Things To Do
in Dewās

Dewas is a mid-sized city in Madhya Pradesh’s Malwa region, known for its temple-capped hill, regional markets and growing industrial base. The town blends traditional Malwi culture with small-city commercial life and is a convenient gateway to nearby historic and natural attractions. Visitors find a mix of pilgrimage sites, local bazaars and easy day-trip options to places like Mandu and waterfalls near Indore.

Dewas is best experienced at a relaxed pace—exploring hilltop shrines, sampling Malwi food and using it as a base for nearby hikes and cultural visits.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the famous Dewas Fort, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. As the sun rises, the golden rays illuminate the fort's ancient structures, providing a perfect backdrop for photographs. After exploring the fort, stroll through the bustling local markets, where you can experience the vibrant culture and friendly locals.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Ganga Sagar Lake, where you can relax by the water and enjoy a peaceful picnic. Take a boat ride to soak in the surrounding natural beauty and watch local fishermen at work. As the day progresses, indulge in some local delicacies at a nearby eatery, experiencing the authentic flavors of Dewās.

evening
:

As evening falls, head to the iconic Bhairavgarh Fort, where you can witness a stunning sunset painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The fort is less crowded at this time, allowing you to take in the serene atmosphere. Conclude your day with a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, savoring dishes like dal bafla and poha.

day 2
Cultural Heritage and Temples
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the revered Gopal Mandir, known for its intricate architecture and peaceful ambiance. Spend time admiring the beautiful carvings and offering prayers to the deities. The morning light enhances the temple's beauty, making it a perfect moment for reflection.

afternoon
:

After your spiritual experience, make your way to the local crafts market to discover exquisite handicrafts and souvenirs. Engage with artisans and learn about traditional crafts like pottery and weaving. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a café, trying some regional specialties.

evening
:

As the evening approaches, visit the serene Jain Temple, where you can witness evening prayers and rituals. The temple's calm atmosphere and stunning marble work provide a tranquil backdrop for introspection. End your day with a walk through the nearby gardens, where you can enjoy the cool breeze and the sounds of nature.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$2-4
🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$12-20
🚖Short auto-rickshaw ride (within city)$0.5-2
🏨Budget hotel per night$15-30
Tea/Street snack$0.2-1

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Affordable, authentic Malwi culture and cuisine
  • Close to major attractions like Mandu and Indore for day trips
  • Compact city that's easy to navigate and explore at a relaxed pace
  • Good for temple visits, local markets and short hikes
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer Western-style amenities than larger cities
  • Very hot summers and seasonal monsoon disruptions
  • Nightlife and entertainment options are limited compared with nearby Indore
  • Language and signage may be challenging if you don’t speak Hindi
  • "Namaste" - Hello / Greeting
  • "Shukriya / Dhanyavaad" - Thank you
  • "Kripya" - Please
  • "Kitna hua?" - How much is this?
  • "Shauchalaya kahan hai?" - Where is the restroom?

Places to Visit in Dewās

Visit one of these nice places.

Tekri (Hill and Temples)

Offers panoramic views of Dewas and the Malwa plateau, temple architecture, sunrise/sunset shots and candid pilgrim photography.

Main Bazaar and Backstreets

Colorful market scenes, spice stalls, textile shops and daily-life portraits—great for street photography and food photos.

Nearby Waterfalls and Streams (seasonal)

During and after monsoon, waterfalls and gorges in nearby areas provide dramatic nature photography opportunities.

Rural Outskirts and Fields

Golden-hour landscapes with farmland, women working in fields and traditional village life—excellent for capturing Malwa’s rural character.

Historic Ruins on Day Trips (Mandu)

If you travel to Mandu, the Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal and forts offer dramatic ruins and sunset vistas for architectural photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Dewās

Dewas shares culinary traditions with the broader Malwa region: hearty, grain-based breakfasts, spice-forward vegetarian dishes and sweet treats. Street food and local restaurants serve simple but flavorful preparations—poha, kachori, jalebi and regional specialties—often influenced by neighboring Indore’s robust food culture. Meals are generally affordable and there are options for vegetarian and non-vegetarian eaters; dairy, lentils and millet appear frequently.

Dewās Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Poha

Flattened rice cooked with mustard seeds, curry leaves, onion, green chili and a squeeze of lemon; commonly eaten for breakfast and available at nearly every local eatery.

Must-Try!

Bhutte ka Kees

A Malwa specialty of grated corn cooked with spices, milk and ghee — creamy, mildly spiced and frequently sold by street vendors in the region.

Jalebi

Deep-fried, saffron-tinted spiral sweets soaked in sugar syrup; popular as a snack or dessert and often eaten with poha in the morning.

Dal Baati/ Bafla (local variant)

Comforting wheat-based dumplings or baked balls served with spiced lentils and ghee—found in local dhabas and festive menus.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Dewas Main Bazaar

Bustling central market where you can sample street snacks like poha, jalebi, samosas and chaat; also a good place to try regional sweets and seasonal produce.

Evening Food Stalls Near Tekri Base

A collection of small stalls selling tea, pakoras and local chaat—ideal for evening sampling and people-watching after temple visits.

Climate Guide

Weather

Dewas has a subtropical climate with hot, dry summers, a southwest monsoon bringing most of the annual rainfall, and mild to cool winters. Temperatures peak in May–June, monsoon rains fall between July and September, and November–February are the most comfortable months for travel.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Temple and Religious Respect

Remove shoes before entering temples, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), and follow any local rules for photography or offerings.

