Things to Do in Indore – A Complete Travel Guide

Indore is one of the major cities of Madhya Pradesh and is often called the commercial capital. It is located in the serene valley of Narmada and offers a vibrant blend of heritage, culture and progress. All these activities make Indore not only a commercial hub but also make the city one of the tourist attractions of the region. Its location and easy connectivity with different modes of transportation also make travel easy and convenient.

Tourists from all over India come to explore this city, widely recognized as one of the cleanest cities in India. Indore welcomes travellers with its warm hospitality and endless charm. Whether you're a foodie drawn to its legendary street food at Sarafa and Chappan Dukan, a history buff fascinated by Raj-era palaces, or a spiritual seeker visiting serene temples, Indore has something for everyone. The city's skyline is a striking mix of colonial architecture, bustling bazaars, and growing IT hubs, offering a unique urban experience enriched by deep cultural roots.

This Indore travel guide is your one-stop source to discover the best things to do in Indore. Here you will get from spiritual landmarks and vibrant street life to shopping hotspots and culinary gems. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, this guide will help you uncover the soul of Indore.

Indore – The Food Capital of Madhya Pradesh

Indore culture reflects a unique blend of Holkar royal heritage and a fast-paced urban lifestyle. On the one hand, that city is home to several historical architectural wonders that attract tourists, but on the other, the city has become the commercial capital of MP, reflecting its modernity and development. As you stroll around Indore, its clean streets are adorned with historical sites like Rajwada Palace and Lal Bagh, providing glimpses into its regal past, while IT hubs and shopping malls showcase its modern spirit.

Indore is also famous for its irresistible street food scene. These bustling streets offer the true essence of the city. From the crispy poha-jalebi breakfasts to the spicy chaat varieties at 56 Dukan and the vibrant Sarafa Bazaar that turns into a nighttime food haven, the city delights every foodie. Indore food gives you a delectable fusion of Maharashtra, Malwa, Rajasthani, and Gujarati influences at one place.
The city is awarded as the cleanest city in India for multiple years and has become of a great example of great management and civic sense. Indore continues to set benchmarks in cleanliness, waste management, and civic planning under India’s Smart City Mission.

Things to Do in Indore

Indore offers a vast range of activities that cater to the needs of every visitor to the city. If you are looking for the top things to do in Indore, don’t worry. The city offers stunning historical regal structures, vibrant colorful markets for shopping, ancient temples, and lush green parks. You can easily explore them by just taking a cab in Indore. Let’s get to know some of the popular places to visit in Indore that one should not miss during a trip:

There are only a couple of Indore sightseeing options, but the city has so much to offer that you will slowly get to know it as you read the article.

Spiritual Things to Do in Indore

Along with the given top things to do, Indore also offers lots of religious opportunities to the visitors. There are ample spiritual places in Indore that attract those who want to explore new temples and spiritual sites. In this article, we have chosen the top temples in Indore to visit  for our readers:

• Khajrana Ganesh Temple –  It is one of the most visited temples in the city, built by the legendary Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, whose vibrant orange idol captivates the eyes of every visitor. You can visit the temple on any day, but devotees flock on Wednesdays and Sundays to seek blessings from the god.  
• Bada Ganpati—It is another Ganpati Temple that is nestled in the beautiful city of Indore. It is famous for its awe-inspiring giant Ganesh Ji idol that is approximately 26 feet tall. Among the devotees, it is believed to be crafted from a unique blend of fenugreek seed, soil collected from the seven holy Hindu pilgrimage sites, and powder of five precious gems. It makes it one of the most revered temples of the city.
• Annapurna Temple—In the heart of Indore, Annapurna Temple stands as a sanctuary that pays homage to the goddess of food and nourishment. The temple is inspired by Madurai’s Meenakshi and is a manifestation of the revered Goddess Parvati herself. Also, the temple is built on a vast landscape of two acres in beautiful architecture.
• Bijasan Mata Temple—In the center of the city, it is one of the temples dedicated to the goddess Durga. One of the reasons that travellers visit this temple is that it is located at the top of the hill and offers beautiful aerial views of the city.
• Kanch Mandir—It is a 20th-century Jain temple made entirely of glass. Its walls, ceilings, floors, doors, paintings, murals—everything is made up of glass, which leaves visitors awestruck. It is one such wonderful temple that you should not miss during your trip.

