Asia / India

Indore, Bhopal & Ujjain

A 7-day curated journey through Indore, Bhopal & Ujjain, India — hand-planned by Rachana, with where to stay, what to do and where to eat all mapped out.

Ideal stay: 7 days
Best season: October to March
From: $1,218–$6,594 pp

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The place

About this destination

A 7-day curated journey through Indore, Bhopal & Ujjain, India — hand-planned by Rachana, with where to stay, what to do and where to eat all mapped out.

My experience

This is Rachana's own 7-day itinerary for Indore, Bhopal & Ujjain, India — the version she'd plan for a close friend. It threads together stays she rates like Options and Premium, a day-by-day plan, and the meals worth booking ahead. Everything here is personally travelled and curated — no filler.

Luxury

Through the lens · 6 frames

Photo journal

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01
Arrive in Indore
- 01Visit Rajwada Palace – a 200-year-old Holkar palace.
- 02Explore Lal Bagh Palace – museum showcasing royal grandeur.
- 03Kanch Mandir – a Jain temple made of glass.
- 04Sarafa Bazaar – bustling jewelry market by day, food haven by night.
- 05Treasure Island Mall – for branded shopping.
Day 02
Omkareshwar Jyotirling Darshan & Return
- 01Drive Time from Indore: ~2.5 hrs one way
- 02Early morning drive to Omkareshwar.
- 03Darshan at Omkareshwar Jyotirling Temple.
- 04Visit Mamleshwar Temple on the other side of the river.
- 05Boat ride on Narmada River for spiritual tranquility.
- 06Breakfast: en route (carry from hotel or stop at clean highway dhabas).
- 07Lunch: at Gopal Midway (en route back).
- 08Dinner: in Indore – Nafees for North Indian/Mughlai casual dining.
Day 03
Indore to Ujjain
- 01Drive Time: ~1.5 hrs
- 02Visit Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling Temple – attend Bhasma Aarti (book online prior).
- 03Explore Kal Bhairav Temple, where devotees offer liquor.
- 04Visit Harsiddhi Mata Mandir & Ram Ghat on Shipra River.
- 05Lunch: Apna Sweets – clean, casual Indian vegetarian.
- 06Dinner: Meghdoot Hotel Restaurant – thalis and local Ujjaini cuisine.
- 07Local bazaars near Mahakal Temple for souvenirs, rudraksha, temple prasad items.
Day 04
Ujjain to Bhopal
- 01Drive Time: ~3.5 hrs
- 02Stroll around Upper Lake (Bhojtal) – boating & lakeside walk.
- 03Visit Van Vihar National Park – if time permits.
- 04Sunset view from VIP Road promenade.
- 05Dinner: at Under the Mango Tree (Jehan Numa) – fine Indian cuisine.
Day 05
Bhopal Sightseeing
- 01Must-Visit Places
- 02Sanchi Stupa (UNESCO Site) – Buddhist heritage (1.5 hrs from Bhopal).
- 03Bharat Bhavan – art museum and cultural hub.
- 04Taj-ul-Masjid – one of the largest mosques in India.
- 05Tribal Museum – beautifully curated tribal life & art.
- 06Breakfast: Bake N Shake – cozy café options.
- 07Lunch: Sankalp – South Indian vegetarian fine dining.
- 08Dinner: Za-aiqa at Noor-Us-Sabah Palace – rooftop dining with a view.
- 09New Market – local crafts, clothes, silver jewelry.
- 10Mrignayani Emporium – government shop for authentic handlooms & handicrafts.
Day 06
Day Trip to Bhimbetka & Bhojpur
- 01Bhimbetka Rock Shelters – UNESCO site with prehistoric cave paintings (1 hr away).
- 02Bhojpur Temple – 11th-century Shiva temple with one of the largest Shiva lingas.
- 03Carry snacks or packed breakfast from hotel.
- 04Late lunch back in Bhopal: Greek Food & Beyond – nice casual diner.
- 05Dinner: RAW The Restrobar – fusion food & drinks (vegetarian options available).
Day 07
Departure
- 01Enjoy breakfast at hotel.
- 02Visit Birla Mandir or last-minute shopping at DB Mall.
- 03Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling, Ujjain (Book Bhasma Aarti in advance)
- 04Omkareshwar Jyotirling, Omkareshwar
- 05Kal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain
- 06Bhojpur Shiva Temple, Bhopal
- 07Birla Mandir, Bhopal
- 08Kanch Mandir, Indore

Where to sleep