Indore – The Street Food Capital Backpackers Can’t Ignore

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Welcome to Indore – A Backpacker’s Hidden Paradise

If you're anything like me—a traveler with a backpack, a curious heart, and a tight budget—you know the joy of stumbling into cities that catch you completely off guard. Indore, in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, is one of those. It’s not as hyped as Mumbai or Jaipur, but it quietly checks every box for an unforgettable trip—walkable lanes, endless plates of street food, warm locals, bursts of color, a sense of safety, and stories around every corner.

From sunrise poha-jalebi rituals to late-night snacking under twinkling bazaar lights, Indore wraps you in a rhythm that’s both relaxed and full of life. This isn’t just a “place to see”—it’s a city to taste, feel, and live in.

A Bit of Indore's Backstory – Where Marathas Met Merchants

Indore’s roots stretch back to the 16th century when it emerged as a trading outpost between Delhi and the Deccan. It grew under the Maratha Empire, especially the Holkar dynasty, which left behind a legacy of palaces, temples, gardens, and a deep sense of cultural pride.

Today, Indore is a mix of royal heritage and youthful buzz—it’s the only Indian city to win the “Cleanest City in India” title multiple years in a row. For a backpacker, that means spotless streets, friendly neighborhoods, and a welcoming vibe.

Fun fact: The name "Indore" comes from the Indreshwar Mahadev Temple, one of the city’s oldest spiritual spots.

Why Backpackers Love Indore

🛏 Affordable Everything

From ₹300 dorm beds in clean hostels to ₹50 plates of spicy poha, Indore is a budget traveler’s dream. You can comfortably explore on ₹500–₹800 a day without feeling like you’re missing out.

🍲 Foodie Heaven

Indore is India’s unofficial street food capital. Sarafa Bazaar and Chappan Dukan are legendary, but every corner here has something cooking—be it deep-fried garadu in winter or creamy malpua for festivals.

💃 Youth Vibe

Thanks to several universities, Indore has a young crowd. Cafés, street art, live music—there’s always something happening.

🚶‍♂️ Easy to Explore

Compact and well-connected, you can walk, take share-autos, or hop on e-rickshaws without any hassle.

💬 Local Love

Indoris are warm, chatty, and often eager to guide you. Start a conversation at a chai stall, and you might end up with dinner invitations.

Must-Visit Places in Indore

Here’s your Indore essentials list:

1. Rajwada Palace – The beating heart of Indore’s history. The seven-story Holkar palace mixes Maratha, Mughal, and French architectural influences. Sunset photos here are magical.

2. Lal Bagh Palace – A grand reminder of royal living. Antique furniture, chandeliers, and a rose garden make this feel like stepping back in time.

3. Sarafa Bazaar (Night Market) – Jewelry by day, food paradise by night. Try bhutte ka kees, jalebi, malpua, and pav bhaji.

4. Chappan Dukan – Literally “56 shops” in a row, all serving delicious bites. Don’t miss shikanji, dahi puri, and sabudana khichdi.

5. Khajrana Ganesh Temple – Peaceful and spiritual, this temple is beloved by locals.

6. Patalpani Waterfall – Just outside the city, this natural beauty is a quick escape from the hustle.

Hidden Gems & Offbeat Experiences

Want to avoid the typical Instagram checklist? Here’s where the locals go:

• Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary – Early morning hikes here reward you with deer sightings, peacocks, and quiet forest trails.

• Annapurna Temple Complex – Beautifully carved and far less crowded than other temples.

• Poha-Jalebi at 6 AM – Join locals at roadside stalls for Indore’s iconic breakfast—sweet, savory, and soul-warming.

• MG Road at Sunrise – Watch the city wake up slowly; chai stalls steaming, shop shutters opening, and cycle bells ringing.

Unique Indore Experiences You Can't Miss

• 🎉 Late-Night Sarafa Snacking – Open till 1 AM, the bazaar transforms into an open-air food court. Imagine crunchy aloo tikki with the scent of ghee in the air.

• 🚇 Ride a Share Auto – An Indore rite of passage. Pay ₹10–₹20, squeeze in with strangers, and enjoy the ride.

• 🎨 Vijay Nagar Street Art Walk – Unexpected bursts of graffiti and murals make for great photo ops.

• 👟 Thrift Shopping at MT Cloth Market – Old-school fabrics, backpacks, and rare finds at bargain prices.

Travel Tips for Backpackers

🚌 Getting Around

• Share-autos are cheap and fun.

• E-rickshaws are better for short distances.

• Ola works better than Uber here.

🏨 Where to Stay

• Zostel Indore – Social, clean, and centrally located.

• Moustache Indore – Great for digital nomads.

• Budget hotels near MG Road or Vijay Nagar also work well.

💸 Budget Hacks

• Eat at local stalls instead of cafés.

• Use public transport for most trips.

• Book overnight buses for long-distance travel to save on a night’s stay.

📲 Apps That Help

• Zomato – Food reviews and delivery.

• RedBus – For intercity trips.

• Ola – Local rides.

• BookMyShow – Catch movies or stand-up comedy nights.

🙏 Local Etiquette

• Greet with “Namaste” or “Ram Ram.”

• Remove shoes at temples and inside homes.

• A smile and polite words go a long way here.

Best Time to Visit Indore

A Backpacker’s Day Plan in Indore

Morning – Start with poha-jalebi near Rajwada, then explore the palace and Lal Bagh.
Afternoon – Visit Khajrana Temple, then stop by Annapurna Temple for peace and shade.
Evening – Snack crawl at Chappan Dukan, then head to Sarafa Bazaar at night for the real magic.
Night – Walk along MG Road or relax at your hostel rooftop.

Final Words – Come Hungry, Leave Happy

Indore isn’t just a stop—it’s a full-blown backpacker’s experience. From royal architecture to spice-laden street food, from hostel friendships to lazy market strolls, every day here can be as fast or slow as you want it to be.

It’s a city that doesn’t try too hard to impress—and that’s its charm. The more time you give it, the more it opens up to you.

So, pack light, bring your appetite, and keep your heart open. Indore will feed you—body and soul.