INDORE

 

 Vibrant city located in the splendid Narmada valley, Indore the cultural pride of Madhya Pradesh enchants with its glamorous and glorious historic and engineering brilliance. The museums and artifacts showcase the rise and fall of the city under the rulers of different dynasties.  Indore has occupied a prominent place as a tourist destination of Madhya Pradesh.

 

 The planned city of Indore lying to the side of River Saraswathi, was well-planned and constructed by Rani Ahilya Bai of Holkar dynasty. The grand havelis and palaces provide proof of the heritage of the Holkar dynasty. The city flourished well under the rule of the Rani Ahilya Bai and her statue has been placed in the centre of the city.  

 

 The city is most soughted as a tourist destination as clean food and good lodging options are available. Five-star, economy and budget hotels spread throughout the city provides accommodation facilities for people belonging to different classes. This ‘food city’ witnesses overflowing food outlets with people relishing on the local savouries. The city has gained immense popularity for its lip-smacking Pav Bhaji.  

 

 The textile factories are the main source of income for most of the population. Indore has achieved the world-wide acclamation for its eye-catching handloom sarees. 

 

 Indore is a city with a perfect fusion of old and the new. Beautiful handicrafts enhance the antiqueness of the city whereas the modernity of the place can be felt with its shopping malls, industries etc. Ladies would love to spend long hours in shopping jewels, bangles and sarees in the main streets. The city with sunny summers and cold winters is best visited between April-December.  

                                                    PLACES TO SEE

Central Museum : The museum consist of good accumulation of Paramar idols and sculptures. Rare collection of ancient weapons and coins can also be seen.

Gomatgiri : 21 feet tall idol of Gomateshwar has been placed here. There are also marble shrines dedicated to 24 thirtankaras. 

Kanch Mandir : This stunning Jain temple consist of walls, ceilings, floors, pillars and door knobs and paintings made of glass. Three idols of Lord Mahaveera is seen here.

Town Hall : The prime place is the four-faced clock tower which was built in Indo-Gothic styles in the year 1948. Many painting and book exhibitions are held here. The hall also encloses temple, library and play area for the children. 

Bada Ganapathi : This Ganesh temple constructed in 1875 has a big 25 feet idol of Lord Ganesh. It is considered to be the biggest Ganesh idol in the world. 

LalBagh Palace : This spectacular palace reveals the artistic grandeur of the Holkar dynasty. Occupying about 28 hectares this palace encloses beautiful rose garden. 

Chattris : On the banks of River Khan near Rajwada cenotaphs of the royal members of the Holkar dynasty is located. The cenotaphs are constructed in Mughal style. Chattri belonging to Sardar Chimnaji Appa Sahib Bolia is the most elegant and beautiful cenatoph. 

Annapurna Temple : This temple dedicated to goddess Annapoorna is  influenced from the style of Madurai Meenakshi temple. The gate of the temple consists of 4 majestically carved elephants. Shiva, Kal Bhairava, Hanuman temples are also found here.

Bijasen Tekri : Located at close distance to the airport the one-time guest house of the Holkars is now a Border Security Arms Museum. Bijasen Mata mandir is also located here. The guest house located on a small hillock offers splendid view of the sunset and the city. 

Patal Pani : This spectacular waterfall which falls from a height of 150 feet falls into a deep kund. 

Wanchoo Point : Is a dam which is built on the Narmada river. This place is a popular picnic spot and is the main water source for Indore.

Dhar : Is an ancient city which is about 65 kms from Indore. Bhoj Shala, Laat Masjid, the Fort and the glittering lakes are the main source of attraction. The buildings here are the fusion of Afghan-Mughal and Hindu styles. 

Nemawar : This is a pious place where the great sage Jamadagni meditated. It is about 128 kms from Indore. 

Omkareshwar, Ujjain and Mandu are some of the prominent tourist destinations which are located at close distances to Indore.

By Air : Indore having its own airstrip connects to the major cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bhopal.  

By Road : Cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bhopal, Gwalior, Mandu, Maheshwar, Omkareshwar, Ujjain, Sanchi and Vidisha are connected to Indore by bus. 

By Rail : Major cities are connected by many trains from Indore.