Indore is known as the city of the Holkars kingdom. Indore is located on one of India's oldest pilgrimage routes from Mahakaal at Ujjain on river Kshipra, to Omkareshwar on the river Narmada and onwards to Rameshwaram, Indore was a convenient resting place. The city was built by a Holkar Rani Ahilya Bai, one of the famous queens of India. Located in the Narmada River valley in the western part of the state of Madhya Pradesh, Indore is an important industrial city of India Indore. Indore was on the route of the Marathas of Deccan on their way to North India. These Maratha warriors were in constant battle with the Mughal Empire. Their army transit camps here attracted the local Zamindars (landlords) who, drawn by the promise of lucrative trade, settled in the villages on the confluence of the Khan and Saraswati rivers, thereby laying the foundation of this commerce centre in 1715. In 1741, Indreshwar temple was built in the town, on base of it the devotees named the city Indore.

The trade centre grew rapidly under the Holkar dynasty in 1733-1818. The remains of their two century old palace still stand in the main square (called Rajwada). Indore became princely state in 1818 after the British forces under Sir John Malcolm defeated the Holkars led by Rani Krishnabai Holkar at Mahidpur. She signed the treaty of Mandsaur by which the power of Indore went in the hand of British rulers between 1948 and 1956, the city served as the summer capital of the former Madhya Bharat state. Currently, it is the capital of Madhya Pradesh.

The Omkareshwar temple and island at the confluence of the Narmada and Kaveri rivers; Maheshwar, a famous spot for monuments, forts and Maheshwari saris; Ujjain one of the holiest cities of India, Military headquarters of War, Mandu, the former monsoon retreat of the Mughal emperors and Patal Pani, a waterfall with a height of 150 feet are some of the places are the main attraction of Indore.

Best Time to Visit:

October to March

Places of Interest:

Chhatri Bagh, Gita Bhavan, Lalbaug Palace, Bada Ganapati, Juna Rajwada, Kanchi Mandir or Hukumchands Temple, Annapurna Temple, Kendriya Sangrahalaya. Chhatri Baugh: Chhatris or cenotaphs erected in memory of the Holkar rulers, are incomparable examples of Maratha architecture. . These Chhatris were the temples where Holkars used to attend Prayers. The largest and the most impressive is that of Malhar Rao Holkar I lavishly decorated with frescoes.

Indore Museum: Housing the finest collection of sculptures from Hinglajgarh is also known for its collection of coins, arms and armours. The Parmar style originated here and is characterized by proportionate figures, carefully and ornately depicted in stone.

Kala Kund: Kala-kund ( pool) is another beautiful spot on the way to Khandwa by train. After crossing the river in Shanker Valley there is a beautiful fall, above which is a natural swimming pool. A dip and bath in the 'Kunda’ is pleasurable.

Rajwada: A seven-storied building (only facade remains) built over two centuries and is built in a blend of Maratha, Mughal and French style.

Sukh Niwas: Sukh Niwas Palace: A historical building made by Holkar rulers with a mixture of Indian and Western styles in its architecture.

Kamala Nehru Park: Known as Zoo, it combines the pleasure of a park and zoo. Evening attractions include elephant rides, camel rides, pony rides, goat cart and buggy rides, overlooking the Khan river.

Kanch Mandir: Jain temple is an architectural marvel in glass, built by The “Cotton King” Sir Hukamchand in the early 20th century. The walls, ceiling, floor, pillars and doors are entirely inlaid with glass.

Lal Baugh Palace: The grandest monuments the Holkar dynasty reflecting, grandeur and lifestyle of the Holkars. It is the ancestral palace of the rulers. Many royal celebrations were held here and at one time it contained one of the best rose gardens of the country.

Reach:

By Air: Indore Airport is about 9 kms. West of the main city, connected by Regular Flights to Bhopal, Gwalior, Delhi, Bombay, Ahmedabad and Calcutta.

By Rail: Indore is on the Western railway and is connected with Major Indian Cities.

By Road: Bhopal: 186 kms, Gwalior: 486 kms, Mandu: 100 kms, Pachmarhi; 350 kms, Bhojpur: 300 kms.