|
Indore is the largest city and the
commercial capital of Madhya
Pradesh . It is situated on the Malwa Plateau, just
north of the Vindhya
Range. Indore is the administrative headquarters of the Indore District and
the Indore
Division. The city was the capital of the territory of Holkars and has served as the
capital of the former princely
state of Indore and the summer capital of the erstwhile state of Central India.
Indore is one of the fastest growing
Metropolitan city in India. Popularly, it is also known as City of Temples and Mini Mumbai. Indore is specially known for its
Cuisines. People from all over the globe come here to have the taste of Indori
food & Malwi Cuisine. One can enjoy the famous chaat, sweets and kachori
at Sarafa bazaar and chappan dukan (56 shops)
Indore has been developed as one the
best Educational & Business hub in Western India. Till few years back
Indore was the only city of India where movies were released on Thursday one
day ahead from other cities.
Rajwada - Rajwada is the historical palace of
the Holkars. It was built about two centuries ago and is located near the
Chhatris in the main square. It is a seven storied structure, which serves as
the living example of the grandeur of the Holkars. Rajwada stands in the centre
of the city. The new palace is on the northern side, while the old palace
stands in the old part of the town. The old palace is a multi-storied building
which also serves as a gateway of the Rajwada. It stands amongst the crowded
streets of the Kajuri Bazar and faces the main square of the city.
The palace was once the centre of all
the trading activities in the city. It is a blend of Maratha, Mughal and French
style of architecture. The entrance of the palace has a lofty archway with a
giant wooden door which is covered with iron studs. The gopura-like monument is
made up of wood and stone. It has a number of balconies windows and corridors.
The entrance leads to a huge courtyard, which is surrounded by galleried rooms
and the arcaded Ganesha hall, which was once the venue of all state and
religious functions. This hall is now used for art exhibitions and classical
music concerts.
Lal Baag - Lal Baag
Palace is one of the most spectacular buildings in Indore. It stands on the
outskirts of the town, towards the southwest. It is a three storey building on
the bank of the River Khan. The palace was built by Maharaja Shivaji Rao Holkar
during 1886-1921. The interiors of the Lal Baag Palace transport the visitors
to the historic era. Lavish decorations in the style of Versailles Palace,
Italian marble columns, grand chandeliers, rich Persian carpets, flying nymphs
on the ceiling, Belgium stained glass windows, Greek mythological reliefs,
Italian style wall paintings, stuffed leopards and tigers gives the visitor an
out of the world experience.
The ballroom of the palace has wooden
floor mounted on springs for extra bounce. The kitchen was built on the
opposite bank of the river. It was connected to the palace by a well lighted
underground tunnel. The gates of the Palace are a replica of the gates of
Buckingham palace (London). Only, they are about twice their size. The gates
were molded in cast iron and were shipped from England. They also carry the
Holkar state emblem which states "He who tries will succeed".
Chattris – The Maratha Rulers were skilled in the
field of architecture. An exquisite example of their architectural style
comprise of the Chattris of Indore. These chhattris are the cenotaphs built in
the memory of the Holkar rulers. The memorials are built in stone and have
stood the test of time. They stand elegantly on the banks of the Khan River.
The cenotaphs are tombs built on the cremation spot of the Holka rulers near
Rajwada. The Chhatris have dome type structure with pyramidal spires on top.
Facing west, there is the cenotaph
built over the ashes of a woman ruler of Malwa, Maharani Krishnabai. There are
two other Chhatris dedicated to Tukoji Rao II and Shivaji Rao, father and son
respectively. These cenotaphs are linked by a common prayer hall, which has
delicately carved arches and pillars. It also contains life size statues of
these rulers on a high platform along the garbha grihas.
Kanch Mandir - The Kanch Mandir, as the name
suggests, is a temple which is entirely made up of glass and mirrors. It is
also known as the Seth Hukamchand Temple, as it was built by the "Cotton
King" Sir Hukamchand Seth in the early 20th century. It is primarily a
Jain temple and is a wonder in glass. The walls, ceiling, floor, pillars,
doors, everything here is entirely adorned with glass. The Kanch Mahal has
always been an object of interest for almost all the Hindu rulers in India.
Other
Places of Interest Annapurna
Temple, Bada Ganpati, Bijasan Tekri, Gomatgiri and Khajrana Temple.
Omkareshwar (77 Km) :
Omkareshwar as pilgrim place situated at the bank of river Narmda. Omkareshwar Temple is among one of 12 Shiv Jyotirling in India.
Places Of Interest
- Sri Omkareshwar Mahadeo Temple
- The Siddnath Temple
- Beautiful shore of River Narmda
Maheshwar(91 Km) :
Maheshwar was a glorious city at the dawn of Indian civilization when it was Mahishmati, capital of king Kartivarjun. This temple town on the banks of the river Narmada finds mention in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Revived to its ancient position of importance by the Holkar queen Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. Maheshwar's temples and mighty fort-complex stand in quiet beauty, mirrored in the river below.
Places Of Interest
- The Fort
- The Ghats
- The Temple Attractions
- Navdatoli - An Archaeological Site
Mandu (105 Km) :
Popularly known as the "City of Joy", Mandu has many historical monuments. It is the city of love and delight; after all one of its most famous legends is the love story of Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati.
Places Of Interest
- Rani Roopmati Mahal
- Jahaj Mahal (Ship Palace)
- Tomb of Hoshang Shah
- Ashrafi Mahal
- Jami Masjid
Mhow
(23 Km) :
(Military Headquarters of War). It was the War Management Centre of the British
during the World War. Presently, it is one of the military training establishments.
Dewas
(36 Km) :
The name is derived from a hill in the vicinity known as Devi-Vashini on which
is perched a
temple
of its presiding deity Devi Chamunda.
Patal
Pani (36 Km) :
A popular picnic spot, famous for its scenic waterfall.
|