Indore is the most popular and largest city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is located on the banks of Khan and Saraswati river. It has been selected as one of the 100 Indian cities to be developed as a smart city under the Smart City Mission. Indore has been elected as the cleanest city of India three years in a row as per Swatchh Survekshan 2017, 2018, 2019. It is also known as the street food capital of India.
Best time to visit Indore
The peak time to visit Indore is from October to March. July to September are good as well since the temperature cools down due to shower but summers must be avoided.
How to reach Indore
By air: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar airport is the main airport to reach the city and is connected to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bhopal, Kolkata, etc.
By bus: Regular bus service is available from nearby cities like Ujjain, Bhopal, Mumbai, etc.
By train: It is the most convenient way to reach Indore. Direct trains are available from important stations like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad which contributed to the growth of trade and tourism of Indore.
Now coming to the top attractions, here are the must-see places in Indore:
1. Lal Bagh Palace
The palace was built by Maharaja Shivaji Rao Holkar in the year 1886-1921. It is situated on the outskirts of the city on the bank of river Khan. It houses a coin collection which is from the Muslim period. Lal Bagh Palace is considered as the most stylish residence in India because of its unique style of construction. The entrance hall on the ground floor is in marble and displays prehistoric artifacts. Â The main attractions of the palace are the accurately proportioned and furnished rooms, with beautiful carvings on the walls as well as the ceilings.
Opening time: open every day except Monday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee: Rs 10 per person
Ideal for: Experience seekers, history buffs
Distance from the Indore station: 5 km
2. Rajwada
Rajwada is the historical palace in Indore city which was built by the Holkars of the Maratha Empires. It serves as a fine example of royal grandeur and architecture skills. Rajwada is the oldest architecture in the city. The structure comprises two parts, the first one located at the heart of the city and the second one standing in the old part of the town. Rajwada has been burnt three times in history. The last fire broke out in 1984 and caused the maximum destruction.
Opening time: Open every day except Monday, 10:00am- 5:00pm
Entry fee: Rs 10 per person
Ideal for: History buffs, Photo Fanatics
Distance from the station: 2 km
3. Kanch Mandir
Kanch Mandir is a famous Jain Mandir in Indore which was built by Sir Seth Hukumchand Jain. The interior of the mandir is entirely covered by glass panels and mosaics. Photography of interior is generally prohibited. The beauty of the temple is further increased by the use of daintily crafted glass lanterns and chandeliers made from cut glass. The best time to be at this temple is during the sunrise when the rays of the sun create a mind-blowing effect on the glass.
Opening time: open everyday, 5:00am to 12:00pm and 4:00 pm to 6:00pm
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: god lovers, photo fanatics
Distance from the station: 2.3 km
4. Annapurna Temple
Annapurna temple is a very popular temple dedicated to the goddess Annapurna. It has a height of more than 100 ft. Annapurna Devi is believed to be the goddess of food and it is said that those who worship her with the core heart will never be hungry. The temple also houses the famous Pravachan hall. It resembles the famous Meenakshi temple of Madurai in the architecture.  A major attraction of the temple is the 14 ½ ft high statue of Lord Kashi Vishwanath in the lotus position.
Opening time: Open everyday, 5:00am to 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 10:00pm
Entry fee: No entry fee
Ideal for: Photo fanatics, history buffs
Distance from the station: 5.4 km
5. Chappan dukaan
The place literally has 56 shops and so is named as Chappan dukaan. It is famous and a must visit place for all the foodies where one can find all street food, namkeen, and other food items. Variety of food items like snacks, chaat, hot and cold drinks, etc. are served as well.
Opening time: Open every day, 8:45 am to 10:00 pm
Ideal for: foodies
Entry fee: N/A
Distance from the station: 2.2 km
6. Indore White Church
Indore white church is one of the critical points of interest. The structure shows European design. It is the oldest church in central India which was built by the governor-general of India, Sir Robert MC Hamilton in the year 1858. It is of the most established church in the city and radiates a kind of peacefulness that attracts guests to this place. Peak time to visit the church is around Christmas and new year as the place lightens up.
Opening time: Open every day, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Entry fee: N/A
Distance from the station: 2.6 km
7. Sarafa bazaar
The sarafa bazaar is a jewelry market and a night street food court located in central Indore. It is the only market which remains jewelry marketplace at daytime and converts into a street food court at night. It is famous for a variety of cuisine and nightlife.
Opening time: Open every day, 11:00 am to 8:00 pm- jewelry marketplace and 8:00 pm till midnight- foodcourt.
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: Foodies, photo fanatics, shopaholics
Distance from the station: 2 km
8. Treasure Island Mall
It is Indore’s very first modern day mall. It is every shopper’s heaven which has a huge choice of shops, cafes, cinema halls, etc.
The mall has a parking charge for two-wheelers @ Rs. 30 and four-wheelers @ Rs. 50. The treasure island is one of the most visited malls in India.
Opening time: Open every day, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: shopaholics, foodies
Distance from the station: 2.2 km
9. Patalpani waterfall
This waterfall is located in Mhow Tehsil of Indore district. It is approximately 300 feet high and a popular picnic and trekking spot. It is said that the pit at the bottom goes as deep as patal and so is named as Patalpani. The water flow is magnanimous during the monsoons so the visitors are advised to exercise precaution during their tour of the falls. Best time to visit Patalpani fall is from July to October month i.e. in monsoon season. It is the best time to view the water flow intensity and do photography.
Opening hours: open every day, 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: nature lovers, photo fanatics
Distance from the station: 35.3 km
10. Gomatgiri
Gomatgiri is a Jain holy place, where a huge idol of Lord Bahubali is situated. Presence of 24 marble temples makes it more interesting. There is a 21 feet statue of Gomateshwar built here. Each one of the temples is dedicated to the of the 24 Tirthankars of Jain religion. It also has a guest house, a Dharamshala, and a restaurant. the hillock was donated to the Jain Samaj by the M.P government in the year 1981.
Opening time: Open every day, 6:00 am to 12:00Â and 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: experience seekers, god lovers, photo fanatics
Distance from the station:Â 14.5 km
