Indore is not just famous for its Khau Gali and vibrant culture, but the city is also a perfect starting point for road trips to its nearby destinations. If you like scenic drives or want to plan a spiritual journey or explore heritage sites, Indore has a great option for every mood. You can get short day trips that are only in the range of 40 km, weekend escapes that go up to 150 to 250 km and long drives that cover more than 500 km. This flexibility is what makes road trips from Indore special because you can plan according to your time and mood. If you need a quick refresh on the weekend, then short Indore weekend road trips are perfect, and if you are in the mood for a long vacation, then extended drives would seem ideal. On each route, you will experience different cultures, nature, and spiritual vibes, which make the journey even more memorable. So why choose your perfect road trip from Indore today?
Quick One-Day Road Trips (< 150 km)
If you are looking for one-day road trip options from Indore, then these destinations offer you a great experience. They are located near Indore, and you can easily reach them by just taking a local transport, or if you have a shortage of time, then choosing a cab service in Indore is the best option. Or service providers like Cabbazar can make your one-day road trip more exclusive with features like adding multiple cities that enable you to explore several sites in a single trip.
Mandu: If you want to experience a royal and heritage place, Mandu is a perfect one-day road trip from Indore. It is approximately 100 km away from Indore, and the drive takes around 2.5 hours. The roads are mostly smooth, and the countryside looks quite scenic with its turns. Monuments like Jahaz Mahal and Rani Roopmati Mahal are worth exploring. The best seasons to visit here are the monsoon and winter, when you get both greenery and pleasant weather.
Omkareshwar: For sacred vibes, Omkareshwar is a top choice among day trips from Indore. The distance is around 80 km, and the travel time takes approximately 2 hours. The road is quite good, and the route along the Narmada River is very peaceful and photogenic. Here you can visit Omkareshwar Jyotirling and enjoy the spiritual feel at the river ghats. The best season is between October to March when the heat subsides.
Patalpani Waterfall: For nature and adventure lovers, Patalpani Waterfall is one of the perfect short drives from Indore, which is approximately 35 km and can be easily covered in 1 hour. The road is a bit mixed but manageable. During monsoons, the waterfall is at its full charm, and the green valleys give a stunning postcard view. The best season to visit here is July to September.
Maheshwar: Maheshwar is a cultural and spiritual hub, which is 95 km away from Indore and is around a 2.5-hour drive. Road conditions are smooth, and the drive along the Narmada River is quite soothing. The evening aarti at Ahilyabai Holkar Fort and the ghats is very famous. The best season to visit here is October to February, when the weather is pleasant.
Bamniya Kund: If you want a little offbeat and natural escape, then Bamniya Kund is a superb option. It is around 50 km away from Indore and can be easily reached in 1.5 hours. The road goes through a little forest and hilly terrain, which gives an adventurous feel. The scenic beauty here is absolutely natural and untouched, where a little fall of water and greenery will refresh you. The best seasons are the monsoon and early winter.
Weekend Escape Road Trips (150–300 km)
For your weekend road trips from Indore, you have ample options to choose from. Whether you want to spend your weekend in the spiritual ambience of Ujjain, a drive to the natural paradise of nearby sanctuaries or a perfect hill station trip to the nearby hill station Panchmari. To make your Indore weekend drive a wonderful experience, we have handpicked some best destinations for you:
Ujjain: Indore to Ujjain road trip is a perfect spiritual weekend getaway. This Indore to Ujjain cab drive is approximately 55 km long and takes just 1.5 hours via NH52. The road is smooth, and there is lush greenery and small towns on both sides, which make the drive even more scenic. Along with visiting Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, you can also watch Shipra Aarti at Ram Ghat. The best season to visit here is from October to March, when the weather is a bit cool and pleasant.
Hanumantiya Tapu: The road trip from Indore to Hanumantiya Tapu is around 150 km, which takes 3.5-4 hours to cover. The drive is mostly through state highways and NH52, where driving amidst greenery and rural landscape is a unique and fun experience. Water adventure sports, boating and backwater views are popular here. Winters, i.e. November to February, is the best time to visit here, especially during Hanumantiya Jal Mahotsav.
Chanderi: The Indore to Chanderi road trip is 230 km long and takes around 5-6 hours. The route goes through some hilly and forested stretches, which makes the drive adventurous. Chanderi is famous for its heritage charm, where one can see forts, stepwells and the silk weaving tradition. The weather from October to March is the best time to explore, as the summers are a bit harsh.
Jabalpur: The Indore to Jabalpur drive is around 320 km, which takes around 6-7 hours via NH47. This is a bit of a long route, but perfect for a weekend drive, as the biggest attractions in Jabalpur are the marble rocks of Bhedaghat and Dhuandhar Falls. The road mostly passes through smooth highways, where you will find a combo of natural beauty and small towns. The best season is from October to February, when the waterfalls are in their full glory.
Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary: Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary is 190 km away from Indore and is a 4–5 hour drive via NH47. This sanctuary is known for its tiger reserve and dense forest cover. The road goes through mostly hills and forest stretches, which make the drive adventurous and scenic. One can really enjoy the safari experience and the wild nature here. The best season is from October to March, after the winter and monsoons.
