The LaLiT Temple View Khajuraho
Khajuraho

The LaLiT Temple View is a modern 5-star Indian hotel located close to the western group of UNESCO World Heritage temples in Khajuraho, India’s largest collection of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, renowned for their intricately carved facades and iconic erotic sculptures. Well-maintained and offering excellent service, this hotel provides a tranquil retreat after a day of temple hopping or wildlife spotting, complete with a refreshing swimming pool and a relaxing spa.

The hotel offers 40 comfortable rooms and seven spacious suites. About half of the entry-level rooms overlook the ancient temples, while the others provide views of the hotel’s lush, manicured gardens. The spa includes five treatment rooms and offers a range of therapies, from traditional Ayurvedic treatments to Western massages. Facilities also include a sauna, steam room and a well-equipped gym. The on-site restaurant, Panna, serves a multi-cuisine menu 24 hours a day, while the intimate Mahua Bar is a cozy space to unwind in the evenings. A Krishna temple located within the hotel grounds hosts a daily evening puja ceremony, in which guests are warmly invited to participate.

The hotel’s location on the western edge of the temple complex is ideal, with many of Khajuraho’s most celebrated temples just a short walk away. These awe-inspiring structures were built between the 9th and 11th centuries by the Chandela dynasty. After the dynasty’s decline in the 12th century, the temples were gradually abandoned and enveloped by forest. They remained hidden from the wider world for nearly 600 years until they were brought to public attention in 1838 by British surveyor T.S. Burt.

While the temples are often associated with their erotic carvings, which make up only around 10% of the total artwork, the majority depict scenes from daily life, mythology, music and nature. The temples were constructed by the Chandelas for both Hindu and Jain communities, with distinct groups built for each. Today, one temple remains active, as indicated by the saffron flag above it, while the others are open to visitors and best explored with a knowledgeable guide.

The Eastern Group of temples, located about a 5-minute drive away, consists solely of Jain temples, recognisable by their images of Tirthankaras, some of which are depicted in the nude, as is traditional in the Digambara sect of Jainism. These temples are smaller in scale but rich in detail and cultural significance, and sit beside an active Jain temple still used for worship today.

While the LaLiT Temple View carries a slight business hotel aesthetic, its unbeatable location and warm hospitality make it a perfect base for one or two nights. Whether your focus is discovering the intricately preserved, 1,000-year-old temples or embarking on a wildlife safari through nearby Panna National Park, this hotel offers a seamless blend of comfort and access to Khajuraho’s extraordinary heritage.

The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.
Rudyard Kipling