Indore India Travel Guide

Indore History

The Great Maratha warrior Shivaji once passed Indore while escaping the Mughals, and this region became a catalyst for the break up of the Mughal regime. The Malwa Plateau had become a perfect getaway for the Maratha armies into north India. This prompted the local landlords to set up their shops in the region, as the army camps were bringing in good profits to them. These businessmen set up the Indrekeshwar temple in 1741 in whose name the city is named. Malhar Rao Holkar became the first King of the region in 1733. He ruled well and was succeeded by his daughter in law Ahilya Bai Holkar. His own son was killed much before his own demise. Though Ahilya never stayed in the city, Indore flourished under her rule. She was known as the queen with dictatorial powers but a kind temperament, and is remembered as being very philanthropic and shrewd. After her death, the reins were taken over by Tukoji Rao Holkar, who was the commander of her armies but was no relation of the family. His son Jaswant Rao rose to power after his father’s demise. He was a master in the art of guerrilla warfare, and won many battles against the Mughals and the British. But, he was defeated in Deeg and Farukhbad and had to surrender to the British. The humiliation of losing drove him insane and he died in 1811. The Holkar family retained control of the region through a treaty signed with the British Empire. Till independence, Indore stayed a princely state but later was annexed into the Republic of India.

Indore Things To Do and Attractions

Kanch Mandir is one of the famous tourist attractions in Indore. As the name suggests, it is a temple made of mirrors and glass. This Jain temple, also known as Seth Hukumchand Temple after its founder, was built in the early 20th century. The intricate glassworks and 3D effect make it a very popular thing to do in Indore. The old palace of the Holkars, popularly known as Rajwada, is also an interesting Indore thing to do. This palace has wooden upper stories and a very beautiful garden with fountains. One of the personal highlights of the city is the Bada Ganpati temple. This temple houses an immense statute of Lord Ganesha, measuring over eight meters in height. The massive statue is made of frames of gold, silver, copper, brass and iron. Lal Bagh, a former residence of the Maharajas, is another popular Indore attraction. It has been converted into a museum and a culture centre. This edifice has most of the British architecture, including a monument of Queen Victoria in the lawns.

Indore Excursions

A popular excursion from Indore is to Patal Pani. It is a 150 meter waterfall that drops into a kund whose depth is till date unknown. Approximately 91 kilometers from the city is the town of Maheswari, where you can get the famous Maheshwari sarees. The sarees here are cheaper than in the city. There are also a number of forts and temples to be explored. Abut 56 kilometers from the city is the town of Ujjayini. It is a holy town in India, and one of the four locations in India where the Kumbh Mela is held. Ujjayini has quickly become one of the prime tourist attractions in India. Another tourist hot spot is Mandu, which is located at a distance of about 100 kilometers from Indore. This city has a lot of interesting places to visit, like the ship palace, swing palace, and the Hindola palace. There are also many interesting temples and tombs next to the palaces.

Indore Shopping

Indore is pretty well developed and has its share of mini-malls that sell international brands. Do check out the sarees, jewellery, and leather clothing in the Khajuri bazaar. It is a must for travellers to bargain in these markets.

Indore Restaurants

People love to eat in the city, so there are good Indore restaurants and food vendors on almost every street corner you pass, serving all sorts of cuisines. Normally, Indore folks like their salty snacks, or namkeens as their known, and dairy products.

Indore Getting There and Around

The city is very well linked by airways, railways and roadways. It has a very subtle climate year round, but the best time to visit is during July to September.

Indore Latest Traveler Activity