Greetings and Politeness

A folded-hand 'Namaste' is a polite greeting; use formal addresses with older people and accept hospitality graciously. Avoid public displays of affection in public spaces.

Right-hand Use

Use the right hand for eating, giving and receiving items as a cultural norm in many places.

Bargaining

Bargaining is common in bazaars and small shops—haggle politely and expect fixed prices in established stores.

Safety Guide

Safety

Dewas is generally safe for visitors—crime rates are lower than in large metropolitan areas—but usual urban precautions apply: watch belongings in crowded markets, avoid poorly lit streets at night, use reputable transport and keep copies of important documents. In the hot season, heat-related illness is a risk—carry water, use sun protection and avoid prolonged exposure during midday.

Tipping in Dewās

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is modest: 5–10% in restaurants if service is not included, small tips or rounding up for auto-rickshaw drivers and hotel porters; tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.

Payment Methods

Cash (Indian rupees) remains widely used for small purchases and street food; most hotels, restaurants and shops accept cards and UPI/QR payments (PhonePe, Google Pay) is very common. Carry some cash for markets and smaller vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

April to June brings very hot temperatures (often above 38–42°C). Plan outdoor activities in early morning or late afternoon, stay hydrated, wear sun protection and avoid midday exertion.

Monsoon

July to September sees moderate to heavy rains; the countryside becomes green and waterfalls flow, but roads to some rural spots may be slippery—carry waterproof gear and check local conditions before travel.

Winter

November to February offers the most pleasant weather—cool mornings and evenings (sometimes chilly), ideal for sightseeing, hiking and outdoor photography; pack a light jacket for evenings.

Post-monsoon/Autumn

October and early November are transitional months with clear skies, comfortable temperatures and ripe harvest landscapes—good for cultural visits and day trips.

Nightlife Guide

Dewās at Night

Dewas has a low-key nightlife compared with larger cities—most evening activity centers on street food stalls, tea shops and small local restaurants. There are a few bars and lounges in town, but lively nightlife options are limited; for a more vibrant evening scene, travelers often go to nearby Indore (about 40–60 minutes by road).

Hiking in Dewās

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Tekri Hill Trails

Short, accessible trails on and around the hill overlooking Dewas—suitable for sunrise/sunset walks and easy temple hikes.

Patalpani / Waterfall Trails (near Indore)

Seasonal waterfall and gorge trails about an hour or so away; best after monsoon with scenic cascades and short hiking routes.

Mandu Ruins Walks

Extensive walking among historic fortifications and monuments at Mandu (around 1–2 hours away by road)—great for longer day hikes combined with cultural exploration.

Airports

How to reach Dewās by plane.

Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport (Indore)

Main airport serving the region, about 40–60 km from Dewas depending on route and traffic; offers domestic flights and is the most convenient air access point—taxis and buses connect Indore to Dewas.

Raja Bhoj Airport (Bhopal)

Bhopal’s airport is farther away (roughly 120–150 km) but an option for travelers combining visits to the state capital; road or rail connections link Bhopal and Dewas.

Getting Around

Walkability

Central Dewas and the market areas are reasonably walkable, with compact streets and plenty of pedestrian activity; however, sidewalks may be uneven or narrow in places, and short auto-rickshaw rides are a practical alternative for longer distances or in hot weather.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Malwi-speaking Communities

Majority of residents speak Hindi and the Malwi dialect; traditional customs and regional cuisine are prevalent.

Industrial and Working-Class Population

Dewas has a notable number of industrial workers and small-business owners tied to manufacturing and trade in the district.

Small Urban Middle Class

Professionals, shopkeepers and service providers who form the commercial and civic life of the town.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

The most popular sport—played widely in schools, parks and streets; local matches and tournaments draw community interest.

Kabaddi

Traditional team contact sport with regional popularity, often played in rural areas and at local events.

Badminton/Local Gym Sports

Indoor racquet sports and community-level fitness activities are common recreational options.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Dewas is moderate compared with big cities—peak congestion occurs during morning and evening commutes and around market hours. Transport options include auto-rickshaws, local buses, taxis and private vehicles; road conditions are generally decent on main routes but smaller lanes can be congested and slow.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Dewās.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian food is easy to find—many eateries are entirely vegetarian or offer strong vegetarian menus. Ask staff about ghee, paneer and dairy to ensure suitability for strict vegans.

Vegan

Vegan options are more limited but possible—request dishes without ghee, butter or milk; dal, plain rice, vegetable curries and many street snacks can be adapted if you communicate clearly.

Gluten-free

Rice-, millet- and lentil-based dishes are common, but many snacks use wheat; ask about ingredients (rotis, sweets and fried items often use wheat) and prefer rice-based meals or legumes.

Food Allergies

Carry translation cards for common allergens in Hindi and confirm ingredients at eateries; small shops may lack cross-contamination awareness, so exercise caution.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Dewas has basic healthcare facilities including a district hospital, private clinics and pharmacies for routine care. For major medical emergencies or specialized treatment, larger hospitals in Indore (roughly 45–60 minutes away) provide more advanced services; travelers should carry any necessary medications and travel insurance that covers medical evacuation if needed.

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