Indore, Madhya Pradesh – A place with rich architectural grandeur
One of the most prominent cities of Madhya Pradesh, Indore boasts of an imperial past. Designed and built by the Holkar queen Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar; the city is bejewelled with some magnificent monuments belonging to the Holkar dynasty. The ‘Rajwada’ and ‘Lalbagh Palace’ are notable examples that highlight the royal splendor and propitious lifestyle of the Holkars. Besides, Indore is one of the most advanced cities of the state. Its rich variety of edifices, its urban trimmings and its vicinity to other places of interest makes it a perfect holidaying getaway. Get to know the various tourist attractions around the place and explore what excursions from Indore covers.
One of the most prominent cities of Madhya Pradesh, Indore has a glorious imperial background. The Holkar queen Rani Ahilya Bai designed and built this city. It is decorated with some magnificent monuments that belong to the Holkar dynasty. The prominent examples among them are the ‘Rajwada’ and ‘Lalbagh Palace’ highlighting the royal splendour and lavish lifestyle of the Holkars. Indore has become one of the most advanced cities of the state. The place is facilitated with all sorts of urban requirements and well connected with all parts of the country. Beside its vicinity to other places of interest makes it a perfect holidaying getaway.
Places to see in Indore: Indore is dotted with the architectural grandeur. There are also other places of interest here.
Indreshwar Temple
Indrehwar Temple is a temple of Lord Shiva. It was made by Raja Indra Singh on his way to Ujjain. The city of Indore derives it’s name from this very temple.
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 Nahar Sayed. This is an important pilgrimage place for Maita Muslims.
Town Hall:
Made in 1904 and originally named King Edwards Hall, it was renamed Mahatma Gandhi Hall in 1948. Its architectural style is Indo-Gothic. Made in Seoni stone, its domes and staples are a landmark of Indore today. It has a four-faced clock tower in front, because of which it is locally known as Ghanta Ghar. It is frequently the venue for the various book and painting exhibitions, fairs and festivals held throughout the year. The building also has a library, a children’s park and a temple.
Bada Ganpati:
Better known for its size than antiquity, this temple houses perhaps the largest Ganesh idol in the world measuring 25 feet from crown to foot. Created as a result of the dream of an Avantika (Ujjain) resident, Shri Dadhich, it was built in 1875.
Hrinkar Giri:
The largest Jain shrine of Indore, situated at a hillock near Indore Airport.
Lal Bagh Palace
Lal Bagh Palace is one of the grandest monuments the Holkar dynasty left Indore. A reflection of their taste, grandeur and lifestyle, its construction began in 1886 under Tukoji Rao Holkar II, and was carried out in three phases. The final phase was completed in 1921 under Tukoji Rao Holkar III. Many royal receptions were held here. It has a total area of 28 hectares, and at one time it had the reputation of having one of the best rose gardens in the country.
Gita Bhavan
Adorned with many statues of gods of various religions, its construction is inspired by the religious motto “many names to a God is after all of one God.”
Gomat Giri
This is an excellent set of Jain temples built on the top of Gommatesher Hill. The main attraction is 24 feet tall statue of Lord Bahubali, and 24 others temples for each of the 24 jain tirthankars.
Chhatris
Chhatris are the tombs or cenotaphs erected in memory of dead Holkar rulers and their family members. The Chhatris picturesquely poised on the Khan river banks near Rajawada are incomparable in terms of Maratha architecture and sculpture of their period. At Chhatri Baag is the main collection of tombs housed in two compounds. Close by is the beautiful Bolia Sarkar’s Chhatri constructed in 1858 AD in memory of Sardar Chimnaji Appa Sahib Bolia.
Annapurna Temple
This temple was inspired by the Meenakshi temple of Madurai. Four life-sized elephants hold an ornately decorated gate in plaster. Inside the temple of Annapurna Devi are also temples of Shiva, Kal Bhairava, Hanuman and a Pravachan Hall. The outer wall of the main temple is decorated with colourful motifs from mythological stories.
Kasturba Gram
8 km from Indore, the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust was founded by Mahatma Gandhi. Its headquarters were shifted from Wardha to Indore in 1915. The main objective of t his trust is showing ways of improvement in the quality of village life and the welfare of rural women and children. Some of its many commendable activities are : agricultural production, research, training, experiments in fruit orchards, social forestry, new renewable sources of energy, gobar gas, better water management, rural institute for girls, village sanitation programmes etc.
