Indore

Area -165.17 sq. km
Population -1,109,056
Languages -Hindi, Marathi and English
Best Time to Visit -October to March

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Indore Travel Guide

Indore - A Introduction

Indore is known as the city of the Holkars. The city was built by a Holkar Rani Ahilya Bai, one of the famous queens of India. Located in the Narmada River valley in the western part of the state of Madhya Pradesh, Indore is an important industrial city of India. Indore is also the centre of trade and textile industry and home to many historical monuments and temples. A must visit, Indore is also affectionately called 'Mini Mumbai'.

Places of Interest

Rajwada

The Rajwada or the Old Palace is one of the most important sites to visit. Located in the old city, the building is a blend of French, Mughal and Maratha architecture. This 200 year old palace belonged to the Holkar dynasty. The palace is characterised by three stone made lower stories, wooden upper stories, well-laid garden with fountains and an artificial waterfall.

Lalbagh Palace

One of the few important monuments built by the Holkar rulers is the Lalbagh palace. The palace, construction of which was carried out in three stages. This palace was used for holding important functions and celebrations. The gardens all around and the overall make of the palace reflects the taste, grandeur and lifestyle of the Holkars. The palace is open for public from 10 am to 6 pm (Monday Closed).

Kanch Mandir

The Kanch Mandir, as the name suggests in the local language, is a temple made of mirrors. Also known as Seth Hukamchand Temple. Built by Sir Hukamchand Seth in the early 20th century, it is a wonderful Jain temple with plain exteriors and intricate mirror work done on interiors. The walls, ceilings, floor, pillars and doors are all inlaid with glass. Paintings done in coloured glass are the characteristics of the temple. The paintings of the temple also depicts some of the stories from Jain scriptures. The statue of Lord Mahavir kept here is said to be visible up to 21 times on glass, corresponding to the twenty one tirthankars. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.

Chattri Bagh

Located near the Khan River, the Chattri Bagh is another important place to visit. The place is characterised by a number of chhatris or memorial canopies dedicated to the Holkar rulers and their family members. The Chattris or the canopies are quite attractive especially the Chattri of Malhar Rao Holkar I, the founder of the Holkar dynasty.

Bada Ganapati

Built in the year 1875, this temple as the name suggests is famous for housing the largest Ganapati statue in the world. The statue measures 8 m from crown to foot. The statue is made of metallic frames of gold, silver, copper, brass, and iron.

Excursion: Places nearby Indore

Maheshwar

Located 91 kilometers from Indore, a four-hour journey, is the small town of Maheshwar. The small town is famous for its fort and temples and also for the saris produced by the local weavers. Known as Maheshwari saris, the silk saris are intricately patterned and quite comfortable to wear. You can get some of the fine locally made saris from the local shops where the prices of these saris are comparatively cheaper.

Mandu

The word Mandu literally means the city of joy in the local language here. Located at a distance of 99 kilometres far away, it is a must visit excursion point. Mandu has a number of sites to visit like the palaces, tombs, temples, and a fort that was the monsoon retreat of the Mughal emperors here. Moreover, Mandu has over 40 monuments, which are divided into three broad groups: the Central Village Group, the Royal Enclave Group, and the Rewa Kund Group. Champa Baoli, the huge 15th-century Jami Masjid, the beautiful Jahaz Mahal (ship palace), the Hindola Mahal or swing palace, the romantic Baz Bahadur/'s Palace, Roopmati/'s Pavilion and the Hoshang Shah's Tomb are some of the unique and must see tourist spots of Mandu.

Ujjain

Located at a distance of 56 kilometres, Ujjain also called as Ujjayini, is one of the holiest cities of India. Situated on the banks of the sacred river Shipra, Ujjain is also known for being one of the four centres of Kumbha Mela. The Mahakaleshwar Temple, the Gopal Mandir or the Ganesh Temple, the temple of Har Siddhi Mata (the family goddess of king Vikramaditya) and the Vedha Shala (Veda School) are some of the must visit destinations of this place.