Explore Indore – the Mini Mumbai of Madhya Pradesh with this Quick Guide

Wildlife to waterfalls and grand palaces to sumptuous delicacies, Indore has a lot for you to explore. Come experience the Mini Mumbai.

Author: Sahana Bhose

Ever wondered why Indore, a city in Madhya Pradesh is compared to the ever popular Mumbai? Well, the tale of these two cities is strikingly similar. From being hailed as a land of opportunities to the financial capital of India, Indore does resemble its more illustrious counterpart. The best time to visit Indore would be between October and March as you will enjoy extremely pleasant weather. So if you are ready to explore this exciting city book a flight as it’ll only take you under 2 hours to reach Indore from Bangalore!

  • Sarafa bazaar

Be spoilt for choice as your taste buds confuse you when you take a bite of the mouth-watering samosas, chaats, bhuttekaskees, dahivada, kachori, khopra patties and paratha. Indulge your love for sweets by tasting some of the genuine Indian desserts like kulfi, jalebi, malpua, rabri and an amazing array of laddoos and barfis. Whether you are a foodie or not, this is a must-visit spot for you!

  • Patalpani waterfall

For those who are serious patrons of nature, this is an experience not to be missed. Whether you are alone or with your family and friends, you will be exhilarated by the 150-foot falls! The sight of the cascading waterfall will truly send your spirits soaring. Go and explore a nature trail while you are there. It is located at a distance of 35 km from the city of Indore. For the more adventurous tourist, visit this tourist spot during the monsoons to experience the true potential of the falls.

  • Old Palasia

Set your alarm clock at 6 in the morning or you might miss this heavenly combination of poha and jalebi, straight from the hob! Poha is essentially a combination of flattened rice with nuts, spices, and potatoes. A hot fried jalebi is an experience you can’t miss and the combination with the savoury poha will make your day.

  • Holkar Palace

Marvel at this amazing amalgamation of three architectural styles – Mughal, Maratha and French.  There are more than seven floors. The wooden frame reinforced with iron rods entrance to this magnificent structure is a significant feature. You will be greeted by an enormous courtyard with many rooms around it. The Ganesha Hall is of special significance as religious festivals are held here. It is open to the public between 10 am to 5 pm on all days and the entry fee is Rs. 10/- per person.

  • Kanch Mandir

This exquisite temple is made of glass. It is a Jain temple and one of the important festivals that are celebrated here is Mahavir Jayanti when the statue of Mahavira is bathed. You will be awestruck by the stunning coloured glass panels and mosaics. The ornate artwork inside the temple is in a class by itself. What adds to the exclusivity of the Kanch Mandir are the exquisitely designed lantern-shaped glass as well as cut chandeliers. The timings are 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4 pm to 8:00 pm all days of the week. There is no entry fee.

  • Lal Bagh Palace

Experience the legacy of the Holkar dynasty when you visit the majestic three-storied Lal Bagh palace. The elegance of the interiors bears a striking similarity to the palace of Versailles. The Belgian windows, aristocratic chandeliers and Italian marble add to its grandeur. The entry fees are Rs. 10/- per person and the timings are 10 am to 5 pm on all days of the week except for Monday.

  • Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary

Lose yourself in the melody of the singing birds or be fascinated by the variety of wild life in this well-preserved sanctuary. The ticket price is Rs. 60/- per adult and the entry timings are from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.

  • Paradise for food lovers

Enjoy a hot cup of strong coffee at Beans in Saket Nagar or dig into the freshly baked vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare at Nafees Family Restaurant in Old Palasia.

So what are you waiting for, get packed and fasten your seat belts for an adventure of a lifetime!