Indore

Rajwada is the seven storey Holkar palace standing proudly in the heart of old Indore, a city in Madhya Pradesh for those still asking Indore is which state. Built gradually from the 1760s onward, this architectural landmark blends Maratha strength, Rajput elegance and subtle French touches. Right outside its grand entrance, the chaos of Sarafa, Khajuri and other historic bazaars swirls through the streets, making the palace feel alive rather than preserved behind silence. In Indore, which country travellers often confirm as India, heritage does not sit quietly behind ropes, it breathes among shopkeepers and sweet sellers. Rajwada suffered devastating fires in 1984 and again in 2006, but determined restoration work in the 2010s, backed by the Indore government, returned it to glory. Today the ground floor hosts a museum, while the upper levels open into ornate Darbar halls that once shaped the destiny of the region. Though Bhopal holds the administrative title, many still affectionately call Indore which state capital of commerce because of such historic power centres.

Sarafa Bazaar is a 500 year old jewellery market in Indore that performs a nightly magic trick. By day it glitters with gold and silver; by 10 PM, when the shutters roll down, the entire street transforms into one of India’s most unforgettable food arenas until 2 AM. For anyone still wondering Indore is which state, it belongs to Madhya Pradesh, and for curious travellers asking Indore which country, it is proudly part of India. Yet no geography lesson prepares anyone for this spectacle. More than 100 food stalls line the lane, many run by families guarding recipes passed down through generations. Bhutte ka kees, garadu crisped to perfection, Joshi’s iconic dahi vada and dozens of dishes rarely found beyond city limits explain instantly why Indore is famous for its night food culture. Walking between closed jewellery shops and brightly lit food counters, hearing the cheerful mix of Hindi and the local Indore language Malwi, feels like stepping into a festival that repeats itself every single night.