|
Visiting Indore means a visit to some
of the famous historical monuments and religious centres inside the town.
Famous for its glass bangles and jewellery, Indore has some of the best
architectural marvels that belong to the Holkar dynasty. The Rajwada or
the Old Palace (a major centre of attraction), Lalbagh palace, (another
architectural wonder), Kanch Mandir (a marvellous Jain temple), Chattri
Bagh (the memorial with some canopies) and the Bada Ganapati (the largest
Ganapati statue in the world) are some of the attractions you must visit
in Indore. Moreover, Indore is famous as a shopper's paradise. The Khajuri
Bazaar offers you unique shopping options of gold and silver work, cloth,
leather work and traditional garments. Moreover, there are the Sarafa
Market that specialises in snacks and jewellery and the Kasera Bazaar that
specialises in metalwork where you can indulge in the variety displayed
for selling. The Chanderi and Maheshwari silks of Indore are the other
famous attractions of this city.
Indore Sightseeing
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.
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).
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
 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. This is a must see of Indore.
Indore
Excursions
Indore is an important base to visit some of the interesting sites nearby.
Hence an excursion is highly recommended. Your excursion from Indore would
include sites like the Omkareshwar temple and island at the confluence of
the Narmada and Kaveri rivers; Maheshwar, a famous spot for monuments,
forts and Maheshwari saris; Ujjain, one of the holiest cities of India;
Mhow, derived from Military Headquarters Of War (MHOW); Mandu, the former
monsoon retreat of the Mughal emperors; and Patal Pani, a waterfall with a
height of 150 feet.
Omkareshwar
 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.
Maheshwar
 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.
Ujjain
Located at a distance of 56 kilometres from Indore, 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.
Mhow
Another important site
to visit during your excursion is Mhow. The word Mhow is the abbreviated
form of Military Headquarters Of War (MHOW) which was supposedly the
British war management centre. Located at a distance of 23 kilometres from
Indore, Mhow today is functioning as one of India's most prestigious
military training establishments for senior officers. The campus of the
training establishment is worth having a look.
Mandu
 The word Mandu literally means the city of joy in the local language here.
Located at a distance of 99 kilometres from Indore, it is a must visit
excursion point from Indore. 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.
Patal
Pani
Located at a distance of 36 kilometres from Indore, Patal Pani is an
exotic excursion destination from Indore. This site is especially famous
for the 150 feet high waterfall. Water falls from that height into a kund.
The kund is supposed to be dangerous as the depth of it is still unknown.
It is believed that the bottom of this kund touches Patal (nether world).
|
