Indore Tour Packages

1. About Indore
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Indore
4. Indore At A Glance
5. Top Reasons To Visit Indore
6. Best Time To Visit Indore
7. Quick Getaways From Indore
8. Top Things To Do In Indore
9. Shopping In Indore
10. Dos and Don’ts While Travelling To Indore
11. Foods To Try Out In Indore
12. Art And Culture In Indore

The roots of Indore’s history can be traced back to the 16th century. This is when it was established as a small commercial trading hub between Delhi and the Deccan. It gained recognition under the reign of the Holkar dynasty. The Peshwa of the Maratha Empire gave Malhar Rao Holkar the position of the Subedar of Malwa sometime around 1732, thereby initiating the Holkar rule in the region. Indore bloomed economically and culturally under the efficient rule of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar during the 18th century. The strategic location of Indore on major trade routes caused it to become a vital commercial hub. Indore was a part of the princely state of Holkar during the British rule and thereby remained indirectly under the control of the British. After India achieved independence in 1947, Indore became a part of the newly formed state of Madhya Bharat in 1948. It was later merged with the state of Madhya Pradesh in 1956.

• Indore is the largest and most populous city of Madhya Pradesh.
• Swachh Survekshan has declared Indore as the cleanest city in India for eight years in a row since 2017.
• The Rajwada Palace in Indore once served as the residence and administrative centre of the Holkar dynasty.
• The deity found within the Khajrana Ganesh Temple in Indore was made using jaggery, bricks, limestone, holy soil, mud, and water.
• The Lal Bagh Palace served as the residence of the Holkar dynasty until 1978, and the main gates of the palace were modelled after the gates at Buckingham Palace.
• The Sarafa Bazaar in Indore is the first and only night street food market in India.
• The Kanch Mandir in Indore was built by Sir Seth Hukumchand Jain, and its interiors are completely covered by mosaics and glass panels.
• The Annapurna Temple in Indore is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, who is the goddess of food, abundance, and nourishment, and its architecture was influenced by the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai in Tamil Nadu.
• The Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary once served as the hunting ground for the royal members of the Holkar dynasty due to its high population of tigers, deer, and leopards.

• The main airport in Indore is the Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport.
• Carry bottled water whenever you go out, as it helps you stay hydrated and also because consuming water from unknown places could be unsafe.
• When having street food, make sure to pick only the popular streetside stalls and vendors as they are likely to be cleaner, and also because the higher the turnover, the fresher the food.
• Buses and autorickshaws are some of the most convenient modes of public transport in Indore.
• In order to stay hydrated and energised, carry electrolyte powders or ORS, especially during the peak summer months.
• Carry sufficient cash because while UPI payments and debit and credit cards are widely accepted in the city, the smaller vendors may prefer cash. Also, cash comes in handy while paying for street shopping and autos.

The following are some of the reasons you should book GT Holidays’ Indore tour packages immediately:

The city of Indore is filled with places of spiritual and religious significance, all of which you can visit with our Indore tour packages. Make your way to the Khajrana Ganesh Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It’s said the idol within this temple was retrieved by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar from a well, which is where it was kept hidden from the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Pay a visit to the Jain temple named Kanch Mandir, the interiors of which are embellished with mosaics and glass panels. Experience the stunning architecture of the Annapurna Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, an avatar of Goddess Parvati.

The rich history and culture of Indore are well-reflected through the numerous monuments the city is home to, the grandeur of which you can experience with GT Holidays’ Indore tour packages. Start your journey with the Rajwada Palace, which served as the primary residence and administrative centre of the Holkar dynasty for years. It was established by the founder of the Holkar Dynasty, Malhar Rao Holkar. Witness the Italian Renaissance Revival style of architecture of the Lal Bagh Palace. The main gates of this palace were influenced by the Buckingham Palace. Peruse through the Central Museum, which houses eight galleries that proudly flaunt artefacts, epigraphs, coins, and scriptures from different points in history.

