Planned and built by Rani Ahilyabai of the Maratha Holkar dynasty in the 18th century, Indore was once a major center of Maratha power. It is a perfect base for forays further a field. Mandu, City of joy, is about a two-hour drive away. Strategically perched at the edge of the Malwa plateau, its excellent natural defence are reinforced by 45 Km long fort walls.

Indore is connected to Bhopal, Gwalior, Delhi and Mumbai by air. Meter gauge as well as broad gauge link Indore to all important cities in India. Indore is well connected by road to Mumbai, Agra and other cities. Sites of interest here include Lal Baag Palace , spread over an area of 28 hectares, it is one of the legacies built by the Holkar dynasty. Bada Ganapati, is a temple which houses a huge statue of the deity. Kanch mandir, is a Jain temple constructed by the late Seth Hukumchand. It is an architectural marvel of glass work. Town Hall, constructed in 1904 and originally named King Edwards hall, was renamed Mahatma Gandhi Hall. Central Museum, houses a large collection of parmar sculptures from Hijlajgarh. Gita Bhawan, is a newly constructed structure, with statues of gods of various religions. Rajwada, situated in the heart of the city, it is a seven storeyed structure, which is a mix of the muslims, maratha and the french style.

Chhatri Baag, houses the tombs or cenotaphs of the Holkar rulers. Nehru park, is the oldest park in the city and houses a wide variety of flowers. Meghdoot Upvan, is a new garden with sprawling lawns, lit fountains and land scaped gardens. Annapurna is a temple devoted to the Hindu Goddess of food - Annapurna. The other important places include Khajrana, Deoguradia, Patal Pani, Bijasen Teri, Gomatgiri and Dewas.