Indore on a college budget

Here is a list of top 10 experiences in Indore on a college budget. The only Indian city to have both an IIT and IIM, Indore is the educational hub of Madhya Pradesh (or MP, as we fondly call it).

1. Visit the Lal Baag Palace

The Lal Baag Palace, a European-style palace built in 1920, is now a museum and has a collection of artefacts, paintings and antique coins. Visit this place if you are an art buff and would love to explore the extensive collection.


Photo by Mohit8soni (Own work)

Fee: INR 5 for Indians

2. Don’t miss Rajwada Palace (Holkar Palace)

The Holkars’ Rajwada Palace lies in the heart of Indore but was destroyed in a fire in 1984. This beautiful structure, also known as the Old Palace, is a perfect blend of architectural influences from the Holkar Dynasty as well as other ancient dynasties of India. Still standing tall with its magnificent architecture, it is a must visit on your trip to Indore.


Rajwada Palace

Fee: INR 10 for Indians

3. Visit Kanch Temple

The Kanch Mandir or ‘Glass Temple’ is a 19th Century Jain temple. Every surface is choc-a-bloc with inlaid glass pieces. One of the most famous places to visit in Indore, this one is a fine example of architectural brilliance.

Fee: No Entry Fee


Photo by Bgag

4. Visit Regional Park at Pipliyapala Lake

A trip to Indore is said to be incomplete without visiting the Pipliyapala Regional Park on the banks of Pipliyapala Lake. The well-kept gardens, such as the Mughal Garden and French Garden in the premises add to the beauty of the already beautiful place. You can also enjoy good theatre shows at the open-air amphitheatre which is there in the park itself.


Photo by varunshiv

Fee: INR 25 per adult and INR 10 per kid

5. Indulge in Shopping at Local Markets

Shopping in Indore is a delightful experience with a host of local markets such as MT Cloth Market and Sitlamata Bazar. Both these places are wholesale markets where you can stock up your shopping bags with clothes at reasonable prices. Don’t forget to brush up your bargaining skills before heading to these markets!


MT Cloth Market, Indore, Photo by AJ Photographic Art

6. Enjoy Street Shopping to the Fullest

Interested in buying trendy stuff at throwaway prices? Head to the local market behind Rajwada to shop for funky accessories, stylish t-shirts, shoes and fabulous college bags at unbelievable prices. The street is lined with numerous shops offering all this and much more.


Photo by arjun_mohan2000

7. Street Food Calling

Indore is famous for its poha and jalebi combination and Rau Market is the best place to have these. Indulge in some hot kachoris, samosas--especially the bina tala samosa (a baked potato sandwich) at Chappan Bhog Chowkand you will be yearning for more.


Photo from official Facebook page of Madhya Pradesh Tourism

Head to Sarafa Market, the all-night street food lane, to satiate your sweet cravings and you will love your mung halwa, gajak and garadu. Indulge in freshly prepared lassi, rabri faluda or sheetal pay-a refreshing drink, as these are the specialities of the market. Eating out at local markets is a must-have experience when you are travelling to Indore on a college budget.


Photo from official Facebook page of Madhya Pradesh Tourism

8. Delight your taste buds at Local Restaurants

Craving for some yummy food at prices that won’t hurt your pocket much? Head to places like Wanna Puff’s, Chef's Alcove and Chaupati, some famous local restaurants in Indore, to enjoy lavish treats at affordable prices. Restaurants like Wanna Puff’s and Chef’s are located in the outskirts of the city but people go to these places just to eat!


Photo from official Facebook page of Chef's Alcove

9. Choose the right Budget Accommodation options

Travelling for the first time to Indore for your admissions and looking for some decent budget hotels in the city? Well, there are a lot of budget hotels in Indore which will happily take care of all your accommodation worries. Some of the recommended options are Hotel Kanchan Tilak, Apple's Den and Park.


Photo from official website of Park

10. Plan a trip to Mandu

A 2-hour journey from Indore, the hill station of Mandu is one of the best weekend retreats from the city. You can opt for a state bus or shared cab service from Indore to reach here or take a train ride. Mandu can be best described as a hill-fortress, spread over a flat hilltop, easily covered on foot, teeming with architecture and history.


Photo by Arian Zwegers

It’s time to throw all your worries and enjoy these top 10 experiences in Indore on a college budget.

You can find some cheap air tickets and train ticket booking options on ixigo. Happy tripping!