Best Places to See in Indore: Places, Temples, Food & Weekend Spots
Indore, the heart of Madhya Pradesh, stands out not only for being India’s cleanest city but also for its vibrant culture, royal history, and irresistible food scene. From awe-inspiring palaces and sacred temples to bustling food markets and scenic nearby retreats, Indore offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re drawn to heritage, spirituality, flavors, or quick escapes, this city promises a memorable experience. Let’s explore the Best Places to See in Indore that make Indore truly special
Top Tourist Attractions in Indore
Rajwada Palace
History & Reconstruction
Origins: Commissioned by Malhar Rao Holkar I in 1747; later completed by his successors by 1766–33
Located at the center of Indore, Rajwada Palace is a remarkable seven-story structure that reflects the grandeur of the Holkar era. This iconic building blends Maratha, Mughal, and French design influences, showcasing its historical significance. With its grand wooden entrance and informative light and sound show, Rajwada offers visitors a vivid insight into the royal traditions and cultural history of the city.
Visiting Details
Timings – 10 AM–5 PM daily (closed Mondays & public holidays)
Entry Fees – Indians ₹10; Foreigners ₹250; Photography ₹25; Videography ₹100
Duration – 1–2 hours
Best Time to Visit – Evenings (for the ambience and show); October–February for pleasant weather
Lal Bagh Palace
History & Architecture
Built by the Holkar dynasty over three phases from 1886 to 1926—initiated by Tukojirao Holkar II, continued by Shivaji Rao, and completed by Tukojirao Holkar III—this grand 45‑room residence showcases Italian Renaissance Revival, Palladian, Baroque, Rococo, and Neo‑classical styles
Lal Bagh Palace stands as a testament to Indore’s regal past and the opulence of the Holkar dynasty. Designed in European architectural style, its interiors feature ornate ballrooms, vintage furniture, and decorative elements that mirror 19th-century grandeur. Encircled by lush green gardens, this historical site offers a tranquil escape for those interested in royal heritage and elegant architecture.
Visiting Details
Timings: – 11 AM–5 PM (closed Mondays & public holidays)
Entry: – 10 for Indian adults; photography extra (approx10); no detailed foreigner fee listed.
Visits take: – Around 1–2 hours—perfect for history buffs, architecture lovers, or film fans.
Why Visit Lal Bagh Palace?
- A rare Indian neo‑classical marvel with exceptional European influence.
- Exquisitely restored interiors that evoke royal life—dignified yet authentic.
- A serene, lush heritage site ideal for cultural immersion, photography, and film enthusiasts.
Gandhi Hall
History & Architecture
Built in 1904–05, designed by Charles Frederick Stevens of Bombay at a cost of ₹2.5 lakh; inaugurated by Prince George V in 1905
Exemplifies Indo-Gothic style: built with white Seoni and red Patan stone, features domes, minarets, Palladian arches, plaster ceilings with gilded moldings, and a four-faced clock tower (‘Ghantaghar’)
Gandhi Hall is an excellent example of Indo-Gothic architecture. Originally known as King Edward Hall, it was later renamed after Mahatma Gandhi. The structure is built using white marble and red bricks and serves as a venue for exhibitions, book fairs, and cultural events.
Visiting Info
Timings: – Around 10 AM–5 PM (varies; some list till 8 PM, Sunday closure uncertain)—free entry
Best time to visit: – Year-round; pleasant October–February weather; vibrant events often during national festivals when the building is lit in tricolors .
Spiritual & Religious Places in Indore
Khajrana Ganesh Temple
One of the most prominent religious sites in Indore, Khajrana Ganesh Temple holds immense spiritual significance. It was established by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, whose idol here is considered highly powerful and sacred. The temple draws a steady stream of devotees throughout the year. Its clean surroundings, peaceful vibe, and historical importance make it a must-visit spiritual destination in the city.