Every foodie out there will have the best time trying out the food of Indore with GT Holidays’ Indore tour packages. While Indore’s cuisine includes Malwa delicacies on one hand, there are the beloved snacks and street foods of the city on the other hand. Taste the unique combination of poha and jalebi, go for dal bafla, which is Madhya Pradesh’s version of dal baati churma, and see how a dish can be both tasty and healthy with sabudana khichdi. You can’t leave Indore without trying out the luxuriously thick milkshake known as shahi shikanji. The city also flaunts aloo chaats and aloo patties in unique forms, through garadu and khopra patties, respectively.

Grabbing GT Holidays’ Indore tour packages means that you also get to go on quick and exciting getaways from Indore. This includes the holy city of Ujjain, which is one of the four locations of the sacred Kumbh Mela. It’s home to the Mahakaleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, where the revered Bhasma aarti takes place. Escape to the town of Maheshwar, which is known for its temples, forts, and ghats. Make sure to check out the beauty of Maheshwari sarees that are cultural symbols of the town. Breathe in the holy serenity of the Omkareshwar Temple, which sits on an island that’s shaped like the sacred symbol ‘Om’. Explore the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, which is often referred to as the ‘city of lakes’ because of the many natural and artificial lakes found in and around the city.

The city of Indore mostly has a humid subtropical climate. Let’s take a look at what each season in Indore is like so you can accordingly decide when to book our Indore tour packages:

During the summer season, the range of temperatures in Indore oscillates between 25 degrees Celsius and 45 degrees Celsius. The city experiences a dry climate and occasional heatwaves, which is why summer isn’t the ideal period to enjoy outdoor activities. While the days feature scorching heat, the evenings are slightly more pleasant, mostly featuring a cool breeze.

The temperature range during the monsoon season in Indore usually remains between 24 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius. Since it’s advised to stay indoors during this period, it’s the right time to explore the temples and museums in the city. If you book our Indore tour packages for the monsoon season, you could get discounts on flights and accommodation. The festivals that are usually celebrated in Indore at this time include Teej, Nag Panchami, and Janmashtami.

As winter embraces the city of Indore, the range of temperature you can expect is between 8 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius. Given the pleasant climate, it’s the ideal time to explore the palaces and wildlife sanctuaries and participate in outdoor adventures. Since this is the peak tourist season, we recommend booking our Indore tour packages in advance. Holi, Rang Panchami, and Makar Sankranti are among the festivals usually celebrated in Indore at this time.

For the travellers who are seeking a holy ambience during their trip, the ideal place to escape to is Ujjain. The city houses multiple pilgrimage sites and sacred temples, which is why it has been given the title of the ‘city of temples’. It’s one of the four locations of the sacred Kumbh Mela, which attracts millions and millions of devotees. Ujjain is called the ‘Greenwich of India’ because the ancient Indian prime meridian, known as Madhya Rekha, passed through the city. Pay a visit to the revered Mahakaleshwar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is where you can witness the sacred Bhasma aarti, wherein holy ash is offered to the presiding deity, signifying the transience of life and the ultimate truth of death. The other spots to visit in Ujjain with our Indore tour packages include the Kal Bhairav Temple, ISKCON Temple, Harsiddhi Temple, Kaliadeh Palace, and Ram Ghat.

Maheshwar is a town located in the Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh. It served as the capital of the Holkar dynasty, which ruled over the town during the 18th century. The dynasty contributed significantly to the development of the town and added to its architecture through temples, forts, and ghats. One of the most culturally vital and alluring aspects of Maheshwar is the presence of Maheshwari sarees. These sarees are known for their lightweight and exquisite texture and are made by the local artisans through traditional techniques. Having intricate designs, Maheshwari sarees often feature floral motifs and geometrical patterns. Some of the places to visit in Maheshwar with our Indore tour packages are the Ahilyeshwar Temple, Narmada Ghat, Ahilya Fort, and Shri Raj Rajeshwar Temple.

