Ratlam is a city in the western part of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is a major rail junction and an important commercial and industrial center. Here are some things to know about Ratlam:
Places to visit: Ratlam has several tourist attractions, including the Kedareshwar Temple, Sailana Jain Temple, Cactus Garden, Hussain Tekri Sharif, and Kalika Mata Temple.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Ratlam is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Local transportation: Local transportation in Ratlam mainly consists of auto-rickshaws and buses. You can also hire a taxi or a car for sightseeing.
Food: Ratlam is known for its spicy snacks like Sev, Ratlami Sev, and Bhujia. You can also try out local delicacies like Daal Bafla and Kachori during your visit.
Shopping: Ratlam is known for its traditional handicrafts like Ratlami Sarees, Bandhni Sarees, and Maheshwari Sarees. You can also buy wooden toys, leather products, and silver jewelry at the local markets.
Safety: Ratlam is a relatively safe place, but it’s always best to take necessary precautions like avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping your belongings safe.
Medical facilities: Ratlam has several hospitals and medical facilities, but it’s always best to carry basic medicines and a first aid kit while traveling.
Language: Hindi and English are widely spoken in Ratlam. However, it’s always helpful to learn a few basic words and phrases in the local language.
Places to Visit in Ratlam
Here are some places to visit in Ratlam:
Kedareshwar Temple: It is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
Sailana Jain Temple: It is a Jain temple known for its exquisite marble carvings and intricate architecture.
Cactus Garden: It is a unique garden with a wide variety of cactus plants. The garden is maintained by the Forest Department of Ratlam.
Hussain Tekri Sharif: It is a shrine dedicated to the Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Hafiz Hussain Ali Shah. The shrine is known for its beautiful architecture and tranquil surroundings.
Kalika Mata Temple: It is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kalika. The temple is located on a hill and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Mandu: It is an ancient fort and palace complex located about 60 km from Ratlam. The fort is known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance.
Jahaz Mahal: It is a palace located in Mandu known for its unique ship-like structure.
Bagh Caves: It is a group of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves located about 40 km from Ratlam. The caves are known for their beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
Best Time To Visit Ratlam
The best time to visit Ratlam is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. During these months, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C, making it comfortable to explore the city’s tourist attractions. The monsoon season, which lasts from July to September, should be avoided as heavy rainfall can cause inconvenience and hinder outdoor activities. The summer months, from April to June, can also be hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C, making it uncomfortable to explore the city during the daytime.
Things to Do in Ratlam
Here are some things to do in Ratlam:
Visit the Kedareshwar Temple: This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located in the heart of the city and is a must-visit for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
Explore the Cactus Garden: This unique garden is home to more than 1,200 species of cacti and succulents, making it a great spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Enjoy a picnic at Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, leopards, and peacocks. It’s a great spot to enjoy a picnic with family and friends.
Shop at Ratlam’s famous bazaars: Ratlam is known for its colorful bazaars where you can shop for a variety of items, including textiles, handicrafts, and jewelry.
Visit the Jain Temple: This beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Adinath and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
Learn about Ratlam’s history at the Ratlam Museum: The museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that offer a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage and history.
How to get around in Ratlam
Ratlam is a city located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Here are some ways to get around in Ratlam:
Auto-rickshaw: Auto-rickshaws are a popular mode of transport in Ratlam. They are readily available and can take you to various destinations in the city.
City Bus: The Ratlam City Bus service is also available for commuting within the city. These buses have a fixed route and operate at regular intervals.
Taxis: Taxis are also available in Ratlam. They can be booked through various online taxi service providers or can be hired from taxi stands.
Two-Wheeler Rentals: Renting a two-wheeler is another convenient way to get around Ratlam. Many rental services offer scooters and motorcycles for rent at reasonable prices.
Walking: Walking is a great way to explore Ratlam’s narrow streets and alleys. It is also an eco-friendly option.
It is advisable to negotiate the fare before using any of the above modes of transport to avoid any confusion later.
where to eat in Ratlam
Ratlam is a city in Madhya Pradesh, India, known for its food and snacks. Here are some places where you can enjoy delicious food in Ratlam:
Shri Krishna Sweets & Farsan: This place is famous for its sweets and snacks, including Ratlami Sev, which is a must-try.
Jalebi Bhai: Jalebi Bhai is a popular sweet shop that offers jalebis, imartis, and other sweets.
Santosh Bhojnalaya: This restaurant serves delicious vegetarian food, including thalis, sabzis, and dals.
