Tourist places in and around Indore
Rajwada in Indore Rajwada
The Rajwada or the Old Palace is one of the most important sites to visit in Indore. 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.Synonymous with the heart of Indore city, it stands today as a mute witness to the bygone splendour of the splendour of the Holkarrules. This is a 200-year old seven-storeyed historic palace of the Holkars built-in a mixture of Muslim, Marathaand and French styles. The lower three floors are made of stone and the upper floors are made of wood, wich made it very vulnerable to fire. Rajwada was burnt three times in its history; the last fire in 1984 took the greatest toll. Today only the front façade remains. Recent renovations have recreated some of the old glory of this beautiful palace.
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, is a must visit in Indore. 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).Lal Baag Palace is one of the grandest monuments the Holkar dynasty left in Indore. A reflection of their taste, grandeur and lifestyle, its construction began in 1886 under Tukoji Rao Holkar, and was carried out in three phases.
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, it is a must visit in Indore. 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
Chattri Bagh of Indore 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
Bada Ganpati of Indore 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. This is a must see of Indore.Bijasen Tekri
A2-minute drive from the airport leads you to a hillock on which was perched a guest house of the Holkars, now converted into Border Security Arms Museum, as well as a small temple of Bijasen Mata, built in 1920, which has a magnificent view of the sunset. A mela (fair) is held during the Navratri.Gomatgiri
The Jain Samaj has constructed a 21 feet statue of Lord Gomateshwar, a replica of the Bahybali statue of Shravana belagola. Also built here are 24 marble temple with Shilars for each tirthankara Khajrana The citizens of Indore have great faith in this Ganesh temple, built during the reign of Ahilyabai Holkar. It is believed that all wishes are fulfilled by praying here. Nearby is the dargah of Nahr Sayed. This is an important pilgrimage place for Maita Muslims.Central Museum
The Indore Museum houses the finest collection of Parmar sculptures from Hinhlajgarh. The Parmar style originated here, and is characterised by proportioned figures, carefully and ornately depicted in stone.Bagh Caves (160 km)
The Bagh Caves were excavated by master craftsmen out of the perpendicular rock face of a hill. The murals were executed between the 5th and 7th centuries A.D. In all, there are nine caves of which only five have survived, all of them are 'Viharas'. Entry Fee: Rs.5/- (Indians), USD 2 or Rs.100/- (Foreigners).Bawangaja (175 km)
Important Jain pilgrim centre with temples dating back to the early 15th century.Dhar (47 km)
It was the glorious capital of Paramara kings, of whom Raja Bhoj is the best known. The city came under the Muslim influence with the rule of Delhi Sultanate and exhibits a fine blend of Hindu, Afghan and Mughal architectural styles.Omkareshwar (77 km)
Located a few kilometres away from Indore town is a small island at the confluence of the Narmada and Kaveri rivers in the state. The island is shaped like the holy Hindu symbol 'Om' and the Omkareshwar temple here is one of the many temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is made from local soft stone. The temple also holds importance as one of the 12 jyotirlingams of India, attracting a good number of religious tourists every year. The island also has some other temples near the Omkareshwar temple.This holy island shaped like the sacred Hindu symbol ‘OM' is set amidst sceninc surroundings on the confluence of the rivers Narmada and Kaveri. Shri Omkar Mandhata temple of Lord Shiva is the main attraction here. It enshrines one of the tweleve jyotirlingas. Other sites worth visiting are – siddhnath temple, 24 Avatars (a group of Hindu and Jain temples), satmatrika Temple and Kajal Rani Cave.
Maheshwar (90 km)
Located 91 kilometres from Indore, a four hour journey by bus, 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.An ancient pilgrim site on the banks of river NArmada, finds mention in epics Ramayana and Mahabharta. Its glory was revived by Rani Ahilya Bai, who built and renovated a number of shrines here. The main attractions are Rajgaddi and Rajwada, the ghats and the temples of Kaleshwara, Rajarajeshwara, vithaleshwara and Ahileshwar. Rani Ahilya Bai also introduced the famous Maheshwari sarees well known for its unique weave, patterns and colours.