Indore: Cleanest city in India, From Royal Heritage to Bustling Streets

Indore which is also popularly referred to as the heart of Madhya Pradesh is a beautiful laidback city with a rich cultural past. If you are an Indore resident or just a tourist passing through the city, you will be astounded at the abundance of places to explore not only in the city but also nearby. Summers in Indore are usually unbearably hot and hence, the best time for you to catch a quick break and explore new places. Check out below our hand-picked selection of the best weekend getaways near Indore which can be your next travel destination.

The lotus valley of Gualwat is located in the Hatod tehsil and is a visual delight. Away from the chaos and noise of the city, this place brings you closer to mother nature. The major draw of this location is the Lotus lake, which has over thousand lotuses growing on its surface. this lake is also home to various exotic birds that migrate here during winters. A small bridge located over the lake provides the ideal vantage point for admiring the lake’s beauty and taking aesthetically pleasing pictures. Gulawat Valley is at its most beautiful between November and February when lotus flowers are at their fullest bloom. Some other popular tourist spots in Gulawat are the Hanuman temple, Yashwant sagar lake, and Nuyyuga Park.

Situated in the Malwa region, Dhar is a popular tourist destination with a history that dates back to the 11th century. Every year, thousands of tourists visit Dhar to experience its glorious cultural and historical legacy. Dhar has a rich past and has witnessed numerous kings’ reigns, conflicts and battles, and was even an important centre of revolt during the mutiny of 1857. There is a lot to explore in Dhar including palaces, forts, mosques, temples, waterfalls and caves. Some of the most visited tourist attractions in Dhar are the Dhar fort, Kharbuja mahal, Bhojshala mandir, Jahaz mahal, Dhar museum, and Lat mosque. The best time to visit Dhar is during the winters as the weather is most pleasant then and ideal for sightseeing.

Omkareshwar is a holy destination for the Hindus as it has one of the 12 jyotirlinga shrines in the country. It is believed that Jyotirlingas are those places where Lord Shiva manifested in the form of light. Omkareshwara is located on the Mandhata island and is shaped like Om, the sacred symbol of Hindus. This place attracts millions of Hindus every year not only from the country but across the world. Omkareshwar is situated at the convergence of two important rivers, the Kaveri and Narmada rivers. The town is also popular for its natural scenic beauty and stunning architectural beauty. You can reach Omkareshwar easily via road and railways and due to the popularity of the place, a good variety of hotels and lodging facilities are also available. Some of the most popular tourist spots in Omkareshwar are Omkareshwar temple, Siddhanath temple, Kedareshwar temple, Sri Govinda Bhagvatpada cave, and Kajal rani cave.

Located in the Malwa region, Mandu is a ruined city with a rich history that dates back to the 6th century. The forts, palaces, and other historical structures in Mandu are beautiful examples of the city’s beauty. Mandu is also often regarded as a homage to the passionate love shared between prince Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. The prince fell so much in love with the queen that he neglected his princely responsibilities and was captured by Adam Khan, the army commander of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Rani Roopmati then killed herself because she was unable to live without the prince. Later, Baz Bahadur found refuge with Akbar and was buried next to Rani’s grave when he passed away. There are many popular tourist spots one can visit in Mandu such as the Mandu fort, Rani Roopmati pavilion, Baz Bahadur palace, Mandu Darwazas, Jami masjid, and Hoshang Shah’s tomb.

Ujjain is an important tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh and is located at a distance of 55 kms from Indore. It is located on the banks of the Shipra river and has many Hindu pilge sites. It is regarded as one of the most sacred cities in India by the Hindus. Kumbh mela is also also held in Ujjain once every 12 years. While Ujjain is home to over 100 temples, there are many other non-religious tourist attractions as well that one can enjoy. You can go on a boat ride at Ram Ghat, or learn more about the city’s past at Vedshala observatory, or look at the fascinating rock paintings at Dr V.S Wakankar museum, or savour the delectable Ujjain cuisine. Mahakaleshwar temple, Shree Kal Bhairab temple, Shri Chintaman Ganesh temple, and Sandipani ashram are some of the popular tourist attractions in Ujjain.

Break free from your monotonous life and go on a weekend vacation to these tourist destinations near Indore. Going on a trip will not only rejuvenate and cleanse your soul but also take you on a beautiful self-discovery journey you didn’t realise you needed.