Things To Do
in Dhār

Wide-open ruined palaces, Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace), Hoshang Shah’s tomb and Rani Roopmati Pavilion provide dramatic architectural shots, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Fort ramparts, carved stepwells and narrow lanes in the old town create atmospheric, textured images of historic Malwa architecture.

Colorful market stalls, textiles and everyday life offer candid portraits and vibrant street photography opportunities.

Viewpoints around Mandu and nearby hills frame sweeping landscapes and golden-hour light across the Malwa plateau.

The central market area where you'll find snacks like poha, kachori, samosa and jalebi, plus stalls selling spices, pickles and local sweets.

Street vendors near the Mandu ruins sell chai, savory fritters and quick snacks useful during a day of sightseeing.

Wear modest clothing, especially when visiting religious sites — shoulders and knees covered is a good guideline for all genders.

A polite Namaste (hands pressed together) is commonly used; address elders first and show deference to older people.

Use the right hand for eating, passing items and accepting money or gifts; the left hand is traditionally avoided for these actions.

Ask permission before photographing people, particularly in tribal villages or religious settings; respect signs and restricted areas at monuments.

Tipping is modest: round up bills, leave 5–10% in restaurants if service charge is not included, give small tips to drivers or helpers (₹20–100 depending on service), and tip porters and guides directly.

Cash (Indian rupees) is the most widely accepted form of payment in Dhar; debit/credit cards are accepted at a few larger establishments, and UPI/mobile payments are increasingly common but may not work at small stalls, so carry cash.

April–June can be hot and dry with temperatures often climbing above 35°C (95°F). Plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning and late afternoon, stay hydrated and carry sun protection.

June–September brings seasonal rains that green the landscape and enhance waterfalls around the region; roads may be slippery and occasional delays can occur, so allow extra travel time.

November–February is pleasantly cool, with crisp mornings and mild days (10–25°C / 50–77°F), making it the most comfortable season for touring ruins and hiking.

March and October are transitional months with moderate temperatures and clear skies — ideal for photography and outdoor exploration.

Circuit walks and short hikes between Mandu's monuments, ramparts and ruined gardens — best done in cooler parts of the day for photography and exploration.

A scenic short trail to a seasonal waterfall and viewpoints; busiest during monsoon when the falls are at their strongest.

A nearby hill with trails, viewpoints and temples offering panoramic views of the Malwa plains; popular for sunrise and sunset hikes.

Low-impact walks on village lanes and agricultural fields provide cultural immersion and gentle exercise while observing local life.

The closest major airport serving Indore with regular domestic flights and some connections; reachable from Dhar by bus, private taxi or rental car (about an hour to 2 hours depending on route and traffic).

A larger regional airport serving Bhopal with domestic flights; it is farther away (several hours by road) and is an option if combining travel with central Madhya Pradesh itineraries.

Vegetarian food is easy to find — many eateries offer pure-vegetarian thalis, snacks and dals. Ask for no ghee or butter if avoiding dairy.

Vegan options exist but are less explicit; request no ghee, curd or paneer and choose lentil-, vegetable- and rice-based dishes. Street vendors may use butter or ghee, so ask.

Halal meat is available in local shops and some restaurants; if you require certified halal food, ask locally or opt for vegetarian dishes to be safe.

Rice- and lentil-based dishes are generally safe, but many breads contain wheat. Confirm with vendors about flours used in snacks and sweets.