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Indore
With claims of being the largest city of Madhya Pradesh, Indore is also the cultural and economic centre of the State. First as a trading hub and then as the seat of power for the Holkar dynasty. With such varying roles in history, it’s no surprise that the city has such a dynamic and diverse culture. Indore tourism is known for its majestic palaces and temples along with its mouth-watering street food. The city definitely should be on your travel list if you want to learn a great deal about India’s history.
| Indore Tourism: A Quick View of the state | |
| State | Madhya Pradesh |
| Official Language | Hindi |
| Dial Code | 0731 |
| Population | 1,994,397 (as of 2011) |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Time Zone | UTC+05:30 (IST) |
| Area | 550 metres |
With the various things to experience and enjoy here, tourism in Indore is skyrocketing. These are some of the places to visit in Indore which will add to the memories of your holiday.
The long reign of the Holkar dynasty has left its mark in the architectural marvels erected in their times. Still standing strong after two centuries is the Rajwada Palace, a regal structure built by the Holkar dynasty. One of the oldest structures of the city, the palace displays Mughal, Maratha and French influences in its design. Now the palace hosts classical music concerts and art exhibitions.
Another magnificent structure built by the Holkar dynasty is the Lal Bagh Palace. A project that began under Tukoji Rao Holkar II, its construction was completed under the rule of Tukoji Rao Holkar III. The beauty of this palace is its design which mirrors influences from all over the world – ornamentations like the Versailles Palace, Italian marble columns, lavish Persian carpets, Belgian windows and Greek mythological reliefs. It was considered one of the most stylish residences of its time. Visitors are allowed in the Lal Bagh Palace from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Monday, at a nominal fee.
A visit to the Indore Museum or the Central Museum is the perfect place for history lovers. You will learn a great deal about the rich history of ancient India. The museum has exhibits of Parmar sculptures and boasts some of the finest medieval and pre-medieval Hindu and Jain sculptures of Madhya Pradesh. And you can experience all this at no cost.
Some of Indore’s famous places are its temples. One of them being the Annapurna Temple from the 9th century, one of the oldest temples. With a blend of Indo-Aryan and Dravidian architectural styles, it draws inspiration from the Meenakshi temple of Madurai. Inside the complex, there are separate temples for Annapurna, Shiva, Hanuman and Kal Bhairav. Another great place of worship is the Kanch Mandir, an exemplary piece of architecture. A Jain temple, it was built by the ‘Cotton King’ Sir Hukamchand Seth in the 20th century. The splendour and artistry of the times can be seen in the elegantly crafted glass lamps and chandeliers and the beautiful idol of Lord Mahavira made of shimmering black onyx. The latest addition to the different places of worship is the Gomatgiri temple. The hillock which it is built on was donated by the Madhya Pradesh government to the Jain Samaj in 1981. And it now houses 24 marble temples dedicated to the 24 Tirthankaras of the Jain faith.
The Kamla Nehru Park, or as it is popularly known, Chidiya Ghar, is one of the top attractions of the city. One of the oldest attractions of the city, it is a treat for wildlife lovers. It is one of the few places where you can witness the rare and regal White Tigress with her cubs. You will also find different species of birds, amphibians, and other animal species. And if you want to refresh yourself, head to the Patalpani Waterfalls. Located in the Mhow Tehsil of Indore district, the roaring cascades of this waterfall are a must for every nature lover. It is a popular locale for picnics among tourists and locals alike. The view of the verdant forest cover, hills and lush green landscapes that enclose the 300 ft waterfall is nothing short of an idyll. And local legend claims that the pit beneath the falls goes deep into the underworld, explaining the name ‘Patalpani’, with patal meaning underworld and pani meaning water.
Every foodie worth his/her salt knows that Indore is renowned for its street food. Once you’ve had your share of sightseeing head to the Sarafa market. Some of the dishes that mustn’t be missed on a trip to Indore are Garadu, Khopra Pattice, Batla Kachori and Bhutte ki Khees. Once you’ve had your fill at Sarafa, you can try another place called Chappan, famous for its Poha Jalebi breakfast, which is a significant part of Indore’s food culture. Another popular haunt for foodies is Rajwada. Here you will find decade-old joints famous for their delicious chaat. The most popular ones are Sri Shiv Chaat, Sundaram and Geleda Chaat. Come and explore Indore’s delicious delicacies.
Situated at the southern edge of the Malwa plateau on the banks of two rivulets, Saraswati and Kahn, is the city of Indore. The education hub of its state Madhya Pradesh, it is 190 km away from the state capital Bhopal.
Click here to view Indore on Google Map
The foggy winter months (October to March) are the best times to visit the city. The temperatures rarely go below zero, making it an atmosphere pleasant enough to attract large number of visitors. The monsoons (July to September) are also worth a visit though not generally recommended, as the rains may dampen your plans. Tourists are recommended to steer clear of the city during the summers. The heat may take away the fun of the trip with temperatures going as high as 45 o C.
By Air - The Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, approximately 8 km away from the city, is the busiest airport in the state of Madhya Pradesh. There are frequent flights from all the major cities of the country and it is also a popular international airport.
By Rail - Along with the Indore Junction, which is an A-1 grade railway station, the city has eight other railway stations and there are regular trains plying from other major cities.
By Road - Indore is easily accessible through National and State Highways and it is well connected to other cities by buses.
The city’s roots can be traced to its early days as the trading hub between the Deccan and Delhi, in the 16th century. When the Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao I took over the entire Malwa plateau in 1773, Indore was under the rule of the founder of the Holkar dynasty, Malhar Rao Holkar. He was succeeded by his daughter-in-law, considered one of the greatest women in Indian history, Ahilyabai Holkar. It was one of the princely states under the British Raj until they acceded to the Union of India. Indore was the capital of Madhya Bharat from 1950 to 1956 until it finally merged with the state of Madhya Pradesh, becoming a part of the Republic of India in November 1956.
A historian’s haven, Indore’s famous places are amazing to get away from your usual routine. All thanks to the food, the monuments and the people, Indore tourism is certainly thriving.
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