Discoverसह्याद्री: Road Trip :: Maheshwar – Mandu – Indore

Road Trip Log: Maheshwar – Mandu – Indore – Ujjain (Nov 2021)

In November 2021, our family set out on a week-long drive across the Malwa region. The journey blended ghats, forts, food, and temples — in a simple point-to-point rhythm. If you’re planning something similar, here’s the raw log.

Day 0: Sat 06-Nov — Pune → Dhule → Sendhwa

Distance: 358 km (~8 hrs)

Early start from Pune.
Lunch stop: Sai Car Family Dhaba (near Malegaon) — खानदेशी मस्त जेवण, आमराईत vibe.
Night halt: Sendhwa (pre-booked).

Day 1: Sun 07-Nov — Sendhwa/Dhule → Maheshwar

Distance: 190 km (~3.5 hrs)

Maheshwar Ghat: Narmada steps, fort precincts; boating best in golden hour.
Nearby: Mandleshwar, Sahastradhara, Data temple.
Evening: Ghat aarti; Morning: rudra-pathan (if open).
Handloom: Explore Maheshwari saree weaving — take a local guide.
Food: Dal-Bafala thali at Banke Bihari.
Stay: Aamantran @ Fort Maheshwar — ₹5,466 (booked).

Day 2: Mon 08-Nov — Maheshwar → Mandavgad (Mandu)

Distance: 40 km (~1 hr)

Check-in: MPT Malwa Resort — ₹20,908 (booked).
Easy sunset strolls near lake & baobab clusters (great for photos).

Day 3: Tue 09-Nov — Mandu Sightseeing

Local guide highly recommended.
Essentials: Royal Enclave, Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Jami Masjid, Rani Roopmati Pavilion, Baz Bahadur Palace.
Carry water/hat; Mandu = hill-station air + Afghan stonework.

Day 4: Wed 10-Nov — Mandu → Indore

Distance: 84 km (~2.5 hrs)

Stay: Hotel Winway, Indore — ₹12,460 (booked).
Food trail:
- Lunch at 56 Dukaan.
- Stock up at Om Namkeen — farsan & जीरावन मसाला.
- Post-9:30 pm Sarafa Bazaar crawl:
  - जोशी दहिवडा (closes ~9 pm)
  - सावरिया साबुदाणा खिचडी
  - जलेबा + रबडी
  - विजय चाट — खोबरा पॅटीस = must-try
  - मधुरम Sandwich (opp. कांच महल)
  - Falooda to close.

Day 5: Thu 11-Nov — Indore ⇄ Ujjain Day Trip

Distance: ~55 km each way

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Darshan — go early, expect crowds.
Back to Indore: local sightseeing + optional Sarafa repeat.

Day 6: Fri 12-Nov — Indore → Nashik

Family split:
- Aai–Papa flew back Pune (12:25 pm; ₹10,514 booked).
- Rest drove Indore → Nashik.

Day 7: Sat 13-Nov — Nashik → Pune

Final return stretch. Breakfast/tea halts as needed.

Reflections

This Malwa circuit worked because of its contrasts:

Quiet ghats of Maheshwar vs. stone grandeur of Mandu.
Indore’s food overload balanced with Mahakal’s stillness in Ujjain.
Manageable distances, plenty of breaks, family-friendly rhythm.

Practical Travel Tips

Best Season: October–February (cool evenings, pleasant days).
Guides: Maheshwar & Mandu — highly recommended.
Food highlights: Dal-Bafala in Maheshwar; 56 Dukaan & Sarafa in Indore.
Stay bookings: Fort Maheshwar, MPT Malwa Resort, Hotel Winway — best to pre-book.
Timing: Sarafa Bazaar opens post-9:30 pm — keep dinner flexible.
Driving: Roads generally good; Mandu–Indore stretch = scenic but winding.

👉 A week, ~1,000 km, four cities, countless memories. If you’re looking to blend family time, faith, food, and forts in central India — this route delivers.