Indore Tourism - Local Cuisine, and Sightseeing
Reckoned as the food city of Madhya Pradesh, Indore is indeed one of the great places in India to treat your taste buds. Deriving its name from the historic Indreshwar Temple, the city of Indore perfectly blends the traces of the Holkan era with contemporary times. It is the most developed city of Madhya Pradesh and also the financial capital of the state that boasts to be the fourth largest centre of cotton textile industry in India. Endowed with shimmering rivulets, ancient forts, fascinating palaces, revered temples, recreational spaces, best education centres and whatnot, this vibrant and multifaceted city in Central India is definitely a must visit place for every kind of traveller.
History of Indore
The city of Indore was first discovered in 1715 by Malwa Rao Nandlal Chaudhary Mandloi who was the chief Zamindar here. He made good relationships and was also presented two jewel studded swords which are now displayed in the Royal British Museum. During the late 17th century, the fort of Shree Sansthan Bada Rawala was erected by him in the Juni Indore region in order to protect his people from the frequent harassment by Marathas and Mughals.
In 1743 AD, Peshwas grew to prominence and the Viceroyalty of Malwa was handed over to Baji Rao Peshwa. However, the treaty was signed by the Subedar, Malhar Rao Holkar under which the zamindars and indigenous landholders of Malwa were granted their possessions of royalty and the rights of performing the first pooja of Dussehra. This marked the advent of the Holkar dynasty in the Malwa region including Indore. In between 1767 to 1795, Malhar Rao Holkar’s daughter-in-law, Ahilyabai Holkar ruled Malwa from a palace-fort at Maheshwar which is situated to the south of Indore.
Later during the Third Anglo-Maratha War in 1818, the Holkars were defeated by the British and their kingdom became a part of the British Empire. Then after the defeat in the Battle of Mahidpur, the treaty of Mandsaur was signed. Under this treaty, the Cantonment town of Mhow was handed over to the British and Indore was declared as the new capital of the Holkar state.
Then after India's independence in 1947, the princely states of Malwa became a part of Madhya Bharat and Indore was elected as its summer capital. Later, Madhya Bharat was merged into Madhya Pradesh on November 1st 1956 and Bhopal was declared as its new capital. Over the years of development in the city, Indore emerged as the financial capital of the state during the mid 70’s. Today this largest city of Madhya Pradesh is a hub of business and investments and which is also called the Mini Mumbai.
Top Tourist Attractions in Indore
Located in the Western region of Madhya Pradesh, Indore is one of the most important heritage towns of the state that is replete with a number of memorabilias from the ancient times. So here’s the list of 12 best places to visit in Indore that will surely stay etched in the memory of travellers for a long time. Take a look!
1. Rajwada Palace
Rajwada Palace is a 7-storied historical marvel by the Holkars belonging to the Maratha Dynasty. It is one of the most prominent heritage sites of the city that is popular for its royal grandeur, architectural brilliance and picturesque landscaping. You can visit this famous tourist place of Indore all the days of the week except on Monday anytime between 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM with a nominal fee of INR 10.
2. Lal Baag Palace
Having the striking resemblance with Buckingham Palace of London, Lal Baag Palace is definitely one of the most stunning and well preserved monuments of Indore that is on the top of travellers’ wishlist. Spreading over an area of 28 hectares, this heritage property of the Holkars is located on the bank of river Khan. Visitors can not only marvel at its fascinating architecture but also can grab the breathtaking view of the river from this palace.
3. Indreshwar Mahadev Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Indreshwar Mahadev temple is the oldest and most revered temple of Indore after which the city is also named. According to legends, it was built in 916 A.D by Raja Indra Singh when he was on his journey to Ujjain. The temple reflects the architectural blend of Indo-Aryan and Dravidian style while its sanctum sanctorum reflects the style of classic Deccan rulers.
4. Central Museum of Indore
Also known as Indore Museum, the Central Museum of Indore houses 6 different galleries which display a vast collection of antiques, fossils, Terracotta items, sculptures, precious metals, coins, artefacts and whatnot dating back to 5000 B.C. It's one of the best tourist attractions of Indore that fascinates people from across the world.
5. Kanch Mandir
A famous Jain temple in Indore that was built by Sir Seth Hukumchand Jain, Kanch Mandir is definitely worth visiting. It is a profusely embellished temple of the city that oozes grandeur right from its gorgeous onyx Mahavira statue along with glass mosaic walls, ceilings and stunning chandeliers.
6. Sarafa Market
A jewellery marketplace cum street food court, the iconic Sarafa Market of Indore bustles both during the daytime as well as at night. This market in Indore is a perfect place for retail therapy during the day and to satiate your taste buds with some mouth watering savories of the city in the night.
7. Chappan Dukan
With about 56 food outlets, Chappan Dukan is where you can treat yourself with scrumptious snacks and mouth watering street food. You can start your day with popular Indori Poha as early as 6 AM and eat to your heart's content till 10 PM. It is indeed one of the best Tourist places to visit in Indore that justifies Indore’s title as the food capital of India.
