Indore

Indore is largest city of Madhya Pradesh State in Central India. It is also tourist hub of Pilgrimage Tour of Central India.

Indore is situated on the Malwa plateau of Central India, at an altitude of 553m above sea level, on the bank of two rivers- Saraswati and the Khan. They merge at the Indore centre of the city where a small 18th century temple of Sangamnath or Indreshwar exists. The name Indore is due to this diety. City is the largest city in Madhya Pradesh state and is also a tourist hub for Pilgrimage Tours of Central India.

Situated on one of India's oldest pilgrimage routes from Mahakaal at Ujjain on river Kshipra, to Omkareshwar on the river Narmada and onwards to Rameshwaram, Indore was a convinient place to halt. As it is well connected with all major metro cities of India, it is perfect place to launch Pilgrimage tour of Ujjain, Maheshwar & Omkareshwar.

City Indore was on the route of the Marathas of Deccan on their way to North India. These Maratha guerilla warriors were in constant battle with the Mughal empire. Their army transit camps here attracted the local Zamindars (landlords) who, drawn by the promise of lucrative trade, settled in the villages on the confluence of the Khan and Saraswati rivers, thereby laying the foundation of this commerce centre in 1715. In 1741, temple of Indreshwar was erected in the town, from which it derives the name Indore.

The trade centre grew rapidly under the Holkar dynasty (1733-1818). Holkar dynasty was originally from Maharashtra in India. The city became the capital of the Indore princely state in 1818 after the British forces under Sir John Malcolm defeated the Holkars led by Rani Krishnabai Holkar at Mahidpur. She signed the treaty of Mandsaur by which the control of Indore went in the hand of the East India Company. Between 1948 and 1956, Indore served as the summer capital of the former Madhya Bharat state. Currently, it is the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh State.

Places to see in Indore are :
Rajwada : It is located in the old part of the city, near the Khajuri Bazaar. It is an important site to visit during city tour of Indore. This building is a unique as it blends French, Mughal and Maratha style of architecture.

Lalbagh Palace : The Lal Bagh Palace was built between 1886-1921. It is the most important monument created by the erstwhile Holkar rulers of Indore. 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. All important state functions were held here.

Chatri of ( cenotaph ) Bagh : The Chhatri (Cenotaph) Bagh, is the collection of cenotaphs of Holkar rulers. It is located near the Kham River. The architectural style of these chhatris is typically Marathi. The Chhatri of Malhar Rao Holkar 1st (founder of Holkar dynasty) & Krishna Bai are impressive.

Gandhi Hall : Gandhi Hall is also known as Town Hall. It ia another attraction of Indore city,, built in 1904. This Indo-Gothic styled building is also referred as Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) because it has a four-faced clock tower in the front. A number of art and cultural exhibitions are held in this building.

Kanch Mandir :The Kanch Mandir (the temple of mirrors) or Seth Hukanchand temple is a Jain Temple located near the Rajwada. Temple have plain exteriors, and contains intricate mirror work on the inside.

Best time to visit Indore : The peak/best time to visit indore city of madhya pradesh is throughout the year as climate remain pleasant through the year.

Indore Hotels : Indore is the largest industrial city of Madhya Pradesh. Due to number of famous tourist destinations around it, thousands of tourist visitors launch their tours from Indore City. To accommodate such a large number of visitors, their are number of hotels in Indore city. One can find every category of hotels and lodges here in city. Among luxury hotels in Indore city, prominent ones are : Sayaji, Hotel President, Taj Residency, Country Inn, Fortune Landmark, Hotel Princes Palace etc. These hotels are fully equipped with all modern facilities and good accessibility. Among economy & budget hotels in Indore are : Crown Palace, Amar Vilas, Hotel Sunder, Hotel Shreemaya, Surya, Tulsi, Hotel Kanchan, Balwas, Amaltas International etc.