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Indore, the capital of Madhya Pradesh is a fascinating city, tracing its roots back to its role as a 16th century trading hub between the Deccan and Delhi. Today, it is an influential city in central India, with beautiful parks, palaces, temples and great street food. We list the must-dos while you’re here.

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Breakfast Staple

You can never go wrong with food in Indore, but the most renowned of all the food here are the city’s poha and jalebi. Poha is Hindi for flattened rice, which is served with jalebis, an Indian sweet rich is color and taste, and the perfect breakfast to start the day. Most street food stalls open by 6am and serve these two alongside namkeen (Indian snacks) and other sweets.

Gandhi Hall

Gandhi Hall is a beautiful town hall built in the Indo-Gothic style and made up of white and red stones. Designed by Charles Frederick Stevens, it was built in 1904 and renamed Gandhi Hall after the death of Gandhi. Today, it serves as a major venue for cultural events and art exhibitions. The central hall can accommodate 2000 people and the grounds are used for bigger events.

Rajwada

Rajwada is an iconic structure in Indore. Popularly known as the Holkar Palace, this seven-floor building is an amalgamation of Mughal, Maratha and French architectural styles. The most popular feature is the massive wooden entrance covered with iron studs; the entrance leads to the central courtyard surrounded by many rooms and the Ganesha hall which is used for state and religious functions.

Chhatris

The Chhatris have stood the test of time; situated on the banks of the Khan River, these cenotaphs are built out of stone and have domed architecture with pyramid-shaped points on top. The Chhatris are illuminated in the night, one of the best times to visit.

Central Museum

Central museum or Indore museum is one of the most well-known attractions in Indore. It is a must-visit for those who love Indian history and especially the history of the state of Madhya Pradesh. It has one of best collections of medieval and pre-medieval Hindu and Jain sculptures in the state.

Kanch Mandir

Kanch Mandir is a beautiful temple made entirely of glass. It is a mesmerizing place to visit and to add to its splendor, there are numerous skillfully crafted Chinese lantern-type glasses and cut glass chandeliers.

Patalpani

Patalpani is famous for its waterfall, lush greenery and its scenic ambience. The impressive waterfall descends from a height of 150-200 feet and is an enjoyable place to go during the monsoons. The depth of the pond that forms at the bottom of the waterfall is unknown and legend has it that it goes as deep as patal, which is the Hindi word for the underworld.

Lal Bagh Palace

Lal Bagh Palace is perhaps the grandest sight Indore has to offer. Built during 1886-1921, this three-floor building displays the grandeur of the Holkar dynasty in all its might. The interior of the palace is similar to that of the Palace of Versailles with Italianate marbles, stained Belgian windows and chandeliers.

Sarafa Bazaar

Indore’s Sarafa Bazaar is traditionally known for its gold and silver stores but every night, the bazaar undergoes a magnificent transformation; from a market for gold and silver and other ornaments, it becomes a foodie’s paradise. A great number of vendors line up their carts outside the jewelry stores and sell some truly delicious street food.

Nehru Park

Nehru Park is a well-known tourist and family spot in Indore. It is the oldest park in the city and was built when the British held power in India. It is also a zoological park and tourists visiting can catch a glimpse of different kinds of birds and animals.

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About the author

Shreyas Kulkarni has a BA where he studied History, Political Science and Economics. He holds an interest in writing and the use of game theory to develop a better and just world. Why write for The Culture Trip? It's a great place to read and write about the simple and important things in life. Literature, travel, food, culture, and art are the fields which can make humans better and more developed than money or a nine to five job. He hopes that you enjoy his writing.

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