8. Indore White Church
Speaking of the colonial era of Britishers, Indore White Church transports you back to the pre-independence time. It is a well preserved monument and a significant religious place in Indore that reflects the brilliant European architecture. Milky white facade of the church makes it look even more ethereal and grabs the attention of visitors with its enchanting beauty especially during the Christmas festival.
9. Choral Dam
Located at a distance of 35 km from the main city, Choral Dam is one of the less explored places near Indore that has an undeniable beauty. Constructed around the backwaters of River Narmada, the dam is surrounded with rolling hills and emerald landscape making it an ideal escapade for picnic and thrilling water sport activities.
10. Gandhi Hall
Another heritage site in Indore that is worth paying a visit is Gandhi Hall that is named after the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi. This majestic monument made with white marble, Seoni and red stones displays the stunning Indo-Gothic architecture and is the venue for many public gatherings that are held in the city.
11. Patalpani Waterfall
Located at a distance of 25 km in the Mhow Tehsil of Indore district, Patalpani Waterfall is one of the most scenic places to visit near the city. This magnificent waterfall cascades through the height of 300 metres and is surrounded by awe inspiring hills and verdant forest vegetation making it a perfect spot for picnic.
12. Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary
Reckoned as the oldest sanctuary of Madhya Pradesh, Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary is indeed a paradise for wildlife and nature lovers. Also, the stream of river Narmada flowing through the sanctuary supports abundant animal, plant and bird species nesting in the sanctuary. The gurgling river also adds to the scenic beauty of this wildlife sanctuary that is one of the top places to visit near Indore.
Best Time To Visit Indore
Summer season in Indore is extremely scorching, therefore exploring the city is best during the winter season that begins from October and lasts till March. During this time of the year the temperature is cool and comfortable for sightseeing. One can freely enjoy the winter bliss along with having the most memorable culinary experience and discovering many popular places of Indore without getting tired.
Things to Do in Indore
- Explore Historical Landmarks: Visit architectural wonders like Rajwada and Lal Bagh Palace to learn about the city's royal past.
- Indulge in Street Food: Experience the culinary delights of Indore at Sarafa Bazaar and Chhappan Dukan.
- Shop in Local Markets: Explore MT Cloth Market for textiles and handicrafts.
- Attend Cultural Festivals: Participate in events like the Ahilya Utsav celebrating the city’s heritage.
- Nature Escapes: Plan a day trip to Patalpani Waterfall or Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary for a refreshing break.
Why Visit Indore?
Indore’s unique mix of historical charm, culinary experiences, and modern amenities makes it a must-visit destination for tourists. From architectural treasures to food adventures, the city offers an immersive journey through culture, history, and hospitality.
How to Reach Indore
The commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh, Indore is well connected to all major cities in India as well as the world through various means of transportation. Here’s a detailed list of how you can reach Indore through Air, Railways or road depending on your budget and time.
- Nearest Major City. Bhopal
- Nearest Airport. Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport (IDR)
- Nearest Railhead. Indore Junction
- Distance from Bhopal. 194.1 km via NH 86
By Air
The city airport serves all domestic flights. You can easily travel to Indore via air as there are regular to and fro flight services from all major cities of India. After deboarding, you can hire a cab from outside the airport to reach your desired destination in the city.
- Distance from Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport. 7 km
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Indore
By Rail
Indore Junction is the major railway station that connects the city to the rest of India via frequent rail services. After getting down at the railway station, you can consider taking a private taxi or bus to reach your destination.
By Road
The city of Indore is well connected with other cities and states of India through well maintained national and state highways. Also, the city has good bus connectivity and you can easily get buses according to your budget. You can also consider visiting Indore by your own vehicle as roads here are pretty safe and well connected.
- Distance from Ujjain. 56.3 km
- Distance from Omkareshwar. 77 km
- Distance from Gwalior. 508.7 km
- Distance from Mumbai. 583 km
- Distance from Pune. 606 km
- Distance from Jaipur. 635 km
- Distance from Delhi. 904 km
- Distance from Kolkata. 1,572 km
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Indore
Q 1. What is Indore famous for?
A 1. Indore is famous for its rich cultural heritage, street food (especially poha and jalebi), historical landmarks like Rajwada and Lal Bagh Palace, and commercial prominence as the business hub of Madhya Pradesh.
Q 2. Which language is spoken in Indore?
A 2. Marathi is a widely spoken language in the city. However, people of Indore speak Hindi and English fluently.
Q 3. Is Indore a safe place?
A 3. Yes, Indore is a safe city
Q 4. Why is Indore the best city in India?
A 4. Right from safety, natural beauty, historical relevance, development, food, markets to cosmopolitan culture, the city of Indore is one of the best cities in India that has many possibilities for people to have a fulfilling life.
Q5. What is the best time to visit Indore?
A. The best time to visit is October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant for sightseeing.
Q 6. What are some must-try foods in Indore?
- Poha-Jalebi (breakfast combo)
- Bhutte ka Kees (corn-based delicacy)
- Sabudana Khichdi (tapioca dish)
- Garadu (spicy yam snack)
- Shikanji (sweetened milk drink, different from lemonade)
Q 7. What are some popular shopping areas in Indore?
- MT Cloth Market – Textiles and fabrics
- Sarafa Bazaar – Jewelry and food
- Khajuri Bazaar – Books and handicrafts
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