Indore - Mini Metro

By Author: Nagma Biswas
Total Articles: 26
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Once a stronghold for the illustrious Holkars, Indore has continued to shine and is now a wannabe metro often called Mini Mumbai. Taking advantage of its position and location, Indore always enjoyed good trade and commerce route and has now become the most successful commercial center in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Good financial conditions enabled the erstwhile rulers to patronize art and contribute nicely to the heritage of the city. Being a religious site too, Indore is home to some of the finest temples in the region. Plan a trip to the place to enjoy a trip full of surprises.

Indore's long association with rulers has given it some fine monuments which still continue to charm all. Rajwada or the Old Palace in Indore is one such site here. Built by the Holkars, it is almost 200 years old and is an architectural masterpiece. Some awe-inspiring temples, grandiose halls and charming gardens are a part of the Palace. Rajwada was destroyed by fire thrice. Yet it has always restored itself and still retains its former glory. Another structural masterpiece from the Holkars is the Laal Baag Palace. Built in three phases ...
... it was the royal residence of the rulers and is now a museum. The wooden ballroom here is absolutely stunning and showcases fine artwork in its marble columns, chandeliers and stained glass windows. A pleasant rose garden is also a part of the palace complex. It used to be the venue of royal weddings.

A noted attraction and a highly revered religious site in Indore is the Kanch Mandir. Built by Seth Hukamchand, it is a Jain Temple decorated by glasses. Exquisitely crafted Chinese lantern-type glass lamps and cut-glass chandeliers further enhance the interior. The temple houses an impressive onyx idol of Lord Mahavira. The Ganesh Temple at Khajarana is another highly revered spot in Indore attracting thousands of devotees everywhere. The Bada Ganapati here is the largest Ganpati idol in Asia. It was erected with all natural materials and is adorned by precious metals and stones.

A couple of other important sites are located a little away from Indore city limits. Omkareshwar is one such site. Situated on an Om shaped island, the temple is home to one of 12 Jyotirlingas present in the country. The Annapuran Temple here is another piece of art which was inspired by the Meenakshi Temple. Though not a religious pilgrimage, Mandu is another important attraction, a little away from Indore. It is known for the immortal love-story of Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati.

Apart from the religious and architectural wealth that Indore possesses, it has a lot more to offer to the visitors. Food is a passion for Indore and any visitor to the city would be able to notice it. From the best of classy restaurants to street-side food stalls, all offer so much of variety, that any foodie will immediately love it. Shopping too is a great experience here for the sheer range that Indore has to offer. While the Khajuria Bazaar offers a world of items at cheap bargains, shopping arenas and malls like Treasure Island and Indore Central Mall offer the best of brands and big names in shopping.

Visit this commercial power house in Madhya Pradesh for an all new experience.

Nagma Biswas is an author writing about travel and tourism in India and abroad. To book Hotels in Indore visit Sarovar hotels.