A temple made of glass
Kanch Mandir — literally "glass temple" — is a Jain temple in the heart of Indore's old city, and it is unlike almost any other temple you will visit. Where most shrines are stone or marble, here the walls, ceilings and pillars are covered in an intricate mosaic of glass and mirror work, so that the interior catches and multiplies light from every angle. It was built by Sir Seth Hukumchand, one of Indore's most prominent Jain businessmen and philanthropists, and the craftsmanship inside is the whole reason people come.
If you are drawn to Indore's old city — its heritage, its temples and its food — Kanch Mandir sits right in the middle of that quarter, an easy stop rather than a special journey.
Part of the old-city cluster
Kanch Mandir is not an out-of-town excursion. It sits within the same old-city pocket as several of Indore's best-known sights, so a single central base puts them all within a short walk or auto ride:
- Rajwada — the Holkar palace and the visual centre of the old city, close by.
- Bada Ganpati — the temple home to one of the largest Ganesh idols in India, toward the western edge of the old city.
- The old-city bazaars, and after dark the Sarafa food lanes.
Because everything here is tightly packed, you can fold Kanch Mandir into a morning of old-city walking rather than setting a whole day aside for it.
Visiting respectfully
Kanch Mandir is an active place of worship, not only a heritage sight. As at Jain temples generally, plan to remove your footwear, dress modestly, and check the current rules on photography and on leather items when you arrive rather than assuming — practices vary and are best confirmed on the spot. A quiet, unhurried visit is the right way to take in the detail of the glasswork.
Where to stay near Kanch Mandir
The natural base is the old city itself. Staying central keeps Kanch Mandir, Rajwada and the Sarafa lanes within easy reach on foot or by a short auto ride, instead of crossing the city for each. Browse verified independent hotels near Kanch Mandir on ZECOHO — linked at the top of this post — and pick one close to the old-city core.
To book:
- Open the verified hotels near Kanch Mandir, linked at the top, and choose a central old-city stay.
- Call or chat the owner to confirm anything specific — parking in the old-city lanes, or the easiest walking route to the temple.
- Send a booking request. Nothing is collected upfront.
- Pay the hotel directly at check-in.
Why booking direct costs less
Every hotel on ZECOHO is a verified independent property listed with zero commission — the hotel isn't paying a cut to a middleman, so the same room is genuinely cheaper here. You send a request, the owner confirms, and you pay on arrival — typically 15–25% less than a commission-loaded rate on the big travel sites.
FAQ
What is Kanch Mandir?
Kanch Mandir is a Jain temple in Indore's old city, known as the "glass temple" because its interior is decorated almost entirely in glass and mirror mosaic. It was built by Sir Seth Hukumchand, a leading Indore Jain businessman and philanthropist.
Is it close to Rajwada and the old city?
Yes. Kanch Mandir sits within Indore's old-city cluster, close to Rajwada and within a short walk or auto ride of the Sarafa food lanes and Bada Ganpati — so a single central base covers all of them.
Can I take photographs inside?
Practices vary at Jain temples and can change, so check the photography and footwear rules on arrival rather than assuming. Dress modestly and plan to remove your shoes.
Where should I stay to be near Kanch Mandir?
Stay in or near the old city. Browse verified central hotels near Kanch Mandir on ZECOHO, linked at the top of this post, and pick one close to the old-city core rather than out by the airport or the business districts.
See the glass temple on an old-city morning — verified central hotels, zero commission, pay at the hotel.