Indore travel guide
Indore Tourism | Indore Guide
You're Going to Love Indore
Madhya Pradesh's modern urban center, Indore fizzes with energy, but has a beguiling historical side too. The seat of the Holkar dynasty offers great food, festivals, shopping, and sights, with some exceptional day trips on its doorstep as well.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Indore
1. Peek into the Lifestyle of the Holkars
Indore's ruling dynasty for centuries, the Holkars have left behind some stunning sights, like the Lal Bagh Palace and Rajwada Palace, along with the structure of the superb Central Museum.
2. Beautiful Religious Sights
The Holkars cultivated great religious architects, resulting in gorgeous constructions like the Khajrana Ganesh Temple and the Chhatris (tombs) by the Khan river.
3. Relaxing Gardens and Family Attractions
It's easy to unwind in Indore, whether you take the kids to Shell City Water Park in the southern suburbs, or stroll through the magnificent Meghdoot Gardens.
4. Mandu Is an Easy Drive Away
Around 70 miles southwest of Indore lies Mandu, capital of a 16th-century Muslim state and blessed with some fascinating forts, mosques, and palaces.
5. Pick Up Stunning Textile Bargains
Indore is a textile city, and local craftspeople create some of India's most beautiful saris. If you want some colorful Indian textiles, local outlets like MT Cloth Market are the place to go.
What to do in Indore
1. Celebrating Holkar Rule
The majesty and opulence of the historic Indian Holkar monarchy is self-evident in the corridors, the surrounding greenery and the architecture of the Rajwada residence. Built in the 18th century by the Maratha Empire, its seven storeys, strong, imposing brickwork, historic gates, beautiful columns, ensconced balconies and gorgeous courtyard are a favorite for visitors who love historical architecture. Here, every ornament, carving, window, and hallway is a time capsule but also a cultural capsule. Take the time to view its galleried rooms, simple but austere aesthetic and marble tiled floor. It's especially stunning during Diwali, when Indore pulls out all the stops to light and decorate its palatial pride.
2. India's Buckingham Palace
The mark of the British "Raj" or rule is well demonstrated by the stunning interiors of the palace of Lal Baag which, translated, means "red gardens". While the gardens themselves are stunning and very green, the inside of this European Renaissance-inspired royal residence is as red as they come: deep, velvet maroons and carmine reds in its curtains and upholstery set the place ablaze. This is balanced by the generous use of gold and brass in the light sconces, gorgeous detailed moldings, intricate, brocaded wall decorations and even the carpeting. Look overhead and you'll see a breathtaking mural set in an encrusted frame - the spitting image of the entrance of Buckingham Palace.
3. Past And Present Collide
Don't let the exteriors of this "Central Museum" fool you. While it may look like an opulent but otherwise expected mansion, its interiors play host to Indore's most important and precious treasure: its history. From the prehistoric era to Indus Valley civilizations, Mughal and Maratha rule and the British Empire, you'll be able to gain a real sense of the progression of this important place. Indore played its part in Indian history well. Now, take a trip down memory lane and bear witness to it.
4. Sacred And Ornate
No trip to Indore is complete without paying a visit to the Annapurna Temple. Clearly, Indian deities love a good crowd and majestic carvings because the temple is more like an architectural testament to devotion. Its ornate gates and three interior shrines can be studied, literally, for hours, because they feature so many prominent figures of Hindu mythology and religion.
5. A Shimmering Jewel Of Modern Indore
Its 80 acres consist of a whopping 42 acres of pristine blue lake and 38 acres for nature activities. There's way too much to do, so plan to make this a multi-day spot. Take your choice of paddle boat, speedboat or even small cruiser out onto the water. Work up an appetite that can be easily satisfied at the Fast Food Zone, then head to the bio-diversity garden for a post-lunch afternoon stroll. While children leap through fountains, you can laze nearby. End the evening with dinner on the Malwa Queen mini-cruise.
1. Celebrating Holkar Rule
The majesty and opulence of the historic Indian Holkar monarchy is self-evident in the corridors, the surrounding greenery and the architecture of the Rajwada residence. Built in the 18th century by the Maratha Empire, its seven storeys, strong, imposing brickwork, historic gates, beautiful columns, ensconced balconies and gorgeous courtyard are a favorite for visitors who love historical architecture. Here, every ornament, carving, window, and hallway is a time capsule but also a cultural capsule. Take the time to view its galleried rooms, simple but austere aesthetic and marble tiled floor. It's especially stunning during Diwali, when Indore pulls out all the stops to light and decorate its palatial pride.
