Ratlam is a city in the Malwa region of Western Madhya Pradesh.

Understand

Originally called Ratnapuri, the historical city is bounded in the west by Chittaurgarh district in Rajasthan state. Ratlam is popular for its historical and ancient religious monuments. It was famous for the production and trade of opium and tobacco. The place is now known for producing chemicals, copper wires, perfumes, pottery and textiles.

See

• 1 Cactus Garden, Ratlam-Banswara Highway (in Sailana Palace). The garden is not very big but well maintained and is quite different from most other gardens you are likely to come across. There are a staggering number of cactus varieties, many of which tower over you. (updated Feb 2018)
• Bibrod Tirth. A major Jain temple centred around the first tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism, Adinath. (updated Feb 2020)
• Shwetambar Temple, 79-80, Station Rd. A Jain temple dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd tirthankara (saviour) in the religion. In the middle of the temple is an over 13 foot high statue of Parshvanath, made out of a single emerald stone. (updated Feb 2020)

Buy

Ratlam is famous for purity of gold and also people like to buy saris from here.

Eat

The city is the birthplace of Ratlami Sev, a crunchy and spicy snack made from chickpeas popular all over India.

• Checkers Café, Topkhana Road (Opposite State Bank of India), ☏ +91 7412 404 904. Daily 10:00 - 00:30. Sandwiches, burgers, pasta, pao bhaji, Chinese, sundae ice cream and other snacks. (updated Feb 2018)
• Vyas Dal Bati at Naharpura road, Dhanmandi is loved for its Dal Bafala laddoo dish.

Sleep

• 1 Hotel Sagar Castle, Daat Kie Pool, Railway Colony Main Rd, ☏ +91 7412 231 418. Budget hotel with a restaurant downstairs. Air-conditioned rooms and free Wi-Fi. (updated Apr 2023)