Visiting Info
Timings:
-
Morning darshan: 5 AM–12 PM
-
Afternoon break
-
Evening darshan: 4 PM–9 PM
-
Aartis: Morning ~8–9 AM, Evening ~8–8:30 PM
Duration: – 1–2 hours (longer during peak crowds)
Best Time: – Morning or evening aarti, especially on non-peak days to avoid the massive Wednesday/Sunday crowds. Reddit users note extreme congestion on festive days:
Kanch Mandir
Kanch Mandir, or the Glass Temple, is a stunning Jain temple entirely made of glass and mirrors. The intricate work on the walls, ceilings, and floors reflects light beautifully, creating a divine and serene atmosphere. It is not only a spiritual hub but also a masterpiece of art and craftsmanship.
Visitor Info
Location: – Hukumchand Marg, Itwaria Bazaar (about 3 km from Indore Junction)
Timings: – Generally open daily from 5 AM–12 PM and 4 PM–8 PM (some sources also note 8 AM–5 PM continuous)
Entry: Free admission; photography is usually prohibited inside
Visit Duration: – 30–60 minutes is sufficient for a complete walkthrough .
Best Time: – Early morning is ideal to catch the sunrise illuminating the interiors, or during Jain festivals for vibrant ceremonies .
Bada Ganpati
Bada Ganpati is famous for housing one of the largest Ganesha idols in the world, standing 25 feet tall. It is a major spiritual attraction and a must-visit for those who want to witness the grandeur of devotional architecture in Indore.
Visiting Info
Timings – 5 AM–12 PM & 4 PM–8 PM (some sources list evening till 9 PM)
Entry – Free admission
Duration – Roughly 30–60 minutes, longer during festivals
Photography – Allowed outside; inside may vary (TripAdvisor: allowed)
Best Street Food Places to See in Indore
Sarafa Bazaar (Night Food Market)
As night falls, Sarafa Bazaar undergoes a vibrant transformation from a jewelry hub into a buzzing food hotspot. This late-night street food market is a must-visit for culinary explorers looking to sample unique Indori flavors. Popular treats include bhutte ka kees, garadu, jaleba, and spicy tandoori aloo. The lively crowd, sizzling aromas, and authentic local taste make it a favorite nighttime destination for both residents and visitors
Top Dishes You Can’t Miss
Bhutte ka Kees- Spiced grated corn cooked with milk, ghee, coconut, and spices; topped with lemon and coriander
Garadu – Deep-fried yam cubes in a spice blend, a winter favorite .
Dahi Vada (Joshi’s) – Soft lentil dumplings tossed and served with yogurt and chutneys — served with flair!
Khopra Patties – Crispy potato patties stuffed with sweet coconut — try at Vijay Chat House .
Sabudana Khichdi – Sago-based snack, lightly tempered with spices .
Poha–Jalebi – Iconic Indori combo — flatten rice with spiced misal and sweet jalebi
Malpua, Rabdi & Kulfi – Decadent syrupy desserts for a satisfying sweet ending .
Desi-Chinese & Sandwiches – Fun twist on Chinese and Western snacks, including egg benjo
Hapus (Alphonso) Ice Cream & Malai – Creamy coconut-based beverage or dessert perfect after spicy treats
Chappan Dukan (56 Shops)
As the name suggests, this iconic food street houses 56 snack stalls. It’s a food lover’s dream come true with a variety of offerings like poha, samosa, sabudana khichdi, shikanji, kulfi, and the ever-famous Johny Hot Dog. Chappan Dukan is hygienic, vibrant, and the perfect place to indulge in Indore’s unique culinary culture.
Timings & Atmosphere
Opening Hours: – Daily from ~6:00 AM for breakfast (Poha‑Jalebi) through till around 10–11 PM
Best Time to Visit: – Evenings and weekends offer peak energy—vibrant, lively, and perfect for food walks
Hygiene & Recognition
- Among the first Indian street food hubs awarded “clean street food” status by FSSAI in 2019–2021, part of Indore’s Smart City initiative
- Redeveloped as a No‑Vehicle Smart Food Street with proper sanitation, waste segregation, counters, and even its own radio station launched in 2022
Must-Try Foods in indore
Sabudana Khichdi – comforting and spiced tapioca dish
Johnny Hot Dog (Benjo) – vegetarian potato tikki in a bun; with non-veg versions too
Khopra Patties – crispy potato patties with sweet coconut stuffing
Pani Puri, Bhel, Samosa, Kachori – classic chaats throughout the evening
Momos, Dosas, Pizza & Sandwiches – at stalls like Sam’s Momos, Ramesh Masala Dosa
Desserts:- Anjeer katli, Gur patti, Rabdi, ice-cream
Location & Nearby Attractions
Located ~2 km from Indore Railway Station and 9 km from Airport
Perfect pairing with nearby landmarks: Sarafa Bazaar, Rajwada Palace, Khajrana Ganesh Temple, Kanch Mandir.
