After having a full eating dose in Indore, I was all geared up for a three days trip to three different places around Indore. It consisted of Omkareshwar, Ujjain and Mandu.
77.6 km south of Indore exists a place of utmost religious spirit, Omkareshwar. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga (devotional representation) shrines of Lord Shiva in India and is situated on an island named Mandhata or Shivapuri in the Narmada river. A place full of sadhu babas, an amazing sunrise scene, rhythmic water waves, and Sangam.
Best travel connectivity from Indore
Frequent buses from Sarwate Bus Stand, Indore. You can also book a local taxi. Travelling by road is another add-on to the journey as the route consists of ghats on the way. It’s a 3-hour journey.
Food & Stay
Although the place can be fully experienced in a day. If you wish to stay, then Narmada Resort is a good option. The restaurant offers good quality food too.
Prominent Places
Standing on the bridge, you can experience a blissful sunrise over the dam. There are two main temples of Lord Shiva.
Sindur Shop at Omkareshwar. Photo by: vkpriyesh
Chilam Shop at Omkareshwar. Photo by: vkpriyesh
The island is said to be in the shape of Om (ॐ) symbol. Narmade Har, Omkareshwar. Photo by: vkpriyesh
Sangam is wonderful place to sit and meditate. You can take a boat ride from the main temple to Sangam at a very cheap cost. Sangam, Omkareshwar. Photo by: vkpriyesh
Ujjain
55.4 km north of Indore exists another place with full of divine power, Ujjain. A city that hosts Simhastha, one of the biggest Hindu pilgrimages along the Kshipra River. You can visit infamous Mahakaleshwar Temple, another jyotirlinga out of 12.
Best travel connectivity from Indore
There are frequent buses from Indore. Taxis are good. You can also opt for the train.
Food & Stay
If you are a religious person, and you are in India to see innumerable temples, then you got to spend some time in Ujjain, as it takes a while to get a grasp on each and every temple. You can find some good hotels, and food similar to Indore’s food around the railway station.
Prominent Places
Mahakaleshwar: As described, it is a must visit temple. Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple Ujjain. Photo by: Wikipedia
Ram ghat in the evening gives you a sense of complete serenity.Ram Ghat and Kshipra river, Ujjain. Photo source: Wikipedia
Kal Bhairav: A very interesting temple where it is believed that the idol of Kal Bhairav drinks alcohol, as that is his favourite beverage. Kal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain. Photo source: Wikipedia
ISKCON Ujjain: Ujjain’s Iskcon is one joyous place to be during the evening. Iskcon, Ujjain. Photo by: vkpriyesh
Mandu
Nearly 100 km south of Indore, exists a wonderful place with beautiful places, and Mughal architecture. It’s an ancient town with humongous heritage.
Best travel connectivity from Indore
Book a private taxi, as the places are located pretty far.
Food & Stay
Malwa Retreat, the hotel by MP tourism is finest.
Prominent Places
Rani Roopmati Mahal (Palace) – Along the Narmada river, this palace was home to Rani Roopmati. Surrounded by thick stone walls, view from the top makes it a must to visit place in Mandu. Rani Roopmati Mahal, Mandu. Photo by: vkpriyesh
I wasn’t aware of Indore being a foodaholic city until the moment I reached there and saw Sev-Poha-Jalebi shops all around the city. The people of Indore are known as “Indoris” and they call themselves “Khawda” – a term that means they can eat a lot and at any time of the day, as you can literally get food at any time of the day.
A Little on Indore
A city that hones pride for different food varieties, and cleanliness. It was ranked first in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Survey – 2017 for amazing waste management, and cleanliness initiatives. Recently it also topped the airport service quality ranking in Asia Pacific region.
It is the only city in India that’s home to both an IIM (established in 1996) and an IIT (2009) that makes it lively because of the young crowd being in majority. It is also the commercial, and booming IT capital of Madhya Pradesh.
56 Dukaan (Shops)
As the name suggests, it is a street consisting of 56 food shops (obviously more than that) where you will find cuisines from every part of India.
