available and is a safe and cheap alternative. Swimming should be pursued in chlorinated pools only as natural ponds, reservoirs and other bodies of water can harbour all manner of dangerous bacteria.

All visitors should be sure to get vaccinations against hepatitis A and B and typhoid before arriving in the country and possibly against rabies if they think there is any possibility of close contact with animals. Malaria and dengue fever are both present; the former can be protected against with a course of anti-malarial tablets while the latter requires visitors to protect themselves with mosquito repellent at all times.

Sree Sankara Hospital: +91 481 401 154/401 480

Emergency services: 102

Hindi is the main language spoken in Khajuraho although English is also widely spoken. Guides and hotel workers may also speak other European languages such as French and Spanish.

Khajuraho’s official currency is the same as that of the rest of the country: the rupee. Rupees are made up of 100 paise and have note denominations of Rs1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins meanwhile are issued in Rs5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, and 10 paise.

The banks are the best places for exchanging cash and travellers’ cheques since they offer the best rates. The State Bank of India and the Canara Bank have branches opposite the western group of temples. The airport and some of the bigger hotels also offer currency exchange services but with considerably less favourable rates. A single ATM, available at the State Bank of India, accepts foreign cards from reputable issuers such as Visa, Barclaycard, AMEX or Diner’s Club.

International visitors are permitted to bring a maximum of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of raw tobacco plus no more than 1 litre of alcohol. Customs are strict with regards to the importing of organic substances and the likes of meat, fruit, vegetables, plants, flowers, seeds and coffee beans are not permitted except by special licence. Additionally, book and magazines of a pornographic nature or with religiously offensive content will not be permitted into the country and those attempting to bring them risk fines or imprisonment.

Etiquette in Khajuraho does not differ from that of the rest of the country and hence particulars such meeting and greeting conventions remain subject to the same rules. If meeting a local for the first time, visitors should offer the namaste greeting of pressing the palms together and bowing. Some Indians may offer a handshake, although this is only appropriate between members of the same sex; hence men should not shake the hands of women and vice versa.

It’s difficult to know the best title to address with which to address a new acquaintance since titles are dictated by the individual’s religious background and such details are not always immediately apparent. It would not be considered rude to ask a local by what title they would prefer to be referred and it’s wiser to do this than risk using an incorrect one and causing offence. Attire in the town should be modest as skimpy or suggestive clothing is likely to raise eyebrows and possibly offend members of the local community.

Dining Etiquette
If you are lucky enough to get invited to the home of a local for dinner then there are a few rules of etiquette that are worth considering to avoid insulting your host or fellow guests. Minor faux pas will invariably be understood and dismissed since locals appreciate that visitors come from cultures vastly different to their own.

Shoes need to be removed before entering your host’s abode and it’s usual to leave them outside or on a shoe rack if one is provided. Barefoot is the normal state for indoors; however, you may be offered a pair of indoor slippers to wear in some houses.

When it’s time for dinner, wait for your host to show you to your seat. Sit down and wait graciously for all other guests to arrive; and refrain from eating until you have been told to start. Food is usually eaten with the hands although some dishes require the use of utensils, in which case just take your example from those around you.

Your host is likely to offer you lots of food and it’s important that you don’t refuse it as this could be construed as an insult. Indian meals are long affairs involving lots of dishes and you should do your best to try a bit of everything. When you’ve eaten your fill, leave a small amount of food on the plate to indicate that you were offered enough: emptying a plate is best avoided as it has the capacity to offend.

You may wish to offer your host some small gift as a token of your appreciation for dinner. While this will be received with great appreciation, it will not be expected and is by no means obligatory. Something from your home country that cannot be found in India is the best gift.

Visitors from the US, Canada, UK, EU and Australia require a tourist visa to enter India as well as a minimum of 6 months validity on their passports. Visas are available from Indian consulates located in the visitor’s home country and are typically issued for a maximum of 6 months. Visas take effect the moment they are issued rather than upon entry to the country, so you should not apply for one too far in advance of your trip.

There is a tourist information office operated by the Government of India Tourist Office located opposite the western group of temples. The office can be contacted on: +91 7686 42347.