Adventure & Offbeat Activities in Indore

Indore is located on the southern edge of the Malwa plateau, which means evenings in the city are full of cool breezes, making them perfect for adventure and outdoor activities. There are several adventure and offbeat sites in and around Indore, which make it a full package of thrill, tranquility and history. To make it easy for you, we provide you with some of the adventures in Indore that make your offbeat travels in Indore a wonderful experience. These are as follows:

Places to Visit in Indore

Indore embodies the rich cultural legacy that blends the ancient heritage with the modern culture, which still makes Indore one of the favorite tourist destinations of India. Every street of the city offers tourists something new, from the captivating, majestic palaces that are famous for their regal connotation and stunning architecture to historically rich museums and natural wonders. Some of the most renowned Indore tourist attractions are as follows:

• Rajwada Palace: It is one of the iconic structures in the city that captivates the eyes of every visitor. It is an awe-inspiring seven-story historical monument built by the Holkar dynasty in the center of the city. This shows the great blend of Maratha, Mughal and French architectural styles that
• Lal Bagh Palace: It is another grand monument in the city that shows the wonderful architectural brilliance of its heritage. You have to pass through manicured gardens to reach this. The palace is built in the European style, which you can see through its architecture and white color. Also, it has a big gate that represents Buckingham Palace’s main gate. There is also a museum that shows prehistoric and antique artefacts.
• Indore Museum (Central Museum): It is one of the perfect destinations for history enthusiasts. This museum exhibits artefacts that date back from the prehistoric era to the recent findings. Here you can also find several mythological carvings, coins from different ages, art from various eras, and sculptures.
• Pipliyapala Regional Park: This is a popular natural site in Indore city that is spread over an area of 12 acres and is home to a ginormous 80-acre lake. It is not a perfect relaxing point for the locals, but tourists also visit it to enjoy the activities that are held here. It includes pedal boating, motorboating, and a magical, misty and musical fountain.  
• Krishnapura Chhatris: It is a historical monument that has been built by the Holkars as cenotaphs. They are built on such a location where leading members of the Holker dynasty were cremated. In Indore, there are three chhatris; tourists visit them as part of the Holker monuments.

Places to Visit Near Indore

Indore is also famous as the center city that opens the gateway to India’s top tourist and religious sites, which are located in the region. From Indore, you can easily travel to them by taking local transport and hiring comfortable cabs. Some of the most popular places to visit near Indore are as follows:

• Mandu—At a distance of about 95 Km, Mandu is celebrated as an architectural gem. It is an ancient city built by the poet-prince Baz Bahadun for his beautiful consort, Rani Roopmati. Currently, it is a great cultural heritage with Afghan architecture, which attracts tourists. Some of the stunning monuments of the city are Jami Masjid, Hosang Shah’s Tomb, Jahaz Mahal, Hathi Mahal, Ashrafi Mahal, etc.

• Maheshwar –  It is a temple town on the bank of the Narmada River. From Indore, it is only 90 Km away. As you reach the town, its ancient temple captivates your eyes, especially the Kalkeshwar Temple. Along with that, the town also has other attractions such as a fort, Ghats, and archaeological sites to explore.  It is also famous for its beautiful and elegant cotton. Maheshwari sarees.
• Ujjain—Ujjain is one of the nearest spiritual cities to Indore. You can easily travel to Ujjain from Indore in a single day by hiring an Indore to Ujjain cab. The city is home to a number of magnificent temples, including the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. This ancient city is also one of the Kumbh Mela sites. Travellers visit the city to explore its ancient temples, vibrant festivals and spiritual atmosphere.
• Omkareshwar—Omkareshwar is one of the revered pilgrimage towns near Indore. It opens the gateway to the enchanting world of spirituality and serenity. The town is famous for being one of the twelve Jyotirlinga sites. The temple is situated on a river island and invites you to have a peaceful experience.
• Patalpani Waterfall—It is one of the popular monsoon picnic spots near Indore city. It is located 36 km southwest of the city and attracts significant natural enthusiasts and tourists. This is a seasonal waterfall that blooms during rainy seasons and becomes one of the perfect weekend getaways from Indore.

How to Plan a Trip to Indore

Planning a short getaway to Indore? Here is a well-balanced Indore itinerary of 2–3 days that will work best to explore the city's heritage, taste its delicious local street food, and take a quick day tour to its nearby destination.

Start your journey by exploring iconic landmarks like Rajwada Palace, Lal Bagh Palace, and the Indore Museum to soak in the rich Holkar legacy. All these buildings offer stunning views of the art and architecture that deeply immerse the travellers in them.  Strolling in them gives you great regal sights of the city. But that is not enough. After indulging in the historic sites, now it’s time to explore the charming evening of the city. For that, you had to head straight to the Sarafa Bazaar. It is heaven for food lovers. Every night, the market turns into a food land that truly captures the essence of Indore’s culinary scene.

