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An important business and industrial centre, Indore is called the mini Mumbai of India. A town, that has seen rapid growth in the last 10 years, it is the third largest industrial belt in Asia. Apart from its industrial importance, Indore is the gateway to Ujjain and Omkareshwar. The capital city of the erstwhile Holkar rulers, there are a number of historical monuments in Indore, belonging to the Holkars. Indore is also known for its temples. The architecture of the monuments in Indore, is the amalgamation of different styles.

The land on which Indore was built, was given to Malhar Rao Holkar in 1733 by the Maratha Peshwas, in appreciation of his help in many of their battles. Malhar Rao left much of the statecraft, in the highly gifted hands of his widowed daughter-in-law, who succeeded him to the throne. The city was destroyed in 1801, but recovered and was the British headquarters of their Central India Agency. The ruling family of Indore, the Holkars, took the Britishers side, during the Mutiny in 1857. Indore was one of the first states to open temples, schools and public wells to Harijans, in support off Gandhiji's campaign against untouchability.

Indore is a cultural city. Bijasen Tekri, near Indore airport, is a small hillock, housing the temple of Bijasen Mata, built in 1920. Every year, during the Hindu festival of Navratri, a fair is held in this temple. Following the Rangpanchami, another festival of colours, follows the original festival of colours, Holi. Just 5 days after Holi, this festival takes place but instead of colours, it is colours of music that fill the air. It is a traditional festival, which was celebrated during the Holkar reign. The spirit of the festival continues even today. The Ahilya Utsav is commemorated, to observe the death anniversary of Rani Ahilya Bai annually.

Climate & Geographical Location -

The summers are dry and hot, while the winters are cool and pleasant. Indore is located in the Narmada River valley in the western part of the state of Madhya Pradesh in central India.

Indore is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, Indore airport is the closest airport and connects Indore to Bhopal, Gwalior, Delhi and Mumbai. By rail, Ujjain is the nearest railhead and links Indore to Bhopal, Jhansi, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Agra, Ujjain, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Cochin. By road, Indore is well connected by road to Mumbai, Agra, Gwalior, Ahmedabad, Gangwal, Dhar, Omkareshwar, Aurangabad, Ajanta, Bhopal and Ujjain. Various other state roadways buses ,also connect Indore with other major cities.

: T O U R I S T P L A C E S :

Synonymous with the heart of Indore city, it stands proud, a silent tribute to the craftsmanship of unknown artisans of centuries ago, a mute witness to the bygone splendour of the Holkar rulers. This 200-year-old seven-storey historic palace of the Holkars, is built in a mixture of Muslim, Maratha and French styles. The lower three floors are made of stone and the upper floors are made of wood, which made it very vulnerable to destruction by fire. Rajwada was burnt three times in its history; the last fire in 1984, took the greatest toll. Today only the front facade remains. Recent renovations have recreated some of the old glory of this beautiful palace.

Lal Baugh Palace -

Currently the residence of Usha Raje, the direct descendent of the Holkars, Lal Bagh Palace is one of the grandest monuments in Indore. Exquisitely constructed with great detailing, it is a reflection of their taste, grandeur and lifestyle of the Holkars. Constructed in 1886, under Tukoji Rao Holkar II, it 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.

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.

BAWANGAJA - About 175 km, away from Indore you can see a 72 ft high statue hewn from one rock, at Bawangaja. It is also an important Jain pilgrimage Centre belonging to the 15th century.

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 a Border Security Arms Museum, as well as a small temple of Bijasen Mata, built in 1920, which has a magnificent view of the sunset.

CENTRAL MUSEUM - The Indore Museum, houses the finest collection of Parmar sculptures from Hinglajgarh. The Parmar style originated here, and is characterized by proportioned figures, carefully and ornately depicted in stone.

CHHATRI BAUGH - Chhatris are the tombs or cenotaphs, erected in memory of dead Holkar rulers and their family members. The Chhatris picturesquely poised on the Khan riverbanks near Rajawada, are incomparable in terms of Maratha architecture and sculpture of their period.

DEWAS - 36 km from Indore, it is famous for a temple devoted to Devi Chamunda. It is connected by local buses.

DHAR - Dhar is 47 km away from Indore and used to be the capital of the former Paramara Kings. Famous among them is Raja Bhoj. Earlier, Dhar boasted of an exquisite image of Goddess Saraswati, at the Bhojsala temple.

GOMATGIRI - The Jain Samaj, has constructed a 21 feet statue of Lord Gomateshwar, a replica of the Bahubali statue of Shravanabelagola. Also built here, are 24 marble temples with shilars for each tirthankar.

KANCH MANDIR - The "Palace of Mirrors" is a quaint Jain Shrine, close to Rajwada. The attraction of this place is as the name indicates, is the myriad mirrors studded on the walls and the ceiling, in which ones reflection can be seen.

KASTURBA - GRAM - Situated on the Indore-Khandwa Road, the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust was founded by Mahatma Gandhi. This trust has dedicated itself to rural development and its activities are on the principles laid down by Mahatma Gandhi.

KHAJRANA - The citizens of Indore, have great faith in this Ganesh temple, built during the reign of Ahilyabai Holkar. It is believed that praying here fulfills all wishes. Nearby is the dargah of Nahar Sayed.

MAHESHWAR - The town of Maheshwar, is famous for its fort and temples, and the saris produced by the local weavers. These intricately patterned silk saris of Maheshwar, are called Maheshwari. Travelers having a taste for traditional Indian handicraft, can buy saris from here.

MANDU - Mandu is a celebration of life and love, a tribute to the tender love of the poet - prince Baz Bahadur for his consort, Rani Roopmati. The balladeers of Malwa, still sing of their love, and perched atop a hill, Roopmatis pavilion still gazes down fondly.

MHOW - 22 km away, form Indore, you will find the old military ambience, at picturesque Mhow. Now a small city, it was an old British cantonment and Military headquarters of war.

OMKARESHWAR - Known for its Shiva temple of Shri Omkar Mandhata, it is located on an island at the confluence of the Narmada and Kaveri rivers. The island is connected with the mainland with a high footbridge. There are a number of other temples on this island.

PATAL PANI - Another scenic spot towards Mhow, Patal Pani is famous for its waterfall. The water, falls from a height of 150 ft into a kund, whose depth till date, remains unfathomable. Hence, the name Patal Pani.

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 steeples are a landmark of Indore today.