Indore is the capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh and it was once important because it formed the main route while traveling from Delhi to the Deccan in ancient times. Today, it is a major city in India and there are stunning palaces, parks, temples and water bodies which make spending some time here a must. As you go around the city, you will fall in love with the city because it is very clean and the people are very warm towards the tourists. Here are some of the things to do in Indore:
It is well known that breakfast is the most important part of the day and breakfast in Indore is a culinary lover’s delight. Some of the most renowned breakfast items in the city are poha and jalebi. This might seem like an unlikely combination in other parts of India, but here, it is a favorite. The food stalls open by 6 am and there are already queues waiting for the breakfast. There are other kinds of snacks and namkeens available here as well.
This is the town hall of the city and it is built in the Indo- Gothic style. The hall is made of white and red stones and has been designed by Charles Stevens and was built in 1904. It was named the Gandhi Hall in commemoration of Gandhi after his death in the hands of Godse. It is a prominent venue for most of the major events taking place in the city. Around 2000 people can be seated indoors and the grounds are used for other larger events.
The Rajwada is synonymous with Indore and happens to be the most iconic structure here. It is known as the Holkar Palace and the palace is seven storeys tall. It had been built in the Mughal, Maratha and the French styles of architecture and the most impressive feature of the palace is the intimidating wooden entrance which is covered with iron studs. There is a central courtyard that is surrounded by many rooms and there is the Ganesha Hall which is used for state and religious functions.
Located on the banks of the Khan River, the Chhatris have been here for as long as anyone can remember. These are cenotaphs that have been built entirely out of stone. They have a dome shape and a pyramid-shaped point which gives them a very royal look and feel. They are lighted up at night and is very popular among the tourists for an evening stroll. The locals also come here for relaxation after a hard day at work.
The Central Museum of Indore is one of its principal attractions. Those who love history and architecture and are interested in knowing about the customs and the traditions of the land will find a number of things to pique their interest. It has one of the largest collections of the medieval and the pre- mediaval Hindu and Jain sculptures in the state and is a great learning place for budding artists who are researching the artwork of the past.
Kanch Mandir happens to be a beautiful temple which is made completely out of glass. It is a mesmerizing place to visit and there are images and idols of a number of gods and goddesses. The skillfully made Chinese lanterns and the glass chandeliers add to the dreamy nature of the place when it is lit up and the light is magnified manifold by all the glass and mirrors placed within.
Patalpani is a well known waterfall just at the outskirts of Indore. It is a great place to explore and the lush greenery here is mesmerizing. The waterfall gets its name because the water supposedly falls into a pit that has no end and could lead right up to the deepest echelons of earth, or the underworld. The water falls from a height of 150 to 200 feet and the sight during the monsoons is truly heavenly. It is one of the things to do in Indore during winters because the outdoors are so sunny and fresh.
The Lal Bagh Palace is probably the grandest building in Indore and not without a reason. The palace was built in 1886- 1921 and the three floor building is the perfect example of the grandeur and power of the Holkar dynasty. The palace is heavily inspired from the Palace of Versailles in France and there are Italian marble and stain glass windows. The original chandeliers are still in use today and they are a sight to behold when they are completely lit.
The Sarafa Bazaar is the place to be in when you are thinking of buying gold and silver ornaments. However, that is only in the morning because as soon as the sun goes down, the bazaar transforms quickly and becomes a heaven of sorts for food lovers. The vendors line up their carts outside the jewelry stores and those who come shopping, mostly return after having a good meal here. You will find everything from sandwiches to chaats, kachoris and halwa and thandai to treat yourself.
The Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary is known as the natural habitat for a large number of birds and animals and is also a retreat for those who want a break from the chaos of city living for a while. The best thing about this sanctuary is that there is an amazing trail that goes right through it and you will see a number of butterflies, birds and rabbits and deer on your walk. You can also opt for camel ride or enjoy cycling through the sanctuary. The park remains open from 9 am to 6 pm.
The Annapurna Temple is visited by pilgrims from in and around Indore. The temple itself is known for its stunning architecture. At the very entrance of the temple, two massive and beautiful carved elephants greet the visitors. There are also shrines or Lord Shiva, Kal Bhairav and Hanumanji inside the temple. The Pravachan Hall of the temple is open for all main festivals where the pilgrims come to listen to the teachings of the learned men.
The adventure themed water park in Indore is visited by people of all age groups. There are thrilling rides to be enjoyed there and it is almost always crowded during the summers. There are water slides and rides to be enjoyed and there is also a discotheque and a swimming pool here. It is one of the things to do in Indore in summer and the vacations in Indore are never complete unless one has visited the theme park. The waterpark remains open from 11 am to 7 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
If you want to plan a quick getaway, then one of the best places to visit near Indore is Mandu. There are a number of heritage sites here and the forts here are especially impressive. The biggest fort here is India- Mandu Fort and the Jahaz Mahal happens to be another major attraction here. The latter is heavily inspired by the Taj Mahal. Then there are places like Roopmati’s pavilion, the palace of Baz bahadur and Dayra Khan’s tomb and the adjoining complex. It is a great place to see some architecture inspired by the Afghans and the Indo- Mughal designs.
The Adventure Park here is the perfect destination to beat the blues of a mundane urban life. A number of adventure and thrilling activities are to be enjoyed here. You can hike through the woods and get some exercise and you can also build a campfire. The site also takes mass reservations which are why family books, office trips and family get-togethers are planned here very frequently, especially in the winters. Rope climbing camping, water activities and boating are some of the activities to be enjoyed here.
You might have gone on trekking expeditions before but they are almost always in the day time. Night treks are not very easy to come by but you can have your fill of this amazingly thrilling activity at the Kalakund national park. The forest trails of Kalakund come alive at night and you will travel through the trees and cross streams and move towards the Kushalgarh Fort. The trek is about 9 km and is very unlike anything you have tried before. The densely forested valleys will give you an opportunity to listen to nocturnal birds and animals and it is such an experience to walk on moonlit trails and have the stars light your way. It is definitely one of the offbeat things to do in Indore.
It is amazing how Indore will completely mesmerize you with its architecture, history and natural beauty. You will find no dearth of activity here and it will surely be a very memorable stay for you.
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