The Omkareshwar Temple is situated on the northern bank of the Narmada River, on an island called Mandhata, in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh. The interesting part is that the island is shaped like the sacred symbol ‘Om’, which adds to the spiritual significance of the place. The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva in India.

Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. It’s popularly known as the ‘city of lakes’ due to the several natural and artificial lakes located both in and around the city. The Upper Lake (also known as Bhojtal) in Bhopal functions as the literal and metaphorical heart of the city. It serves as one of the primary sources of drinking water for the residents of Bhopal. The city is home to one of the largest mosques in Asia, known as Taj-ul-Masajid. When you visit Bhopal with our Indore tour packages, make sure to explore the Van Vihar National Park, Rani Kamlapati Palace, Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum, and Sanchi Stupa.

When you book our Indore tour packages, you get to explore all its popular tourist attractions and adventurous activities, some of which are as follows:

The Rajwada Palace in Indore is located in the heart of the city, near the bustling Khajuri Bazaar. It was built by Malhar Rao Holkar, the founder of the Holkar Dynasty, during the 18th century. Also known as Holkar Palace, the palace served as the residence and administrative centre of the Holkar dynasty for several years. This marvellous seven-storey structure features a mixture of architectural styles, such as the Mughal, Maratha, and French, thereby signifying the various cultures that have influenced the history of Indore. The palace’s entrance has a grand archway along with a massive wooden door embellished with iron studs.

The Khajrana Ganesh Temple in Indore is situated in the Khajrana area of Indore. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, it was built in 1735 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of the Holkar dynasty. She was the one to retrieve the idol of Lord Ganesha, which was hidden in a well to be kept safe from Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor. Instead of being made from metal or stone, the primary idol of the deity was made using several interesting elements. This includes jaggery, bricks, limestone, holy soil, mud, and water. The eyes of Lord Ganesha are famously made of diamonds, which were donated by a local businessman.

The Lal Bagh Palace, or Lalbagh Palace, is located on the southwest outskirts of Indore. Also known as the Red Garden Palace, the palace is sprawled over an area of 28 acres and is built in the Italian Renaissance Revival style of architecture. It served as the residence of the Holkar dynasty until 1978. The construction of the palace was started by Tukojirao Holkar II in 1886, the process of which was continued by his son, Shivajirao Holkar. The final phase of the palace’s construction was taken on by Tukojirao Holkar III during the early 20th century. The main gates of the Lal Bagh Palace were modelled after the gates at Buckingham Palace.

By booking our Indore tour packages, you will be able to explore Sarafa Bazaar, which is renowned for being the first and only night street food market in India. Initially known as Chhappan Bazaar, the market was once a major hub for gold and silver merchants. While it originated as the primary jewellery market in the city, it eventually also gained fame for its street food culture. In the current day, the jewellery market closes down at 8 pm, after which the culinary scene comes alive. The market is known to receive about 3000 visitors, including tourists as well as locals.

The Kanch Mandir in Indore, which is also known as the Glass Temple, is located at Hukumchand Marg in the area of the Itwaria Bazaar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. It was built by Sir Seth Hukumchand Jain during the early 20th century. The interiors of the temple are completely covered by mosaics and glass panels, including the ceilings, walls, columns, floors, and pillars. Skilled artisans from Jaipur and Iran were brought in to construct this Jain temple, which stands as a symbol of the peace and spirituality of the Jain community.

The Central Museum in Indore is situated near the General Post Office (GPO) Square in the city. It was established in 1923 during the reign of Maharaja Tukojirao III of the Holkar Dynasty. The museum was initially a part of Nararatna Mandir, an educational institution. It was shifted to its current location in 1965, which is when it came under the administration of the government of Madhya Pradesh. The museum is home to eight galleries that proudly display artefacts, scriptures, coins, and epigraphs from various historical eras.

