If you are wondering what exactly makes Indore
special well, we cannot pin point one factor. The temples, the great rivers
Saraswati and Kham flowing merrily along, it is just another Indian city at
a first glance. But then, Indore is very special, for it was here that the ruling
kings of the Holkar clan, went against the old customs of barring Harijans (the
so called lower caste people) and opened wide the temples, schools and public
well gates to the them answering Gandhiji's campaign against untouchability.
Indore truly speaks of the rich yester years. Today, Indore is a business
hub. A place where lots of cars roll out. It has earned the epithet Detroit
of India thanks to the suburb Pithampur, where a large number of automobile
units are based
History
Today is here, tomorrow is yet to come, and yesterday is where we really belong.
And if days of yore were like Indore's, who would not want to press the rewind
button. Planned and built by the Holkar queen Rani Ahilya Bai, the history
of the city is inseparable from the history of the Holkars. The first Holkar,
Malhar Rao, was rewarded some territories including Indore. He was succeeded
by his grandson, on whose death, the latter’s mother, Maharani Ahilya
Bai ascended the throne. Ahilya Bai ushered in a regime of prosperity in the
already rich land of Malwa. Though Ahilya Bai had great admiration for Indore,
it was only after her death that the capital was shifted from Maheshwar to
Indore, in 1811 AD. Indore continued to be the capital till Madhya Bharat
state was formed in 1948 and Bhopal took away the honour.
Places to See
Rajwada
A mange of French, Mughal and Maratha architectures, this 200-year old seven-storied
palace belonged to the Holkars. The palace is characterised by lower stories
made of stone and upper stories of wood, and a well-laid garden with fountains
and an artificial waterfall.
Lalbagh Palace
A must-visit monument, this palace of the Holkar rulers was used for conducting
important functions and celebrations. The magnificent architecture with gardens
all around gives an idea of the lifestyle of the Holkars. Spread over an area
of 28 hectares, it at one time it had the reputation of having one of the
best rose gardens in the country. Currently this is the residence of Usha
Raje, direct descendent of the Holkars. It is open for public from 10 am to
6 pm, all days except Mondays.
Chattri Bagh
The garden has several memorial canopies (chhatris) dedicated to the Holkar
rulers and their family members. Located on the bank of river Kham, the prettiest
of the chattris is that of Malhar Rao I, the founder of the Holkar dynasty,
embellished all over with frescoes.
Sukh Niwas
This palace, again built by the Holkars, is a fine blend of Indian and Western
styles of architecture.
Gandhi Hall
Built in 1904 this Indo-Gothic building is also known as Ghanta Ghar or Town
Hall. It is now used to conduct art exhibitions and cultural shows. It also
houses a library, a children's park and a temple.
Indore Museum
Located on Agra-Mumbai Road, the museum has the finest collection of Parmar
dynasty sculptures, besides coins, arms and armours. It is open 10 am to 5
pm, all days except Mondays.
Central Museum
Situated near the GPO, the museum has an interesting collection of 11th and
12th century sculptures. There are some Harappan period terracotta pieces
excavated at Mohenjo Daro in southern Pakistan. The museum is open daily from
10 am to 5 pm except Mondays.
Kamla Nehru Park
Overlooking the Kham River, this park has a zoo. You can also enjoy elephant,
camel, and pony rides, goat carts and buggy rides in the evenings. The restaurant
here dishes out a good fare.
Bijasen Tekri
This is an ideal picnic spot with breathtaking views of the city. The Bijasen
Mata Temple here, built in 1920, hosts a grand fair is held during the nine-day
festival of Navratr.
Excursion
Omkareshwar
Situated at the confluence of rivers Narmada and Kaveri, Omkareshwar is a
small island shaped like the holy Hindu symbol Om. The main temple is dedicated
to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 jyotrilingas revered by the Hindus. Just
77 km from Indore, Omkareshwar fascinates tourists with a religious bent of
mind.
Maheshwar
Known for its saris, this small town is 91 km away from Indore (4 hours by
bus). The small town is famous for its forts, temples and bathing ghats. Do
pick up some of the fine locally made saris from the shops here, as the prices
are lower than anywhere else. MP Tourism as runs a hotel here as do several
private operators.
