Start local: Chappan Dukan is a famous food-street cluster serving Indori poha, jalebi and light breakfast items; good fuel before a shopping day. Most popular stalls open from about 7:00am to late morning.
Rajwada area and the adjoining old markets have many shops selling traditional sarees, lehengas, dress materials and stitched ethnic wear — ideal for wedding or festive shopping and bargaining. Shops typically open by 10:00am; mornings are less crowded so you get better attention.
Small boutiques and family-run shops in the lanes around Rajwada offer handloom, printed fabrics and ready-made salwar suits — look for cottons and chanderi dupattas. Ask to see stitching/alteration options if you need tailoring.
Return to Chappan Dukan or a neighbourhood restaurant for a hearty thali or street-food lunch; great to try Indori snacks or a vegetarian thali before a long afternoon of mall browsing. Many stalls and small restaurants serve until mid-afternoon (check individual hours).
Spend the afternoon in an air-conditioned mall for western wear, branded ethnic lines (Manyavar, Fabindia counters, etc.), good change rooms and easier returns/exchanges. Malls usually open 10:30am–11:00pm; check specific store hours.
These markets and wholesale lanes are good for bargain fabric by the metre, inexpensive ready-made garments and bulk buys; ideal if you want unstitched fabric or cheaper alternatives. Shops typically operate until early evening (around 7:00–8:00pm).
Sarafa is famous as a night food bazaar but also offers evening stalls and boutiques around Rajwada, perfect for light shopping and tasting local dishes. The night market typically starts around 8:00pm and runs late into night (often till 1:00–2:00am).
Finish the day with a relaxed walk near the lit-up Rajwada palace area or return to your hotel. Keep receipts and try to consolidate purchases if you plan returns the next day.
If you need one more round of bargaining or want to pick up souvenirs/textiles from late-night sellers, Sarafa remains open; otherwise rest for the next day.