Ratlam, known for its rich history, spiritual landmarks, and the world-famous Ratlami Sev, offers a blend of religious heritage and natural beauty. This 3-day itinerary covers the city’s highlights and the nearby scenic escapes of Sailana.
Day 1: City Spiritual & Cultural Tour
- Morning: Start your day at the Kalika Mata Mandir, the city’s most revered spiritual site. Located in the heart of the city, it offers a peaceful atmosphere. Afterward, visit the adjacent Kalika Mata Park for a quick stroll.
- Afternoon: Head to the Mahalakshmi Temple, famous for its grand decorations (especially during Diwali). For lunch, try local delicacies like Dal Bafla at a traditional restaurant.
- Evening: Explore the local markets at Chandni Chowk. This is the best place to buy authentic Ratlami Sev and explore the city’s renowned gold and silver jewelry shops. End your day at the Ratlam Selfie Point or Shastri Nagar Nigam Park.
Day 2: The Sailana Excursion (Nature & Heritage)
- Morning: Drive to Sailana (approx. 21 km from Ratlam). Visit the Cactus Garden, which is one of the largest in Asia, housing over 1,200 species of rare cacti.
- Afternoon: Visit the Kedareshwar Temple, a unique cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, carved out of a single rock. Nearby, you can explore the Kharmour Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for birdwatchers, especially if you are visiting between July and September.
- Evening: Stop by the Sailana Palace and enjoy the ruins and local history before heading back to the city.
Day 3: Scenic Retreat & Ancient Architecture
- Morning: Head out to Bilpakeshwara Temple in Bilpank (approx. 18 km from Ratlam). This 11th-century temple is a masterpiece of Gurjara-Chalukyan architecture.
- Afternoon: Drive to Dholawad Dam (also known as Saroj Sarovar). It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful picnic with scenic water views. If you are adventurous, explore the nearby Paradise Valley for trekking.
- Evening: Return to the city for some final shopping or a visit to Amrit Sagar Talab for a relaxing sunset view before your departure.
Popular Tourist Spots in Ratlam
The following table summarizes the key attractions in and around Ratlam based on their popularity and typical visit requirements.
| Place Name | Popularity | Avg. Time Spent | Entry Fees (Approx.) |
| Cactus Garden (Sailana) | Very High | 1.5 – 2 Hours | ₹20 per person |
| Kalika Mata Mandir | Very High | 1 Hour | Free |
| Dholawad Dam | High | 2 – 3 Hours | Free |
| Kedareshwar Temple | High | 1.5 Hours | Free |
| Kharmour Bird Sanctuary | Medium | 2 Hours | ₹5 – ₹50 per person |
| Mahalakshmi Temple | High | 45 Mins | Free |
| Bilpakeshwara Temple | Medium | 1 Hour | Free |
| Paradise Valley | Medium | 2 – 3 Hours | Free |
| Babus Water Park | Medium | 3 – 4 Hours | ₹300 – ₹500 |
Note: The best time to visit Ratlam is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. If you are visiting specifically for the Kharmour Bird Sanctuary, the monsoon months (July–September) are ideal.
