Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis

WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS

A city of momentum, neighborhoods, and room to belong.

For people arriving from Kerala or discovering Indiana for the first time, this guide introduces the history, places, culture, and everyday connections that make Indianapolis feel welcoming.

WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS

A city of momentum, neighborhoods, and room to belong.

For people arriving from Kerala or discovering Indiana for the first time, this guide introduces the history, places, culture, and everyday connections that make Indianapolis feel welcoming.

THE CROSSROADS OF AMERICA

Easy to explore. Rich with stories. Built around community.

Indianapolis is Indiana’s capital and largest city. Downtown landmarks sit close to museums, parks, sports venues, universities, and distinct neighborhoods. The city is known around the world for the Indianapolis 500, while everyday life is shaped by trails, family attractions, arts, food, and community organizations.

1821

Selected as Indiana’s capital site

500

Miles of May tradition at the Speedway

8 mi

Indianapolis Cultural Trail loop and connections

250+

Acres at White River State Park

A SHORT HISTORY

From planned capital to a city known around the world.

Explore deeper history through the Indiana Historical Society, Indiana State Museum, and living history at Conner Prairie.

1821

A central site near the White River is selected for Indiana’s new capital.

1908

Madam C. J. Walker establishes her beauty business, building a national legacy from Indianapolis.

1911

The first Indianapolis 500 is held, beginning the city’s most famous sporting tradition.

TODAY

A growing metro shaped by healthcare, education, logistics, sports, arts, and diverse communities.

1821

A central site near the White River is selected for Indiana’s new capital.

1908

Madam C. J. Walker establishes her beauty business, building a national legacy from Indianapolis.

1911

The first Indianapolis 500 is held, beginning the city’s most famous sporting tradition.

TODAY

A growing metro shaped by healthcare, education, logistics, sports, arts, and diverse communities.

START EXPLORING

Things to do in and around Indianapolis.

Begin with these experiences, then use Visit Indy for current hours, events, and seasonal recommendations.

Canal Walk + White River State Park

Walk, bike, paddle, visit museums, or enjoy the downtown green space.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Experience the home of the Indy 500 and explore its motorsport history.

FOR FAMILIES

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

The world’s largest children’s museum brings science, culture, history, and play together across indoor and outdoor spaces.

Gardens and grounds at Newfields in Indianapolis

ART + CULTURE

Newfields, Eiteljorg, and the Indiana State Museum

Move between art, gardens, Native and Western cultures, Indiana history, and special exhibitions.

CITY CENTER

Monument Circle + downtown landmarks

Start at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, then walk toward the Statehouse, City Market area, and downtown venues.

Fountain Square neighborhood in Indianapolis

NEIGHBORHOODS

Mass Ave, Fountain Square, Broad Ripple, and Bottleworks

Explore local restaurants, galleries, music, independent shops, public art, and different sides of city life.

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

Useful places shared by the IMA community.

These convenience listings come from IMA’s earlier community guide. IMA is not affiliated with the organizations listed, and details can change, so please confirm before visiting.

Place of Worship

Hindu Temple of Central Indiana

3350 N German Church Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46235

Community temple · 317 891 9199

Open in Google Maps ↗

Place of Worship

Hindu Temple of Central Indiana

3350 N German Church Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46235

Community temple · 317 891 9199

Open in Google Maps ↗

St. Pius X Catholic Church in Indianapolis

Place of Worship

Malayalam Catholic Mass

7200 Sarto Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46240

Hosted at St. Pius X Catholic Church · 317 255 4534

Open in Google Maps ↗

Place of Worship

Malayalam Catholic Mass

7200 Sarto Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46240

Hosted at St. Pius X Catholic Church · 317 255 4534

Open in Google Maps ↗

Place of Worship

St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church

463 E Main St, Carmel, IN 46032

St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church · 463 428 1987

Open in Google Maps ↗

Place of Worship

St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church

463 E Main St, Carmel, IN 46032

St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church · 463 428 1987

Open in Google Maps ↗

Indian and Kerala Groceries

Patel Brothers Castleton

6302 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46250

Indian and Kerala groceries · 317 578 2400

Open in Google Maps ↗

Indian and Kerala Groceries

Patel Brothers Castleton

6302 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46250

Indian and Kerala groceries · 317 578 2400

Open in Google Maps ↗

Plan with current, official information.

Use Visit Indy for current attractions and events. Use the Indiana Historical Society for deeper local history.

Visit Indy

Indiana history

KERALA ROOTS · INDIANA HOME

New to Indianapolis? You already have a community here.

Meet families, celebrate Kerala culture, volunteer, and build lasting connections through IMA.

Join Our Community