INDORE: A ROBUST NUCLEUS

Mandu witnessed a heartbreaking yet epic tale of Roopmati and Baz Bahadur and its monuments will forever echo the songs of their love. A pleasant destination, full of surprises, Mandu's USP is Jahaz Mahal or Ship Palace, an exotic and a wonderful palace situated in the midst of water. Only 80 km from the nearest station Indore, Mandu blooms to its fullest in the season of monsoon!

One wouldn’t believe the bizarre story behind this temple, but for what it’s worth, it is made of mix of limestone, jaggery, bricks, and mud from the stables of elephants and horses, along with the combination of holy soil and water from various pilgrims. Located in the heart of Indore, the deity in this temple is well known for bringing prosperity.

One of the oldest co-educational boarding schools in the world, Daly College, located in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, was founded by Sir Henry Daly of the British Indian Army during India's colonial British Raj.The institution was named as the Residency School in 1870, then renamed as the Rajkumar College in 1876, and in 1882, it came to be known as The Daly College.

It was established to educate the rulers of the Central Indian Princely States of the 'Marathas', Rajputs', 'Bundelas' and 'Mohammadens'; for the children of Royal families in India. In 2007 the first International Round Square Conference was held at Daly College, attended as its president by former King Constantine II of Greece, Also a proud member of the G20 Schools Group, it is currently ranked 6th in India (Central Board) while Global Indian International school is ranked 1st in the state- Madhya Pradesh.

Hoshang Shah was the first formally appointed Islamic king of the Malwa region of Central India and has significant position in the history of India. Hoshang Shah Tomb bears marble construction in honor of Hoshang Shah. It is the first marble structure of India. The Architecture of tomb bears complex marble lattice work, a well defined dome, courts with massive porticos and big towers to define the shape of the rectangle.

The tomb of Hoshang Shah was constructed in the 15th century. It displays wonderful Afgan art and architecture; the creative decoration on the southern doorway has blue enamel stars and lotus.The tomb was so elegent and beautiful that it enchanted Shah Jahan and he sent four of his architects to Mandu, before construction of Taj Mahal.

Saiyedi Abdul Qadir Hakimuddin is the holy Dawoodi Bohra saint who is buried in Burhanpur, India. His grave is visited by pilgrims from all over the world. Situated 3 hours from Indore, the tomb complex 'Dargah-e-Hakimi' includes mosques, gardens, and international class accommodation facilities for visitors.

The unassailable Asirgarh Fort sits crowned atop a hill 22km from Burhanpur. Legend has it the soaring fort cannot be conquered with force. The fort comprises of huge walls running around, A Jami Masjid and Twin minarets perched on the cliff.

Following the death of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, who died in Burhanpur on the bank of Tapti River her tomb, was erected in Zainabad Garden in Burhanpur. Later her remains were taken to her final resting place, Taj Mahal.

An old and picturesque little town on the banks of Narmada; Maheshwar(95 km from Indore), is an important pilgrimage destination, and thousands of people visit the town for this reason. The astounding temples and beautiful ghats of Maheshwar have together given the town a unique identity. The ghats are also named after the dynasties such as Ahilya Ghat, Peshwa ghat and Fanase ghat. The famous Ahilya Fort stands majestically by the river, giving the visitors an exceptional view from above. The main wing of AhilyaBai’s Fort near the ghat, has now been converted into a boutique luxury hotel, frequently visited by famous personalities all over the world.

On the river banks, you can see the daily customs, practices, quaint culture and religious life of the local people, the Stone memorials of the satis of Maheshwar, who perished on the funeral pyres of their husbands. You will also witness holy men and pilgrims sitting here in silent meditation; loads of villagers bathing in the sacred water and women with gleaming pots of water.

The numerous Chhatris (Cenotaphs) in and around Indore and in Chharatpur are the structures that were built by the erstwhile rulers of these cities to mark and showcase the glory of their kingdoms. To name a few, the Krishnapura and Bolia chhatri in Indore and the chhatri of Pratap Singh in Chhatarpur, are the ones that attract the most number of tourists.

95 kilometres from Indore, Maheshwar, an old and picturesque little town on the banks of Narmada, is an important pilgrimage destination, and thousands of people visit the town for this reason. The astounding temples and beautiful ghats of Maheshwar have together given the town a unique identity. The ghats are also named after the dynasties such as Ahilya Ghat, Peshwa ghat and Fanase ghat. The famous Ahilya Fort stands majestically by the river, giving the visitors an exceptional view from above. The main wing of AhilyaBai’s Fort near the ghat, has now been converted into a boutique luxury hotel, frequently visited by famous personalities all over the world.

On the river banks, you can see the daily customs, practices, quaint culture and religious life of the local people, the Stone memorials of the satis of Maheshwar, who perished on the funeral pyres of their husbands. You will also witness holy men and pilgrims sitting here in silent meditation; loads of villagers bathing in the sacred water and women with gleaming pots of water.

