Top Historical Places To Visit In Indore: Location, Timings

The largest and the most populous city in Madhya Pradesh, Indore traces its origin back to the 16^th century when it was founded as a commercial hub between Delhi and the Deccan. Since then many empires and dynasties – from the Hindu Maratha Empire and the Holkar Dynasty to the British Empire – played an important role in shaping the history and legacy of this city. Unsurprisingly, there are many historical places in Indore that are worth a visit. These are places where you can get a glimpse into the city’s rich culture and past once you step out of your hotels in Indore.

Are you a history buff planning a trip to the city? Then make sure that you visit these best historical monuments in Indore.

Historical Places in Indore:

1. Rajwada Palace, Indore

Rajwada Palace | #1 of 7 Historical Places in Indore

Built in the year 1766 by the rulers of the Holkar Dynasty, the grand Rajwada Palace is one of the top places to visit in Indore. This seven-storied palace, which exhibits a mix of Maratha, French, and Mughal architectural styles, is a fine example of royal splendor. The entrance of the palace features a grand archway and a huge wooden gate complete with iron studs. The main building comprises a courtyard, ornate balconies and windows, jharokas, elaborately carved wooden jalis, corridors, and galleried rooms.

An interesting feature of Rajwada Palace is that its top floors are made of wood while the lower three floors are carved out of stone. The palace is now a property maintained by the State Archeology Department which also runs a small souvenir shop within the building. The light and sound show held here in the evenings is a major attraction for visitors.

• Trivia: The palace has been damaged by fire and rebuilt not just once or twice, but three times in the last 250 years.
• Location: Rajwada Circle
• Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; closed on Mondays
• Entry Fee: ₹ 10 for Indian citizens; ₹ 250 for foreigners
• Light and Sound Show Timings:  Hindi show at 6:30 pm; English show at 7:45 pm
• Light and Sound Show Tickets: ₹ 200 per person

2. Lal Bagh Palace, Indore

Lal Bagh Palace | #2 of 7 Historical Places in Indore

Another one of the prominent historical places in Indore is the Lal Bagh Palace, a grand building which once served as the residence of the Holkar rulers. Built in 1886-1921 by Maharaja Shivaji Rao, this beautiful three-storied edifice is located on the banks of Khan River. The building features a grand entrance, a garden of roses, regal artwork by Indian and Italian artists, and an exquisite ballroom. The ornate décor and interiors of Lal Bagh Palace, complete with beautiful wall carvings, chandeliers, rich carpets, and marble floors, will leave you awestruck.

Today, the palace is converted into a museum where you can see an interesting range of artifacts. Needless to say, a visit to this magnificent palace which spreads over 28 acres is one of the best things do in Indore.

• Trivia: The main gates of Lal Bagh Palace are modeled just like the gates of Buckingham Palace in London.
• Location: Indira Nagar
• Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; closed on Mondays
• Entry Fee: ₹ 10 per head

3. Central Museum, Indore

Central Museum | #3 of 7 Historical Places in Indore

The Central Museum, also known as Indore Museum, is where you can travel back in time and learn a thing or two about the region’s rich past. But that’s not all. The building also serves as one of the major historical places in Indore.

The museum was established during the colonial period, back in 1929, and features a fine collection of prehistoric objects, relics, coins, Parmar scriptures, medieval and pre-medieval Jain and Hindu scriptures, arms and armors, and others. A must-visit place for history buffs, it is one of the best museums in Indore.

• Location: Navlakha
• Timings:  9:00 am to 5:00 pm; closed on Mondays and government holidays
• Entry Fee: ₹ 10 for Indians; ₹ 100 for foreigners

*Photography and videography are charged extra

Also Read: Monuments in India

4. Krishna Pura Chhatris, Indore

Krishna Pura Chhatris | #4 of 7 Historical Places in Indore

Another important historical place to visit in Indore is the Krishna Pura Chhatris, which comprises of three chhatris or cenotaphs. These structures house the remains of the deceased members of the Holkar Dynasty and hence are also called the Holkar Chaatris. Built in the 19^th century over the place where these rulers were cremated, the place is named after Krishna Bhai Holkar, who was the wife of the famous military leader Yashwantrao Holkar.

Located on the banks of the River Khan or Kahn, these chhatris are a made of stones and also feature statues of soldiers, elaborate carvings of gods and goddesses on the exteriors, and a Krishna temple built for Maharani Krishna Bhai. Krishna Pura Chhatris are located a short walk away from Rajwada Palace, so you can cover both these monuments in one go.

• Location: Mahatma Gandhi Road, Rajwada
• Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Entry Fee: Free

5. Kanch Mandir, Indore

Kanch Mandir | #5 of 7 Historical Places in Indore

Kanch Mandir aka the Temple of Glass is not just a religious place, but also one of the top historical places to visit in Indore. This famous Jain temple, built around 1903, boasts of a history of over 100 years. The place was constructed by Shri Seth Hukam Chand, who was an industrial pioneer and renowned leader of the Jain community.

The exteriors of the temple look like a medieval mansion and feature a shikhara and a canopied balcony. The interiors, however, are fully decorated with mirrors, Chinese glass lamps, and glass panels. And that’s where the temple gets its name from. The structure of the temple and its ornamentation feature medieval and old Jain style. The temple also has the idols of the Thirthankaras installed inside it, with mirrors placed on both sides.  

• Trivia: Artisans were brought in from Jaipur and even Iran by Shri Seth Hukam Chand to complete the construction and ornamentation of the temple.
• Location: Itwaria Bazaar
• Timings: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• Entry Fee: Free

6. Gandhi Hall, Indore

Gandhi Hall | #6 of 7 Historical Places in Indore

When you make a list of places to visit in Indore, don’t forget to include the Gandhi Hall, the most prominent historical building in the city. Built in 1904, the building features the Indo-Gothic style of architecture. The clock tower, minarets, and domes of the structure add to its grand appeal.

The building was initially named King Edward Hall and was renamed as Gandhi Hall shortly after India’s independence. Currently, it serves as the town hall of Indore and many cultural and art exhibitions are held here.

• Trivia: Guess who inaugurated the Gandhi Hall back in 1905? None other than George V, the then Prince of Wales!
• Location: Mahatma Gandhi Road
• Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

7. Indore White Church, Indore

Indore White Church | #7 of 7 Historical Places in Indore

It is no surprise that in cities that have a rich colonial legacy, churches often become sites of history. Indore is no exception to this and the White Church is a fine case in point. Counted among the top churches to visit in Indore, the building was built in 1858 as a place of worship for Protestants living in the city.

The church boasts of the European style of architecture and is called ‘White Church’ on account of the marble and milk white stones used in its construction. Other key features of the church include its red tiled roof, huge windows, and turrets.

• Location: Pipliyahana Road
• Timings: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Entry Fee: Free

This is just a handpicked list of the historical places to visit in Indore. In fact, many temples and other attractions in the city, such as the Bada Ganapati, Devguradia Shiva Temple, Sirpur Lake, and Yeshwant Club, date back to the Holkar period. So are you all set to explore the culture and legacy of the city? Let’s get started with this list.