There are a number of tourist places in Indore. The Rajwada or the old palace, located in the old part of the city, near the bustling Khajuri Bazaar, is an important site to visit. This building is a unique blend of French, Mughal and Maratha style of architecture.
This, seven story, 200-year-old building reflects the glory of the Holkars. The three lower stories are made of stone while the upper stories are made of wood and therefore vulnerable to fire. Not much remains of this building, except its façade, as it had been burned down three times in the past.
The Kanch Mandir (the temple of mirrors) or Seth Hukanchand temple is located near the Rajwada. It is a Jain temple, having plain exteriors, and contains intricate mirror work on the inside.
The Indore Museum, located near the Main Post Office, houses a good collection of pre-medieval and, medieval artifacts. The Lal Bagh Palace (built between, 1886–1921) is the most important monument created by the erstwhile Holkar rulers. Important state functions were held here. It is set amongst well-laid gardens and located at the southwestern part of Indore. The architecture and interiors of this modern palace is highly influenced by English palaces.
Another attraction of Indore city is the Gandhi Hall or Town Hall, built in 1904. This Indo-Gothic styled building is also referred as Ghanta Ghar because it has a four-faced clock tower in the front. A number of art and cultural exhibitions are held in this building.
The Chhatri (Cenotaph) Bagh, located near the Kham River, has a number of chhatris or memorial cenotaphs erected in memory of the erstwhile Holkar rulers and their family members. The architectural style of these chhatris is typically Marathi. The Chhatri of Malhar Rao Holkar I, the founder of Holkar dynasty, is impressive.
Indore also has the largest Ganpati statue in the world. The Bada Ganpati temple, having an 8-m-tall, bright orange statue of Lord Ganesh was built in 1875. The Gita Bhavan, the Annapurna temple, Bijasen Tekri (a hilltop picnic spot and a vantage point to see Indore at night), and Gomtagiri Jain temples are other places worth visiting in Indore. |