Hoshangabad: The road trip from Indore to Hoshangabad is around 200 km and takes 4–5 hours. Situated on the banks of the Narmada River, this city is known for its natural beauty and peaceful vibe. The roads are mostly smooth, and one gets river views and countryside scenery while driving. The best time to visit is from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and the charm of the riverfront increases even more.
Pachmarhi: The trip from Indore to Pachmarhi is around 230 km and takes around 5-6 hours. The drive passes through hilly roads and forest trails, which gives the feel of a proper mountain road trip. Pachmarhi is the most famous hill station in Madhya Pradesh for its waterfalls, caves and lush green valleys. It is best to visit here during winters and after monsoons, i.e. between October to March.
Getaway to Hill Stations (300–600 km)
If you want to enjoy a long and scenic drive, then the hill stations near Indore are the perfect option. These journeys not only provide the fun of the drive but also give the best experience of the cold air and natural beauty of the mountains. Some of the most popular hill station road trips from Indore are given below, choose that suits your interest to make your trip memorable.
Pachmarhi –Pachmarhi is approximately 380 km away from Indore, and you can comfortably drive from Indore to Pachmarhi in 8-9 hours. The road is mostly smooth, and the green valleys and curves beyond Bhopal make the drive even more exciting. The best time to visit here is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Toranmal – Pachmarhi is approximately 380 km away from Indore, which you can comfortably drive in 8-9 hours. The road is mostly smooth, and the green valleys and curves beyond Bhopal make the drive even more exciting. The best time to visit here is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Saputara – The drive from Indore to Saputara is approximately 470 km, which takes about 9-10 hours. The curves and greenery of the Western Ghats of Gujarat make the drive memorable. This hill station is charming in every season, but is most popular during the monsoon and winter.
Mount Abu – The road trip from Indore to Mount Abu is approximately 550 km and takes 10-11 hours. The roads are of highway quality, and the transition from the desert plains of Rajasthan to the mountains is quite stunning. The best time for the Indore to Mount Abu road trip is from November to March, when the climate is absolutely comfortable.
Matheran – Indore to Matheran is approximately 600 km and takes 11-12 hours. The road drive is a little long, but the lush green forests of the hills near Mumbai and the toy train ride make it special. Car entry is not allowed here, so a different rustic charm is felt. The best seasons are the monsoon and winter.
Chikhaldara – Chikhaldara is approximately 480 km away from Indore, and the drive takes 9-10 hours. The roads are decent, and the views of the Satpura ranges make the drive scenic. The coffee plantations and wildlife here also give a unique feel. The best time is from July to February.
Offbeat & Heritage Road Trips
If you are also the soul who is always looking for something interesting and new, these sites are perfect for you to visit from Indore. These could be the best offbeat road trips in Indore for you. Here you will get the name of such a destination that is perfect for your heritage road trip from Indore. You can choose your favorite one for your next trip.
Burhanpur: The drive from Indore to Burhanpur is approximately 350 km, which takes around 7-8 hours. The highway is mostly smooth, and there are green fields and small villages in between, which makes the ride quite scenic. Its Mughal heritage and old forts still attract travellers. An offbeat road trip from Indore to Burhanpur is best during the winter and monsoon seasons as the weather remains pleasant.
Dhar: Dhar is just 65 km away from Indore, and the drive takes around 1.5 hours. The road is well-maintained and passes through small hills and lush green patches. Dhar's rich history and old monuments make it a perfect spot for heritage lovers. If you want to plan a Heritage road trip from Indore, Dhar is a short yet fulfilling option. The best time to visit here is from October to March.
Orchha: Orchha is about 500 km from Indore, and the road trip can take about 10 hours. Along the highway, there are countryside and riverside views which make the journey memorable. Monuments like Jahangir Mahal and Chhatris deepen the heritage feel. This drive is long, but both adventure lovers and history seekers will enjoy it. Avoid summer, and the weather from October to February is the best.
Vidisha & Udayagiri Caves: Vidisha and Udayagiri Caves are approximately 350 km from Indore, and the drive takes about 7 hours. The roads are majorly highways, and there are forest patches and riverside areas in between. Ancient caves and sculptures are the highlights of the place, which are priceless for both history and culture. This route is absolutely unique for a heritage road trip from Indore. The best time to visit is during the winter months when the heat is less.
Asirgarh Fort: Asirgarh Fort is around 200 km from Indore and can be reached in 4-5 hours. The road is mostly a highway; in some stretches, it can be a little uneven, but the drive is scenic as it passes through hills and forests. The fort is also called the gateway of Dakshin, and it is an important fort of the Mughal era. Both monsoon and winter seasons are best for road trips.
Bagh Caves: Bagh Caves are approximately 150 km from Indore and take a 3-4 hour drive. The road is a bit winding, but the natural beauty and countryside vibes make the journey charming. These Buddhist rock-cut caves are world-famous for their paintings and are like a cultural gem. If you are planning an offbeat road trip from Indore, the Bagh Caves are a perfect choice. Winters and the post-monsoon season are perfect for visiting here.
