Activities to Do in Indore: Culture, Street Food, Heritage, and Adventure

Sarafa Bazaar: Indore’s Greatest Midnight Food Experience

By day, Sarafa Bazaar is a jewellery market near Rajwada Palace, where gold and silver merchants have traded since the Holkar era. Come evening, the shutters come down, and the griddles fire up, revealing one of India’s most celebrated street food experiences.

Chaat, sabudana khichdi, garadu, bhutte ki kees, rabri, and the iconic poha jalebi line the narrow lanes as the crowd builds well past midnight. A visit here after Rajwada’s evening light and sound show makes for one of Indore’s most memorable nights.

Chappan Dukan: 56 Reasons to Eat Your Way Through Indore

In New Palasia, a short drive from the old city, Chappan Dukan is Indore’s most sociable eating address. The name translates to ‘56 shops’, a reference to the original stalls that opened here decades ago.

Today, the lane is lined with hundreds of vendors offering everything from masala dosa and chaat to indulgent mithai and freshly pressed juices. Families, students, and office-goers gather here each evening for a meal under open skies, giving the street its distinctly local, unhurried energy.

Lal Bagh Palace: Where European Grandeur Meets Indore’s Royal Past

Construction of Lal Bagh Palace began under Maharaja Tukojirao Holkar II in the late 19th century and was completed by his successor, Tukojirao Holkar III, in 1926. Spread across 28 hectares on the banks of the Khan River, the palace now functions as a government museum. The collection spans artefacts, coins, sculptures, and royal memorabilia from the Holkar era. The architecture blends Palladian, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, with Italian marble columns, Bohemian chandeliers, and iron gates modelled after those at Buckingham Palace.

Kanch Mandir: A Temple Sheathed in Glass and Light

Built in 1903 by Seth Hukumchand Jain near Itwaria Bazaar, Kanch Mandir is one of the most visually arresting religious sites in India. Every surface inside the Jain temple, from walls and ceilings to the floor and pillars, is covered in intricate glass mosaics and mirror work. Artisans from Jaipur and Iran were commissioned for the construction.

More than 50 glass murals depict stories from Jainism, and the Lord Mahavira idol at the sanctum is carved from black onyx. The result is a space that feels less like a place of worship and more like stepping into a room built entirely from light.

Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary: Indore’s Wild Green Escape

Established in 1989 and spread across 5 sq. km on the Ralamandal Hills, Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest protected areas in Madhya Pradesh. The sanctuary is home to leopards, blackbucks, chitals, blue bulls, barking deer, peacocks, and a wide variety of migratory birds.

Teak, eucalyptus, bamboo, and sandalwood trees form a dense canopy above the trekking trails. A Holkar-era hunting lodge known as the shikargah adds a heritage note to what might otherwise be a straightforward nature walk.

Safari Adventure Park: Where Adrenaline Takes Over

Safari Adventure Park, located at 9 MSJ Estate in Lasudia Parmar, covers 33 acres of green landscape. The park’s activity menu includes high rope and low rope courses, wall climbing, archery, zipline, rain dance, a splash pool, mud runs, and camping packages with stargazing and campfire evenings.

A dedicated kids zone with low-height activities and open lawns makes it equally accessible for families with younger children. Camping packages extend the experience into the night for groups and school outings.

Pipliyapala Regional Park: A Lakeside Retreat in the Heart of the City

Also known as Shree Atal Bihari Vajpayee Kshetriya Udyan, Pipliyapala Regional Park spans 120 acres near Choithram Square, built around an 80-acre lake by the Indore Development Authority at Rs. 50 crores. The park features a musical fountain, mist fountains, a maze, French and Mughal gardens, a biodiversity trail, and an amphitheatre.

Boating options range from paddle boats to speedboats, with the standout being the Malwa Queen, a 2-storey floating restaurant that seats up to 80 guests.

Where to Shop in Indore

• Sarafa Bazaar: Indore’s most celebrated jewellery market, trading gold, silver, and traditional ornaments by day and transforming into the city’s premier street food destination at night.
• MT Cloth Market: One of India’s largest wholesale fabric markets, offering Maheshwari and Chanderi sarees, textiles, and traditional Indian fabrics at competitive prices.
• Treasure Island Mall: A well-established retail and entertainment centre on MG Road with a wide mix of brands, a food court, and a multiplex cinema.
• C21 Mall: Located in Scheme 54, this mall features fashion labels, a supermarket, family entertainment zones, and a food court.
• Malhar Mega Mall: One of the largest retail destinations in Madhya Pradesh, located in Bhawarkuan with over 200 stores spanning fashion, electronics, dining, and leisure.

Indore Places to Visit for Fun: Quick Tips Before You Go

• Best Time to Visit: October to March offers the most comfortable weather for outdoor sightseeing, street food trails, and wildlife walks.
• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days covers the major heritage, food, and nature experiences, with an additional day for exploring nearby attractions in and around Indore.
• For Families: Pipliyapala Regional Park, Safari Adventure Park, Chappan Dukan, and Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary are the most practical Indore places to visit for fun, each offering activities for multiple age groups.

Our luxury rooms and suites range from the 321 sq. ft. Deluxe King and Deluxe Twin Rooms to the 622 sq. ft. Executive Suite with a separate living area. After a full day between Rajwada Palace and Sarafa Bazaar, returning to a room above the rooftop pool makes the city feel considerably more manageable.

Our dining outlets cover all parts of the day. Blue Salt and Coffee runs 24 hours, making it a practical choice for an early start before the city wakes up. Splash Bar & Grill operates as an open-air dining venue above the pool, and Citron, our lounge bar, offers happy hours and an indoor setting that works particularly well after walking Indore’s old city at night.