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Indore has been declared the cleanest city in India for the seventh time, and rightly so; this Holkar dynasty stronghold has been topping the charts in its endeavour to make Indore clean and tourist-friendly. People come from far and wide to experience all that this vibrant city has to offer. From the mouth-watering aromas of the street food delicacies to the rich heritage of the Holkars, this city exudes a fine balance of tradition and modernity. So buckle up as you take off on a whirlwind adventure for a day in the city of Poha and Palaces.
Every trip to Indore has to begin with tasting the quintessential Indori breakfast, “Poha-Jalebi.” This local breakfast combo can be found in most of the restaurants in the city, but Head Sahab Ke Pohe is class apart. You can see people making a beeline to sample this breakfast masterpiece on Greater Kailash Road in Old Palasia every single day. Some other places to try out this mouthwatering treat are Ravi Alpahar in Old Palasia, Devnarayan Ke Pohe near Annapurna Mandir, and Guru ke Pohe in Gorakund.
Built between 1886 and 1921 during the Holkar dynasty rule, Lal Bagh Palace is an architectural marvel. Its marble staircases whisper elegance, while the Durbar Hall with crystal chandeliers showcases the opulence of the bygone era. Spread across 76 acres, the palace is donned with lush gardens reminiscent of English estates and hidden courtyards echoing Mughal architecture. You can book a guided tour to learn about the history of this grand monument. While at the palace, definitely visit the museum to learn about the Maratha Empire and admire the intricately carved sculptures and stunning paintings at the Jain Temple, located within the palace complex.
Dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, the deity of nourishment and abundance, the Annapurna Temple is a popular tourist attraction in Indore. Built in 1959, it is one of the oldest temples in the city. Architect enthusiasts can marvel at the intricate carvings of Hindu deities adorning the whitewashed walls, while religious seekers can find peace and tranquility here. The temple also offers a panoramic view of the entire city.
After spending the morning sightseeing, it is time to savour the street food delicacies of Indore at Chappan Dukan, a market with 56 shops serving the most delectable local snacks and treats. From the fiery spice of Garadu, a deep-fried lentil snack, to the subtle falvours of Kopra Pattice, a coconut-stuffed potato patty, the spice explosion of Gol Gappe, tiny puffed puris filled with chutneys and the legendary Johnny Hot Dog, an Indori twist to the American classic- your taste buds will surely go on a roller coaster ride.
There's no place better to satiate those shopping cravings than Rajwada. This wholesale shopping hub is a treasure trove of local weaves and yarns, all available at reasonable prices. From intricately designed Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees at Sitlamata Bazaar and MT cloth market to beautiful drapes at Chattri Chowk, you can find all kinds of fabric here. For souvenirs and trinkets, Bhandari Bazaar and Chor Bazaar are your pit stops. Brass lamps, delicately carved wooden sculptures, and antique brassware are available here at reasonable prices, but remember to bargain.
No trip to Indore is complete without visiting the unique Sarafa Bazaar, which is a jewellery market during the day and transforms into a vibrant food paradise at night. For those who enjoy sweet and spicy flavours, Bhutte ka Khees and Garadu top the list. Another hot favourite is the Flying Dahi Vada at the Joshi Dahi Vada. Not only does it taste divine, but the way the owner tosses the vada in the air and lets it make a perfect landing on the plate, is a unique sight. Other treats at this night market are Farsan, Faloodas, Coconut Crush, Dabeli, and Kulhad Pizza.
