Indore, the heart of Madhya Pradesh, is blessed with beautiful palaces, museums and religious sites that speak volumes about its glorious past. But if you want to explore the life outside this historical city and at the same time, get respite from your monotonous routine, it is a good idea to plan a short weekend getaway. Lucky for you, you won’t have to go too far as there are many amazing holiday destinations near Indore.
Here’s our list of top 10 weekend getaways from Indore:
Weekend Getaways from Indore:
1. Gulawat (22 km) from Indore
Gulawat | #1 of 10 Best Weekend Getaways from Indore
Gulawat is a quaint getaway located at a short distance from Indore. Famous for its lotus valley, this town can actually make you feel connected with Mother Nature. The Gulawat Lotus Lake is a hidden gem and offers breathtaking views of the surroundings. The scenic beauty of this place is unmatched, which makes it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.
It is recommended to visit this place when it’s not raining, so plan your trip in October-April.
2. Kalakund (32 km) from Indore
Kalakund | #2 of 10 Best Weekend Getaways from Indore
The enchanting landscape and rich flora and fauna of Kalakund attract adventure seekers to this place. Named after and famous for a popular Indian sweet called kalakand, this place is an ideal camping retreat offering unspoiled views of lush greenery and gushing streams.
If you want to spend some time in the lap of nature, there couldn’t be a better destination than Kalakund.
3. Ujjain (56 km) from Indore
Ujjain | #3 of 10 Best Weekend Getaways from Indore
Positioned on the banks of the Shipra River, the ancient city of Ujjain was once the residence of Ashoka. Today, this centuries-old city is a significant Hindu pilgrimage centre where the revered Kumbh Mela takes place once in 12 years.
When in Ujjain, you must visit the Harsiddhi Temple, which is one of the 51 Shaktipeethas in India. It is believed that Goddess Parvati’s elbow fell on the ground where this temple stands now.
Kal Bhairav Temple, Mahakaleshwar Temple and Ram Mandir Ghat are some other prominent attractions in Ujjain that must not be missed.
4. Dhar (64 km) from Indore
Dhar | #4 of 10 Best Weekend Getaways from Indore
Dhar was the capital of the Malwa dynasty before the rulers shifted their focus to Mandu. A trip to this culturally rich city means spending time exploring old ramparts of Dhar Fort and trekking barren hills. There is also a famous mosque in Dhar that was built in 1405 out of the remains of a temple. The Bagh Caves is another must-visit attraction for its wonderful rock-cut architecture and pictorial art.
History lovers would certainly love to spend a weekend in Dhar!
5. Omkareshwar (80 km) from Indore
Omkareshwar | #5 of 10 Best Weekend Getaways from Indore
Shaped like Om, the sacred island of Omkareshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Pilgrims come to this temple in large numbers to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. There is a hanging bridge over the Narmada River that marks the pathway to Omkar Mandhata Temple and also offers an amazing view of the lofty hills in the backdrop.
The scenic beauty of this island makes it a great picnic spot and an ideal place to spend time with family.
6. Maheshwar (95 km) from Indore
Maheshwar | #6 of 10 Best Weekend Getaways from Indore
Maheshwar, a temple town on the banks of River Narmada, makes for a great weekend retreat for both religious and leisure travellers. Its calm waters and hymns from temples will make you forget the worldly worries while the captivating sights at its fort complex and bathing ghats are a treat for the eyes.
Prominent attractions in Maheswar include Narmada Ghat, Ek Mukhi Datta Temple and Holkar Fort – the palace of Rani Ahilya Bai which is a beautiful example of Maratha architecture.
Do not forget to bring home the unique Maheshwari saris on your way back!
7. Mandu (97 km) from Indore
Mandu | #7 of 10 Best Weekend Getaways from Indore
Mandu, a 6th-century city, is a perfect weekend getaway for history buffs. It is home to India’s biggest fort – the Mandu Fort, which exemplifies the brilliant Afghan architecture.
Jahaz Mahal, also called the Ship Palace, is another popular attraction in Mandu. Shaped like a majestic ship, this architectural marvel stands beautifully between two lakes. The grand palaces and darwazas (gateways) dotted across the city further add to the rustic charm of Mandu.
8. Ratlam (139 km) from Indore
Ratlam | #8 of 10 Best Weekend Getaways from Indore
Historically known as Ratnapuri, Ratlam is a quaint city near Indore known for its princely charm and religious vibe. It is most popular for the Shwetamber Nageshwar Parshwanath Tirth, one of the prominent pilgrimage centres of Jainism. The temple is said to have a snake which is visible only to the ardent devotees of Lord Parshvanatha, according to legends.
If you wish to explore something more than the temples, head to the Cactus Garden at Sailana.
9. Hanumantiya Island (170 km) from Indore
Hanumantiya Island | #9 of 10 Best Weekend Getaways from Indore
Situated on the banks of the Indira Sagar Dam, Hanumantiya Island is stealing the limelight for water tourism in Madhya Pradesh. This small island offers visitors a chance to indulge in a wide array of water sports along with trekking, camping and bird watching. There is a boat club here, from where you can make bookings for boat and cruise rides on the backwaters.
Hanumantiya also hosts Jal Mahotsav – India’s only and largest water carnival which is attended by a lot of art enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and holidaymakers every year.
10. Bhopal (194 km) from Indore
Bhopal | #10 of 10 Best Weekend Getaways from Indore
Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, intrigues tourists with its rich history and architectural beauty. There are several museums, shrines, and historical places in the city that tell the tales of a bygone era.
When you are planning a weekend stay in Bhopal, don’t forget to visit Bhojtal – earlier known as ‘Upper Lake’ – India’s oldest manmade lake. You can take a boat ride here, go for a walk, enjoy a lakeside picnic or just sit and watch the sunset. There are many attractions in the vicinity of the lake like Bhojpur Temple and Van Vihar National Park to explore.
There is so much to explore and experience around Indore that you might long for an escape almost every weekend. So, what are you waiting for? Choose a destination, take out your car, and set out for a fun weekend with your loved ones.
Want to beat the heat this summer? Plan a trip to one of the popular hill stations near Indore.
This post was last modified on 29-Dec-2023