Why Indore Belongs on Your Travel List
Indore sits comfortably between a heritage city and a modern business hub. The beautiful places in Indore draw on 300 years of Holkar dynasty history alongside a contemporary food and cafe culture that has earned the city national recognition. The result is a city where a Peshwa-era palace sits minutes from a rooftop cafe, and where the night food market runs late into the night.
Heritage and architecture: Royal palaces, temple complexes, and colonial-era structures across the city centre and surrounding areas
Food culture: Indore's street food is renowned as one of the best in India. Sarafa Bazaar and Chappan Dukan are nationally recognised.
Cleanliness: 8-time winner of the Swachh Survekshan award for India's cleanest city
Connectivity: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport (IDR) operates direct flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and other major cities.
Rajwada Palace
Built by Malhar Rao Holkar I in 1747 AD, Rajwada is a 7-storey palace at the heart of old Indore, blending Maratha, Mughal, and French architectural styles. The wooden gateway with iron studs, carved balconies, and the Ganesha Hall are the standout features. A sound-and-light show runs from Tuesday to Sunday evenings, covering the history of the Holkar dynasty.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Closed on Mondays
Light and Sound Show: Tuesday to Sunday - 6:30 PM (Hindi) and 7:45 PM (English)
Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indians, INR 250 for foreign nationals. Light and Sound Show: INR 200. Camera charge: INR 25.
Lal Bagh Palace
Constructed between 1886 and 1921 by Tukoji Rao Holkar II and expanded by subsequent Holkar rulers, Lal Bagh Palace is a European-influenced royal estate now functioning as a government museum. The interiors retain original Italian marble flooring, Belgian glass, and European-style carved woodwork. The 28-acre grounds include a well-maintained heritage garden.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Closed on Mondays and major public holidays
Entry Fee: INR 10 per person
Khajrana Ganesh Temple
One of Indore's most significant religious sites, Khajrana Ganesh Temple, is believed to have been established by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and draws large numbers of devotees during Ganesh Chaturthi.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Sarafa Bazaar
A jewellery market by day, Sarafa Bazaar transforms into one of India's most celebrated night food markets after 11:00 PM. Stalls serve bhutte ka kees (spiced grated corn), jalebi, and a wide range of chaat. The market runs till late night and is best visited on a weekday to avoid peak weekend crowds.
- Night Market Timing: 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Chappan Dukan
Chappan Dukan (literally '56 shops') is Indore's most famous daytime food street, covering namkeen, sweets, kachori, poha, chai, and regional Madhya Pradesh snacks. It is the natural starting point for any exploration of Indori food culture.
Timing: Around 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary
Madhya Pradesh's oldest wildlife sanctuary is located approximately 15 km from the city centre. Spanning 5 sq. km, this forest sanctuary supports about 8,000 trees and a diverse ecosystem of leopards, deer, blackbuck, blue bull (nilgai), and numerous bird species. A hunting lodge built by the Holkars in 1905 has been converted into an information centre. Trekking trails and a watchtower are available.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM | Best visited from September to March
Entry Fee: INR 20 per person
Central Museum Indore: Holds an important collection of prehistoric to Holkar-era artefacts. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission costs INR 20 for Indians and INR 200 for foreign tourists.
Pipliyapala Regional Park: A 42-acre urban park near Pipliyahana with boating, a musical fountain, and an amphitheatre. Open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM with an entry fee of INR 30 (Adults) and INR 15 (Children).
Kanch Mandir: A Jain temple on Hukumchand Marg entirely covered in mirrors and glass mosaic, one of the most visually distinctive religious sites in Indore. Open daily from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM; entry is free.
Patalpani Waterfall: A seasonal waterfall on the Choral River, most impressive during monsoons. A popular half-day excursion from the city, open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM with free entry.
Best Time to Visit: October to February. Temperatures are comfortable (8°C to 28°C), ideal for outdoor sightseeing, heritage walks, and day trips. March to May can reach about 42°C.
Getting Around: App-based cabs are reliable and widely available. Auto-rickshaws cover shorter distances. Major city-centre sites are typically a 10 to 15-minute commute apart. Self-drive rentals are available for day trips to Ralamandal and Patalpani.
Temple Visits: Wear clean, modest clothing. Visitors are required to remove their footwear before entering the temple premises. Early mornings (before 8:00 AM) are the least crowded times at Khajrana Ganesh Temple.
Food Streets: Visit Chappan Dukan in the morning (7:00 to 10:00 AM for breakfast staples). Sarafa Bazaar is best between 10:00 PM and midnight for the full range of stalls.
Accommodation: Stay in Deluxe King Room, Deluxe Twin Room, Premium King Pool View Room, Deluxe Suite, and Executive Suite, each featuring heated floors, a workspace, climate control, and full digital connectivity, including free Wi-Fi.
Dining: Choose between 3 outlets: Blue Salt and Coffee, an all-day restaurant overlooking the pool and gardens; Splash Bar & Grill, an outdoor poolside bar and grill; and Citron - The Lounge Bar, serving cocktails, wines and light bites in a lounge setting.
Facilities: Make the most of an outdoor swimming pool with a sun terrace, along with car rental service, currency exchange, a fitness centre, multiple event venues, and spaces for social gatherings and intimate celebrations.
Proximity to Attractions: Visit Khajrana Ganesh Temple (~4 km), Rajwada Palace (~6 km), ISKCON Indore (~9 km), or take about a 20-minute drive to Pipliyapala Regional Park.
