Start your trip by exploring the famous Rajwada Palace in Indore, a stunning architectural masterpiece. In the morning, visit the Central Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the region. In the afternoon, head to Sarafa Bazaar, a renowned street food market, and indulge in delicious local delicacies. As the evening sets in, take a relaxing boat ride on the serene Kanch Mandir Lake.
Rajwada Palace: INR 100, 1-2 hours
Central Museum: INR 50, 1-2 hours
Sarafa Bazaar: INR 200, 2-3 hours
Kanch Mandir Lake: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Indore is Chappan Dukan, known for its wide variety of street food options. Enjoy a plate of hot and crispy poha or indulge in a plate of garadu, a local specialty. The average cost for a meal here is about 100 rupees per person.
For lunch, head to Shreemaya Celebrity restaurant, a famous spot offering a mix of traditional and international cuisines. Try their thali, which includes a variety of dishes, or go for their delicious biryani. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 rupees per person.
In the evening, visit Ni Hao, a popular Chinese restaurant in Indore. Experience authentic Chinese flavors with dishes like dim sum and crispy chilli potatoes. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 rupees per person.
Sunday, December 24: Ujjain
Embark on a spiritual journey by visiting the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. In the morning, attend the Bhasma Aarti, a unique ritual where sacred ash is applied to the deity. Afterward, explore the Kal Bhairav Temple and the Harsiddhi Temple. In the evening, take a serene boat ride on the Shipra River and witness the beautiful Sandhya Aarti.
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga: Free, 2-3 hours
Kal Bhairav Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Harsiddhi Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Shipra River Boat Ride: INR 100, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Panchvati Gaurav is a popular vegetarian restaurant known for its delicious South Indian breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Lunch: Shehar Ka Dhaba offers a wide variety of authentic Indian dishes, including flavorful curries and biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Dinner: Shreemaya Celebrity is a renowned restaurant serving a combination of Indian and international cuisines. The elegant ambiance and delicious food make it a perfect dinner spot. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, December 25: Gwalior
Visit the magnificent Gwalior Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the morning. Explore the grand palaces, temples, and the Man Mandir Palace. In the afternoon, head to the Jai Vilas Palace Museum, known for its royal artifacts and vintage car collection. As the evening approaches, witness the spectacular Sound and Light Show at the Gwalior Fort, depicting the history of the region.
Gwalior Fort: INR 75, 2-3 hours
Jai Vilas Palace Museum: INR 100, 1-2 hours
Sound and Light Show: INR 100, 1 hour
Restaurants
Breakfast: Enjoy a traditional Indian breakfast at Hotel Suruchi, located near the Gwalior Fort. Indulge in delicious poha, jalebi, and samosas while enjoying the beautiful view of the city. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Lunch: Savor authentic Rajasthani cuisine at Silver Saloon, situated in the Jai Vilas Palace complex. Try the dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and laal maas for a truly royal experience. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Dinner: Treat yourself to a fine dining experience at Kwality Restaurant, renowned for its North Indian and Chinese dishes. Don't miss their butter chicken, garlic naan, and dum biryani. The average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Tuesday, December 26: Indore
Start your day with a visit to the Lal Bagh Palace, a stunning European-style palace with beautiful gardens. In the morning, explore the Annapurna Temple, dedicated to the goddess of food, and enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal at the temple's bhojanalaya (community kitchen). In the afternoon, shop for traditional handicrafts and textiles at the famous Sarafa and Khajuri Bazaars. End the day with a leisurely walk at the serene Pipliyapala Regional Park.
Lal Bagh Palace: INR 50, 1-2 hours
Annapurna Temple: Free, 1 hour
Sarafa and Khajuri Bazaars: Varied costs, 2-3 hours
Pipliyapala Regional Park: INR 20, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast in Indore, head to Joshi Dahi Vada, where you can enjoy delicious dahi vadas topped with a variety of chutneys. The average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, try the famous poha at Madhuram Sweets, a local favorite. Their fluffy and flavorful poha is served with sev, onions, and a squeeze of lemon. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Chappan Dukan, a street food hub in Indore. There are plenty of stalls offering a variety of local delicacies like bhutte ka kees, garadu, and sabudana khichdi. The average cost for a meal at Chappan Dukan is about 200 INR per person.
Wednesday, December 27: Ujjain
Explore the Chintaman Ganesh Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, in the morning. Afterward, visit the Kalidas Academy, a cultural institution promoting arts and literature. In the afternoon, take a heritage walk through the ancient lanes of Ujjain, witnessing the stunning architecture and vibrant local life. As the evening sets in, attend the mesmerizing Sandhya Aarti at the Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir.
Chintaman Ganesh Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Kalidas Academy: Free, 1-2 hours
Heritage Walk: Free, 2-3 hours
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Hotel Ashray. They serve a variety of Indian and continental breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
If you're looking for a satisfying lunch, try Ahar Restaurant. They offer a range of vegetarian dishes including thalis and local specialties. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
In the evening, enjoy a flavorful dinner at Shekhawati Fast Food. They serve tasty Rajasthani and Indian street food. The average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Thursday, December 28: Gwalior
Start your day by visiting the iconic Teli Ka Mandir, a masterpiece of Indo-Aryan architecture, in the morning. Explore the Scindia Museum housed in the Jai Vilas Palace, featuring a vast collection of artifacts and artworks. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Sun Temple, known for its stunning stone carvings. In the evening, witness a captivating Kathak performance at the Tansen Tomb.
Teli Ka Mandir: INR 50, 1-2 hours
Scindia Museum: INR 100, 2-3 hours
Sun Temple: INR 30, 1-2 hours
Tansen Tomb: INR 50, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Sarafa Bazaar is a popular breakfast spot in Indore known for its diverse street food options. You can enjoy local delicacies like poha, samosa, and jalebi here. The average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Agarwal's Sweets & Snacks, located near Ujjain Junction. They serve delicious vegetarian thalis and snacks at affordable prices. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Mughal Darbar is a renowned dinner restaurant in Gwalior, famous for its Mughlai cuisine. Indulge in mouthwatering kebabs, biryanis, and curries. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Friday, December 29: Indore
Explore the beautiful Kanch Mandir, also known as the Glass Temple, in the morning. In the afternoon, visit the Anand Sagar Lake and enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst nature. Indulge in some shopping at the vibrant markets of Indore, such as Sitlamata Bazaar and MT Cloth Market. As the evening sets in, savor the local street food specialties at Chappan Dukan.
Kanch Mandir: Free, 1-2 hours
Anand Sagar Lake: Free, 2-3 hours
Sitlamata Bazaar: Varied costs, 2-3 hours
MT Cloth Market: Varied costs, 1-2 hours
Chappan Dukan: Varied costs, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Indore is Johnny Hot Dog, known for its variety of delicious hot dogs and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Sarafa Bazaar, a bustling street food market in Indore. You can try a variety of local delicacies like poha, jalebi, samosa, and more. The average cost for a lunch here is about 200 INR per person.
If you're looking for a delightful dinner experience, try Masala Barbeque in Indore. They offer a range of barbecued dishes with a unique fusion twist. The average cost for a dinner at this restaurant is about 500 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Indore, don't miss out on visiting the serene Janapav Kuti, a scenic hill station located about 45 kilometers from the city. Nature lovers will enjoy the lush greenery and breathtaking views. In Ujjain, take a short detour to the tranquil Ram Ghat on the Shipra River, a popular spot for locals to relax and offer prayers. Lastly, in Gwalior, visit the beautiful Sarod Ghar, a museum dedicated to Indian classical music and instruments.
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