Discover Temples, Crafts and Fairs in Tikamgarh

Looking for a hotel for a trip to Tikamgarh? When planning, you can focus on the themes you want to shape your stay: bell-metal crafts in Tikamgarh, temples and fairs in nearby places, or other historic sites in the wider Tikamgarh destination.

Getting there and finding your way during your stay

Buses travel to Tikamgarh from other cities. The nearest airport is Khajuraho Airport (HJR), about 114 kilometres from Tikamgarh. Since this distance is approximate, check your specific travel details before departure. When planning, you can also decide whether to focus mainly on Tikamgarh itself or include nearby places such as Kundeshwar and Madkhera.

Bell-metal crafts in Tikamgarh

Bell metal has been cast in Tikamgarh for more than three centuries. The history of the craft includes a variety of products: initially, the material was used to make weapons of war for kings and soldiers. Today, artisans use it to make toys, figures of animals and gods, and lamps. These crafts range from figurines to everyday objects. Those interested in the cultural side of the destination will find this a distinct focus alongside the temples and fairs in the surrounding area.

Kundeshwar: Temples, local tradition and fairs

Nearby Kundeshwar is about five kilometres south of Tikamgarh. It is known for the Kundadev Mahadev Temple. According to local tradition, the Shiv Linga is said to have emerged from Kunda. The town is also home to an archaeological museum and Vinobha Sansthan. South of Kundeshwar are the Barighar picnic spot and Usha Water Fall.

Fairs are also a feature of Kundeshwar: three large fairs are held there each year. One is associated with Sankranti in Poush/Magh in January, another with Basant Panchami, and the third with Kartik Ekadashi in October or November. These events take place at different times of the year and may therefore play a role in your travel plans.

Madkhera and the Sun Temple

Another nearby cultural site is Madkhera, about 20 kilometres northwest of Tikamgarh. The Sun Temple there faces east. This specific architectural orientation is a notable detail for travellers interested in temples and their design.

Other cultural sites in the wider Tikamgarh destination

The wider Tikamgarh destination also offers its own cultural highlights. In Baldeogarh, the fort stands above Gwal-Sagar Lake; the town is also home to the Vindhya Vasini Devi Temple. The seven-day Vindhyavasani Fair is held there each year in the month of Chaitra.

Ahar was once an important Jain centre. It is home to three ancient Jain temples, one of which houses a 20-foot-high statue of Shantinath. A historic structure in Ahar is also a pond from the Chadella period with a well-built embankment. Ahar Ji is regularly accessible by bus. If you choose to make one of the fairs a focus of your trip, check the specific event dates in advance.

Food is another part of the region’s cultural landscape: Tikamgarh is associated with Ras Bhari Gujiya, which is filled with mawa. Along with bell-metal crafts, religious buildings and markets, this reflects the range of cultural themes you can take into account when planning your stay.

For the wider travel overview: Tikamgarh.