Omkareshwar

The holy town of Omkareshwar is also about 77 Kms from Indore. It is an island on the river Narmada and Kaveri. This place has hundreds of Hindu / Jain temples. The most important being the one housing one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (Bhagwan Shiv), which has made this, places an important pilgrimage center since ancient times. A boat ride in Narmada River around the island of Omkareshwar is quite enjoyable.

Ujjain

The pilgrimage town of Ujjain is about 56 Kms. From Indore. It traces its origin to the very dawn of Indian history; Hindu astronomy, astrology and geography have Ujjain as the base for calculations, which is the “Greenwich” of Hindu astronomers and astrologers. Situated on the bank of Kshipra, it is one of the oldest holy cities in India. It is place of one of the Kumbh Melas. It was the capital of the Avanti Nagari of Raja Bhoj and poet Kalidas. It had become a great center for learning during the rule of the great legendary king Vikramaditiya. The temple of Mahakaleshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Bhartrihari caves, sandipani (Shri Krishna’s Guru) Ashram, ancient observatory are some of the places to visit.

Mahakaal

Ujjain is the modern name for Ujjayini. Legend has it that in the hoary past, the God like king Shiva of Avanti commemorated his victory over the demon-ruler of Tripura or Tripuri on the banks of the Narmada by changing the name of his capital, Avantipura to Ujjayini (one who conquers with pride).

Mandu

The historical fort of Mandu (Mandav garh or the “city of joy” {shadibad}) is about 90 Kms from Indore. Founded in the 10th century as a fort- capital by the par mar rulers, this extensive, now deserted hilltop fort is one of the most interesting sites in Madhya Pradesh. This is supposed to be the biggest fort in India (82 Kms perimeter) has ruins of lots of palaces, baths, pavilions of the past, when it was a busy town. The tomb of Hoshang Shah is supposed to be the inspiration behind Shah jehan’s celebrated Taj Mahal, jahaj Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Ashrafi Mahal are some of the notable monuments. Each of these is an architectural gem in the Afgan style. The legend of the romance of Rani Roopmati and Baj Bahadur haunts this place, which is quite beautiful in rainy season

Dewas

Dewas is 36 Kms from Indore. Its name is derived from a hill in its vicinity known as Devi Vashini, on which is perched a temple of its presiding deity Chamunda Devi. Earliest mention of Dewas is in the epic poem Chandi bardai of 16th century. Most beautiful spot is the Devi hall where there are several temples cut out in rocky walls with images in relief.

Maheshwar

Maheshwar 90 kms from Indore is mentioned in Ramayan and Mahabharat as Mahishmati. It became famous when Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar made it her capital. It is famous for its sarees- Maheshwari sarees known for their unique weaves. The Rajgaddi and Rajwada of Maheshwar have got its historical importance as Devi Ahilya made her capital. On the bank of river there are beautiful ghats like “Peshwa Ghat”, “Ahilya Ghat” and “Phanse Ghat”. There are famous temples like Kaleshwar Mandir, Raj-Rajeshwar, Vitthaleshwar and Ahilyashwar.