Rajwada: This Old Palace is one of the most important historical sites in Indore. Built by the Holkar dynasty, this 200 year old palace is a fine blend of French, Mughal and Maratha architecture. Built almost entirely in stone and wood, it showcases bastions, windows and balconies. The gateway leads to the Ganesh Hall, which was once the site of all religious functions. To the right of the gateway facing the main square is the Gopal Temple and a large central hall with granite pillars supporting an elaborately carved roof. The temple enshrines the idol of the family deity Malhari Martand. Opposite the temple, across the square is the Anna Chatra, an alms house for the poor. To the north is the New Palace and garden, with a French style pavilion roof. The Rajwada's original grandeur is still maintained even as it was built thrice after it was destroyed by fire.
Lal Baag Palace: One of the finest examples of the Holkar Dynasty constructions, this splendid palace was built in three phases. This was the residence of the erstwhile royal family and today a part of it has been converted to a museum. Rare paintings, ancient coin collections and miniature artifacts are on display here. Among the other attractions is the wooden ballroom floor with its marble columns, gilded chandeliers and stained glass windows. This palace also had one of the best rose gardens in the city and was the site of many royal receptions.
Open from: 10.00 am-4.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Kanch Mandir: Located close to the Rajwada, this is a famous Jain Temple built by Seth Hukanchand. An architectural marvel in glass, thousands of coloured glasses adorn the walls, floors, pillars and ceilings of this fantastic shrine decorated with patterned ceramic tiles. Exquisitely crafted Chinese lantern-type glass lamps and cut-glass chandeliers further enhance the interior. The temple boasts of more than 50 murals depicting scenes of conversion to Jainism. The main image of Lord Mahavira (founder of Jainism) is made from shimmering black onyx placed atop a special glass chamber. This glass chamber is said to multiply the three idols of Lord Mahavira into infinite numbers.
Annapurna Temple: This is believed to have been inspired from the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. Covered entirely in bright motifs and mythological characters, four huge stone elephants support the gateway. Within the complex are temples dedicated to Annapurna Devi, Shiva, Kal Bhairav and Hanuman. Also located inside is a lecture or pravachan hall.
Khajrana: Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, this temple is believed to have been constructed by Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar. This temple is believed to have miraculous wish-granting powers. Also located closeby is the Dargah of Nahar Sayed, which is an important pilgrimage place for Maita Muslims.
Bada Ganpati: Built in 1875, this is said to be the result of a dream, which a citizen of Ujjain had. So called, because of the sheer size of the idol of Lord Ganesh - it measures almost 25 ft high, thus making it the highest idol of Lord Ganesha in the world! This idol is constructed in bricks, limestone, jaggery, methi dana, soil collected from Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya, Kashi, Kanchi, Avantika and Dwarka, mud from the stables of elephant, horse, cow and the Panch Ratna powder. Precious gems like emerald, diamond, pearl, ruby and topaz adorn this bright orange idol and the metallic frame is made of gold, silver, copper, iron and brass.
Central Museum: Located near the GPO, the Indore Museum houses the finest collection of Parmar sculptures from Hinglajgarh, most of them collected from the ruined 11th-12th century temples at Hinglajgarh. The finely carved panels within depict Harihara, Shiva and Parvati seated on Nandi, a standing Parvati and a damaged Chamunda. Also look out for the staggering collection of coins, arms and armour and the doorframe with its sculpted figures and ornamentations.
Open from: 10.00 am-7.00 pm (closed on Mondays)
Mahatma Gandhi Hall: Formerly known as King Edward Hall, this was once the most beautiful halls in Indore. Built in Indo-Saracenic architecture, it was designed in white Seoni and red stone and has a four-faced clock tower in front, locally known as Ghanta Ghar. The spacious hall inside is believed to have a capacity of 2000 people. Above it are a terraced roof, minarets and cupolas in Rajput style. The building also has a library, a children's park and a temple.
Open from: 10.00 am-5.00 pm
Bijasen Tekri: This beautiful hillock is a few minutes drive from the airport. Once the site of the Guest House of the Holkars, it has been converted into the Border Security Arms Museum. Also located here is a small temple of Bijasen Mata, which is the site of great celebrations during Navratri. Catch splendid views of the city and the sunset from stop the hill.
Gomatgiri: This is the site of the 21 feet hight statue of Gomateshwar, a replica of the Bahubali statue at Shravanabelagola. The Jain Samaj also built 24 marble temples with spires, for each of the Jain Tirthankara.
Chhattri Bagh: This is a garden of cenotaphs dedicated to the royal family that lies along the Khan River. Chhatris or cenotaphs were erected in memory of dead Holkar rulers and their family members. The main collection is housed within two compounds and the seven chhattris to the Holkar kings are grouped within a wall. The one dedicated to Malhar Rao Holkar has ornamental sculptures. Slightly smaller than this is the chhattri dedicated to Indore's most venerated ruler, Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar. Also important are the Krishnapura Chhatris, dedicated to the three later rulers of the Holkar Dynasty. Distinct in their designs, these sport tapering spires with kalashas on top and are particularly beautiful when illuminated at night.
Omkareshwar: Located about 77 kms from Indore, this is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva or Shri Omkar Mandhata. The name is derived from the Om-shaped island on which it is situated. Another temple located here Amareshwar dedicated to the Lord of the Immortals.
Maheshwar: Almost 91 kms from Indore, Maheshwar is also home to several Shiva Temples. Along with temples, you can also visit the royal throne of Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar, the State Archeological Museum, the chhatris built during the Holkar era and the Sahastradhara waterfall where the river splits into thousands of streams. Maheshwar is equally famous for its saris produced by the local weavers. These intricately patterned Maheshwari silk saris are known for their exquisite zari work and are easily available at the Indian handicrafts stores.
Mandu: Located almost 60 kms from Indore, Mandu is known for its fortress, the Jahaz Mahal and the Rani Rupmati Pavilion, which was built by Baz Bahadur for his consort Rani Roopmati.
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