Hospitable people, bustling bazaars, historic sites, and gastronomical delights – you name it, Indore has it! This city of Madhya Pradesh resides along the banks of the beautiful rivers Saraswati and Khan. Whether you just want to lay back and chill during your vacation or you want to explore every nook and corner, this city will match your current vibe. This commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh has several famous attractions that have made it a traveler’s paradise. So, keep reading as we take you on a journey to the best places to visit in Indore.
7 Best Places To Visit In Indore
- Rajwada Palace
- Patalpani Waterfalls
- Annapurna Temple
- Lalbagh Palace
- Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary
- Central Museum of Indore
- Sarafa Market
1. Rajwada Palace
One of the most prominent places in Indore is the Rajwada Palace. This 7-story palace is packed with tourists throughout the year. It resides near the bustling streets of the famous Khajuri market of Indore and can be easily located. The Rajwada palace is divided into two parts – one is a temple and the other is a palace.
It was built by the Holkars and is an amalgamation of Maratha, Mughal, and French-style architecture. The beauty of Rajwada is all thanks to the Belgian stained glass and mirrors. One can’t help but get stupefied with just one look at the beautiful floors, ceilings, and walls of this palace. The Rajwada Palace is a sight to behold during festivals like the Mahavir Jayanti when the entire palace lights up with beautiful candles and lights.
Timing: 10 am to 5 pm.
Entry Fees:
- Indians – INR 10 per person.
- Foreigners – INR 250 per person.
- Photography fees – INR 25 for each camera.
- Videography fees – INR 100 for each camera.
Location: Rajwada Circle, near Holker Cloth Market, Rajwada, Indore.
2. Patalpani Waterfall
Located just 35 km from the main city, Patalpani Waterfall is worth a visit. All travel junkies, adventurers, and nature lovers can enjoy some quality time here. The depth of this waterfall is said to be quite deep. Hence it’s named ‘Patalpani’. The word ‘patal’ stands for underworld and ‘pani’ stands for water. When you witness it yourself, you’ll be nothing but astounded!
The sight of the waters cascading down from a height of 300 ft is nothing but jaw-dropping. This place is absolute bliss, especially during the rainy season. Lush green forests and beautiful valleys create the quintessential backdrop for this waterfall. Its pristine beauty and surreal surroundings make it an ideal place to enjoy nature photography.
Timing: 6 am to 6 pm.
Entry Fees: Free.
Location: Kekariya Dabri, Madhya Pradesh.
3. Annapurna Temple
One of the most sacred places in Indore is the Annapurna Temple. It’s flocked by pilgrims from across the country, almost all year round. Apart from being known as a place of religious significance, the Annapurna Temple also is an architectural marvel. The intricate paintings and carvings of this temple make it one of the significant heritage sites of Indore. Many of its features like intricate carvings, shrines, and beautiful images of mythological characters are very similar to the Meenakshi Temple of Madurai.
It’s believed that this temple is dedicated to the Goddess of food. As you enter the temple premises, you’ll see four life-size elephant structures that’ll blow your mind. Many pilgrims come here and pay their respects to the temple. The temple has such a spiritual aura that many visitors come here for a peaceful getaway. You can come here to seek solitude and meditate in the quiet shrines of the temple.
Timing: 5 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 10 pm.
Entry Fee: Free.
Location: Kranti Kriplani Nagar, Indore.
4. Lal Bagh Palace
Before we tell you more about Lalbagh Palace, don’t be surprised if we keep mentioning Holkars and Marathas. Just to refresh your memory from your history classes, Indore has been a testament to both the Holkar and Maratha dynasties. So, a lot of historic sites here have their influence. Coming back to our list of places to visit in Indore, Lalbagh Palace is a remnant of the Holkars and has a very impressive structure.
Lal Bagh Palace sprawls over an area of around 28 acres. It’s located along the banks of the River Khan and is just 3 km away from the main city. As you take a walk in this palace, you’ll be reminded of the glorious past of the Holkars. Some of the astounding features of this palace are its rich Persian carpets, Italian marble columns, and huge chandeliers. The Italian-style paintings here will captivate you. Don’t forget to take a tour of the secret shrines of this palace that’ll make your visit even more memorable.
Timing: 10 am to 5 pm.
Entry Fees: INR 10 per person.
Location: Nai Duniya, Revenue Colony, Indira Nagar, Indore.
5. Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary
If you’re a nature lover or are a wildlife enthusiast, you must visit the Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary. This place boasts of its rich biodiversity. You’ll find different types of plant species like babool, saja, bamboo, eucalyptus, and teak over here. This sanctuary is also graced by the tranquil waters of the Narmada River. If you’re visiting here during winter, you’ll get to see the many avian species that migrate here during that time.
