The Malwa Experience: Temples, Tigers and Taste Buds
From the street-food markets of Indore to the royal ghats of the Narmada and the wild beyond.
Few travel into the Malwa heartland. Fewer still leave wanting more.
Begin amid the bright chaos of Indore’s street-food markets: steaming poha, syrupy jalebi, smoky chaats eaten standing at little stalls that have perfected one dish for generations. Move on to Mandu’s hilltop ruins, where crumbling palaces whisper legendary love stories across the "City of Joy." In Maheshwar, lose yourself on the carved ghats as the river wraps the stone in golden light; drift on the Narmada at dusk and join the evening aarti as lamps and chants draw the town into a quietly theatrical ritual.
Then follow a quieter road into the wild. Kheoni’s forest is one of the state’s best-kept secrets: open-jeep safaris here feel intimate and raw. Track leopards and tigers through a forest that still belongs to the animals, far from the usual tourist trails.
This is food, history and wilderness stitched into one short journey. Local flavours, riverside rituals and unscripted wildlife moments. Small groups only. Spaces are limited. Malwa, as it's meant to be tasted.
Join us to taste Indore’s street food, walk the stone stories of Mandu, share the evening ritual on the Narmada, and explore the hidden wild of Kheoni. Reserve your place to experience Malwa as it was meant to be tasted.
Can’t Make Our Dates?
Can’t make our scheduled dates? If you have a group of eight or more, we can organise this exact experience for you on your preferred dates. It’s the perfect itinerary for family reunions, milestone celebrations, or getaways with friends.
Flexible & Customised Itineraries
Looking for a more personalised touch? From boutique luxury stays to special activity inclusions, our travel experts can craft a bespoke itinerary tailored precisely to your interests.
- Indore Food Trail: A guided evening walk through Indore’s bustling markets to sample Malwa’s legendary street food: Poha‑Jalebi, Bhutte ka Kees, Chaat, and more.
- Mandu Exploration: Wander the romantic hill‑fort of Mandu, visiting Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal and Rani Roopmati’s panoramic pavilion.
- Sunset Boat Ride: A magical dusk boat ride to Baneshwar Temple, followed by the evening Narmada Aarti, a beautiful ritual of lamps and chants.
- Maheshwari Weaving: An up-close look at the traditional handloom weavers keeping ancient textile crafts alive.
- Kheoni Safaris: Two exclusive open‑jeep safaris in a quiet, off‑the‑beaten‑path sanctuary to search for leopards, tigers and rare birds.
Day 1: Arrival in Indore – Evening Food Trail
Arrive in Indore by 4:00 PM and check into your hotel. After a short rest, set out for Indore’s famous food scene. Enjoy a guided evening food trail through the bustling markets, tasting local favourites like Poha-Jalebi, Bhutte ka Kees, and the city’s famous sweets. This is a delicious introduction to Malwa's culture. Overnight stay in a hotel at Indore.
(Meals included: Dinner)
Day 2: Indore – The Grandeur of Mandu – Maheshwar
After an early breakfast, drive to Mandu, an ancient hilltop fortress city. Spend the afternoon visiting its beautiful landmarks, including Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace), Hindola Mahal, and the scenic Rani Roopmati’s Pavilion overlooking the plains.
After a local lunch in Mandu, continue to the peaceful riverside town of Maheshwar and check in at your hotel. As the sun sets, take a gentle boat ride on the Narmada, then watch the evening aarti on the ghats, a beautiful ritual of lamps and chants. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay at a resort at Maheshwar.
(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Approx. travel: Indore → Mandu ~2.5 hrs (≈95 kms). Mandu → Maheshwar ~1.5 hrs (≈65kms). Times and distances are approximate and vary with route and traffic
Day 3: Maheshwar Sightseeing, Weaving & Transfer to Kheoni
Start your morning in Maheshwar by visiting the carved stone temples and watching rituals on the ghats. Visit local Maheshwari weavers for a short demonstration and a chance to shop for handloom sarees. After an early lunch, drive to Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary through changing landscapes. Arrive at the forest lodge by evening, check in, and join a short orientation before dinner. Overnight stay at a forest lodge in Kheoni.
(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Approx. travel: Maheshwar → Kheoni typically takes around 5 hrs depending on the road conditions (approx. 210 km).
Day 4: Safaris at Kheoni
Today is all about wildlife. Take morning and evening safaris in Kheoni, a peaceful forest away from the crowds. With your naturalist, look for leopards, tigers, and barking deer. Between safaris, relax at the lodge and soak in the sounds of the forest. Overnight stay at a forest lodge in Kheoni.
(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Day 5: Return to Indore for Departure
Enjoy a relaxed morning at the forest lodge at your own pace. After a hearty breakfast, we check out and begin our drive back to Indore. You will reach the airport by 4:00 PM, carrying home the lingering flavours of Malwa and memories of the quiet beauty of the Madhya Pradesh forests.
(Meals included: Breakfast)
Approx. travel: Kheoni → Indore ~3hrs (approx. 130km)
Travel Arrangements to and from Indore:
When planning your journey, please ensure you arrive in Indore by 4:00 PM on the first day so you can join the evening food trail.
For your departure, please schedule your flight or train from Indore for after 4:00 PM on the last day.
If you need assistance with booking your travel, please contact our travel counsellor. We are happy to help you out!
What is included in the tour
- Surface transport in a comfortable AC vehicle from Ex-Indore.
- Accommodation on a Twin or Triple-sharing basis as chosen.
- All meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Experience & Sightseeing: Guided evening food trail in Indore, full-day guided excursion to Mandu and Maheshwar, sunset boat ride on the Narmada River to Baneshwar Temple, witnessing the evening Narmada Aarti at the ghats, and a visit to the Maheshwari handloom weaving centre.
- Two jeep safaris in Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary.
- All park permit fees and local guide charges.
- Services of a dedicated Tour Leader from Team Foliage to manage all logistics and nature inputs.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Any Airfare or train tickets to reach Indore.
- Personal expenditure of any kind (Porterage, Telephone, Laundry, room service, etc.).
- Tips to drivers, guides, and hotel staff.
- Expenses that are incurred due to reasons beyond the control of the organisers.
- Camera fees or charges levied by any local department.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under ‘Charges include’.
- Goods and Services Tax (GST).
