Presenting a charming blend of historicity and modernness, the city of Indore is one of the most popular tourism destinations of Madhya Pradesh. Much of the glorious history of Indore owes to Malhar Rao Holkar – the founder of the Holkar dynasty. The city rose to great heights under the Holkar Kings.

The region was originally ruled by the local landlords who received titles from the Mughul rulers. The baton was eventually passed onto the Peshwas , the Maratha rulers after Shivaji. The Peshwas transferred Indore to the rule of the Holkers in 1733, when the then Peshwa awarded Malhar Rao Holkar the Indore region as recognition of his courage and loyalty. Malhar Rao is the founder of the Holkar dynasty. He was succeeded by his daughter-in-law, Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar, who ruled from a fortified palace at Maheshwar on the northern bank of the Narmada River. She was a patron of the arts and architecture, and during her reign, Indore started developing as a city. She patronized many beautiful temples and other religious buildings all around the region and even at far off places like Varanasi. The kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi is the most notable of Ahilya Bai’s contributions to Indian temples. After her, Jaswant Rao Holker took over Indore and rapidly grew in power, even besieging Delhi in early 19th century. The British, however, defeated him in 1804 and after his demise, the Holkar Empire came under British control.

Today, many industries, most notably, the textile industry has flourished here, and the city has seen a rise in commercial activities in recent times. The city’s industrial hub at Pithampura currently accommodates manufacturing units of many noted companies. The indigenous glass jewellery industry is another highlight of Indore. Specialized markets like the Khajuri bazaar and Kasera bazaar are known for gold, silver, metal work and leather craftsmanship. The city is home to many prestigious educational institutions like the Indian Institute of Management, Institute of Management Studies (IMS), International Institute Of Professional Studies, and School of Economics.

Indore witnesses warm summers and quite cool winters. The weather of Indore is most pleasant during the months of October and March.

Air: The Ahilya Bai Holker International airport is located at a distance of 8 kilometers form the city. The airport is one of the most important airports in the state and is connected with all the major cities of the country including the four metros. Direct flights form Indore fly to international destinations like Sharjah, Kualalampur and Bangkok.

Rail: The Indore railway station falls under the Ratlam division of Western Railways. The city has four railway stations from where connecting trains to all the metro cities and the other important neighboring cities can be boarded. The Malwa Express to Delhi, the Avantika Express to Mumbai, and the Intercity Express between Indore and Bhopal are among the important trains connecting Indore with the other Indian cities. The longest functional meter gauge route in India, between Jaipur and Purna passes through Indore.

Car and Bus Services: The road transport in Indore consists of tourist cars, air-conditioned luxury coaches, public buses and auto rickshaws. Long distance buses and taxis are available from Indore to all the major neighboring cities. Well maintained roads including the NH3, NH 69, and NH 86 ensure safe and comfortable road journeys to and from Indore.

• Temperature: Summer: °33C - 45°C, Winter: 1 °C - 20 °C
  
• Indore Area: 165 sq km
• Indore Altitude: 567 metres above sea level
• Indore Rainfall: 88.9 cm. average yearly
• Language: Hindi, Marathi and English
• Indore STD Code (Area Code): 0731