This city derives it's name from the 18th century Indreshwar temple. Situated in the heart of the Malwa plateau it was the base of the Holkars, former rulers of this erstwhile state. Indore, in fact, was planned and built by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar. Today, it is a throbbing, vibrant city coloured by its brave past. It is naturally and owed with a beautiful landscape and salubrious climate. Of interest here are numerous monuments associated with the Holkars.

Orientation

The older part of town is on the western side of the railway line, the newer part on the east. If arriving by train, leave the station by platform No 1 for the east side of town and by platform No 4 for the west side. The railway station and main bus terminal are close together but are separated by a complicated flyover system. Not surprisingly a number of hotels have appeared in the fence between the two and people just march straight through.

Excursion

Ujjain
Only 56km from Indore, ancient Ujjain is one of India's holiest cities for Hindus. Ujjain is situated on the right bank of River Shipra. It is a very holy city for the Hindus, a site for the triennial Kumbha Mela.

Apart from mythological legends, the city has a long distinguished history. It was governed by the likes of Vikramaditya and Ashoka. Kalidas wrote his soul stirring poetry here. Today, Ujjain represents an interesting blend of an age old legacy and the modern day lifestyle.

Hindu astronomy, astrology and geography have Ujjain as the base for calculations which is the "Greenwich" of Hindu astronomers and astrologers.

Mandu
(99Kms. from Indore) Perched along the Vindhyan ranges, at an altitude of 2000 feet, Mandu, with its natural defences, was originally the fort capital of the Paramara rulers of Malwa. Later towards the end of 13th century, it came under the Sultans of Malwa, one of whom renamed it as Shadiabad the city of joy. Some of the structures worth seeing in the fort complex are the tomb of Hoshang Shah, Jami Masjid, Ashrafi Mahal, Jahaz Mahal, Roopmati's Pavilion, Baz Bahadur's Palace and Hindola Mahal.

Omkareshwar
(78 kms. from Indore) Situated at the confluence of the Narmada and Kaveri are temples built in the medieval Brahmanic style. Omkareshwar has one of the 12 Jyotirlingas enshrined at the temple of Shir Onkar Mandhata, set in picturesque surroudings.

Kasturba Gram
Situated about 8 kms. from Indore on the Khandwa Road, the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust was founded by Mahatma Gandhi. The headquarters of this trust were Shifted from Wardha to Indore in 1950.

Bawangaja
About 175 kms. away from Indore you can see a 72 feet high statue hewn from one rock, at Bawangaja. It is also an important jain pilgrimage centre belonging to the 15th century.

Patal Pani
Another scenic spot towards Mhow, Patal Pani is famous for its water fall. The water falls from a height of 150ft. into a kund whose depth, till date, remains unfathomable. Hence the name Patal Pani.

Mhow
22kms. from Indore, you will find the old military ambience at picturesque Mhow. Now a small city, it was an old British Cantonment and Military Headquarters of war.

Dhar
Dhar is 47 kms. away from Indore and it used to be capital of the former Paramara kings. Famous among them is Raja Bhoj. Earlier, Dhar boasted of an exquisite image of Goddess Saraswati at the Bhojsala temple. the same image is now displayed in the British Museum, London.