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This city derives its name from the
18th century Indreshwar temple. Situated in the heart of
the Malwa plateau it was the base of the Holkars, former
rulers of this and built by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar.
Today, it is a throbbing, vibrant city coloured by its
brave past. It is a naturally endowed with a beautiful
landscape and salubrious climate. Of interest here are
numerous monuments associated with the Holkars. Two
Hundred year ago, this seven storeyed historical
building formed the nerve center of all trading
activities. Even today it stands proud in the market
place, a silent tribute to the craftsmanship of unknown
artisans of centuries ago.
Kanch Mandir is the Place of Mirrors is a quaint Jain
Shrine, close to Rajwada. The attraction of this palace,
as the name indicates, is in the myriad mirrors studded
on the walls and the ceiling in which one's reflection
can be seen.
Lal Baugh Place:
Currently this is the residence of Usha Raje, direct
descendent of the Holkars, whose ancestral palace it
used to be. Exquisitely constructed with great
detailing, it reflects the royal taste of the Holkars.
Chhatri Baugh:
Across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh the tradition of
erecting chhatris or cenotaphs was rather prevalent. An
example of this can be seen here at Chhatri Baugh where
the cenotaphs were erected in memory of the Holkar
rulers and their family.
Kasturba Gram:
Situated about 8 kms. From Indore on the Khandwa Road,
Mahatma Gandhi founded the Kasturba Gandhi National
Memorial Trust. The headquarters of this trust were
shifted from Wardha to Indore in 1950.
Mhow:
22 kms. From 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.
Mandu:
(99 Kms. from Indore) Perched along the Vindhyan ranges,
at an altitude of 2000 feet, Mandu, with its natural
defenses, was originally the fort capital of the
Paramara rulers of Malwa. Later towards the end of the
13th century, it came under the Sultans of Malwa, one of
who renamed it as Shadiabad - the city of joy. Some of
the structures worth seeing in the fort complex are the
tomb of Hoshang Shah, Jami Masjid, Ashrafi Mahal, Jahaz
Mahal, Roommate’s Pavilion, Baz Bahadur's Palace and
Hindola Mahal.
Omkareshwar:
(78 kms. from Indore) Situated at the confluence of the
Narmada and Kaveri are temples built in the medieval
Brahmin style. Omkaseshwar has one of the 12
Jyotirlingas enshrined at the temple of Shri Onkar
Mandhata, set in picturesque surroundings.
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.
Dhar:
Dhar is 47 Kms. away from Indore and it 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. The
same image is now displayed in the British Museum
London.
Bawangaja:
About 175 kms. Away from Indore, you can see a 72 feet
high stunted hewn from one rock, at Bawangaja. It is
also an important Jain pilgrimage center belonging to
the 15th century.
Anant Chaudas:
On the night of Anant Chaudas, large processions are
taken out and idols of Lord Ganesha are immersed in
water. The festival takes place around September.
Rangpanchami:
Another festival of colours follows the original
festival of colours, Holi. Just five days after Holi,
this festival takes place but instead of colours, it is
the 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.
Ahilya Utsav: The death anniversary of Rani Ahilya Bai
is observed annually.
Shopping: Indore is famous for its glass bangles and
leather toys. Tribes using the wax method of casting
mostly make the handicrafts. This is now a rare; lost
art, which you will net, find anywhere else.
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