SIGHTSEEING
 

RAJWADA( HOLKAR PALACE)
In the old part if town, the multi-storey gateway of the Rajwada or Old Palace looks out onto the palm-lined main square in the crowded streets of the Kajuri Bazaar. Two hundred years ago, this seven storied historical building formed the never centre of all trading activities. Even today it stands proud in the market place, a silent tribute to the craftsmanship of unknown artisans of centuries ago. A mixture of French, Mughal and Maratha styles, the palace has been up in flames three times in its 200 year history. After a very serious conflagration in 1984, it is now not much more than a facade.

The gopura-like monumental stone and wood structure, flanked by bastions and studded with balconies and windows, is a testimony of the past grandeur of the Holkars. It is now used for art exhibitions and classical music concerts. The charred rubble of the rear portion has now given way to a symmetrically laid out garden featuring fountains, an artificial waterfall and some superb pieces of eleventh century sculpture.

KANCH MANDIR
The 'Place of Mirrors' is a quaint Jain Shrine, close to Rajwada. The Kanch Mandir also called Glass Temple, which is a jain mandir (temple) is a marvel in glass. This temple was built by the "Cotton King" Sir Hukamchand Seth in the early 20th century. The walls, ceiling, floor, pillars, doors are entirely inlaid with glass. The mirror work reflects minute detailing. There are paintings done in coloured glass which depict stories from Jain scriptures. At the top is a special glass chamber which multiplies the three statues of Lord Mahavir installed there, into an infinite number.

The attraction of this palace, as the name indicates, is in the myriad mirrors studded on the walls and the ceiling in which one's reflection can be seen.

LAL BAGH PALACE
The Lalbagh Palace of the Holkars on the banks of the Khan river is one of the grandest monuments the Holkar dynasty left to Indore city. It is a blend of the baroque and renaissance styles, and in its days was one of the most elegant residences in India. It is being developed by the Government of Madhya Pradesh as a cultural centre. The main attraction are the splendidly proportioned and furnished rooms, with frescoed ceilings and guilded ornamental mouldings. The whole complex has a total area of 28 acres and at one time had one of the best rose gardens of the country.

Though simple to look from outside, the magnificent interior takes one into a dreamland of past glory. The imposing gates of the palace are unique in Asia. A replica of the gates of Buckingham palace (London), about twice their size , were moulded in cast iron and shipped from England. They carry the Holkar state emblem which means "He who tries will succeed".

Currently this is the residence of Usha Raje, direct descendent of the Holkars, whose ancestral palace it used to be. Exquisitely constructed with great detailing, it reflects the royal taste of the Holkars.

CHHATRI BAGH
Across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh the tradition of erecting chhatris or cenotaphs was rather prevalent. An example of this can be seen here at Chharti Bagh where the cenotaphs where erected in memory of the Holkar rulers and their family.

A breathtaking sight at night when illuminated, the Chhatris glow etherally against the dark of the sky. An artificial lake is created in this stretch of the otherwise dry Khan river, complete with a fountain, well laid gardens on both banks and boating facility.

BADA GANAPATI
At the western end of MG Rd, the Bada Ganpati Temple contains an eight meter high bright-orange statue of Ganesh. It is Better known for its size than antiquity, this temple houses perhaps the largest Ganesh idol in the worldt. It was Created as a result of a dream to an Avantika (Ujjain) resident Shri Dadhich, it was built in 1875. The idol has a most interesting configuration of ingredients: bricks, lime stone, masala made of Gud, methi dana, soil collected from seven moksha puris: Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya, Kashi, Kanchi, Avantika, and Dwaraka, mud from stables of horse, elephant and cow, the powder of Pancharatna : heera, panna, moti, manek and pukhraj (diamond, emerald, pearl, ruby and topaz) and the holy water from all major places of pilgrimage. The metallic frame is of gold, silver, copper, brass and iron.

KHAJRANA
Khajrana is another popular Ganesh Temple. Many citizens of Indore have a great faith in this Ganesh temple. It was made by Ahilya Bai.Citizens of Indore believe that praying here fulfils one's wishes. Nearby is the dargah of Nahar Sayed. It is believed that his headless body is buried here. This is an important pilgrimage place of Naita Muslims.

MAHATMA GANDHI HALL
This is one of the prettiest buildings in Indore. It was built in 1904 and originally named as King Edward Hall, was renamed as Mahatma Gandhi Hall in 1948. This Indo-gothic structure is made in seoni stone and its domes and steeples are a landmark of Indore city. It has a clock tower in front, due to which it is also known locally as Ghanta Ghar.

INDORE MUSEUM
As museum devoted to archeology, the Indore Museum exhibits antiquities like coins, sculptures, terracotta excavated from all the significant sites of the region.
The Indore museum houses the finest collection of Parmar sculptures from Hinglajgarh. The Parmar style originated here and and is characterized by proportionate figures, carefully and ornately depicted in stone. The museum is also known for its collection of coins, arms and armors.

KAJURI BAZAAR
The Kajuri Bazaar streets are a good place to take a stroll. They are always very busy and there are many examples of old houses with picturesque overhanging verandahs. Unfortunately, these are disappearing fast as concrete rapidly replaces wood.

KAMALA NEHRU PARK (ZOO)
Kamala Nehru Park is more popularly known as Chidiya Ghar. It is a popular place among children. it combines the pleasure of a park and zoo. Evening attractions include elephant rides, camel rides, pony rides, goat cart and buggy rides. It also has a restaurant and an ice cream parlour overlooking the Khan river. There is a children's playground at the far end of the park.

GEETA BHAWAN
Geeta Bhawan is also a popular and good place to visit. It is newly built, adorned with many statues of Gods of various religions. It is open to all, irrespective of caste, creed, religion etc., with provision for devout to pray separately. Central hall is decorated with wall paintings from Puranas, Ramayan, Mahabharat, and is used for religious discourses - Pravachans. Book stores within the premises sell religious books.