13 Things To Do In Ratlam For A Taste Of The Local Culture

A view of the Kamlapati palace in Ratlam, a city in Madhya Pradesh that is a major tourist attraction

Ratlam is a city in Madhya Pradesh with unique wealth, from the rich past to the vibrant culture and the first-rate local experiences. People from around the globe have always been attracted to this city because of its potential to offer them what they aim for. If you are searching for things to do in Ratlam, you can locate numerous attractions that represent the region’s rich heritage and the local friendly atmosphere. There’s something for everyone, from ancient forts and temples to street food at the bustle of a marketplace. Immerse yourself in the local charm and uncover hidden gems to take back memories.

Top 13 Things To Do In Ratlam

Ratlam has many attractions that cater to all of its visitors. Below are seven exciting things to do in Ratlam that show the local experiences that should be noticed.

1. Taste Local Cuisine At Sarafa Bazaar

A view of the Pav Bhaji stall at the Sarafa Bazaar and trying street food are the best things to do in Ratlam.

Photo: Shakti Rajpurohit / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

If you are wondering what to do in Ratlam, the first choice should be to try local cuisine at Sarafa Bazaar. Such a beautiful market is famous for delectable road foods that leave visitors with the kind of food they enjoy and that flavour. Coming here to taste such excellent street food is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Ratlam. As you move around the stalls, you will find everything from Ratlam to your taste buds that you want to remember back home.

Location: 75, Chandni Chowk, Bharava Kui, Laxman Pura, Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh 457001
Timings: 8 AM – 2 AM

2. Offer Prayers At Shri Rameshwar Temple

A beautiful view of the Shri Rameshwar Temple in Ratlam with its majestic carvings

Photo: Siddhesh Mangela / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

This one is a must-visit place for spiritualists as well as architectural buffs. Shri Rameshwar Temple houses this beautiful and peaceful temple that is famous for its carvings and the surrounding silence. It has stood as a perfect place to reflect and meditate. This temple demonstrates a massive cultural heritage and is among Ratlam’s best things to see. Even if exploring what to do in Ratlam, whether looking for shelter or studying the local culture, it is a must-visit.

Location: nath ji ki kui ramgadh,, Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh 457001
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM

Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit Near Pachmarhi: Serenity, Nature And Beauty

3. Spend A Leisure Day At Local Parks

A view of a park surrounded by lush greenery and flowers. Spending a day here is the best thing to do in Ratlam.

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Among many things Ratlam has to do, a reasonable timeout from city life can be spent in its many parks like Shantivan Park and Kalika Mata Park. The parks here are perfect for relaxing with one’s family on a nice day and enjoying a quiet evening with nature. This is one of the excellent things to do in Ratlam and will surely benefit you if you have it with your family or want to take time off. Explore the parks and behold beautiful scenery and some exciting wildlife.

Location: Various
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM

4. Discover Local Handicrafts

 Shop for local handicrafts in Ratlam as part of the things to do here for a lively experience

Photo: Sanketh rao / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

There is much more one can do within Ratlam. Discovering local handicrafts would be a great place to add to your list of things to do in Ratlam. The markets are full of unique handmade crafts that reflect the art of local artisans. Shopping for such beautiful crafts is fun and supports the community. It is one of the best things to do because you can reclaim a part of the local culture. Explore several stalls and see the incredible things in Ratlam’s vibrant craft scene.

Location: Tribal Item Handicraft Dealers and shops
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Khajuraho For Art and Architecture Aficionados

5. Engage In Cultural Activities

Engage in cultural events as part of the things to do in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh

Photo: Debashis RC Biswas / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Attending local cultural events is rewarding. It usually encompasses the narration of traditional music, dance, and art as expressions of the region’s rich cultural heritage in front of visitors. Attending these celebrations is among the fun things to do as it helps us understand the regional culture and lifestyle. Visiting Ratlam during festivals and events is also a unique experience.

Location: Cactus Garden, Banswara – Ratlam Road, NH927A, Sailana, Madhya Pradesh 457550
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM

6. Shop At Local Markets

A view of the Khoti Bazaar where you can go shopping as part of the best things to do in Ratlam.

Photo: Manit Mistry / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Exploring local markets is one of the most fun activities to do in Ratlam. The energetic ambience and the variety you get make shopping fun. From spices to clothing, an endless list of unique items can be found in the markets that reflect local culture. Among other things to do in Ratlam, you can shop for local souvenirs to take back with you. The lively market scenes are also part of the top things to see in Ratlam.

Location: Kothari Market, New Cloth Market, Chandni Chowk Market and more
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM

7. Visit Kedareshwar Temple

Cave temple of Kedareshwar with monsoon stream flowing over the rock cliff in Sailana, Ratlam.

Photo: Avinash Rohra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Kedareshwar Temple in Ratlam District’s Sailana Village is a one-of-a-kind place to visit. It is in a cave that was carefully cut out of a cliff of igneous rock by people. During the monsoon season, a small stream runs over the top of the cave and into a pond in the nearby valley. During the monsoons, the temple is especially busy with devotees and nature fans who come to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. Not only is the area around Kedareshwar Temple holy as a Shiva temple, but it’s also a popular place for picnics.

Location: Sailana Village, Ratlam District
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM

8. Witness Shri Shantinath Digambar Jain Mandir

Shri Shantinath Jain Temple in Ratlam with detailed carvings and a peaceful spiritual vibe.

