Indore -Tourism

Indore has historical significance because it was located on the ancient pilgrimage route from Mahakaal at Ujjain to Omkareshwar and then to Rameshwaram. So, the pilgrims used to stop and take rest in Indore while on their way to Rameshwaram. During the medieval times, this city was accorded prominence largely because of its strategic location between the Maratha kingdoms of the west and the Mughal North India. The Maratha attackers and guerilla fighters stationed their troops and rebels in nearby areas, resulting in local landlords establishing markets and trade centers around 1720. 

This trading hub expanded rapidly during the Holkar dynasty that existed between 1733 and 1818. Similar to the princely state of Bhopal, Indore also became a royal state, when the British army defeated the Holkars in 1818. Rani of Indore survived as a submissive head of the state to the East India Company after the humiliating treaty of Mandsaur. In free India, Indore became the summer capital of the former Madhya Bharat state till 1956. It is also hailed as the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh.

Indore as a Metropolitan City- Indore is 200 km west of capital Bhopal and has a population of around 20 lakhs. Therefore, it is 14th most populous city in India. The greater metropolitan area of Indore makes it a city of 2.5 million inhabitants. It is industrial, cosmopolitan and prosperous and resembles Mumbai as far as the lifestyle is concerned. It is also a melting pot of different ethnic groups such as Marathi, Gujarati, Marwari, Muslims and Sindhi etc. It is also an educational hub and home to both an IIT and an IIM, the most reputed technological and management institutes of India.

Indore Tourist Attractions 

Mahatma Gandhi Hall Indore- There are a number of places in Indore that should be visited while on a sightseeing tour of the city. Indore has a rich cultural heritage. The city was ruled over by some of the greatest rulers, who have given it their legacy in the form of various historical monuments and religious places. Today, the Indore city of Madhya Pradesh has a lot to offer to the people who come here on tours. The place is all set to fascinate you with the charm of its architectural grandeur and historical enigma. 

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. 

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

Chhatris- 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. 

Lal Baag 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. 

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 a Jain temple and is a wonder in glass. 

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. 

Town Hall or Mahatma Gandhi Hall- The Town Hall or Mahatma Gandhi Hall is one of the prettiest buildings in Indore city of India. Built in 1904, it was originally named King Edward Hall. In 1948, it was renamed as Mahatma Gandhi Hall. It has a remarkable Indo-Gothic structure and is made in Seoni stone. Its splendid domes and steeples are the landmark of the Indore city. It has a clock tower in front and is popularly known as Ghanta Ghar. The central hall can accommodate 2000 people at a time and is the venue of book, painting exhibitions and fairs throughout the year. The building also has a library, children's park and a temple. 

Nehru Park- Another well known tourist spot in the city is Nehru Park. It is the oldest park in Indore, located centrally. Built by the Britons, it was earlier known as Biscow Park and was open only to British before independence. After independence, it was renamed as Nehru Park. The park has a variety of roses and offers facilities like library, swimming pool, children's hobby centre, a mini train and battery operated cars. 

Attractions and Peculiarities-When Marathas were reining in this area, Indore was an important link between the southern and northern parts of the country. But when Marathas lost power, Indore came under Holkar rule. Its architecture is also a kaleidoscope of different cultures, as the gates of Lalbagh Palace look much like the gates of Buckingham Palace, London. In fact these gates were made in Britain before being shipped to Indore. You will also find a huge concrete cricket bat statue in Indore, inscribed with the names of famous Indian cricketers of the 70s. Indore has some unique records to its name; such as Rajwada is the only seven storeyed entrance of a palace. Indore houses the Center for Advanced Technology (CAT), which is India's leading research center on laser technology. Indore is also a hub of software export and development and some of the most aggressive export companies are located here. 

People Associated with Indore- Indore is the birth place of many great personalities and celebrities of India. It includes the great Bollywood singer Lata Mangeshkar, singer & actor Late Mr. Kishor Kumar, cricketers Narendra Hirwani, C.K. Naidu & Mustaq Ali, comedian Johnny Walker, and actor Salman Khan. Famous artists and painters M.F. Hussain and N.S. Bendre are also associated with Indore as they had spent a few years in Indore studying art. Trade and Commerce

Indore is also referred to as the commercial capital of MP. It is also called the mini Mumbai. It is home to many textile firms and designer "zari" garments. There are many glitzy shopping malls in Indore. MT Cloth Market is famous for wholesale garments and Sitlamata Bazar is known for retail clothing and sarees. Central Mall is a multi-utility shopping mall. Indore is well connected to Mumbai and Delhi by road, train and airways.