India >> West Zone >> Madhya Pradesh >> Indore
About Indore Indore is called the ' Mini Mumbai ' of India, situated on the banks of the rivers Saraswati and Khan, and is the largest city in Madhya Pradesh. This bustling and vibrant city derives its name from the 18th century Indreshwar temple and was the seat of the Holkars - the former rulers of this erstwhile state. The place has long been a home of cricketers producing international legends like the celebrated C.K.Naidu.
| Area: | 165.17 sq.kms.
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| Best Time to Visit: | September to March.
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| Climate: | Due to its location in central India far from the sea, Indore has a moderately extreme climate. Indore gets moderate rainfall during July - September due to the South West monsoon.
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| Main Languages: | Hindi, Marathi and English
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| Population: | Approximately 16,39,044
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| Temperature: | Summer - Max: 40°C Min: 22°C
Winter - Max: 29°C Min: 10°C
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Other Attractions In & Around
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Chhatri Baug
Chhatris or cenotaphs erected in memory of the Holkar rulers and their families are incomparable examples of Maratha architecture and sculpture. These Chhatris were the temples where Holkars used to attend Poojas. The largest and the most impressive is that of Malhar Rao Holkar I lavishly decorated with frescoes while that of Rani Ahilyabai is also important.
As time passed, they were neglected and shopkeepers and hawkers encroached the land around them. But recently, District Administration forcefully got them moved from the place and secured back the significance and beauty. Thus they got back historic significance and glory.
On the banks of River Khan, it has seven memorials of the Holkar kings but the inner sanctums are locked.. The Krishnapura Chhatris : These are exquisite cenotaphs of the three later Holkar rulers. These memorials in stone are gracefully poised on the banks of the Khan River with pyramidal spires tapering into soaring kalashas. Facing west is the cenotaph built over the ashes of another woman ruler of Malwa, Maharani Krishnabai. The other two Chhatris are of Tukoji Rao II and Shivaji Rao, father and son, and are linked by a common oblong prayer hall with ornately carved arches and pillars on a high platform along the garbha grihas containing life size statues of these rulers. A breathtaking sight at night when illuminated, the Chhatris glow bright against the dark of the sky. An artificial lake is created in this stretch of the otherwise dry Khan River, complete with a fountain, well-laid gardens on both banks and boating facility.
At Chhatri Baag is the main collection of tombs housed in two compounds. Close by is the beautiful Bolia Sarkar's Chhatri constructed in 1858 AD in memory of Sardar Chimnaji Appa Sahib Bolia. TOP
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Lal Baug 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.
A reflection of their taste, grandeur and life style, its construction began in 1886 under Tukoji Rao Holkar - II and completed in 1921 under Tukoji Rao - III.
It is a blend of the baroque and renaissance styles, and in its days was one of the most elegant residences in India. The Government of Madhya Pradesh is developing it as a cultural centre. The main attractions are the splendidly proportioned and furnished rooms, with frescoed ceilings and gilded ornamental mouldings.. The beauty : Though simple to look from outside, the magnificent interior takes one into a dreamland of past glory. The imposing gates of the palace are unique in Asia. A replica of the gates of Buckingham palace (London), about twice their size, were moulded in cast iron and shipped from England. They carry the Holkar state emblem, meaning, "He who tries will succeed". The Palace Today : Currently this is the residence of Usha Raje, direct descendent of the Holkars, whose ancestral palace it used to be. The rooms have been restored and furnished to pleasing effect. Much of the furniture and ornamentation is in the late Regency, early Georgian style. It Italian marble columns, grand chandeliers, rich Persian carpets, flying nymphs on the ceiling, Belgium stained glass windows, Greek mythological relief's, Italian style wall paintings, a wooden ballroom floor mounted on springs, stuffed leopards and tigers are magnificent. The whole complex has a total area of 28 acres.
Its uniqueness lies in the pantry and kitchen being situated across a rivulet with provision of a mechanical trolley. Now converted into a museum the palace has a rare and vast collection of old paintings and armoury on display. TOP
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Rajwada
The Holkar Palace (Rajwada) is close to the Chhatris, in the main square. It is a seven-storied building (only facade remains) built over two centuries and is built in a mixture of Maratha, Mughal and French style.. The structure : The gopura-like monumental stone and wood structure, flanked by bastions, studded with balconies and windows, is a testimony of the past Holkar grandeur. Its lofty entrance archway above a huge wooden door encrusted with iron studs, leads into a vast courtyard enclosed by galleried rooms, and the arcaded Ganesh Hall where state and religious functions were once held. It is now used for art exhibitions and classical music concerts. The lower three floors are made of stone and the upper floors are made of wood, which made it very vulnerable to destruction by fire. Rajwada was burnt three times in its history; the last fire in 1984 took the greatest toll. Today only the front facade remains. Recent renovations have recreated some of the old glory of this beautiful palace.
The charred rubble of the rear portion has now given way to a symmetrically laid out garden featuring fountains, an artificial waterfall and some superb pieces of 11th century sculpture.
Synonymous with the heart of Indore city, it stands today as a mute witness to the bygone splendour of the Holkar rulers.
The New Palace still remains on the north side.In the old part of town, the multi-storey gateway of the Rajwada or Old Palace looks out onto the palm-lined main square in the crowded streets of the Kajuri Bazaar. About 200 years ago, this seven-storied historical building formed the nerve centre 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. TOP
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