Rajwada Palace

Architectural magnificence:

If you observe its southern portion, you will notice the impression of Mughal architectural style where eastern part has European style. Darbar Hall, Rani Ahilya Throne and Ganesha Hall was developed in French style. The monument made up of gopura stone and wood structure, balconies and windows studded with flanked bastions, arch-shaped entrance, wooden door with iron studs provides the testimony of the past grandeur of Holkars.

Built by the founder of Holkar dynasty -Malhar Rao Holkar, in 1747 A.D, the lower three floors are made of stone and the upper floors are made of wood, which made it very vulnerable to destruction by fire. According to the history, Rajwada was burnt 3 times and the fire that led in 1984 caused the most destruction and then it was converted into a garden. In 2006, the present Maharani of Indore- H.H.Usha Devi Holkar decided to rebuild the ford and bring back its past glory and prestige.

This remarkable mammoth 7 storied palace stands in the heart of the busiest part (Khajuri Bazaar) of the town. It is also close to the Chhatris.

Rajwada Palace has been caught fire three times in the last few years and still, it stands beautifully. The material which were used in the construction of the palace made it more vulnerable to fire. It is built with wood and stones where top floors are made up of wood and lower floor of stones. After the massive destruction caused by the fire in the year 1984, the palace got a renovation to bring back its lost glory. A garden with an artificial waterfalls and fountains have been constructed to make it look beautiful. 

The architecture of the palace is beautiful and is an amalgamation of the Mughal, French and Maratha style of architecture. The entry door of the palace is built of wood and it leads to a huge courtyard. Surrounding the courtyard are galleries and Ganesha Hall where all the relevant and important meetings used to take place.  

Though the palace has been destroyed quite a few time, still it has retained its magical charm that attracts tourists to take a sightseeing visit to this place. The highlight point of this Rajwada Palace is that if looked from the southern side, it looks like some Mughal monument and if looked from the eastern side, it resembles a European monument. And the parts of the palace that have been constructed in the French style are Darbal Hall and Rani Ahilya. The Rajwada Palace looks even more pretty during the evening time when the light and sound show takes place here. There is also a Sarafa Market here which is a famous destination for jewelry shopping in Indore. Also, this place is famous for its night street food court where one can kill the hunger pangs by having some of the best dishes of Indore. 

Important Information about Rajwada Palace

Rajwada Palace also called the Holkar Palace can be visited at any time of the year, however, the best time is from October to February.  It remains open from 10:00 am in the morning till 05:00 pm at night. The average duration required to explore the palace is 1 hour and other time can be spent at the Sarafa Market. Remember not to visit the palace on Mondays as it remains closed on Mondays. Photography is allowed inside the palace and the entry fee of INR 10 needs to be paid before entering the palace. Rajwada Palace can be easily reached as it is just 1 km from the Indore railway station and even if you visit it from any other location in Indore, you can hire local taxis or rickshaws to reach the palace.