Dangi Dhaba: Dangi Dhaba is a popular restaurant known for its non-vegetarian food, including mutton and chicken dishes.
Panchvati Gaurav: Panchvati Gaurav is a vegetarian restaurant that offers a range of thalis, including Rajasthani, Gujarati, and Punjabi.
Madhuram Sweets: Madhuram Sweets is another popular sweet shop in Ratlam that offers a variety of sweets and snacks.
The Food Court: The Food Court is a multi-cuisine restaurant that offers Indian and Chinese food.
These are just a few of the many places where you can enjoy delicious food in Ratlam.
famous street stalls in Ratlam
Ratlam is known for its delicious street food, and there are several famous street stalls that you can visit to experience the local flavors. Here are some of the most popular street stalls in Ratlam:
Joshi ke Dahi Bade: This is one of the most famous street food stalls in Ratlam. They serve mouth-watering Dahi Bade that are soft and spongy, and are topped with a variety of chutneys and spices.
Shree Ji Sweets: This is a popular sweet shop that serves delicious sweets and snacks. Their Samosas and Kachoris are a must-try.
Anand Sweets: This is another popular sweet shop in Ratlam that is known for its delicious and authentic sweets. Their Gulab Jamun and Rasgulla are highly recommended.
Chatori Gali: This is a street food lane in Ratlam that is famous for its variety of street food options. You can find everything from Chaat, Kachori, Samosa, Poha, Jalebi, and more.
Shiv Prasad Kulfi: This is a famous kulfi stall in Ratlam that serves delicious and creamy kulfis in a variety of flavors.
Raju Tea Stall: This is a popular tea stall in Ratlam that serves refreshing and aromatic chai (tea) that is perfect to start your day.
Vijay Chaat House: This is a popular chaat stall in Ratlam that serves lip-smacking chaat items like Bhel Puri, Sev Puri, and Pani Puri.
These are just a few of the famous street stalls in Ratlam that you can visit to experience the local flavors. There are many more hidden gems that you can explore while you’re in Ratlam.
where to stay in Ratlam
Ratlam is a popular city in Madhya Pradesh, India, with a range of accommodations that cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay in Ratlam:
Hotel Balaji Central: This is a popular hotel in Ratlam that offers comfortable and affordable rooms with modern amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and satellite TV.
Hotel Sagar Residency: This is another popular hotel in Ratlam that offers spacious and well-appointed rooms with amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi.
Hotel Raghav Palace: This is a mid-range hotel in Ratlam that offers comfortable and well-appointed rooms with amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi.
Radisson Hotel Ratlam: This is a luxury hotel in Ratlam that offers upscale rooms and suites with modern amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi. It also has a range of facilities like an outdoor pool, a spa, and a fitness center.
Hotel Castle Rock: This is a budget hotel in Ratlam that offers clean and basic rooms with amenities like air conditioning, cable TV, and Wi-Fi.
Hotel Thikana Palace: This is a heritage hotel in Ratlam that offers rooms with a touch of traditional Indian architecture. It also has a range of facilities like a restaurant, a bar, and a garden.
These are just a few of the best places to stay in Ratlam. You can explore more options based on your budget, preferences, and location preferences.
Travel Tips Ratlam
Ratlam is a beautiful city in Madhya Pradesh, India, with a rich history, culture, and cuisine. If you’re planning to visit Ratlam, here are some travel tips that might come in handy:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Ratlam is between October to March when the weather is pleasant and comfortable.
Local transport: The most common modes of local transport in Ratlam are auto-rickshaws, buses, and taxis. You can also hire a private car for sightseeing or travel.
Food: Ratlam is famous for its street food, so make sure to try some of the local delicacies like Dahi Bade, Poha, Samosa, and Chaat. However, be cautious of the hygiene and cleanliness of the food stalls you choose.
Clothing: Since Ratlam is a conservative city, it’s advisable to dress modestly, especially if you’re visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing or skimpy clothes.
Safety: While Ratlam is a relatively safe city, it’s always better to take precautions and stay alert, especially if you’re traveling alone or at night. It’s recommended to avoid isolated areas and carry a mobile phone with emergency contacts.
Language: The local language of Ratlam is Hindi, but most people also speak English. It’s always good to learn a few common Hindi phrases to communicate better with the locals.
Currency: The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR), and you can exchange foreign currency at authorized exchange offices or banks.
These are some of the travel tips that can help you plan a safe and enjoyable trip to Ratlam. Make sure to research and plan ahead before you go to make the most of your trip.