Situated
on the banks of River Khan and Saraswati, Indore is a historical city,
known for its glorious past. The city is nearly the heart of India,
owing to its geographical location. The great ruler, Rani Ahilya Bai
Holkar was a huge patron of architecture and spent money to construct
temples across the nation. Apart from being the largest city, it is also
the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh. Host of industries have sprung
up in the region, which have contributed to the growth of the city. Also
known as the IT hub of the state, it seven houses a number of quality
educational institutions. Besides, Indore is known for its food,
festival and handicrafts, and is thus a delight in terms of travel and
tourism.Tourist Attractions
Indore has much to offer to the visitors, who come here. The royal buildings add a charm to its beauty and splendor. Lal Baag Palace in Indore is the grandest and one of the stylish residences in India. Built by Maharaja Shivaji Rao Holkar, during 1886 to 1921, the Palace is a blend of varied architectural designs. It has on display a coin collection, pre historic artifacts, Indian and Italian paintings and sculptures. One of the most fascinating facts about the Palace is that the entrance gates are the replica of the gates of the Buckingham Palace in London.
They were specially shipped from England and carry the regalia of the Holkar state. Another royal structure in the city is Rajwada. It was the historical residence of the Holkars. The seven stories grand structure is a blend of Maratha, Mughal and French style of architecture. Once the hub of all trade activities, it now serves as a venue for exhibitions and music concerts. The present structure is just a part of the original palace which has been renovated to regain some of its lost glory. The garden at the back of Rajwada is decked with fountains, artificial waterfall and ancient sculptures.
Chhatris are living examples of the exquisite architecture skill. Chhatris are cenotaphs in stone, built in the memory of the Holkar rulers. These are basically dome type structures with pyramidal spire on top. Situated at the cremation spot of the Holkars near Rajwada, they are a constant reminder of their glory. The Chhatri Bagh located in the vicinity has an artificial lake with boating facilities. For the ones interested in history, the Central Museum or the Indore Museum is a must visit. It houses the finest collection of Parmar sculptures, Hindu and Jain sculptures, etc.
It consists of two galleries, one of which contains a collection of arms, armor and coins. Another interesting monument is Kanch Mandir, which is primarily a Jain Temple. Made entirely of glass and mirrors, the interiors of the temple consist of 50 murals, depicting Jain stories. The idol of Mahavir is made of black onyx. For a unique experience, you can also visit Chokhi Dhani, situated on the outskirts of the city. This is a Rajasthani heritage resort, aimed at providing complete family entertainment. You can enjoy ethnic environment, cultural dance and music, delectable traditional food, with modern day facilities, all under one roof. Other places worth visiting in Indore are Bijasen Tekri, Gomatgiri, Khajrana, and Bada Ganpati.
How to Reach
By Air: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Domestic Airport in Indore connects the city to all the major cities of the country.
By Rail: The railway network is quite effective in Indore. There are four railway stations in the city connecting it to all the major cities of the country as well as nearby towns and villages. Both broad gauge and meter gauge railway tracks are operational from here, making it fairly accessible.
By Road: Indore lies on a number of state and National Highways. This makes the city easily accessible by road. Good roads and network have contributed in linking Indore to all the major cities of the state as well as the country.