Mhow
The Military Headquarters of War, supposed to be the British war management
centre, is just 23 km away. Founded in 1818 by Sir John Malcolm as a result
of Treaty of Mandsaur between the British and Holkars, it is now one of the
country’s most prestigious military training establishments for senior
officers. The campus is a must visit spot for tourists. The city is also the
birthplace of the Father of the Indian Constitution, Dr Bhim Rao Amberkar.
The place has a very charming market place. However, foreigners need to take
permission to enter the zone.
Mandu
Meaning - City of Joy, in the local dialect, Mandu is 99 km from Indore. The
hamlet is dotted with over 40 monuments, including palaces, tombs, temples
and a fort that was the monsoon retreat of the Mughal emperors. Champa Baoli,
the huge 15th-century Jami Masjid, the beautiful Jahaz Mahal (ship palace),
Hindola Mahal (swing palace), the romantic Baz Bahadur's palace, Roopmati's
pavilion and Hoshang Shah's Tomb are some must sees. If you plan for a night
halt then MP Tourism Cottage on Rupmati Road is an ideal choice, besides Traveller's
Cottage, Tourism Rest House, Rain Basera.
Ujjain
Considered to be one of the holiest cities of the country, Ujjain or Ujjayani
is around 56 km from Indore. Situated on the banks of the sacred river Shipra,
the town is synonymous with the renowned Sanskrit poet Kalidas and the mighty
King Vikramditya. It is also one of the four centres of the Kumbha Mela. The
Mahakaleshwar Temple, Gopal Mandir, the temple of Har Siddhi Mata (family
deity of King Vikramaditya) and the Vedha Shala (Veda School) contribute to
Ujjain's religious significance. Hotel Ashraya and Hotel Shipra are ideal
spots for a night halt.
Patal Pani
Located 36 km from Indore, this site is famous for a waterfall (150 feet high)
which falls into a kund or pond. Legend has it that the bottom of this kund
touches patal (nether world).
Wanchoo Point
Just 10 km away, this dam on the River Narmada is an ideal picnic spot.
Dining Out
Gustatory delights are available in abundance to suit all appetites and wallets.
The food canvas of the city stretches wide from quintessential poha-jalebi
at roadside stalls to dal- bati (delicious Rajasthani dishes) at upscale Chokhi
Dhani and Nakhrali Dhani. The famous Chappan Dukan (56 outlets dotting the
city) serves any and every kind of cuisine. The thali (both limited and unlimited
variety) has a special place in Indori hearts or shall we say tummies! Try
them at Sayaji Hotels (near Agra-Mumbai Road, Tel: 552121/555632). The city
is also famous for its chaat and other savouries (namkeen). For a quick bite,
you have the all-too-familiar MacDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Cafe coffee Day,
and Barista scattered all over the city. Besides, Hotel Shreemaya and President
(Ravindra Nath Tagore Marg, RNT Marg) are some of the reputed hotels serving
mouth-watering cuisine.
Indoris not only love to eat , but also love to don the apron and get the
kitchen fires going to create gastronomical treats. So never refuse a lunch
or dinner invitation at an Indori home.
Shopping
Abuzz with activity, Khajuri Bazaar is a hunting ground for exquisite gold and
silver jewellery, leather work and traditional garments. Sarafa Market too specialises
in jewellery, while Kasera Bazaar sells metalwork. MT Cloth Market is must visit
as it is the largest cloth market in Central India.
Chanderi and Maheshwari and Kosa silks are the other famous buys of Indore.
You can buy them from Mrignayani, the state emporium (165, MG Road) and Avanti,
(507, MG Road). Other well-known outlets are Roopmati, Upica, and Fab India
(all on MG Road).
The city is on fast track when it comes to modern shopping outlets and malls.
Globus, Westend and Treasure Island (all on M G Road) are the most popular
malls.
Visiting
October to March are ideal months when the weather is mild. April to June
is a tad too hot, the temperature hovering around 36oC, and July to September
are wet and sticky, thanks to the southwest monsoon. It is advisable not to
travel during the peak summer months. The heat could do a number or two on
you. So be careful!
How to get there
By Air : Located 10 km away from the city, Indore’s airport
is serviced by flights to Delhi and Mumbai.
By Train : Indore has trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Bhopal,
Agra, Gwalior and Jabalpur.
By Road : The city is well connected by bus to Ujjain (55 km)
and Bhopal (186 km).
