Indore
Indore was originally known as Indrapur or Indreshwar from which the modern name is derived. Indore at present is a fine blend of the past and promises speedy modernisation. Indore is situated in Malwa, on the banks of the small streams – the Khan and the Saraswati. Indore is the business powerhouse ofthe state and is known as the Detroit of India due to its numerous car factories.
Hi How to get there There are number of National and State Highways passing through Indore namely, NH 3, NH 69,69Aand NH 86 which makes the place very accessible. Indore railway station falls under the Ratlam division of Western
Railways. Indore is one of the few places in India where both meter gauge and broad gauge railway tracks operate. There are regular express trains, which connects Indore with major cities in India. Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, which is 10 km from the city centre, connects it to major cities in the country.
HI Places of interest Rajwada: This 200-year-old palace, Rajwada, is a fine blend of French, Mughal and Maratha architecture and is a prime attraction of Indore. Located near the bustling Khajuri Bazaar, it is an important place to visit. Built during the Holkar Dynasty, the palace is a seven storey building with the three lower levels constructed in stone and the remaining floors in wood. There is a Jain Temple, the Kanch Mandir, meaning the temple of mirrors nearby.
Indore Museum: Located near the Main Post Office, the museum houses a good collection of pre-medieval and medieval artifacts. The main attraction of this museum is the predominant collection of the 11th and 12th century sculptures of the Parmar dynasty. This superb display of antiques consists of coins, arms and armours and beautifully decorated figures in stone.
Lai Bagh Palace: Built between 1886-1921, the Lai Bagh Palace is a landmark monument created by the erstwhile Holkar rulers.
Important state functions used to be held here. It is set amongst well-laid gardens and located in the southwestern part of Indore. The architecture and interiors of this modern palace is highly influenced by English palaces. There is a statue of Queen Victoria at the entrance to the 28 hectare garden.
Gandhi Hall Built in 1904, this Indo-Gothic styled building near M.G. Road is also referred to as Ghanta Ghar, as it has a fourfaced clock tower in the front. Many art and cultural exhibitions are held in this building. Other places of interest: Built in 1875, the Bada Ganapati temple houses a massive 8 metre tall, bright orange statue of Lord Ganesh. The Annapurna temple, Bijasen Tekri (a hilltop picnic spot and a vantage point to see Indore at night), and Gomtagiri Jain temple are also worth a visit.
■ AROUND INDORE Kasturbagram (8 km): Kasturbagram houses the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust, which was founded by Mahatma Gandhi. This trust is dedicated to rural development and its activities are as per the principles laid down by Mahatma Gandhi. Omkareshwar: This Om-shaped island has long attracted Sadhus, but tourists started visiting only recently. The island at the confluence of Narmada and Kaveri rivers, is famous for its Shiva temple of Shri Omkar Mandhata. The island is connected to the mainland by a high footbridge. There are a number of other temples on this island. A
three hour journey by bus from Indore will helpyou reach this place.
Maheshwar: The town of Maheshwar, located 91 km from Indore, is famous for its fort and temples and the intricately patterned silk saris produced by local weavers. The artistically made saris can be purchased cheap here. The tourists can make use of the regular buses that ply in the region. A trip between Indore and Maheswar is one of the most popular excursions from Indore. The bus journey from Indore to Maheswar takes about four hours.