After a wonderful first day, your next day will be a mix of a bit of nature and local flavor. Start your morning with a peaceful drive or trek to Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary or Janapav Kuti, the mythological birthplace of Lord Parshuram. They are the top tourist attraction of the city. Later, enjoy boating at Pipliyapala Regional Park or go shopping in Khajuri Bazaar for local handicrafts and souvenirs. You can easily explore most of the city in two days. So, reserve the third day for a day trip to destinations such as Ujjain, Mandu, Omkareshwar, etc. Each destination has its own distinct charm, such as  Ujjain (famous for Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga), which gives you a spiritual detour to the historic ruins of Mandu, home to marvels like Jahaz Mahal and Rani Roopmati Pavilion. Both are just 1–2 hours away and offer a refreshing break from the city.

For more information on how to reach it, where to stay and major travel tips, continue reading the article. In this travel guide, you will get enough information for your Indore travel plan.

How to Reach Indore

Indore is one of the metropolitan cities that is well-connected to the rest of India with several modes of transport. You can plan your trip to Indore as per your wish; you can choose your route and your transport mode for your comfortable experience.

• By Air: Indore city has its airport named Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, which makes it easy to connect from prominent cities by air travel. Travellers can easily travel to the city in less time with regular flight services from all over India. From Indore airport, you can also hire a cab to reach your destination on time.  
• By Train:  You can also reach Indore by taking a train. Indore railway station is one of the major Junctions of the region and is well-linked by the Indian railway with Delhi. Mumbai, Bhopal and other cities. From there, you can easily find local and express trains to reach Indore budget-friendly.  
• By Road: Indore is well-connected to Ujjain, Bhopal, Gujarat and Northern Indian cities like Delhi, Agra, etc. with excellent highway networks. You can get several public transport options for your trip, but to enjoy a door-to-door travel experience, hiring a cab is the best option. However, you can also return to the city very easily by road.

Indore city also has great local transport that offers easy convenience options within the city and its vicinity. You can easily get Autos, buses in Indore along with the app-based cabs. Evan trusts people from nearby cities like Bhopal, etc., and also takes the Indore to Bhopal taxi for their return home. Cab service offers travellers lots of freedom, comfort and convenience.

Best Time to Visit Indore

You can travel to Indore at any time of the month, as the city has something to offer you even if you come here during the off-season. But the best time to visit Indore and explore its attractions is winter. During winter, Indore weather remains pleasant and offers cool and sophisticated vibes to chill. For more information, just read the table below. It will not only help you plan your trip to get more out of it, but you will also get information about how to pack and plan for a specific season.

Where to Stay in Indore

Indore welcomes the tourists with its warm heart and heartfelt hospitality. There are enough of the best palaces to stay in Indore. Whether you're visiting Indore for its delicious food, rich culture, or a quick business trip, choosing the right accommodation is important, as it can elevate your entire experience. The city offers a range of stay options, from luxurious five-star hotels to budget-friendly lodgings, each offering warm hospitality and modern comforts.

If you want a luxurious hotel with premium amenities, rooftop dining, a spa, and modern interiors, go to the local area, such as Vijay Nagar, where hotels like Radisson Blu and Marriott Hotel are perfect for you. But budget-friendly mid-range hotels such as Sanajii Hotel are popular among family travellers. They offer a comfortable stay in the city with good connectivity to the locality.

Also, if you are tight on your budget and do not want to spend more on that, there are other accommodation options such as local dharmshalas, Treebo Hotels, FebHotels and more. They are ideal for solo explorers, backpackers and budget travellers. Also, their proximity to the railway station, bus stops and popular food joints makes them perfect for a short rest and stay.

Travel Tips for Indore

Getting a few tips before planning a journey is good for the rest of the journey. However, for Indore, there are not many travel tips, as the city has no drastic weather changes, rough route conditions or anything. But still, there are some of the most recommended Indore travel tips for you.

• Indore is one of the cleanest cities in India, so it is the duty of every visitor to keep the city clean.
• While travelling to Indore, you need not carry more cash, as the city is highly digital-friendly. Most vendors, even in local markets, accept payments via UPI. This saves the hassle of carrying too much cash.
• Though winters are not harsh in Indore, nights in December–January might be chilly. So pack a light sweater or jacket. That is enough for early morning or late-night outings
• Indore is a hub for business personnel and students, and the city becomes a major attraction during religious festivals like Ahilya Utsav. If you're visiting during such times, it’s best to book your stay early to avoid last-minute trouble.
• One of the great food tips in Indore is to explore its vibrant night market that opens after 8 pm and continues till midnight. Here you will enjoy tangy chaat, melt-in-your-mouth sweets, and savory snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is Indore famous for?
Food, cleanliness, temples, and Holkar heritage.

Q2. How many days are enough for Indore?
2–3 days for a complete city experience.

Q3. Can I visit Ujjain from Indore in one day?
Yes – it’s only ~1.5 hours by cab or train.

Q4. What’s the best place to try street food in Indore?
Sarafa Bazaar and Chappan Dukan.

Q5. Is Indore good for shopping?
Yes – local sarees, handicrafts, and traditional snacks.