Places Near Indore to Visit (1Day Trips)
Mandu
Roughly 97 km from Indore, Mandu is a captivating destination celebrated for its ancient charm and unique Afghan-style architecture. With remarkable landmarks such as Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, and Baz Bahadur’s Palace, the town narrates stories of bygone eras. Surrounded by rolling hills and historical ruins, Mandu makes for an enriching and picturesque one-day excursion.
Must-See Attractions
- Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace) – Positioned between twin reservoirs, its reflection gives it a floating ship-like appearance. Built 15th c. for Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din’s harem
- Hindola Mahal (Swing Palace) – A T-shaped durbar hall dating c.1425, named for its sloping walls that affix an illusion of motion .
- Jama Masjid – An early Indo-Islamic gem with 3 large domes, 54 smaller ones, and Damascus-style eastern gateway, echoing Afghan mosque design
- Hoshang Shah’s Tomb – India’s first marble tomb (15th c.), a precursor to the Taj Mahal .
- Roopmati Pavilion & Baz Bahadur’s Palace – Perched cliffside with panoramic views and romantic ties to the legendary lovers Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati
- Nilkanth Temple – Built by Akbar’s governor in 1574–75 for his Hindu empress Mariam-uz-Zamani; blends Mughal style with devotional function .
Maheshwar
Located around 90 km from Indore, Maheshwar lies on the banks of the Narmada River. The town is renowned for its ancient temples, ghats, and the famous Maheshwari sarees. The Ahilyabai Fort and riverfront views offer peace and spiritual upliftment.
Key Attractions
Ahilya Fort (Rajwada) – Majestic Maratha-style citadel on a cliff; now features a museum and boutique hotel within Holkar-era architecture
Ahilyeshwar Temple – Shiva shrine within the fort, carved in stone and radiating spiritual calm
Ghats along the Narmada – Around 28 stepped riverfronts; Ahilya, Peshwa, Phanse, and Mahila ghat are the most scenic, popular for boat rides and evening aarti .
Rajarajeshwar, Kaleshwar & Baneshwar Temples – Beautiful Shiva temples near the ghats, showcasing fine carvings and Maratha-era style .
Rehwa Society Weaving Centre – Established in 1978 inside Ahilya Fort, this NGO revives the legacy of Maheshwari sarees, empowering local women weavers
Omkareshwar
Situated on an island shaped like the Om symbol, Omkareshwar is a sacred town dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India and is located approximately 80 km from Indore. It’s an ideal location for a spiritually enriching one-day getaway.
When to Go & What to See
Best Season – October–March (pleasant climate); monsoon sees mild rains
FestivalsMaha Shivratri, Kartik Purnima, Omkar Mahotsav – , along with Navratri, Diwali, and Narmada Pushkaram (every 12 years)
Daily Hours – Dawn until late evening, with aarti at sunrise and sunset by the ghats
Duration – 1–2 days for temples; 2–3 days if including Indore or Ujjain
Visitor Insights & Tips
- Queue Times: – Weekends and holidays see long waits—arriving by 7–8 AM can reduce waiting to ~1 hour; otherwise prepare for 4–5 hours
- No Strict Dress Code: – Comfortable modest attire is acceptable; sari not mandatory
- Boat Ride & Parikrama: – A peaceful zen boat journey and circuit walk around the island enrich the spiritual experience
FAQs
- What are the best places to see in Indore in one day?
Rajwada Palace, Sarafa Bazaar, and Khajrana Temple are great one-day picks.
- Which tourist places near Indore are good for a weekend trip?
Mandu, Maheshwar, and Omkareshwar.
- What are the most famous food places in Indore?
Sarafa Bazaar and Chappan Dukan.
- Is Indore good for family travel?
Yes, it offers parks, temples, historical sites, and food streets for all ages.
