Known for its cotton handloom industry, Indore is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, which offers lots of things to explore. This city traces its roots back to its role as a trading hub in the 16th century. Now, it greatly influences people through its mesmerising temples, verdant parks, and magnificent palaces.

So, if you are planning a trip to this place, here is a compiled list of what is Indore famous for. It will ensure you do not miss out on experiencing any remarkable thing!

With a plethora of places to visit in Indore, it can be difficult to plan your itinerary. So, here are some top suggestions for famous places in Indore. Add them to secure the best experience:

1. Rajwada Palace

Rajwada is an iconic structure of Indore, also popularly known as Holkar Palace. It is a seven-floor building influenced greatly by Maratha, Mughal and French architecture. However, what appeals to tourists the most is its massive wooden entrance decorated with iron studs. Moreover, as you pass through this entrance, it will lead you to a central courtyard surrounded by a room and a Ganesha Hall.

2. Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary

If you are a wildlife lover, take a retreat by visiting the Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary. What makes it famous is its distinct range of flora and fauna. Moreover, here you can also spot different species of birds and animals. Some unique animals are blue bulls, leopards, sambar, and barking deer. Also, make sure you trek through its natural trail to experience the serenity of the place.

3. Annapurna Temple

Annapurna Temple is the heart of Indore, popular among the devotees, and famous for its architectural splendour. Here people worship the Goddess Annapurna, who is the deity of food. However, it also houses shrines of Hanuman, Lord Shiv and Kalbhairav. Another fascinating thing about this place is its decoration and sculptures containing two life-size elephants at its entrance.

4. Mayank Blue Waterpark

Mayank Blue water park is one of the famous things in Indore, where people go to try the thrilling water rides and splash in the water. Moreover, it also serves as the best place to escape the heat. Here you can enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Also, you will find a swimming pool, water slides and a discotheque. So, it will also fuel you with the excitement and fun required to get through hard days.

5. Safari Adventure Park

To spend your weekend power-packed, visit the famous adventure park of Indore. It is creatively designed to offer thrill and fun to people by incorporating low and high-rope activities. Apart from this, you can also have fun at the splash pool, try balancing yourself while climbing an artificial wall and participate in a Mud Run. However, if you are not into adventures, you can also admire the surroundings containing a variety of flora.

6. Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga

One of the famous things in Indore is experiencing the spiritual atmosphere of Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, containing the Nagara style of architecture. The temple hosts many festivals for its devotees, including Narmada Jayanti, Kartik Utsav, and Mahashivratri. Another unique thing about this place is it is located on a small island resembling the shape of a Hindu symbol, ‘Om.’

7. Indore Museum

Indore museum, also called the Central Museum, is situated in the heart of the city and is a go-to place for all history buffs. It displays artefacts and relics of both the modern and prehistoric eras. Moreover, here you will also discover coins, sculptures, stone sculptures, and cannons used in wars by Jehangir, Babur, Humayun, etc. Established in 1929, this museum is worth visiting if you want a glimpse of rich history.

8. Kanch Mandir

Kanch Mandir is another famous place in Indore to visit, especially if you are an art lover. Built-in 1903 by Seth Hukum Chand, this Jain temple is built out of mirrors and glass. Beautifully adorned with Chinese glass lamps, it enhances the visual appeal of its interiors. Thousands of devotees come here to experience the bliss and visual treat of this place every year.

9. Janapav Temple

Boasting several scenic views, Janapav is the second highest viewpoint of the Malwa region and a favourite gateway to many. Trekking your way up to the temple here can be thrilling and tiresome, but the mesmerising view from the hill makes your time worth it. Moreover, if you are lucky, you may encounter brown fish owls and blackbucks. Also, visit the Jamadagni Ashram dedicated to the Hindu sage Parashuram.

10. Pipliyapala Regional Park

Pipliyapala, also called Atal Bihari Vajpayee Regional Park, is an artificial lake famous among nature lovers. People come here to admire the lush landscapes covered with flowers. Moreover, you will also find mist fountains, fast food zones, boating, an amphitheatre, an artists’ village and a lake-view point here. Another key point that attracts the crowd is the mini-cruiser named Malwa Queen. It contains restaurants and private party rooms.

11. Lal Bagh Palace

Lal Bagh Palace is perhaps the grandest sight you can witness in Indore. This stately 19th-century building, built between 1886 and 1921, depicts a perfect blend of European architectural styles. The palace was once home to the members of the Holkar dynasty. Here you will discover a large collection of coins used in the Mughal era, a ballroom with a spring-mounted wooden floor, and a gate that imitates the entrance of Buckingham Palace.

If looking for the famous things in Indore in regards to food, culture, and activities, here are some popular suggestions:

12. Daal-Baati-Churma at Chokhi Dhani

To experience authentic Rajasthan culture and taste at Indore, visit Chokhi Dhani and try its iconic dish Daal-Baati-Churma. Not only this, but this village-themed resort caters to several other Rajasthani dishes along with the place’s well-known activities. For example, you can try camel rides, watch magic shows and attend folk art performances here.

13. Rang Panchami

Rang Panchami is another thing what is Indore famous for. It is an extension of Holi that takes place outside the premises of Rajwada. Thousands of people gather in front of the gate to rejoice in the triumph of good over evil. The celebration involves being coloured by the famous colour cannon while dancing, enjoying music, feasting and trying out bhaang.

14. Kothari Market

If you are a shopaholic, you gotta visit the famous Kothari Market of Indore. Here you will find a wealth of items ranging from electronics to clothing, cosmetics to knick-knacks. However, before visiting, you must sharpen your bargaining skills. There are other markets to explore, like Khajuri Bazar for books, MT Cloth market for sarees, Topkhana market for handicrafts, Sarafa Market for Jewelry, etc.

15. Chappan Dukan

Chappan Dukan is a must-try for all food lovers out there. It satiates the taste bud by offering the most iconic street food in the city. Moreover, this street is packed with people during the evening and nighttime to relish food items like chaat, Dosa, idli, rolls, paani puri, Dahi puri and others. Another unique fact about this place is its name comes from the Hindi term Chappan means ‘56’ as the market contains 56 shops.

These are all the places and things what is Indore famous for. So, include it all in your itinerary to avoid any boring moments in your trip. You will even get specific ideas about things you enjoy, like visiting Indore Museum if you are a history buff, trekking to Janapav temple if you are a thrill seeker and eating out in Chappan Dukan if you are a foodie.