Photo: Rajesh Mishra / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Shri Shantinath Digambar Jain Mandir is a well-known place of worship for the Jain people in Vikram Nagar, Ratlam. This temple is for Lord Shantinath, who is the 16th Tirthankara of Jainism. The temple has very detailed paintings and statues of Jain gods. The main hall is dedicated to Lord Shantinath. Religious people go to the temple not only to pray, but also to enjoy its peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. People come from all over the area to see the temple, which is a major site for Jain ceremonies and festivals.

Location: Vikram Nagar, DRP Line, Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh 457001
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM

9. Visit Gadkhange Mata Temple

Locals offering prayers at Gadkhange Mata Temple with panoramic views in Ratlam city.

Photo: Garv Chaplot / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

In Jawahar Nagar, Ratlam, the Gadkhange Mata Temple is a well-known and respected local shrine and cultural centre. When you look out from the temple, you can see beautiful views of the nearby area. Locals love it very much and go to the temple for many rituals and ceremonies, like bringing newlyweds and holding the traditional event for kids to shave their heads. Small shops selling pooja supplies are all around the temple, which shows how popular it is with followers.

Location: Jawahar Nagar, Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh 457001
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 10 PM

10. Explore Cactus Garden, Sailana

Diverse and rare cacti species in the lush Cactus Garden - one of the things to do in Ratlam.

Photo: Joan Pinnick / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

The Cactus Garden in Sailana, which is inside the old Sailana Palace, is the only botanical draw of its kind in the area. This yard has an amazing collection of more than 1,000 different kinds of cactus plants, some of which are rare international and exotic species. The royal family carefully chooses and takes care of the plants in the yard, which is famous for having cacti of all shapes, sizes, and even colours. The yard is well-kept and looks great in pictures, so plant lovers and photographers will love it, making it one of the things to do in Madhya Pradesh, India.

Location: Banswara – Ratlam Road, NH927A, Sailana, Madhya Pradesh 457550
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM

11. Enjoy Scenic Views At Dholawad Dam (Saroj Sarowar Bandh)

Sunset view reflecting on the calm waters of Dholawad Dam - one of the things to do in Ratlam.

Photo: Joshua Carl / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

The Dholawad Dam, which is also called Saroj Sarowar Bandh, is a beautiful place to visit, about 25 km from Ratlam, close to the town of Raoti. At dusk, when the sky is full of bright colours and the calm water reflects them, the area around the dam is especially beautiful. The road makes it easy to get to the dam, and both locals and tourists like to go there for picnics, walks, and photos. Dholawad Dam is one of the best places to visit in Ratlam for an escape from he noise and chaos of the city.

Location: Madhya Pradesh 457001
Timings: 24*7

12. Explore Kharmour Wildlife Sanctuary

Birdwatchers exploring Kharmour Sanctuary, home to the Lesser Florican and migratory birds

Photo: Dulcey Lima / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

The Kharmour Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Madhya Pradesh, near Sailana in the Ratlam District. The refuge is named after the Kharmour bird, which is also called the Lesser Florican and is one of the main draws here. The refuge is a special place for many kinds of animals to live. It’s also a popular place to watch birds, especially during the winter migration season when many colourful bird species come to the area. People can get a thrill from seeing both resident and migratory birds, making it one of the national parks in Ratlam.

Location: Near Sailana, Ratlam District
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM

13. Visit Bilpakeshwar (Bilapakeshwara) Temple

Ancient Bilpakeshwar Temple in Ratlam, a sacred Shiva shrine surrounded by serene nature.

Photo: Chandan Parihar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

The Bilpakeshwar Temple, which is also called the Virupaksha Mahadev Temple, is very important historically and architecturally. The temple was rebuilt in the 13th century and is thought to have been built as early as the 1st century BCE. Its design is in the Gurjara-Chalukyan style, which is not common in this part of the world. The temple is famous for its peaceful atmosphere and spiritual significance as a Shiva shrine. Its sanctum has a unique saptaratha design and is supported by pillars that are artistically carved.

Location: 3 km from Mhow-Neemach Highway
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM

Suggested Read: Van Vihar National Park

Ratlam has a rich variety of cultural and historical experiences. With such diverse activities and attractions, it seems there are so many things to do in Ratlam that portray the unique heritage of the city and its lively local life. From magnificent forts to cultural fairs, each experience has an added charm in this bustling destination. Whether you are a history buff, foodie, or adventurer, Ratlam has something for everyone. So, plan a trip to this city with TripXL and have a majestic adventure.

Cover Photo: Suman15nov / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many eco-friendly activities here like tree-planting drives or guided eco-tours which are organised by local NGOs.
Look for local boards or social media communities to find clean-up drives, workshops, or cultural programs.
Local centres offer a few yoga and wellness-driven holistic health classes in Ratlam.
There are several play areas in local parks. Some people even love going to Ratan Mahal Lake for boating or to enjoy a picnic.
Ratlam doesn’t have a very active nightlife but you can visit many small cafes and eateries along the narrow lanes while enjoying live music and street food.
Ratlam is famous for its hot Ratlami Sev. This is a crunchy and tasty snack made with gram flour and a mix of strong spices. Aside from sev, food fans like kachoris, poha, dahi puri, and sweets from the area like gulab jamun and jalebi. If you're in the city, you should try the street food at Chaupati or Sarafa Bazaar. This is where you can really taste the real taste of Ratlam famous food.
Visitors can enjoy the celebrations of Navratri at Kalika Mata Temple, see traditional folk acts at local fairs, and eat local specialities like Malpua and Sev Tamatar.
When you go shopping in Ratlam, look for Ratlam Gold Jewellery, bands that are made by hand, and the famous Ratlam Sev. You can find snacks and gifts at Gandhi Chowk and Do Batti, which are two local markets.

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