Things To Do
in Thandla

A staple flatbread made from pearl millet (bajra) often eaten with ghee, chutney or seasonal vegetable curry; commonly available in village households and small eateries.

Must-Try!

Flattened rice cooked with mustard seeds, chilies, peanuts and curry leaves — a common breakfast available from tea stalls.

Lentils served with baked or roasted wheat or millet balls; filling and served at local dhabas and during fairs.

Seasonal vegetable preparations made with simple spices, often served with rice or rotla in household kitchens and small restaurants.

Held on specific weekdays — a lively place to try fried snacks, fresh fruit, local pickles and to see regional produce and spices; ask locals which day the haat is on to attend.

Small roadside vendors selling chai, poha, samosa, kachori and sweets; best for quick, inexpensive bites.

Use a polite 'Namaste' with folded hands; dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) especially when visiting villages, religious sites or conservative households.

Always ask before photographing people, particularly tribal elders and women; a small purchase or offering thanks is appreciated in return.

Be mindful of local customs around food, festivals and gender roles — follow local cues and accept invitations to ceremonies with humility and etiquette.

Small tokens like sweets or household items are welcomed if visiting a home; avoid excessive displays of wealth and offer with both hands.

Tipping is modest: round up small bills for tea vendors, give 10% in decent restaurants if a table service exists, and offer a small tip to drivers or guides for good service; not obligatory in small roadside stalls.

Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used and often necessary for markets and dhabas. UPI/e-wallets (BHIM/Paytm/Google Pay) are commonly accepted in shops and by local vendors; ATMs are available but can be limited so carry enough cash for rural outings.

A short hike to nearby low hills offering panoramic views of fields and the town — suitable for morning or evening walks.

Seasonal trails through local woodland and along streams, best visited in cooler seasons or just after the monsoon for greenery and birdlife.

Longer rural walks linking nearby hamlets, passing farmland, wells and local landmarks — a cultural as well as scenic route; bring water and a local guide if unfamiliar with paths.

After heavy rains small cascades and swollen streams become focal points for short hikes — check conditions and avoid during heavy storms.

The nearest major commercial airport serving Indore with domestic flights to major Indian cities; from Indore it is a 3–5 hour drive to Thandla depending on route and traffic — taxis and buses connect Indore to nearby towns.

Smaller regional airfields are limited; railheads and bus stations at towns like Ratlam or Dahod provide alternative access by train/bus and then local road transport to Thandla.

Vegetarian food is easy to find since many menus are plant-based; order dal, sabzi, rotla and rice. Confirm use of ghee if you avoid dairy.

Vegan options exist (millet rotla, vegetable dishes, plain rice) but ask about ghee, butter, paneer and yogurt which are commonly used as toppings.

Millet-based rotla and rice dishes are good gluten-free options; avoid wheat-based breads and fried snacks made from maida unless confirmed safe.

Stick to cooked hot foods, bottled water or boiled water for drinking, and peel fresh fruit yourself to minimize stomach upset.