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Lal Baag Palace
Lal Baag palace lies on the south-west of the city, surrounded by gardens.
It was built between 1886 and 1921. Currently this is the residence of Usha
Raje, direct descendent of the Holkars, whose ancestral palace it used to
be. It is one of the grandest monuments of the Holkar dynasty. The rooms
have been restored and furnished to pleasing effect. Much of the furniture
and ornamentation is in the late Regency, early Georgian style. It's
Italian marble columns, grand chandeliers, rich Persian carpets, flying
nymphs on the ceiling, Belgium stained glass windows, Greek mythological
relief's, Italian style wall paintings, a wooden ballroom floor mounted
on springs, stuffed leopards and tigers are magnificent. The whole
complex has a total area of 28 acres and at one time had one of the best
rose gardens of the country.
Open: Monday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Chhattri Bagh
It is on the banks of the river Khan. They are the tombs erected in the
memory of the dead Holkar rulers and their families but the inner sanctums
are locked. The largest and most impressive is that of Malhar Rao Holkar I.
Kanch Mandir
As the name suggests, the full temple is made up of coloured glasses (Kaanch).
This Jain Temple was built by the "Cotton King" Sir Hukamchand
in the early 20th century. Inside this Jain temple thousands of mirrors
adorn the walls, floor and ceilings, supplemented by brightly patterned
ceramic tiles, Chinese lantern-type glass lamps and cut glass chandeliers.
The use of glass beads and raised figures produces a pleasing 3-D effect.
The paintings are done in coloured glass which depict stories from Jain
scriptures.
Rajwada
The Rajawada with its 7-storeyed gateway, faces the main square. A mixture
of French, Mughal and Maratha styles, the palace has been up in flames three
times in its 200 year history. Its lofty entrance archway above a huge wooden
door encrusted with iron studs, leads into a vast courtyard enclosed by
galleried rooms. The lower three floors are made of stone and the upper
floors are made of wood. After the serious conflagration in 1984, it's now
not much more than a facade. The New Palace still remain on the north side.
Geeta Bhavan
It is adorned with many statues of Gods of various religions. Open to
all, irrespective of caste, creed, religion etc., with provision for devotes
to pray separately. Central hall is decorated with wall paintings from
Puranas, Ramayana, Mahabharata and is used for religious discourses -
Pravachans.
Nehru Park
It is the oldest and most centrally located park in Indore. Built by the
British, initially known as Biscow Park, it was open only to them in the
pre independence days. It was renamed as Nehru Park after independence.
It has a variety of roses, library, swimming pool, children's hobby centre
etc. It also has battery operated cars and a miniature train to ride around
the park.
Mahatma Gandhi Hall
This is one of the prettiest buildings in Indore. Built in 1904 and originally
named as King Edward Hall, was renamed as Mahatma Gandhi Hall in 1948.
This Indo-gothic structure is made in seoni stone and its domes and steeples
are a landmark of Indore city. It has a clock tower in front, due to which
it is also known locally as 'Ghanta Ghar'. The central hall has a capacity
for 2000 people and is frequently the venue of book / painting exhibitions,
sales, and fairs throughout the year.
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