Indore Travel Guide

November 21st, 2017 by Garusha Katoch

The commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh is one of the most modern cities of India. Yet, the remnants of its ancient past are still reflected in the city. The monuments, temples and artwork of Indore carry the influence of the Holkar Dynasty that ruled the city centuries ago. This juxtaposition of its traditional past and modernization makes Indore a unique city that is frequented by tourists.

Best Time to Visit

Indore Travel Guide

Average annual temperature: 25°C

The months from October to March are ideal for visiting Indore. The weather during this period is extremely pleasant for you to go sightseeing and exploring the city. The summer months and monsoons are not the best time to visit Indore. The scorching heat and rains might interfere with your plans and dampen your mood.

Places to Visit

Indore is home to many monuments, palaces and ancient temples, each built with brilliant craftsmanship and design.

(i) Symbolizing the grandeur of Holkar dynasty, the Lal Bagh Palace in Indore is one of the most popular attractions. Built between the late 19th century and early 20th century, the palace interiors are heavily influenced by European styles- striated Italian marble pillars, opulent chandeliers, murals of Greek deities, a baroque-cum-rococo dining room, and a Palladian queen’s bedroom.

Indore Travel Guide

(ii) The Rajwada Palace is one of the oldest structures in Indore.  The palace’s stunning architecture is heavily influenced by the Mughal architecture. Most parts of the palace structure were ruined in a fire in 1984. The temple is since being preserved and rebuilt.

(iii) The Central Museum offers a glimpse into the rich history of Indore. The museum houses an impressive collection of pre-historic and medieval Hindu sculptures, weapon inventory and copper-engraved land titles.

Indore Travel Guide

(iv) Built in the early 20th century on the orders of Sir Hukamchand Seth, the Kanch Mandir in Indore is a prime attraction, especially significant to the Jain community. Made entirely out of glass, the temple flaunts an exquisite and intricate artwork on the glass panels detailing the principal aspects of Jainism. The temple interiors are adorned with delicately crafted glass lamps and cut glass chandeliers.

Indore Travel Guide

Annapurna Temple and Khajrana Temple near the city are other major religious sites of Indore.

What to Eat

Indore prides itself on its food and delicacies and has locally earned the moniker of ‘street food capital of India’. The authentic Indore cuisine primarily consists of vegetarian dishes with a hint of a South-Indian influence.  Maratha, Rajasthani, Bengali and Mughlai dishes also form a part of the Indore cuisine. Some popular dishes are Indori Poha, Dal Bafla and Imarti that find a prime spot in the menu of every restaurant and eating joint.

Enjoy a delicious meal at:

  • Beans in Saket Nagar
  • Nafees Family Restaurant in Old Palasia
  • Banana Leaf in Vijay Nagar
  • Kebabsville in Vijay Nagar

Where to Shop

The lanes of Indore are dotted by many markets and emporiums making it a hotspot for shoppers. From traditional handicrafts and tribal mementos to paper mache products and terracotta idols the markets in Indore have just about everything. Antique jewelry and precious authentic jewelry are sold in the famous Sarafa Bazaar. You can also choose from a wide range of zari adorned fabric at the Maharaja Tukuganj Cloth Market.

The stalls and kiosks in the markets also sell trinkets and souvenirs that you can buy as a memory from your trip.

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Trace the rich history of Holkar Dynasty and its heavy influence in the city of Indore.

 

About Garusha Katoch

A journalist by education, a writer by passion and a film buff by night. When I am not offering an insight into the many treasure troves of your favorite travel destinations, I like to get my dose of Truffaut and Resnais. You can catch me in quaint cafes finishing my latest book or transforming every thing that happens in a moment into ink.