INDORE

INDORE CENTRAL MUSEUM

Central Museum, also known as the Indore Museum, is one of the most

CENTRAL MUSEUM

interesting buildings in Indore. It is a treat for the people who are genuinely fascinated by the history of India and the rich civilization that flourished here in the pre historic age. It is located near the General Post Office in Indore. The Museum exhibits the finest collection of Parmar sculptures from Hinglajgarh. The Parmar style actually originated here only. Its main features include proportioned figures, careful and intricate ornamentation and depiction in stone.

The Central Museum also boasts one of the best collections of medieval and pre-medieval Hindu and Jain sculpture in Madhya Pradesh.

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.

CHHATRIS

There is a place called Chhatri Baag here, which has two compounds. There is also a beautiful Chhatri in the memory of Bolia Sahib. It was constructed after his death near this Chhatri Baag. At night, these Chhatris provide a breathtaking sight, as they get illuminated. The Chhatris glow ethereally against the dark of the sky and pay tribute to the great souls of the Holkar rulers. An artificial lake has been created in this stretch of the otherwise dry Khan River. It has been further beautified with a fountain, well laid gardens on both banks and boating facility.

 

 

CHOKHI DHANI

Chokhi Dhani and Nakhrali Dhani are Rajasthani heritage resorts on the outskirts of Indore. These resorts are given the appearance of a Rajasthani village in India. The villages provide people the precise atmosphere of the village, along with the modern day facilities and entertainment. These villages are catching fast with the city people as well as the tourists who visit Indore. At Choki Dhani, people find respite from the busy schedules of daily life. The rustic Rajasthani spirit fills the environment with colours of joy.

The two villages, Nakhrali Dhani and Chokhi Dhani are located at Rau, in the southern suburb and on Khandwa road in the eastern suburb of Indore, respectively. They also offer accommodation facilities. There are ethnic huts in the village equipped with all the facilities, where you can stay and enjoy the spirit of Rajasthan completely. They are open full day on weekends and in the evening on working days.

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

KANCH MANDIR

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.

Its uniqueness arises from the fact that it is too showy and splendid to be the shrine of a religion which advocated simple living. Infact, not just simple living, rather austerity. The colorful glass beads and raised sculpted figures give a special 3D effect to the temple. The idol of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism is made from shimmering black onyx. The temple is a place of interest for both the Jain pilgrims as well as the tourists. The temple is situated on Jawahar Road near the Rajwada and opens at 10:00 am.

LAL BAG PALACE

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. Situated amidst dry and dusty gardens, it is architecturally quite similar to the New Palace. Lal Bagh Palace once hosted many royal receptions and even today, reflects the life style and taste of the Holkar Rulers.

The daunting gates of the Lal Bagh Palace are unique in Asia. The rooms of the palace

LAL BAAGH PALACE

have now been restored and furnished and it has been turned into a museum. Much of the furniture and ornamentation seen there belongs to late Regency and early Georgian style. The main attractions of the palace are the accurately proportioned and furnished rooms, with beautiful carvings on the walls as well as the ceilings.

The architecture and decoration of this Lal Baag Palace reflects the highly westernized outlook and aesthetic sensibility of the later Holkars. The Palace was inhabited by the Holkars till 1978. Tukojirao III was the last resident of this splendid palace. The Government of Madhya Pradesh is developing it as a cultural centre. The whole complex has a total area of 28 acres and boasts of one of the best rose gardens in the country. You can visit the Palace between 10:00 am and 05:00 pm on nominal charges everyday, except Monday.

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

RAJWADA

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.