Indore

Indore is one of Madhya Pradesh's most rewarding cities, a place where Holkar-era architecture, Jain craftsmanship, and street food culture all sit comfortably side by side, giving you plenty of things to do no matter how long you stay. Getting there is straightforward with FlixBus, which connects the city to major destinations across India. From royal palaces to riverside escapes, here is a guide to the best the city has to offer.

Palaces

Rajwada Palace is the grand centrepiece of old Indore, a seven-storey structure that the Holkar dynasty built over two centuries ago at the heart of the old city bazaar. The lower floors are built from stone and brick while the upper levels rise in carved timber, a combination that gives the façade a layered, almost theatrical quality. The palace has been damaged by fire and rebuilt more than once, yet it still anchors the neighbourhood with real authority. Spend time on the ground floor, where the ceremonial hall gives you a sense of the scale the Holkars intended.

Lal Bagh Palace sits on the banks of the Khan River and represents a very different royal ambition, one that looked firmly toward Europe. Built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the palace mixes Italian marble, Corinthian columns, and ornate plasterwork across three distinct wings, each commissioned by a successive Holkar ruler. The entrance gates are replicas of the gates at Buckingham Palace, which tells you something about the era's aspirations. The interiors, now maintained as a museum, preserve original furniture and chandeliers that make the whole place feel genuinely lived-in rather than merely preserved.

Historic monuments

Krishnapura Chhatris are three cenotaphs built by the Holkar dynasty on the banks of the Khan River to honour their departed royals. The pavilions combine Maratha and Mughal architectural details: domed canopies, carved pillars, and intricate stone screens. Their riverside setting makes them particularly atmospheric in the early morning or at dusk. The largest of the three was built in memory of Maharani Krishnabai Holkar, and the fine stonework throughout reflects the craftsmanship the dynasty consistently brought to its memorial architecture.

Religious sites

Kanch Mandir, which translates simply as Glass Temple, is a Jain temple built in 1903 by industrialist Seth Hukumchand Jain. Every interior surface — walls, ceilings, pillars — is covered in coloured glass mosaic and mirror work, creating an effect that is genuinely unlike anything else in the city. The exterior looks like a modest mansion, so the interior comes as a real surprise. The temple is dedicated to the Jain faith's principles of non-violence, and the atmosphere inside is calm and contemplative despite the visual intensity of the decoration.

Khajrana Ganesh Temple is one of the most visited temples in Indore, drawing devotees every day of the week but especially on Wednesdays, which are considered particularly auspicious for Ganesh worship. The temple was reportedly built on the instructions of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, who hid the idol underground to protect it from invaders. The complex is large and well-organised, with a lively surrounding market selling flowers, sweets, and offerings. Arriving in the early morning lets you experience the rituals without the midday crowds.

Annapurna Temple is dedicated to the goddess of food and nourishment and is notable for its unusually rich sculptural programme. The complex includes shrines to several deities, but the main sanctum's carved exterior, with its stacked towers and detailed figurative work, is what draws architecture enthusiasts alongside pilgrims. It sits in the Indore suburb of Annapurna Nagar, a short bus ride from the city centre, making it an easy addition to any itinerary.

Museums and civic buildings

Central Museum Indore houses one of the better collections of Parmar-dynasty sculpture in central India, with stone carvings recovered from sites across Madhya Pradesh. The exhibits range from early medieval temple fragments to coins, copper plates, and weapons from the Holkar period. The building itself is worth a look, a colonial-era structure set in a quiet compound, and the relatively modest visitor numbers mean you can move through the galleries at your own pace.

Gandhi Hall is a colonial-era civic building that has become one of Indore's most recognisable landmarks. Originally called King Edward Hall when it was completed in 1904, it was renamed after independence and now functions as a cultural and events venue. The Indo-Gothic architecture, with pointed arches, a prominent clock tower, and red-stone detailing, makes it a natural focal point for an evening walk through the city centre.

Natural spaces

Patalpani Waterfall drops around 90 metres into a rocky gorge about 35 kilometres from the city, making it a popular half-day trip from Indore. The falls are most dramatic during and just after the monsoon season, when the volume of water turns the cascade into something genuinely powerful. A narrow-gauge heritage railway line runs near the site, and combining the train journey with a walk to the falls is a practical and enjoyable way to spend a morning outside the city.

Choral Dam and Choral River offer a quieter alternative to the waterfall circuit. The dam creates a broad reservoir surrounded by low forested hills, and the riverbanks downstream are calm enough for a picnic or an unhurried walk. The area is popular with local families at weekends, but on weekday mornings it is peaceful and the birdlife along the water's edge is worth paying attention to.

Pack your bags, book your seat, and let FlixBus take care of the journey. Everything else Indore has in store is waiting for you on arrival.

Looking for bus tickets from or to Indore?

Look no further, we’ve got all the details you need to plan your bus trip from or to Indore! There are 18 bus stops in Indore.You can catch the FlixBus at Indore - Best Price/Phoenix Citadel Mall (N), Indore - Best Price/Phoenix Citadel Mall (S), Indore - IT Park Square (N), Indore - IT Park Square (S), Indore - Pipliyahana Bypass (N), Indore - Pipliyahana Bypass (S), Indore - Pipliyahana Junction (N), Indore - Pipliyahana Junction (S), Indore - Rajendra Nagar (N), Indore - Rajendra Nagar (S), Indore - Rajiv Gandhi Circle (N), Indore - Rajiv Gandhi Circle (S), Indore - Rau Circle (N), Indore - Rau Circle (S), Indore - Silicon City (N), Indore - Silicon City (S), Indore - Teen Imli Bus Stand, Indore - Teen Imli Bus Stand (N). Departing from or traveling to Indore can cost as little as 11,48 €. You have various options to organize your bus trip as Indore is connected to 15 destinations with FlixBus. When you travel with FlixBus you're guaranteed a comfortable seat and complimentary access to our Wi-Fi throughout your journey. Stay connected and entertained while we take you to your destination!