Best Photo Spots in Indore
Indore is at its most photogenic in the old city, where the seven-storey Rajwada, the Holkar cenotaphs of the Krishnapura Chhatris and the food stalls of Sarafa Bazaar are all within walking distance of each other. A short drive away, Lal Bagh Palace adds European-style halls and gardens, and Khajrana Ganesh Temple brings colour and crowds of devotees.
Whether you enjoy palaces, temples, street life or night photography, these are the best photo spots in Indore.
Medium crowdEntry Free (no photography inside)
Kanch Mandir (Glass Temple)
- Best timeMorning, when the bazaar lane outside is calmer and you can photograph the façade without crowds.
- ColorsWhitePastelGold
High crowdEntry Free
Khajrana Ganesh Temple
- Best timeEarly morning on a weekday, when the queues are short and the gateway is in soft light.
- ColorsSaffronRedYellow
Entry ₹10 (Indian) / ₹100 (foreign)
Lal Bagh Palace
- Best timeMorning, soon after opening, for soft light on the front of the palace and quieter gardens.
- ColorsIvoryEmeraldWine
High crowdEntry ₹20
Rajwada Palace
- Best timeEarly evening into blue hour, when the lights come on and the square fills with people; early morning for a clear view before the traffic builds.
- ColorsMaroonGoldCream
Entry Free
Sarafa Bazaar
- Best timeNight, after about 9:30 pm, when the stalls are lit, the pans are hot and the lane is full of people.
- ColorsBright solidsYellowCobalt
Why Indore Is Great for Photography
Indore mixes royal history with busy street life. The wooden upper storeys of Rajwada, the carved stone Krishnapura Chhatris on the banks of the Khan river and the European-style Lal Bagh Palace show three different sides of Holkar rule, while the temples and bazaars are full of colour from morning to night.
The city also works after dark. Rajwada is lit up in the evening, and Sarafa Bazaar only turns into a food market once its jewellery shops close, so plan at least one evening for night photos.
Photography Tips for Indore
- Start early in the old city: The square in front of Rajwada and the bazaar lanes are much quieter before the shops open.
- Stay out after dark: Photograph Rajwada at blue hour, then walk about 300 m to Sarafa Bazaar once the stalls light up after 9 pm.
- Respect temple rules: Photography is not allowed inside Kanch Mandir, so plan a shot of the outside, and ask before taking photos inside other temples.
- Ask before photographing people: Check with stall owners before you photograph them, and do not block the queue while you shoot.
- Travel light at night: Sarafa is narrow and crowded, so a phone or a small camera is easier than a tripod.
- Avoid the midday sun: From April to June, shoot in the first hours after sunrise and after sunset, when the light is softer and the heat is bearable.
Best Time for Photography in Indore
November to February gives clear skies, soft winter light and comfortable nights for Sarafa. The monsoon (July to September) turns gardens green and fills Patalpani waterfall, about 35 km away, but also brings grey skies and wet lanes. For festival photos, Rangpanchami in March and the Anant Chaturdashi procession, usually in September, fill the streets around Rajwada.
Lal Bagh Palace and Rajwada are usually closed on Mondays, so check opening days and photography rules before you go.
Questions
Indore — FAQ
What are the best photo spots in Indore?
The best photo spots in Indore are Rajwada, Lal Bagh Palace, Kanch Mandir, Khajrana Ganesh Temple and Sarafa Bazaar, plus the Krishnapura Chhatris by the Khan river. Between them they cover Holkar palaces, temple colour and night street life.
What is the best time of day for photography in Indore?
Mornings are best for Lal Bagh Palace, Khajrana Ganesh Temple and the old-city streets before the shops open. Blue hour is the time for Rajwada, when its lights come on, and Sarafa Bazaar is at its liveliest after about 9:30 pm.
Can I take photos inside Kanch Mandir?
No. Photography is not allowed inside Kanch Mandir. You can photograph the façade and its canopied balcony from the lane outside, but the mirror-work interior is one to enjoy in person.
Are there good photo spots near Indore?
Yes. Mandu, about 90 km away, has Afghan-era palaces and tombs such as Jahaz Mahal, and Maheshwar, also about 90 km away, has a fort and ghats on the Narmada. In the monsoon, Patalpani waterfall, about 35 km from the city, is at its fullest.
Is it safe to take photos at Sarafa Bazaar at night?
Yes, but it gets very crowded. Keep a firm grip on your phone, keep your bag in front of you and step to the side of the lane when you stop to take photos.