This central Indian commercial hub has a 10th-century history, thriving textile industries, and the grand Lal Baag Palace museum. Home to IIT and major business centers.
Indore, the largest city in Madhya Pradesh, ranks as India's cleanest city and excels in its street food scene. Walk through the seven-story Rajwada Palace with its carved wooden facades, or visit the Kanch Mandir temple where thousands of mirrors cover the walls and ceiling. At night, join locals at Sarafa Bazaar's food market, where you can taste regional dishes like poha (flattened rice with spices) and hot kachoris until early morning.
Street Food Culture in Indore
After sunset, Sarafa Bazaar transforms from a jewelry market into India's only night street-food destination. Local vendors cook and serve food until 3 AM - try the warm jalebis (sweet spiral pastries), crispy kachoris (lentil-stuffed pastries), and samosas filled with spiced potatoes. At Chappan Dukan, 56 shops sell local snacks and sweets throughout the day. The cooking methods and ingredients reflect the city's location, incorporating spices and techniques from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
Getting Around Indore
You can fly into Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport, which connects with major Indian cities through daily flights. Trains arrive at Indore Junction, a major rail hub for central India. Within the city, auto-rickshaws and taxis run throughout the day. National highways connect Indore to Ujjain (57 kilometers away) and Bhopal (200 kilometers away).
Historical Palaces and Architecture
The seven-story Rajwada Palace dominates the city center with its carved wooden facades, stone base, and mix of Maratha and Mughal design elements. Inside Lal Bagh Palace (built 1886-1921), you'll find original furniture and artwork from the Holkar dynasty. The marble Krishnapura Chhatris line the Khan River, with detailed stone carvings depicting scenes from Indian mythology.
Religious Sites and Temples
The main shrine at Khajrana Ganesh Temple contains a large black stone idol of Ganesh. Inside Kanch Mandir, a Jain temple, thousands of mirrors and colored glass pieces cover the walls and ceiling, creating patterns of reflected light. At Gomatgiri, you can climb up to see the 21-foot white marble statue of Gomateshwar, surrounded by 24 small temples.
Day Trips from Indore
During monsoon season (July-September), visit Patalpani waterfall to see water cascade down 76 meters. Spot deer, wild boar, and various bird species at Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary. Take a 70-mile drive southwest to Mandu to explore 16th-century mosques, palaces, and tombs spread across a hilltop plateau.
Shopping and Markets
Browse through rows of textile shops at MT Cloth Market for traditional Indian garments and fabrics. The government-run Mrignayani showroom sells local handicrafts including Maheshwari saris and leather goods. For modern shopping, head to MG Road where Treasure Island mall houses international brands and a multiplex cinema.
