Malwa Travel Guide (Punjab/Plains/India/South Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Malwa

Located in the heart of Punjab, India, Malwa offers visitors the perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. With its picturesque landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and bustling markets, Malwa is a true gem of South Asia. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, there’s something for everyone in Malwa.

List of Places to Visit in Malwa

If you are planning to visit Malwa, here are some must-visit places you shouldn’t miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Mandu Fort - Also known as the “City of Joy,” Mandu Fort is a stunning example of Afghan architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mahakaleshwar Temple - Located in Ujjain, this ancient temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Chausath Yogini Temple - This 10th-century temple, located in Bhedaghat, is dedicated to the 64 yoginis who served Goddess Durga.
Rani Roopmati Pavilion - Built in the 16th century, this pavilion offers breathtaking views of the Narmada river and the surrounding countryside.
Sahastrabahu Temple - Another marvel of 10th-century architecture located in Gwalior, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Natural Attractions of Malwa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Pachmarhi - Known as the “Queen of Satpura,” this hill station offers stunning waterfalls, lush greenery, and wildlife trails.
Bamniya Kund - Situated in Ratlam, this natural spring is home to thousands of colorful fish.
Dhoopgarh - The highest point in the Satpura range, Dhoopgarh offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Bhimbetka Caves - Located in Raisen, these prehistoric caves showcase ancient rock paintings dating back to the Paleolithic era.
Omkareshwar - This sacred island in the Narmada river is home to the famous Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Malwa

Malwa is a nature lover’s paradise, and there are several hiking and biking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Some popular routes include:

Satpura trek - This trek is a must-do for adventure lovers, taking you through the lush forests and hills of the Satpura range.
Choral Trek - Situated in Indore, this trek offers stunning views of the Patalpani waterfall and the Kalkhanda forest.
Kajligarh Fort Trek - This trek in Ratlam takes you to the ruins of a 10th-century fort, offering stunning views of the countryside.

Best Things to Do in Malwa: Activities and Tours

In addition to exploring the natural and cultural attractions of Malwa, there are other things to do, such as:

Boat ride in the Narmada River - Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Narmada River and its surroundings.
Camping in Satpura Jungle - Pitch your tent amidst the lush green forest of the Satpura range and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Hot Air Ballooning in Pachmarhi - Observe the breathtaking views of Pachmarhi and its natural beauty, soaring high above in a hot air balloon.
White Water Rafting in Betwa River - Feel the adrenaline rush with this thrilling adventure sport.

Week-Long Itinerary for Malwa

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary for exploring Malwa:

Day	Itinerary
Day 1	Arrive in Indore, explore the city and visit Rajwada Palace.
Day 2	Visit Mandu Fort and Jahaz Mahal.
Day 3	Explore the natural beauty of Pachmarhi.
Day 4	Visit the Bhimbetka Caves and Sanchi Stupa.
Day 5	Take a boat ride in the Narmada River and visit Omkareshwar.
Day 6	Visit Mahakaleshwar Temple and enjoy a hot air balloon ride.
Day 7	Shop for souvenirs and fly back home.

Food and Drink Scene of Malwa

Malwa offers a wide range of delicious and mouth-watering cuisine influenced by the local culture. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Poha-Jalebi - A perfect breakfast meal made with beaten rice flakes and jalebi, a sweet crispy snack.
Sarafa Chaat - Indore’s famous street food, made with potatoes and served with spicy mint-coriander chutney.
Bhutte ka kees - A famous delicacy made with grated corn with added spices.
Dal bafla - A traditional and hearty meal, made with lentils and wheat balls that are baked in coal fire.

Local Beverages

Lassi - A refreshing drink made with yoghurt and blended with sugar, fruit, or spices.
Shikanji - A drink made with lemon and fizzed with soda, making it a refreshing drink in the heat of the day.
Sharbat - A drink with a vast variety of flavors made with fresh fruits, sugar, and water.

Where to Stay in Malwa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Malwa offers many options for both backpacker and luxury accommodation. Some popular options include:

The Taj Usha Kiran Palace - A luxurious palace hotel in Gwalior.
Kanchan Recreation - A budget-friendly guesthouse in Pachmarhi.
Hotel Kalinga - A midrange hotel in Indore, centrally located near many of the city’s attractions.

