Indore: Palaces, Temples and Food Culture

A historic palace, a Jain temple with an entirely glass-covered interior and a lively food culture give Indore a diverse character. Rajwada, also known as Holkar Palace or Old Palace, was built about two centuries ago by the Holkars of the Maratha Empire. Kanch Mandir literally means “Glass Temple”; its construction began around 1903. The floor, pillars, walls and ceiling of its interior are entirely covered with glass panels and mosaics. In Indore, a palace from the Holkar period thus stands alongside the distinctive use of materials in a Jain temple.

Architecture, History and Museum

Lal Bagh Palace also brings together several styles: Renaissance, Palladian and Baroque elements shape its architecture, while its furnishings are in the Rococo and Neoclassical styles. Its monumental gates are replicas of the gates of Buckingham Palace in London and are twice as large. The interplay of architectural styles and furnishings offers a different comparison from the Kanch Mandir’s interior, entirely decorated with glass and mosaics.

The Khajrana Ganesha Temple was established in 1735 by Ahilyabai Holkar. The Central Museum offers a broader view across different eras, with eight galleries of artefacts, sculptures, inscriptions and coins. The contents of the galleries may change over time. The museum can be reached from the city centre by road and public transport.

Festival Traditions and Regional Cuisine

Rangpanchami has been celebrated in Indore from the Holkar period to the present day and includes a traditional Ger procession. The Anant Chaturdashi celebrations include a communal procession to immerse the idols. These two traditions give local festival culture distinct forms of expression, without requiring you to plan your trip around specific event dates.

Food is also one of the city’s defining features. Indori Poha Jalebi is a breakfast combination, and poha is firmly rooted in Indore’s cuisine. Bhutte ka Kees is a street food associated with the city and is especially popular during the rainy season. After dark, Sarafa Bazaar becomes a food market, with street stalls serving chaat, sweets and savoury snacks. The combination of breakfast, seasonally popular street food and an evening market showcases different sides of the food culture.

Cityscape and Nature

Indore lies on the southern edge of the Malwa Plateau. The Saraswati and Khan rivers meet in the city centre. Across the wider landscape of the district, mountains, water and protected areas offer different points of interest. Janapav Kuti is an 881-metre-high mountain in the Mhow tehsil of Indore district, offering an uphill trekking experience. Patalpani Waterfall is also in the Mhow tehsil and is about 300 feet high.

Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary is in Indore district and was designated a sanctuary in 1989. It is a destination for those interested in wildlife and birdlife. Choral Dam lies in the Narmada River’s backwater area, amid a landscape of lush trees and small hills. Clear water and trees shape the picnic setting described there; paddling and boat rides are also possible. Pitra Parvat can be reached by road via Gommatgiri Marg.

Indore as a Destination for Your Hotel Stay

Indore has good rail, road and air connections. When planning your trip, you can weigh your interests: architecture and museums sit alongside festival traditions and regional food, while mountains, waterscapes, birdlife and wildlife offer further points of interest. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Indore, these highlights can help you choose a destination that suits your travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Indore, Harsola, Sanwer, Mhow, Chhatarpur, Shahdol, Sehore, Tikamgarh.

For the broader travel overview: Madhya Pradesh.