Khopra patties at Vijay Chaat house, Indore. Photo courtesy: Zomato
Vijay chaat house is one of the oldest food shops in Indore. Khopra Patties is a must eat dish there. A perfect place to start the day off if you are willing to have sev-poha, jalebi, khamand (dhokla) and samosa-kachori as your first meal.
Jalebi at Vijay Chaat, Indore. Photo courtesy: Zomato
Sev-Poha at Vijay Chaat, Indore. Photo courtesy: Zomato
Khamand at Vijay Chaat, Indore. Photo courtesy: Zomato
Johny Hot Dog
$ – Multiple branches: 56 Dukan and Navlakha – Amazing hot dogs
Egg Benjo at Johny Hot Dog, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Specializing in hot dogs or some may call it the Vada Pav of Indore, Johny Hot Dog has been serving hot dogs for decades at a very economical rate. A properly managed veg and non-veg distribution of hot dogs, even when it caters to a huge amount of people every day. Egg banjo is a must try, apart from veg hot dogs, mutton hot dogs, and egg mutton hot dogs are available.
Madhuram Sweets
$$ – 56 Dukaan – A real healthy shikanji
Shikanji at Madhuram Sweets, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Madhuram Sweets is famous for Indian sweets and Indori Namkeens. Its uniqueness lies in shikanji, which is not the usual Nimbu-Shikanji (Lemonade), but a highly nutritious drink made of dry fruits, saffron, and milk.
Live Tawa Ice Cream
$$ – 56 Dukaan – Different ice-cream
Gulaab Jaamun Icecream at Live Tawa Icecream, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
If you got to taste and experience an amazing and totally different icecream, head to this place. They explain the creating process as well. Ferrero Rocher tawa ice cream and fudge brownie tawa ice cream are good. You can also try the blend of Gulaab Jaamun and ice cream over here.
Joshi Dahi Bada House
$ – Sarafa Bazaar – Amazing process and awesome dahi bada
Dahi vada at Joshi Dahi Bada, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
This is one the best dahi bada seller in Indore. It’s not only the taste that is awesome, but also in the process of how its made. If you are looking for some an awesome dahi bada and butte ka kiss, must visit this place. You won’t be disappointed for sure.
Indore lies in the heart of Malwa region. If you are in this region, you have to try this regional food. Best Dal Baafle in town without a doubt. Quantity for one Thali is sufficient for 2 people. Thali Includes Dal Baafle, Kadhi, Rice, Aloo Sabji, Churma laddoo, Salad and Chutney.
Pishori Dhaba
$$ – Sapna Sangeeta – Delicious Non-Veg
Chicken lollipop at Pishori Dhaba, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Pishori his known for its non-vegetarian delicacies. It has gained the pride of one of the best non-vegs of the city and that too at an economical price. There are two portions. One for alcoholics and the other for non-alcoholics. You must try out the chicken lollipop, Boti Chicken, Amritsari fish, and butter chicken.
Sarafa at night
One of the most famous midnight eating streets of India that offers you a wide range of dishes. To experience Sarafa at its best, head there around 11 PM, and stay till 1.30 AM. Some of the dishes that are must to try:
$ – Chhole tikiya at Sawariya Chaat house
Chhole tikiya at Sawariya Chaat, Sarafa, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
$ – Sweet dishes – Jalebi, jaleba, maal pua and rabdi at Bhairvanand
$ – Kulfi at Agarwal Icecreams
Late night food shops
Indore is well known for 24×7 food availability. Here are some cafes that you can go into if you crave food late night.
Make my Sandwich
$ – Teleperfomance, Vijay Nagar – Sandwiches
If you are craving for food at 2 am, head straight to this place, and have Pizzawich, and Strawberry Fizz. This cafe is 24×7 up and running.
Sandwich at Make my sandwich, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Maggie at L. I. G. Square
$$ – LIG Maggie – Maggie and Pasta
If you want something at the stroke of the day at 4AM, go to LIG Maggie, at LIG Square. They have a food truck and they specialize in Maggie and Pasta. You would get to know how crazy Indoris are when it comes to food.