2. India's Buckingham Palace
The mark of the British "Raj" or rule is well demonstrated by the stunning interiors of the palace of Lal Baag which, translated, means "red gardens". While the gardens themselves are stunning and very green, the inside of this European Renaissance-inspired royal residence is as red as they come: deep, velvet maroons and carmine reds in its curtains and upholstery set the place ablaze. This is balanced by the generous use of gold and brass in the light sconces, gorgeous detailed moldings, intricate, brocaded wall decorations and even the carpeting. Look overhead and you'll see a breathtaking mural set in an encrusted frame - the spitting image of the entrance of Buckingham Palace.
3. Past And Present Collide
Don't let the exteriors of this "Central Museum" fool you. While it may look like an opulent but otherwise expected mansion, its interiors play host to Indore's most important and precious treasure: its history. From the prehistoric era to Indus Valley civilizations, Mughal and Maratha rule and the British Empire, you'll be able to gain a real sense of the progression of this important place. Indore played its part in Indian history well. Now, take a trip down memory lane and bear witness to it.
4. Sacred And Ornate
No trip to Indore is complete without paying a visit to the Annapurna Temple. Clearly, Indian deities love a good crowd and majestic carvings because the temple is more like an architectural testament to devotion. Its ornate gates and three interior shrines can be studied, literally, for hours, because they feature so many prominent figures of Hindu mythology and religion.
5. A Shimmering Jewel Of Modern Indore
Its 80 acres consist of a whopping 42 acres of pristine blue lake and 38 acres for nature activities. There's way too much to do, so plan to make this a multi-day spot. Take your choice of paddle boat, speedboat or even small cruiser out onto the water. Work up an appetite that can be easily satisfied at the Fast Food Zone, then head to the bio-diversity garden for a post-lunch afternoon stroll. While children leap through fountains, you can laze nearby. End the evening with dinner on the Malwa Queen mini-cruise.
Where to Eat in Indore
There's a great restaurant scene in Indore, much of it centered around Palasia. Some of the best eateries include Punjabi options like Pind Balluchi, Nafees Restaurant on Apollo Avenue, and Kebabsville at the Sayaji Hotel. Prices vary, but meals should come to around ₹400-600 per head.
When to visit Indore
Indore can be visited all year round. However, summer temperatures (May to September) can be very hot, often nudging above 100 degrees. Then again, with a wonderful cooling breeze, summer nights in Indore are magical, so even the hottest months can be enjoyable.
How to Get to Indore
Plane
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar National Airport (IDR) offers excellent connections to other Indian cities. From there, taxis will cost ₹60-90.
Train
You can travel by train to Indore from cities like Mumbai and Delhi with ease. Trains arrive at Indore Junction Railway Station, right at the center of town.
Car
From Delhi, take the Yamuna Expressway to Agra, the AH43 to Gwalior, then the AH47 to Indore. The AH47 also runs straight from Mumbai.
Bus
Air-conditioned intercity buses run from all major regional destinations. Operators include Royal Travels and City Link Travels.
Airports near Indore
Airlines serving Indore
Where to stay in Indore
MT Cloth Market - a neighborhood in its own right, the MT Cloth Market is Indore's most spectacular textile bazaar. If you love fabrics, it's a must-see.
Popular Neighborhoods in Indore
Revenue Colony - the nondescript name conceals a rich variety of historical sights in Revenue Colony, which is home to the Lal Bagh Palace.
Palasia - Indore's wealthiest area is also home to the finest restaurants in town, including Vrindavan and Alav.
Where to stay in popular areas of Indore
Most booked hotels in Indore
How to Get Around Indore
Public Transportation
Public transportation in Indore isn't well developed, meaning that most locals get around via Maruti minibuses, cycle, foot, or taxis. City buses do run to some areas, and charge ₹8 for their basic fare.
Taxi
Taxis are a good option for getting around Indore. Expect to pay ₹40 for the meter drop, then ₹30 for every subsequent mile.
Car
Car rental companies in Indore include Sai Travels, and rates start at around ₹350 per day.
The Cost of Living in Indore
Shopping Streets
For fabrics, head to MT Cloth Market or the Mrignayani Showroom. However, there are great modern malls as well, including Treasure Island on the MG Road, with plenty of international chain stores.
Groceries and Other
Supermarkets in Indore include Reliance Fresh and Big Bazaar. Prices are generally very low, at around ₹160 for a gallon of milk.