To explore the insides of this sanctuary, you can take a car or a bike. This sanctuary also has several bikes and cycles that you can rent. There are several trails here with trees on both sides, creating a perfect setting to go bicycling. The lush green landscape over here also makes it a great place for trekkers to go on long treks. The sanctuary also has several animal species like leopard, rabbit, barking deer, and Blackbuck that attract a lot of tourists.
Timing: INR 5 per person.
Entry Fees: 9 am to 6:30 pm.
Location: Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary, Indore.
6. Central Museum of Indore
For those who are history buffs and have a fascination with historical sites, the Central Museum of Indore will woo you! Here, you’ll find Hindu and Jain sculptures right from the Gupta to the Parmara eras. You’ll get to see the stone depictions and proportioned figures of the sculptures here.
This entire museum is divided into two different gallery sections. In the gallery I, you’ll get to witness the artefacts of the prehistoric period. Gallery II, on the other hand, showcases intricate carvings from Hindu mythology. You’ll also find antiques like ornaments, stone tools, quartz sickles, and other domestic items which can be dated back to 4,000 and 5,000 BC. Do you have a thirst for knowledge and history? This is just the place to be!
Timing: 9 am to 5 pm.
Entry Fee:
- Free for children up to 15 years, and handicapped people
- Indians – INR 10 per person
- Foreigners – INR 100 per person
- Photography – INR 50 for each camera.
- Videography – INR 200 for each camera.
Location: Near GPO Square, Navlakha, Indore.
7. Sarafa Market
Whether you consider yourself a die-hard foodie or not, the street food of Indore will certainly make you feel like one. And there’s no better place in this city to enjoy food than the bustling streets of Sarafa Market. The neon sign boards, aromas of various foods from the street stalls, and an enthusiastic crowd will tempt you to explore the market. Here, you’ll get to witness the legendary love affair of the locals with food. No wonder the city is also known as the ‘City of Food’!
If you visit here during the night, you’ll be amazed by the vibrant streets here. Not only the locals but even tourists flock to this market to enjoy the delectable food served by many vendors. Some of the must-try items here are 6-flavored panipuri, sabudana khichdi, and dahi bade. To fulfil your sweet cravings, famous dessert dishes popular at Sarafa Market are mapuas, rabdi, and jalebis. When it comes to shopping, you’ll find beautiful artificial jewelry pieces sold here in various colors.
Timing: 8 pm to 2 am.
Entry Fee: Free.
Location: Near Maharaja Tukoji Rao Holker Cloth Market, Indore.
Summing Up
The dynamic culture of Indore makes it one of the most wonderful travel destinations in India. Whether it’s the historic sites, fascinating flora and fauna, or scenic places, this city has something for everyone. You’ll get to immerse yourself in the rich and diverse culture with a tour of the best places to visit in Indore. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time you plan your next trip here and have a vacation like no other.
FAQs
Which Area Is Best In Indore?
Places like Vijay Nagar, AB Bypass Road, and Mahalakshmi Nagar are some of the best areas to stay in Indore.
What Is Famous In Sarafa Bazaar?
Sarafa Bazaar in Indore is famous for foods like Pani Puri, Rabdi, Jalebi, and Gulab Jamun. Apart from that, this famous market in Indore is famous for buying colorful artificial jewelry.
How Can I Spend One Day In Indore?
You can spend one day in Indore by visiting the following places:
- Rajwada
- Patalpani Waterfall
- Annapurna Temple
- Lal Bagh Palace
- Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary
What Is The Famous Food Of Indore?
Batla Kachori, Dahi Bade, Khopra Patties, and Poha Jalebi are some of the famous foods of Indore.
Does Indore Have A Nightlife?
Indore has great nightlife. If you want to go on a gastronomical adventure, enjoy shopping, or take a tour of the lit-up streets of the city, head straight to Sarafa Market.
Which Sweet Is Famous In Indore?
One of the most famous sweets in Indore is Poha Jalebi. It’s a popular street dish of Indore and is usually enjoyed by locals for breakfast.
What Are Famous Things To Buy From Indore?
You can buy things like handloom items, sarees, different kinds of fabric materials, and handicrafts from Indore.
How Can I Spend My Evening In Indore?
You can spend your evening in Indore by visiting the famous markets here like the Sarafa Market. Evenings are the perfect time to witness the amazing nightlife of the people here and to gorge on some delicious food.
