Indore Tour

State:Madhya Pradesh

Area:165.17 sq.kms

Altitude:553 mts above sea level

Rainfall:152 cms

Climate:Summer - Max: 40 C Min: 22 C

Winter - Max: 29 degC Min: 10 degC

Language(s):Hindi,Marathi and English

Best Time to Visit:September to March

STD Code:0731

Overview of Indore

Indore is the largest city in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is situated on the banks of the River Khan and Sarawati.Indore is called the ' Mini Mumbai ' of India.The name of the city is derived from the Indreshwar temple, which is the seat of Holka rulers.The place has long been a home of cricketers producing international legends like the celebrated C.K.Naidu.Indore is a host to many industries, like automobile, textile, IT etc. With latest technological advancements, the city is about to become the IT hub of the state of MP. Other than this, there are a number of educational institutes in Indore which are amongst the best in the country. The first and foremost is IIM Indore, which is amongst the pioneer management institutes in India.

History of Indore

Local landlords established Indore in 1715 as a trade center in the Narmada River valley. They also built the Indreshwar temple in 1741. The city derives its name from this temple. It became the capital city of the Holkars and later became the headquarters of the British Central India Agency and the summer capital of Madhya Bharat (1948-56), before it became a part of the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Sightseeing in Indore

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.

Indore Museum

The Indore museum housing the finest collection of Parmar sculptures from Hinglajgarh is also known for its collection of coins, arms and armours. The Parmar style originated here and is characterized by proportionate figures, carefully and ornately depicted in stone.

Kamala Nehru Park

(Zoo)Popularly known as Chidiya Ghar, it combines the pleasure of a park and zoo. Evening attractions include elephant rides, camel rides, pony rides, goat cart and buggy rides. It has a restaurant and an ice cream parlour overlooking the Khan river.

Lal Baag Palace

It is one of the grandest monuments the Holkar dynasty reflecting the taste, grandeur and lifestyle of the Holkars. It is the ancestral palace of the rulers. Many royal receptions were held here and at one time it contained one of the best rose gardens of the country.

Sukh Niwas

Sukh Niwas Palace is a historical building made by Holkar rulers with a mixture of Indian and Western styles in its architecture. It was converted into a Picnic Resort.

Kanch Mandir

This Jain temple is an architectural marvel in glass, built by The "Cotton King" Sir Hukamchand in the early 20th century. The walls, ceiling, floor, pillars and doors are entirely inlaid with glass. There are paintings done in coloured glass depicting stories from Jain scriptures. At the top is a special glass chamber, which multiplies the three statues of Lord Mahavir, into an infinite number.

 Kala Kund

Kala-kund is another beautiful spot on the way to Khandwa by train. After crossing the river in Shanker Valley there is a beautiful fall, above which is a natural swimming pool - like 'Kunda'. A dip and bath in the 'Kunda' gives great pleasure.

Fairs and Festivals

Owing to its rich cultural background, Indore Festivals are celebrated with great zest and are one of the main attractions of the city.

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated quite differently in Indore city. Earlier, when textile mills flourished here, the workers of the mills contributed money and labor to arrange a carnival of floats ("Jhanki") and celebrated the festival with great pomp and show. Another festival celebrated here is Makar Sankranti, also known as the Kite Festival. The sky over Indore is rendered colorful as people fly kites and organize competitions on this day. It is celebrated on 14th January each year. Some other major festivals celebrated in Indore are.

Anant Chaudas

Anant Chaudas is celebrated around the month of September. On the night of Anant Chaudas, large processions are taken out and huge idols of Lord Ganesha are immersed in water. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the people.

Rangapanchami

Rangapanchami is celebrated five days after Dulendi or Holi, but it is not the usual Holi colors that paint the atmosphere around, rather it is the color of music that fills the air. Indore has its own style of celebrating Rang Panchami. Here, it is celebrated like Dulendi, but colors are mixed with water and then poured on others. On the event of the festival, the local municipal corporation sprinkles color mixed water on the main streets of old Indore. Earlier, they used Fire Brigade vehicles for this purpose. Rangapanchami is an age old festival, which was celebrated during the Holkar reign and continues to be celebrated till date.

Ahilya Utsav

Ahilya Utsav is an annual festival celebrated in Indore. It is celebrated to commemorate the death anniversary of Rani Ahilya Bai, the brave queen of Indore.

Navratri

Though Navratri is celebrated throughout the country, it has a special relevance for the people of Indore. The temple of Bijasen Mata is located on a small hillock called Bijasen Tekri. In the months of September/October, during Navratri, a fair is organized at this temple. It attracts pilgrims in huge numbers.

How to Reach Indore

By Rail

Indore is an important station in Madhya Pradesh. All major trains have a stop here.

By Road

Buses connect Indore to cities like Bhopal, Gwalior, Omkareshwar, Maheswar. There are Interstate buses to and from Mumbai, Ahmehabad, and Aurangabad.

By Air

Indore airport is about 9 kms. west of the city center, which is connected by regular flights to Bhopal, Gwalior, Delhi, Bombay, Ahmedabad and Calcutta.