Omkareshwar
The Om-shaped island is a mini Varanasi, 78km from Indore. One of the major
pilgriamge centers in central India, attracts droves of sadhus. Omkareshwar
is famous for Shri Omkar Mandhata temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple is built at the confluence of the rivers Narmada and Kaveri, the
pilgrims from different parts of India come here and kneel before the
jyotirlainga(one of the twelve throughout India). The island is also very
beautiful place to travel, comprises of two lofty hills and divided by a
valley so that it looks like Om, the holiest of all Hindu symbols. The
mighty Narmada river flows in midst of hills of the Vindhya in the north and
the Satpura on the south. The island is small around 8km and one can travel
round the island or up the 370 steps to the ruined Gaudi Somnath Temple
where at the confluence of the holy Narmada and Kaveri rivers, several
sadhus take a holy dip.
Maheshwar
Maheshwar is a temple town has ancient history. The place is also mentioned
in Indian epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana. It has long held spiritual
significance and draws number of sadhus and pilgrims. The temple lies on the
northern bank of the Narmada river and just 3 hour drive from Indore.
Maheshwar is famous for number of temples dedicating different embodiments
of Lord Shiva. other than temple, the place has other attractions like
Rajgaddi(royal throne) of Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar, Maheshwar Fort and
Sahastradhara. Shopping enthusiasts are also get their interest in different
shops dotted in the town, sells traditional handicrafts, traditional saris
of cotton and silk. The best way is to go to Rehwa Society where one can see
the weavers at work and buy directly from them shawls, saris, scarves and
fabrics made using cotton, silk and wool.
Bagh Caves
The caves are must visit in Indore, located about 153km from Indore city.
These Buddhist caves are dating back from 5th centuries AD are excellent
example of Indian rock cut architecture. Originally there were nine caves
but now there are only five survives the act of time. The caves houses some
rare murals and frescos of ancient India. These caves are now a major
tourist attraction of western Madhya Pradesh.
Patal Pani
Patal Pani a stunning unexplored landscape, situated at a distance of 36km
from Indore city. The place is perfect for any picnic expedition and the
waterfalls around it. This 150 ft waterfalls has embellished the place, the
water showers from a steep height and plumps into a kund. According to
legend the depth of the kund goes down to reach ' patal' (nether world). The
place is named after this.
Mandu
Once the fort capital of the Parmara rulers of Malwa but at the end of the
13th century, it was under the rule of Sultan of Malwa and changed its name
to Shadiabad -the city of joy. The place is located 99km from Indore, nicely
placed at a hill top along the Vindhyan ranges at a height of 2000 ft. It
was under Mughal rule when Mandu gained its best form. The beautiful lakes
and extravagant palaces testify the glorious days of Mandu. Mandu has many
tourist attractions such as tomb of Hoshang Sha, Jama Masjid, Ashrafi mahal,
Jahaz Mahal, Roopmati's Pavilion, Baz Bahadur's Palace and Hindola Mahal.