Bhopal: The distance from Indore to Bhopal is 190 km, and it takes approximately 4 hours of a smooth drive. The Indore to Bhopal taxi drives via the highway, which is extremely comfortable, and one gets to see hilly views and lakeside beauty in between. Bhopal is famous for its lakes and heritage structures, which give out a modern yet cultural vibe. You can plan this route throughout the year, but the best season is from October to March.
Road Trip Planning Tips
If you are planning an Indore road trip, then a little smart preparation is necessary because a safe and smooth journey makes the trip enjoyable. First of all, let us talk about the best time; the weather from October to March is perfect for a road trip as the heat is less and it is easy to drive on the highways. If you plan to travel from Delhi to Indore (approx 830 km and 14-15 hours drive), then the route is mostly on National Highway, which is wide and smooth, and one gets a scenic view of greenery and villages in between. Vehicle preparation is also equally important, so get the car or bike serviced first, check the brakes, tyres and lights and keep the fuel tank full. In your packing essentials, keep a first aid kit, water bottles, a power bank and light snacks like dry fruits and chips. As per road safety tips in India, wear a seat belt and helmet compulsorily and avoid rash driving.
For stops and snacks, good dhabas and fuel stations are available on the Agra Lucknow expressway, where clean washrooms are also available. Mobile coverage is mostly strong on the highways, but the signal can be weak in some rural patches, so download offline maps. Toll charges are also levied on this route, so keep a Fastag ready so that you can avoid the queue. If you plan a trip from Bhopal to Indore (190 km approx. 4-5 hours), then the roads are of mixed type, some hilly patches and some plain highways from where you get scenic views of lakes and forests. Here, light packing and quick snacks are enough because the route is short. Overall, if you prepare properly, then the Indore road trip becomes a safe and memorable experience.
Sample Road Trip Itineraries
To make your planning a bit easier, we have planned two different itineraries. These Indore itineraries for a road trip are perfect for you. Simple, sorted and easy to follow, these plans will make your travel smooth and memorable. Whether it is a short one-day break or you are in the mood to escape for a weekend, just pack your bags and get going.
One-Day Trip: Indore → Omkareshwar → Dinner at Highway Dhaba → Return
If you are planning a quick spiritual road trip, then the Indore to Omkareshwar itinerary is the best choice. The distance is approximately 80 km and you can easily reach there in 2 to 2.5 hours by car. The road is mostly smooth through NH52, and the scenic views of Narmada in between make the drive even more enjoyable. You can have darshan in Omkareshwar, and spending some time at the ghat is a peaceful experience. Coming back, having dinner at a dhaba on the highway is different fun. This trip can be enjoyed in every season except summer, but the best time is monsoon and winter, when both the greenery and the weather make the drive memorable.
Weekend Hill Trip: Indore → Pachmarhi (Stay) → Local Sightseeing → Return
For those who are planning a weekend hill trip, the Indore weekend hill trip plan towards Pachmarhi is a perfect option. The distance from Indore to Pachmarhi is approximately 350 km, and the travel time takes 7-8 hours depending on stops. Roads mostly go through NH46 and state highways, which are clean and manageable, but at some places, there are hilly turns that make the drive adventurous. Pachmarhi, popularly known as “Satpura ki Rani”, is a green hill station where waterfalls like Bee Falls and viewpoints like Dhupgarh are worth seeing. Stay options, both family-friendly and budget-friendly, are available. This trip is best during winters and monsoons when the hills are foggy and full of greenery. This is the best plan for a refreshing break for the weekend.
FAQs
When is the best time to take a road trip from Indore?
The best time for an Indore road trip is between October to March because the weather is pleasant in this season and the fun of long drives doubles. The heat is a bit more in the summer months, so it is better to avoid it.
Are these routes suitable for self-driving?
Yes absolutely. Major highways of Indore and routes to nearby destinations are quite smooth and well-maintained for self self-drive from Indore. If you like driving, then you can enjoy yourself comfortably with your own car or a rental car.
How safe are these routes at night?
Daytime is the best time for a safe road trip from Indore. There is less traffic during night travel, but some stretches can be a little isolated. If you have to drive at night, proper planning, fuel check and group travel are suggested.
Accommodation options?
Every budget accommodation option is available in Indore and its nearby tourist spots. You will easily find budget hotels, luxury resorts and mid-range stays. Booking is helpful during weekends and peak season.
What about fuel and toll costs?
The most common question in Indore road trip FAQs is about fuel and tolls. Fuel cost will depend on distance and vehicle efficiency. Toll charges will be levied on highways, which are normally reasonable. It is better to keep some cash, as digital payment is not available everywhere.
Road trips from Indore give a different kind of fun where you get the perfect combo of heritage, food and nature. From short weekend gateways to long drives, you get all kinds of options that are the best fit for every traveller. If you want to explore new experiences with your friends or family, then these road trip ideas from Indore are definitely perfect for you. Don't delay now, plan for the best road trip from Indore and start a new journey. Start your next Indore road trip—bookmark this guide!
