Overview
About Indore
Indore is the largest city in Madhya Pradesh and its main commercial hub, but most visitors remember it for one thing above all: food. From the poha and jalebi eaten at breakfast to the late-night snack stalls of Sarafa Bazaar, the city treats eating out as a daily ritual, and its namkeen and sev are sold across the country.
The city grew under the Holkar rulers of the Maratha era, and their legacy is visible in the seven-storey Rajwada in the old quarter, the European-style Lal Bagh Palace and a number of temples and chhatris. Indore has also earned a reputation as one of the cleanest cities in India, and its wide roads and well-kept public spaces make it an easy, comfortable base.
Beyond its own sights, Indore works well as a gateway to the Malwa and Nimar regions. The ruined hilltop city of Mandu, the riverside temple town of Maheshwar and the Jyotirlinga shrines of Omkareshwar and Ujjain are all within a few hours by road, so many travellers combine a couple of days in the city with one or two excursions.
- Street food
- Sarafa night market
- Holkar palaces
- Namkeen and sev
- Clean city
- Gateway to Mandu and Omkareshwar
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Indore
Palaces & Heritage
Rajwada
The seven-storey palace of the Holkars stands at the heart of the old city, its wooden upper floors rising above a stone base. The surrounding lanes are the busiest shopping area in Indore.
Lal Bagh Palace
A grand Holkar residence set in large gardens, with interiors in European style and gates said to be modelled on those of Buckingham Palace.
Krishnapura Chhatris
Elegant cenotaphs of Holkar rulers on the banks of the Khan river, built in a mix of Maratha and Mughal styles and especially pleasant in the evening light.
Central Museum
A modest museum with sculpture from the Parmar period and other archaeological finds from across the Malwa region.
Temples
Kanch Mandir
A Jain temple in the old city whose walls, ceilings and pillars are covered entirely in mirror work, glass and painted panels.
Khajrana Ganesh Temple
One of the most visited temples in Indore, dedicated to Lord Ganesha and linked with Rani Ahilyabai Holkar. Wednesdays draw large crowds of devotees.
Annapurna Temple
A temple complex with a striking gateway decorated with elephant figures, inspired by South Indian temple architecture.
Food & Markets
Sarafa Bazaar
A jewellery market by day that turns into a crowded open-air food street after the shops close, serving garadu, bhutte ka kees, malpua and much more late into the night.
Chhappan Dukan
A pedestrian-friendly food street with dozens of snack, sweet and drinks stalls, popular with families and college students throughout the day.
Nearby Excursions
Mandu
About 95 km away, this fortified plateau holds Jahaz Mahal, Rani Roopmati's Pavilion, Hoshang Shah's Tomb and many other Afghan-era monuments.
Omkareshwar and Maheshwar
Omkareshwar, about 80 km away, is an island temple town on the Narmada with one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Maheshwar, Ahilyabai Holkar's capital, has a riverside fort, ghats and handloom workshops.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Indore
- 1
Eat your way through Sarafa
Arrive after dark with an empty stomach and share small plates so you can sample as many local specialities as possible.
- 2
Start the day with poha and jalebi
Indore's signature breakfast is sold at stalls all over the city, topped with sev, onion and a sprinkle of jeeravan masala.
- 3
Explore the old city on foot
Walk from Rajwada through the surrounding bazaars to Kanch Mandir, stopping for kachori and sweets along the way.
- 4
Take a day trip to Mandu
Leave early to explore the palaces, tanks and mosques of Mandu at a relaxed pace; the monsoon makes the plateau especially green.
- 5
Visit a Jyotirlinga
Combine Indore with Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar Temple, about 55 km away, or Omkareshwar on the Narmada for a short pilgrimage circuit.
- 6
Shop for Maheshwari sarees
Pick up the light cotton-silk weaves of Maheshwar in city stores, or buy directly from weavers on a trip to Maheshwar.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Indore
The best time to visit Indore is October to March. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to June
22°C to 40°C
Days are hot and dry, especially in May. Sightseeing is best in the early morning, while evenings at the food streets remain lively.
Monsoon
July to September
22°C to 30°C
Moderate rain cools the city and turns the Malwa plateau green. It is a lovely time for Mandu and the waterfalls around Indore.
Winter
October to February
10°C to 28°C
The most comfortable season, with sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for long food walks and day trips to nearby towns.
Getting there
How to Reach Indore
By Air
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport is about 8 km from the city centre and has direct flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and several other Indian cities. Taxis and app cabs are easily available.
By Rail
Indore Junction is the main railway station, with trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Ujjain and other parts of the country. Laxmibai Nagar station on the outskirts handles some services too.
By Road
Indore sits on major highways and is connected by frequent buses to Bhopal (about 190 km), Ujjain (about 55 km) and Ahmedabad. Taxis are the easiest way to reach Mandu, Maheshwar and Omkareshwar.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Indore
Poha and jalebi
Light, flattened-rice poha garnished with sev and pomegranate, eaten with hot jalebi for breakfast.
Bhutte ka kees
Grated corn cooked in milk with spices and green chillies, a speciality of Malwa.
Garadu
Fried cubes of yam tossed in spices and lemon, sold mainly in the cooler months.
Dal bafla
Boiled and baked wheat dumplings dipped in ghee and served with dal, the Malwa cousin of Rajasthan's dal baati.
Khopra pattice
Potato patties stuffed with a sweet and spicy coconut filling, fried until crisp.
Sabudana khichdi
Sago pearls cooked with peanuts and potatoes, a popular snack at Sarafa and Chhappan Dukan.
What to Buy in Indore
- Indori namkeen and sev
- Maheshwari sarees and fabrics
- Bagh print textiles
- Leather toys and local handicrafts
- Spices and jeeravan masala
Travel Tips for Indore
- Sarafa only comes alive late in the evening, so plan dinner there rather than an early visit.
- Keep a full day for Mandu, as the monuments are spread across a large plateau.
- Temples like Khajrana and Omkareshwar are busiest on festivals and weekends; go early to avoid long queues.
- Carry water and a cap in summer, when afternoon heat can be intense.
FAQs
Indore Travel FAQs
What is Indore famous for?
Indore is famous for its street food, especially at Sarafa Bazaar and Chhappan Dukan, its Holkar-era palaces such as Rajwada and Lal Bagh, its namkeen and its reputation as one of India's cleanest cities.
What is the best time to visit Indore?
October to March is the best time to visit Indore, when the weather is cool and pleasant. The monsoon is also a good time if you plan to visit Mandu.
How many days are enough for Indore?
Two days are enough to see the city and its food streets. Add one or two more days for excursions to Mandu, Maheshwar, Omkareshwar or Ujjain.
What are the best places to visit near Indore?
Popular trips from Indore include Mandu, Maheshwar, Omkareshwar and Ujjain, all of which can be visited by road within a few hours.
What time does Sarafa Bazaar open?
The food stalls at Sarafa set up after the jewellery shops close in the evening and stay busy until late at night.
How far is Ujjain from Indore?
Ujjain is about 55 km from Indore and can be reached easily by road or train, making it a comfortable half-day or full-day trip.