What to Buy in Malwa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Malwa offers a range of local handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and food souvenirs that make excellent gifts to bring back home. Some popular items include:

Maheshwari Sarees - Made of finely woven cotton, these sarees are famous for their unique designs.
Chanderi Silk - Luxurious and soft silk garments that feature intricate designs.
Leather footwear and bags - Handmade shoes and bags made of fine leather are famous in Malwa.
Spices and condiments - Malwa is known for its tasty spices, including Garam Masala, Chaat Masala, and Jeera Aloo masala.

Local Culture and Customs of Malwa

Malwa is home to diverse cultures and ethnicities, so it’s crucial to respect local customs and traditions. Some helpful tips include:

Dress Modestly - When visiting religious places such as temples, cover your head and avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts.
Respect elders - It’s customary in Malwa to treat elders with great respect and attention.
Remove footwear - It’s expected to remove your shoes before entering someone’s house or a temple.
Avoid Plastic - Malwa is taking steps towards eco-friendliness, so try and avoid using plastic bags and bring a cloth bag for shopping.

Best Time to Visit Malwa

The best time to visit Malwa is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. During summers, the weather can get quite hot and humid.

Do’s and Don’ts of Malwa

Do:

Haggle in Street markets - Haggling is a common practice in Malwa, so try negotiating a fair price.
Enjoy the Local Cuisine - Malwa’s cuisine is rich and unique, so try local specialties and street food.
Experience the Local Culture - Malwa has a rich history and diverse culture, so take some time to explore and immerse yourself in it.

Don’t:

Disrespect religious places - Avoid inappropriate behavior or dress when visiting religious sites.
Litter - Keep Malwa clean and dispose of waste properly.
Disturb Wildlife - Malwa has rich biodiversity, so avoid causing harm to local wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in Malwa

Malwa is generally a safe place for tourists, but it’s always essential to take precautions, such as:

Travel in groups - Avoid walking alone at night and use taxis or public transport instead.
Be mindful of pickpocketing - Keep your belongings such as wallets, phones, and cameras in a secure and safe place.

Health in Malwa

It’s advisable to take some necessary health precautions when traveling to Malwa, such as:

Vaccinations - Make sure you have all the required vaccinations before traveling to Malwa.
Drink Bottled Water - Avoid drinking tap water or eating ice cubes in drinks.
Carry Mosquito Repellent - Malwa is known for mosquitoes, so make sure to carry some mosquito repellent with you.

Getting to Malwa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Malwa is well-connected and easily accessible via air, rail, and road travel.

Airports Near Malwa

Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport - Indore, 8 km from the city center.
Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia Airport - Gwalior, 10 km from the city center.

Bus Stations Near Malwa

ISBT Delhi - Direct buses are available from Delhi to Malwa, with a travel time of around 8 hours.
Indore Bus Station - Indore is well connected to other parts of India by road, with state-run and private buses.

Other Options

Railways - Malwa is well connected by train. Major railway stations include Indore, Gwalior, and Ujjain.
Private Cars/ Taxis - Hiring a private car or taxi is a convenient option for local travel and sightseeing.

How to Get Around in Malwa

Getting around in Malwa depends on the mode of transportation and the destination. Public transport options like buses and trains are available for intercity travel. Taxis, rickshaws, and motorbikes are also popular modes of transportation for local travel.

Where to Go Next from Malwa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re planning a longer trip, you can combine a visit to Malwa with other nearby destinations, such as:

Khajuraho - Famous for its stunning temples, Khajuraho is just a few hours away from Malwa by road.
Orchha - A treasure trove of history and culture, Orchha is easily accessible from Malwa and offers excellent opportunities for sightseeing.
Bhopal - The capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal is famous for its lakes and historical monuments, and is just a few hours away from Malwa.

Conclusion

Malwa is a hidden gem in Punjab that offers visitors the perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Explore the majestic forts, ancient temples, and wildlife trails in the lap of nature. Experience the local customs, indulge in mouth-watering cuisine, and shop for unique handicrafts. We hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Malwa.

Malwa Image Gallery

''Pohe'' is flattened rice served with potatoes and spices