The Annapurna Temple in Indore is located in the Kranti Kriplani Nagar locality of the city. It is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, who is the goddess of food, abundance, and nourishment, and is a form of Goddess Parvati. Featuring Indo-Aryan and Dravidian styles of architecture, the design of the temple is said to have been influenced by the Meenakshi Temple in the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. At the entrance of the temple are four life-size statues of elephants, thereby enhancing the grandeur of the holy location. The roots of the temple can be traced back to the 9th century. It was rebuilt in 1959 by Brahmaleen Swami Prabhanand Giri Maharaj.

The Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the outskirts of Indore, about 15 km from the city centre. It was established in 1989 to conserve the local biodiversity. The wildlife sanctuary once served as the hunting ground for the royal members of the Holkar dynasty due to its high population of tigers, deer, and leopards. Sprawled over an area of five sq km, some of the different kinds of wildlife you will come across at this location are antelopes, deer, porcupines, monkeys, jackals, and wild boars. The place also houses various species of birds, such as owls, eagles, kingfishers, and peacocks.

• Wildlife safari at the Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary
• Rappelling at the Safari Adventure Park
• Jungle camping in the Malwa region
• Trekking to Bamniya Kund Waterfall
• Bungee jumping at the Somanipuram Adventure Resort

Here are some of the best souvenirs to buy from Indore and the best places to shop in the city:

Madhya Pradesh is known for its Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees. Maheshwari sarees usually feature floral patterns, checks, and stripes. Chanderi sarees are luxurious as well as lightweight. Fabrics, too, are coveted souvenirs to purchase from Indore. Some of the different kinds to explore include zari zardozi, tie dye, and batik.

Tribal jewellery is one of the most unique things you can buy from Indore. These are colourful and feature distinctive designs and materials. Some of the different kinds of tribal jewellery you can look for in the state include beaded jewellery, earrings, bracelets, and silver and metal jewellery. If you wish to pair your outfit with glass bangles, then you must check them out in Indore. These bangles are available in vibrant hues and intricate designs.

The skilled local artisans of Madhya Pradesh are known to produce high-quality leather items that you must get your hands on. These items include bags, shoes, sandals, clothes, and toys.

One can’t leave Indore without packing their bags with all the delicious and savoury snacks and namkeens that the city is home to. This includes sev, poha, and khatta meetha mixture.

• Sarafa Bazaar: For jewellery and street food.
• MT Cloth Market: For clothes and dress material.
• Heritage Market: For shoes and handicrafts.
• Moolchand Market: For kids’ clothing.
• Tibetan Market: For woollen items.

• While the bigger stores and markets accept UPI payments and debit and credit cards, it’s better to carry cash while shopping at the smaller shops.
• Bargaining is common in the markets of Madhya Pradesh. However, remember to negotiate politely till you arrive at a price that suits both parties.
• While buying handicrafts, it’s better to purchase from the certified shops.
• Support the local artisans by buying from them so you can contribute to the state’s economy.

• Always take off your shoes before entering a spiritual or religious site.
• Make sure to ask for permission before clicking someone’s photograph, especially that of a woman.
• Remember to dress modestly while visiting spiritual places such as temples.
• Keep your knees and shoulders covered while exploring holy places. Avoid wearing sleeveless tops and shorts, and carry a scarf if you’re asked to cover yourself up.
• Use recyclable items whenever possible.
• Don’t pluck flowers or disturb the vegetation or natural setting in any manner.
• Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.
• Indore has been declared the cleanest city in India for eight years in a row; therefore, maintain the cleanliness of the city by not littering. If there is anything you need to throw away, do so only when you spot a garbage bin.
• When you visit a national park or any place that contains wildlife, make sure to stay quiet and observe the animals from afar.
• Always ask for permission before taking photographs at popular tourist attractions, as certain spots may not allow photography, and this holds true for the temples and historical monuments.
• When you’re on a wildlife safari, remember not to make loud noises, stay within your jeep, and don’t feed the animals.