Cheese Maggie at LIG Maggie, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Masala Maggie at LIG Maggie, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Food truck at LIG Maggie, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Khopra patties at Vijay Chaat house, Indore. Photo courtesy: Zomato
Vijay chaat house is one of the oldest food shops in Indore. Khopra Patties is a must eat dish there. A perfect place to start the day off if you are willing to have sev-poha, jalebi, khamand (dhokla) and samosa-kachori as your first meal.
Jalebi at Vijay Chaat, Indore. Photo courtesy: Zomato
Sev-Poha at Vijay Chaat, Indore. Photo courtesy: Zomato
Khamand at Vijay Chaat, Indore. Photo courtesy: Zomato
Johny Hot Dog
$ – Multiple branches: 56 Dukan and Navlakha – Amazing hot dogs
Egg Benjo at Johny Hot Dog, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Specializing in hot dogs or some may call it the Vada Pav of Indore, Johny Hot Dog has been serving hot dogs for decades at a very economical rate. A properly managed veg and non-veg distribution of hot dogs, even when it caters to a huge amount of people every day. Egg banjo is a must try, apart from veg hot dogs, mutton hot dogs, and egg mutton hot dogs are available.
Madhuram Sweets
$$ – 56 Dukaan – A real healthy shikanji
Shikanji at Madhuram Sweets, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Madhuram Sweets is famous for Indian sweets and Indori Namkeens. Its uniqueness lies in shikanji, which is not the usual Nimbu-Shikanji (Lemonade), but a highly nutritious drink made of dry fruits, saffron, and milk.
Live Tawa Ice Cream
$$ – 56 Dukaan – Different ice-cream
Gulaab Jaamun Icecream at Live Tawa Icecream, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
If you got to taste and experience an amazing and totally different icecream, head to this place. They explain the creating process as well. Ferrero Rocher tawa ice cream and fudge brownie tawa ice cream are good. You can also try the blend of Gulaab Jaamun and ice cream over here.
Joshi Dahi Bada House
$ – Sarafa Bazaar – Amazing process and awesome dahi bada
Dahi vada at Joshi Dahi Bada, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
This is one the best dahi bada seller in Indore. It’s not only the taste that is awesome, but also in the process of how its made. If you are looking for some an awesome dahi bada and butte ka kiss, must visit this place. You won’t be disappointed for sure.
Indore lies in the heart of Malwa region. If you are in this region, you have to try this regional food. Best Dal Baafle in town without a doubt. Quantity for one Thali is sufficient for 2 people. Thali Includes Dal Baafle, Kadhi, Rice, Aloo Sabji, Churma laddoo, Salad and Chutney.
Pishori Dhaba
$$ – Sapna Sangeeta – Delicious Non-Veg
Chicken lollipop at Pishori Dhaba, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Pishori his known for its non-vegetarian delicacies. It has gained the pride of one of the best non-vegs of the city and that too at an economical price. There are two portions. One for alcoholics and the other for non-alcoholics. You must try out the chicken lollipop, Boti Chicken, Amritsari fish, and butter chicken.
Sarafa at night
One of the most famous midnight eating streets of India that offers you a wide range of dishes. To experience Sarafa at its best, head there around 11 PM, and stay till 1.30 AM. Some of the dishes that are must to try:
$ – Chhole tikiya at Sawariya Chaat house
Chhole tikiya at Sawariya Chaat, Sarafa, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
$ – Sweet dishes – Jalebi, jaleba, maal pua and rabdi at Bhairvanand
$ – Kulfi at Agarwal Icecreams
Late night food shops
Indore is well known for 24×7 food availability. Here are some cafes that you can go into if you crave food late night.
Make my Sandwich
$ – Teleperfomance, Vijay Nagar – Sandwiches
If you are craving for food at 2 am, head straight to this place, and have Pizzawich, and Strawberry Fizz. This cafe is 24×7 up and running.
Sandwich at Make my sandwich, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Maggie at L. I. G. Square
$$ – LIG Maggie – Maggie and Pasta
If you want something at the stroke of the day at 4AM, go to LIG Maggie, at LIG Square. They have a food truck and they specialize in Maggie and Pasta. You would get to know how crazy Indoris are when it comes to food.
Cheese Maggie at LIG Maggie, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Masala Maggie at LIG Maggie, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Food truck at LIG Maggie, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
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