Omkareshwar, about 77 km from Indore, is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the 12 worshipped Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva mentioned in the Shiv Purana. The reason behind the name Jyotirlinga is, that Lord Shiva is said to have revealed himself to his devotees in the form of Jyoti (light). The River Narmada is one of the most sacred rivers in India and is now also home to one of the world's biggest dam projects. The shape of this island on the Narmada River is said to be like the Hindu Om symbol. Even today, devotees are said to have got his darshan in the form of light!

Chintaman Ganesh is hardly an hour’s drive from Indore. If you are starting anything new in life, you got to be here! Chintaman Ganesh, as the name suggests is widely popular for granting wishes to all devotes. People come and seek Lord’s consent in everything they do. Dating back to the 11th century, the delicately carved temple is set to enthral

The ancient city of Ujjain, 60 km from Indore, has a temple called Kal Bhairav where the only offering you can make is Alcohol! Unlike other religious places where alcohol is taboo, the priest at Kal Bhairav temple pours the liquor in a plate and places it near the mouth of Bhairav idol, which is made up of stone. Slowly everybody witnesses the alcohol getting vanished inside the mouth of the idol. This incident takes place hundreds of times every day!

Mandu is situated 90 km from Indore. Nestled in the midst of two lakes, upon a narrow piece of land, is the immaculately carved gem of a monument, the Jahaz Mahal or the Ship Palace in Mandu. The seemingly floating palace is rectangular in shape and whiffs of deft craftsmanship even today. All you romantics, Mandu blooms to the fullest in the season of monsoon!

So who on earth is ignorant enough to not know the Taj Mahal or the legend behind it? Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, built one of the Seven Wonders of the World, for his beloved wife Mumtaz, where she remains buried till date. But do you know that Mumtaz was initially buried in the city of Burhanpur in M.P., where she died giving birth to her fourteenth child? Later her worldly remains were shifted to Agra.

Based on the outskirts of the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh- Indore, Sirpur Lake is a sight worth catching while in Madhya Pradesh. Sirpur Lake offers scintillating sunsets and the raw pleasure of Bird Watching to its visitors. It is a rain- fed lake and proves a natural habitat for birds, largely for migratory birds from the north of the continent and Europe. Situated on the Indore- Dhar Highway the lake is the legacy of the Holkars who ruled the region more than a hundred years ago.

Situated 80kms from Indore, nothing defines remoteness quite like Flame of the Forest! An escapade from the commotion of urban life into pure adventure land, FOTF offers lavish huts overlooking a huge lake. It also facilitates adventure sports like rappelling, river crossing, rock climbing, etc. Not to forget the thrilling night safaris in the neighbouring jungle!

Jhabua is around 150 kilometres from Indore. The tribal section constitutes a vital part in the rich cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh. Bhagoriya Haat is a display of merrymaking and celebrations by one of the most dominant tribes of the region- the Bhils and the Bhilalas. Observed between the months of February and March in the town of Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, this vibrant festival is the perfect blend of merriment, singing, dancing, colours and love. The festival marks the outset of spring and winding up of the harvest season and is considered a divine time for couples to enter wedlock within their tribes.

The Bagh Caves are a group of nine rock-cut monuments, situated near Indore, in Bagh town of Dhar district. These monuments are located at a distance of 97 km from Dhar town. These are renowned for mural paintings by master painters of ancient India. The Bagh caves, like those at Ajanta, were excavated by master craftmen on perpendicular sandstone rock face of a hill on the far bank of a seasonal stream, the Baghani.

Only five have survived out of the nine caves. All of them are 'viharas' or monasteries having quadrangular plan. A small chamber, usually at the back, forms the 'chaitya', the prayer hall. Most significant of these five caves is Cave 4, commonly known as the Rang Mahal (Palace of Colors).

Overlooking river Narmada, Narmada Retreat, MPTDC in Maheshwar has 11 Deluxe Rooms along with 13 AC river facing tents. A scrumptious meal at the multi-cuisine restaurant overlooking the holy Narmada River awaits you. You can also enjoy the serene experience of boating on Narmada River while you are in Maheshwar! It is recommended for transit, business and pilgrim travellers to Maheshwar, as it is walking distance from the Temples and Ghats.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain; 55 km from Indore, is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingams, which are supposed to be the most sacred abodes of Shiva.

The temple is situated in the side of the Rudra Sagar Lake. The presiding deity, Shiva in the lingam form is believed to be Swayambhu; deriving currents of power (Shakti) from within itself. The most famous aarti, is the Bhasmarti. One needs to apply a day before participating in the same. It is still a mystery as to when this temple came into existence; however people believe that it is surely not less than thousands of years.