Things To Do
in Simrol
Simrol is a small agrarian town in the Malwa region of central India, characterized by fields, traditional homes and a close-knit community life. It sits within easy driving distance of larger urban centers, offering a quiet base to experience rural Madhya Pradesh culture. The town has modest markets, a few temples and seasonal festivals that bring color and activity to the streets.
Visitors come for slow-paced village life, local food specialties and short day trips into the surrounding countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
At dawn, greet the gentle murmur of the Narmada River from Simrol’s banks. Join a guided boat ride as the mist lifts to reveal the rolling hills nearby. Spot kingfishers darting above the water while you sip warm chai prepared by local hosts.
Return to the village for a feast of local lentils, rice, and fresh seasonal vegetables sourced from nearby fields. Wander through banana and mango plantations just outside Simrol, learning about the region’s agriculture from friendly farmers. Sample homemade jaggery sweets made by villagers as a mid-afternoon treat.
As dusk falls, join the local families on the ghats for a tranquil river aarti lit by floating diyas. Listen to the resonance of temple bells and the chorus of villagers singing devotional hymns. Conclude your first evening with a homemade dal baati cooked over an open fire.
Explore Mandleshwar’s ancient temples such as Navagraha and Mandleshwar Mahadev before the crowds arrive. Admire the intricate stone carvings and statues that date back centuries. Chat with temple priests about local legends and rituals.
Sample street snacks like poha and kachori in Mandleshwar’s bustling market district. Wander through narrow lanes lined with old havelis and discover hidden courtyards adorned with faded murals. Photograph the confluence of the Narmada and Kunti rivers from an elevated viewpoint.
Return to Simrol for a riverside picnic featuring local fish curry and fresh chapatis. Watch as village children play traditional games along the ghat steps. End the evening around a bonfire sharing folk tales under a sky full of twinkling stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| ☕Tea or snack at a stall | $0.20-1 |
| 🚕Short auto-rickshaw ride (local) | $0.50-2 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse per night | $10-25 |
| 🚌Bus to nearby town (one-way) | $0.50-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Malwa experience with hospitable locals
- Low cost of travel and food
- Good base for quiet photography and slow travel
- Easy access to regional towns for day trips
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer hotel/restaurant options
- Medical and emergency services are basic; serious treatment requires travel to a larger city
- Public transport within the town is limited; you may need private transport
- Language/dialect differences can make communication challenging without basic Hindi
- "Namaste" - Hello / respectful greeting
- "Shukriya / Dhanyavaad" - Thank you
- "Kitna hua?" - How much is this?
- "Kripya pani (bottle) dijiye" - Please give bottled water
- "Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Simrol
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful scenes of produce, textiles and locals — great for candid portraits and vibrant close-ups.
Architectural details, ritual moments and devotees provide compelling cultural photographs (ask permission before photographing people closely).
Wide-open agricultural landscapes with warm light and dramatic skies ideal for landscape and golden-hour photography.
Narrow lanes, traditional homes, domestic livestock and everyday activities make for evocative street photography.
Food in Simrol
Simrol Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A flattened-rice breakfast flavored with spices, sev and a squeeze of lemon — commonly found at morning tea stalls and small shops.
Must-Try!
Grated corn cooked with milk and mild spices — a Malwa specialty available at local homes and some street vendors.
Wheat dumplings baked/boiled and served with thick dal and ghee — a homely, filling dish served at some family-run eateries.
Popular fried snacks sold at markets and roadside stalls, good for a quick savory bite with chutney or tea.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local bazaar (typically held weekly) where farmers sell vegetables, spices and snacks — try fresh seasonal produce and street-side poha or kebabs if available.
Small roadside stalls serving tea, poha, jalebi and samosas — best for people-watching and authentic morning flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A respectful 'Namaste' with folded hands is commonly used; a handshake is acceptable in many situations but avoid overly familiar behavior with strangers.
Dress conservatively—cover shoulders and knees—especially when visiting temples or rural households.
Remove shoes before entering temples, be quiet during rituals, and ask before taking photos of ceremonies or people.
Use the right hand for eating, passing food or money; the left hand is considered unclean in many contexts.
Show deference to elders and community leaders; polite language and patience are valued.
Safety
Tipping in Simrol
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest in small towns: rounded-up change or a small tip (₹10–50) is appreciated for helpers, auto drivers and hotel staff; 5–10% is customary at nicer restaurants but not mandatory in basic eateries.
Cash (Indian rupees) is still widely used. Mobile UPI apps (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) are common and accepted at many shops; credit/debit cards are accepted at larger establishments in nearby towns but may be unreliable in small local shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry from March to June with daytime temperatures often high; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon and carry water, sunscreen and a hat.
June to September brings rain and greener landscapes; some rural tracks can become muddy or impassable—good time for lush photos but expect interruptions in travel.
November to February is cool and pleasant, with chilly mornings and mild afternoons — comfortable for exploring and outdoor walks.
Seasonal festivals and harvest-related activities occur at different times of the year, offering opportunities to witness local customs and seasonal foods.
Simrol at Night
Hiking in Simrol
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy, low-altitude walks along village tracks that provide scenic views of crops, seasonal ponds and rural life—best for gentle hiking and birdwatching.
Short hikes to small hillocks and escarpments in the Malwa region offer panoramic views and sunrise/sunset photo opportunities; terrain is generally easy but can be rocky and exposed.
Small wooded areas and community groves around the district for shaded walks and nature watching—access depends on local permissions and seasonal conditions.
Airports
How to reach Simrol by plane.
The nearest major airport serving Indore with flights to major Indian cities; reachable by road in around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on exact location and traffic. Taxis and pre-paid cabs connect the airport to nearby towns.
Bhopal’s airport is a larger alternative with connections across India; it is farther away than Indore and useful if flying into central Madhya Pradesh before a road transfer to Simrol.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority are agrarian households engaged in crop cultivation and allied activities, forming the backbone of local life.
Shopkeepers, craftsmen and service providers who operate in markets and provide daily necessities.
Young people who commute to nearby towns for work or students and seasonal migrants who move for employment opportunities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is the most popular sport, played in fields, lanes and school grounds by people of all ages.
Traditional rural sports such as kabaddi and local kushti matches are common during festivals and village gatherings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Simrol.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian food is widely available and often the default. Communicate preferences using 'main shakahari hoon' and you’ll find many suitable options.
Vegan options exist (lentils, many vegetable dishes) but clarify use of ghee or dairy. Gluten-free visitors should ask about wheat-based rotis; rice-based dishes and poha are safer choices.
Stick to hot, freshly cooked foods, bottled or boiled water, and peelable fruits to avoid stomach upset. Use hand sanitizer before eating.