Ratlam is located in the northwestern part of the Malwa region in Madhya Pradesh, India. Historically known as Ratnapuri, the city was named by Raja Ratna Singh. Ratlam is particularly famous for three things – its high-quality gold jewellery, its spicy and flavourful sev, a popular snack and its sarees.
I explored Ratlam with my siblings started the day with samosa, kachori and a cup of kesar chai from a local shop near railway station. The taste was good. Then we head to Gordhanlal shop to buy the famous Ratlami sev for friends and family.
Sev is made from chickpea flour (besan) that is seasoned with various spices and then deep-fried into thin, crispy strands. The process of making sev involves pressing the seasoned dough through a sev maker, which shapes it into its characteristic thin threads before frying. Sev is often enjoyed on its own as a snack or used as a topping for various dishes like chaat, bhel puri, and poha.
The roads from Ratlam to Sailana were lined with small stalls offering hot corn, freshly roasted over coal. We couldn’t resist, so we stopped the car and bought one for ourselves.
The palace houses a museum and a stunning cactus garden, both of which are open to visitors. Maharaja Digvijay Singh was instrumental in developing the Sailana Cactus Garden, which is one of the largest collections of cacti in Asia. Although the palace itself remains closed to the public, the museum offers a fascinating look into the royal family’s history. Inside, you’ll find a collection of items once used by the royals, including antique utensils, weapons, and handmade coins. These artifacts provide a rich insight into the heritage and traditions of the Sailana royal family.
Is it a cactus plant or a cactus tree?
I only had the chance to explore one place in Ratlam this time, but I’m eager to see more of what the city has to offer. If you have any recommendations or suggestions for other places to visit, I’d love to hear them!
CurlyGirlyTravely 