Exploring Indore, Pavagarh, and Dwarka on a Shoestring Budget

Saturday, September 30: Indore

In the morning, start your trip in Indore by visiting the magnificent Rajwada Palace, a historical landmark known for its architectural beauty. Spend the afternoon exploring the bustling streets of Sarafa Bazaar, famous for its delicious street food stalls. In the evening, head to Chappan Dukan, a street lined with 56 shops offering a variety of local snacks and sweets.

• Rajwada Palace: Cost - Free, Time - 2 hours
• Sarafa Bazaar: Cost - Varies, Time - 3 hours
• Chappan Dukan: Cost - Varies, Time - 2 hours

Sunday, October 1: Pavagarh

Embark on a day trip to Pavagarh, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for the Kalika Mata Temple. Start your morning with a hike to the temple, enjoying the scenic views along the way. Afternoon can be spent exploring the Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park, where you can witness ancient ruins and historical structures. In the evening, head back to Indore.

• Kalika Mata Temple: Cost - Free, Time - 4 hours
• Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park: Cost - Free, Time - 3 hours

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot in Indore is "Cafe 56" which serves delicious traditional Indian breakfast dishes like poha, jalebi, and aloo paratha. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• For lunch, "Nakhrali Dhani" is a great choice, offering a Rajasthani thali with a wide variety of mouthwatering vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• "Sarafa Bazar" is a must-visit for dinner, known for its street food stalls serving delectable snacks like vada pav, bhutte ka kees, and garadu. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.

Monday, October 2: Dwarka

Take a morning flight to Dwarka, the holy city associated with Lord Krishna. Start your day by visiting Dwarkadhish Temple, one of the most revered temples in the city. Afternoon can be spent exploring Bet Dwarka, an island known for its temples and scenic beauty. In the evening, witness the enchanting sunset at Dwarka Beach.

• Dwarkadhish Temple: Cost - Free, Time - 2 hours
• Bet Dwarka: Cost - Ferry - INR 10, Temple Visit - Free, Time - 4 hours
• Dwarka Beach: Cost - Free, Time - 1 hour

Tuesday, October 3: Dwarka

On your last day in Dwarka, start with a visit to Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Spend the afternoon exploring Rukmini Devi Temple, known for its beautiful architecture. In the evening, take a stroll along the Gomti Ghat and witness the Aarti ceremony.

• Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: Cost - Free, Time - 2 hours
• Rukmini Devi Temple: Cost - Free, Time - 1 hour
• Gomti Ghat: Cost - Free, Time - 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Indore, make sure to visit the offbeat Patalpani Waterfall, located around 35 kilometers from the city. It offers a serene atmosphere and is perfect for nature lovers. In Pavagarh, don't miss the chance to visit the Jami Mosque, an architectural marvel showcasing the fusion of Hindu and Islamic styles. In Dwarka, explore the Dwarka Lighthouse for panoramic views of the city and the Arabian Sea.

For affordable accommodation and flight options, you can check prices on Kayak.