Kanch Mandir
The Kanch Mandir also known as Glass Temple is an exquisite example of a marvel in glass. This JainTemple also known as Jain Mandir was built by Sir Seth Hukum Chand Jain(Kasliwal) in the early 20th century.It is located in the Itwaria Market. The speciality of this temple is that its doors, pillars, ceilings and walls are entirely inlaid with glass with minute detailing. It is one of the most famous tourist attraction of the city. The temple also has paintings which are depicting stories from the Jain scriptures. The top of the temple multiplies the three statues of Lord Mahavir which makes this temple more beautiful place.
Shri Riddhi Siddhi Chintaman Ganesh Temple
It is a famous Ganesh Temple.
Gurudwara
Indore is historically attached to Sikhism. It has numerous Gurudwaras. Gurdwara Imli Sahib is Sikh shrine situated in Indore. In the year, 1567 Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the way of his itinerary diverted from southern states to the north-west and reached Indore. It is centrally located and innumerable devotees assure spiritual knowledge, peace and bliss here.
Gurdwara Charan Paduka Betma Sahib is situated in the small village of Betma. Betma is a town and a nagar panchayat in Indore district in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Betma Sahib is one of the pious gurudwaras of historical significance for Sikhs, as it is believed that Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited this place during his southern Udasi.
Bijasen Tekri
A 2 minutes 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. A good picnic spot, with a breathtaking view of Indore city by night.
Nearby attractions from Indore: There are many other tourist destinations that are close to Indore. From Indore also arrange for excursions to places like:
Mhow
23 km from Indore is the Military Headquarters Of War (MHOW) which was supposedly the war management centre of the British during the World War. Presently one of India’s most prestigious military training establishments for senior and higher commands, the whole cantonment is beautifully landscaped.
Patal Pani
36 km from Indore, famous for its waterfall. Water falls from a height of 150 feet into a kund, the depth of which is still unknown. It is believed that the bottom of this unfathomable kund reaches Patal (netherworld), hence the name Patal Pani. It is a popular picnic spot.
Wanchoo Point
A high dam on Narmada and main source of water supply for Indore. A popular picnic spot.
Dhar
64 km from Indore on the Indore-Ahmedabad road is Dhar, the capital of Parmar Kings, among whom Bhoj was the most prominent. During the Muslim rule, Dhar was under the Sultans of Delhi. In the monuments one can see the combination of Hindu, Afghan and Mughal architecture. Bhoj Shala, Laat Masjid, the Fort and the lakes are the main tourist attractions.
Jhabua
151 km from Indore on the Indore-Ahmedabad highway, it is the home of the tribal Bhils and Bhilalas.
Nemawar
128 km from Indore, this is situated on the other side of the bank of the Narmada, and was the place where Jamdagni, the father of Parasuram, meditated. The temple of Renukaji is situated near the village, as also the ancient temple of Siddhanath. At Suryakund, is a statue of Lord Vishnu.
Omkareshwar and Maheshwar
These cities which are sanctified by faith are the popular tourist destinations.
Mandu
Mandav or Mandu’s was earlier known by the name of “Shadiabad” meaning the city of happiness (Anand Nagari), it was after the name of princess Mandvi Chouhan of Khandwa, the name was given by then ruler Allauddin Khilji. The city is the tribute to the Legendary love story of the poet-prince Baz Bahadur and his beautiful consort, Rani Roopmati. The city is located at a distance of 97 km from Indore.
Ujjan
Known as Ujjayini in the ancient times, it is a City of temples and a home to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines to the god Shiva. The city perches at a distance of 62 km.
How to go ?
By Air
Indore is connected with Bhopal, Delhi and Mumbai airports.
By Bus
Indore is connected by bus with Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bhopal, Gwalior, Mandu, Maheshwar, Omkareshwar, Ujjain, Sanchi and Vidisha.
By Rail
Indore is on the Western railway and is connected with major Indian cities.
Where to stay ?
Indore offers numerous hotels for you to relax and savour various delicacies. Some options are:
Ginger Hotels: +91- 731 – 666 3333
Lemon Tree Hotel: +91 – 99 11 701 701
Radisson Blu Hotel: +91- 731-4738888 Website: www.radissonblu.com
Hotel President: +91-731-2528866, 4040616, 4232425 Website: www.hotelpresidentindore.com
Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.
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