India's cleanest city and Madhya Pradesh's largest metropolis, Indore, combines royal heritage with vibrant street life and a legendary food culture that draws travellers from across the country.
In India’s cleanest city, Zostel Indore welcomes you with comfy dorms & private rooms, a garden to chill, a rooftop to hang out and a lively common room to make new friends & stories.
As India's cleanest city for seven consecutive years starting in 2016, Indore has mastered the art of blending progress with tradition. But beyond its spotless streets, there's another side that'll completely win you over- the extraordinary culinary scene. Sarafa Bazaar transforms into a food lover's paradise after sunset, where vendors serve everything from traditional favourites to creative fusion dishes late into the night. The famous poha-jalebi breakfast combination might seem unusual, but it perfectly captures Indore's innovative food spirit. Beyond the incredible eats, the city showcases architectural gems like the imposing Rajwada Palace and the dazzling Kanch Mandir. And speaking of must-visit spots that'll make your trip complete, Chappan Dukan offers an overwhelming array of local delicacies in one convenient location. Indore also serves as the perfect base for exploring nearby gems like Ujjain's ancient temples and Mandu's romantic ruins. The city's infectious energy, spotless streets, and warm hospitality create an authentic experience of modern India where cleanliness, commerce, and cuisine converge.
Rajwada Palace: Also known as the Holkar Palace or Old Palace, it’s a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Royal Holkars and also a reflection of the city's diverse history. It houses a museum and hosts cultural events and festivals.
Kanch Mandir: It’s a famous Jain temple and is known for its glass works, carvings, designs and texture. From the roof to the pillars, windows, and doors, everything is adorned with glass.
Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary: Famous for its rich biodiversity, trekking trails, and scenic landscape, it houses deer, blackbucks, leopards, and various species of birds. It also boasts an incredible variety of flora, including teak, eucalyptus, bamboo, and other native trees.
Lal Bagh Palace: The palace houses Belgian stained glass windows, grand chandeliers, rich Persian carpets and Greek mythological reliefs. The manicured gardens surrounding the palace are a blend of French and English concepts of landscaping.
Sarafa Bazar: A midnight gastronomic delight, this place is a jewellery marketplace in the daytime and converts into a street food court at night. You can savour Bhutte ki kees, dahi vada, jalebi, & much more here.
Eat at Chhapan Dukan: A heaven for foodies, this food & shopping street serves everything from traditional Indian to international dishes.
Go for cafe hopping: Apart from the local food, Indore also has a thriving cafe culture where you can enjoy global cuisines. From dedicated artisanal coffee shops to dessert bars, there’s enough to explore around.
Day trip to Mandav: A 2-hr drive from Indore, Mandav is an ancient fort city in Madhya Pradesh, surrounded by stone walls and is known for its Afghan architecture. It celebrates the love of poet-prince Baz Bahadur for his beautiful consort, Rani Roopmati and houses the monument that is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal.
Day trip to Maheshwar: 2-hrs from Indore & home to the unique & beautiful Maheshwari sarees, the city of Maheshwar stands on the bank of the Narmada River. You can explore the Ahilyabai Fort & Palace, Ahilyeshwar Temple, Narmada Ghat & more on your visit here.
Visit Patalpani Waterfalls: 1-hr from Indore, this waterfall on the Choral River, a tributary of Narmada, plummets from 300 feet and creates a misty ambience. In addition to Patalpani Waterfall, you can also enjoy a journey on the Heritage train from Patalpani to Kalakund.
