On A Temple Run: Weekend Getaway At The Lalit Khajuraho

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A weekend at the Lalit Temple View will leave you pampered, well-fed, and with a whole new perspective on Khajuraho {beyond the whole Kama Sutra angle}. We promise.

Our Abode

Spread over nine acres, the Lalit Temple View is a 47 bedroom {and suites} luxury hotel overlooking the Western group of temples. A room next to the poolside will offer you one of the most breathtaking views; clear blue water with the silhouette of the temples in the distance. While we were happy to lounge around at the hotel enjoying the sunset, getting massaged into a blissful sleepy state at the Rejuve Spa, and participating in the daily sandhya aarti, the peeps at the hotel had even grander plans for us.

Of Waterfalls, Tigers And History Lessons...

The Lalit staff hooked us up with Mamu {one of the best guides in town} to take us through all the temples, starting with the largest cluster {Western group} dating back to 950 AD, to the Eastern, ending at the Northern. He gave us elaborate anecdotes on Indian soldiers, rulers, wars, social norms and, yes, sexual behaviour {we also received some not-so-fun facts about bestiality}.

The itinerary also included a trip to Raneh Waterfall wedged between rocks of all colours, and falls into a river where you can occasionally spot a ghariyal or two. But if you’re truly into wildlife, a trip to the nearby Panna Tiger Reserve is a must. Hire a jeep {INR 1,500} and rev through the jungle, admiring animals and birds of all kinds. We were lucky enough to spot a tiger walking across the river while we were there.

About The Tummy

The Lalit Temple View has only one restaurant, and after we got to sample the various cuisines Chef Pronob Barua whipped up, we couldn’t find any reason to complain. Highlights at Panna Restaurant include the Bundelkhandi Thali, comprising local dishes including mutton, chicken, baingan and onion kheer. This is served with rice and a choice of breads. Also worth trying is the kebab platter, which consists of a melt-in-the-mouth galouti, tandoori prawns and chicken tikka served with a mini ulta tawa ka paratha.

The chef is also well-versed in Continental cuisine and, on our request, prepared a meat-heavy meal for us {prawns, lamb chops, chicken breast} along with a salad, soup and a customised spicy cocktail {reminiscent of a bloody mary} to soothe the tummy.

You can dine at the Panna Restaurant itself, or grab a few drinks by the poolside outside Mahua {the bar}.

#LBBTip: If you’re looking to pop the question to your S.O., this may just be the ideal spot to take that ring out.

So, We’re Saying…

If you’re a history buff or just want to escape the city chaos for a few days, The Lalit Temple View may be just the place you’ve been looking for. The rooms are comfortable, clean, with the most relaxing beds and a gorgeous view of the ancient temples. They don’t come with bath tubs, but you can always head down to the spa for a bubble bath along with a stress-relieving treatment {we opted for the deep-tissue massage and came out feeling brand new, courtesy the expertise and attention of the masseuse}.

The hotel walls sport a fair amount of gorgeous art {a Lalit USP}, making it a delight to walk around in. Moreover, you get to see some spectacular sights, and you can also attend a super informative sound and light show {there’s a government initiative one, as well as a hotel one}, or just walk around the organic veggie patch at the hotel.

Best Time To Visit: Oct – Mar

Where: Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Price: Starting at INR 8,500

Contact: +91 7686272333; for reservations, visit here.