The cuisine of Indore is a delightful blend of staples from the Malwa region and mouthwatering snacks and street food. When searching for a cornucopia of food items to choose from, make sure to visit the Chhappan Dukan and Sarafa Bazaar in Indore, where you will be positively spoilt for choice. Let’s recommend to you some of the foods you absolutely must try out during your trip with our Indore tour packages:

As far as iconic food combos are concerned, you can never go wrong with poha jalebi, which is one of the most beloved breakfast items in Indore. Have you ever had poha and jalebi together? If not, then you can taste this delicious mix with our Indore tour packages. Flattened rice is used to make the poha, which is then garnished with sev, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and a bit of lemon. At times, unique elements such as pomegranates are added to the mix as well. The savoury and tangy taste of the poha perfectly complements the sweet and crispy flavour of the hot jalebis.

Bhutte ka kees is a popular street food in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, as you will discover during your holiday with our Indore tour packages. Some of the ingredients that go into making this dish are corn, milk, mustard seeds, green chillies, and spices. The mildness of the spices, coupled with the sweetness and creaminess of the milk, makes this a wholesome dish to consume.

When you’re on the hunt for something that’s both healthy and delicious, go for sabudana khichdi. While this dish is pretty common in most Indian households, it happens to be a popular street food in Indore. Made using tapioca pearls, some of the other ingredients that go into preparing this dish are cumin seeds, potatoes, green chillies, onions, curry leaves, lime juice, and coriander.

Dal bafla is often considered Madhya Pradesh’s version of the popular Rajasthani dish called dal baati churma. Baflas are wheat flour dumplings that are boiled, fried, or baked till the exterior turns golden brown. The dumplings are dipped in ghee, which is what gives them a rich and buttery taste. It’s usually served alongside spicy lentil soup. The dish is particularly comforting to have during the winter season.

The shikanji of Indore is nothing like the usual shikanji you may have had in other parts of India, which is evident from the presence of the word ‘shahi’ or ‘royal’. The beverage refers to a thick milkshake that’s made using milk and dry fruits. This nutty and creamy concoction is made even more luxurious by being topped with malai. Shahi shikanji is particularly a treat to be consumed during the hot summer months.

Garadu is Indore’s version of an aloo chaat, which is eaten during the winter season. This street food is prepared using the root of yam. After dicing the root, it is then deep-fried till the exterior turns light brown. Spices and lime juice are added to the mix to enhance its tangy and savoury flavour.

Khopra patties are a popular street food in Indore. These are aloo patties, but with a delightful twist. These are stuffed with dried and grated coconut (khopra) along with other ingredients like nuts, spices, coriander leaves, raisins, and salt. The aloo patties are then deep-fried and served alongside a green spicy chutney and red tamarind chutney.

The handicrafts found in Indore are a part of the rich cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh. This includes fabrics like zari zardozi, tie dye, and batik. There are also the coveted Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees. If you’re looking for sarees that are lightweight while also having a royal look, go for Chanderi sarees. Maheshwari sarees are usually designed using floral patterns, checks, and stripes. Check out the tribal jewellery made by the skilled artisans of the state, found in the form of beaded jewellery, earrings, and bracelets. Make sure to explore the high-quality leather items sold at the markets of Indore. These leather products are available as toys, clothes, sandals, shoes, and bags.

There are numerous vibrant festivals celebrated in Indore throughout the year, all of which add to its cultural and artistic charm. There is the festival of Rang Panchami, which is celebrated every year, five days after Holi. Colours in the form of gulaal and water colours are used to splash the city with numerous hues of pink, red, yellow, and green, accompanied by musical beats. Ganesh Chaturthi is another festival that’s celebrated with immense pomp and glory in Indore. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, one of the places in the city that draws in the most crowd of devotees during this festival is the Khajrana Ganesh Temple. Some of the other festivals you could experience in the city with our Indore tour packages are Teej, Diwali, Holi, and Ahilya Utsav.