Tips to a weekend getaway to Maheshwar

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I would love to have a suitcase packed for impromptu travel all the time but very rarely do I get a chance to pick up the bag pack and hop out for a quick weekend escape. Now if this unscripted travel is to a destination laced with regal heritage and picturesque splendour, wouldn't you agree that it is nothing short of a miracle?  My last weekend getaway to Maheshwar was a marvel of one such spontaneous master plan. 

Maheshwar is a quiet city in the Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh, about 90km from Indore. We take an early morning flight out to Indore and then travel for about 2 hours by road to reach Maheshwar. This city which was the capital of the Maratha Holkar reign stands on the bank of the zestful Narmada river, that flaunts a majestic river bank, built by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. The Ghat is an architectural splendour of regimented steps built in stone and spruced with centrally aligned, symmetrical aesthetics. A boat ride down the shimmering river fringed with scenic landscape and small stone temples is a true delight.




The next visit is to the Holkar fort. This opulent palace of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar is the zenith of royal Maratha architecture. This fort which was the administrative headquarters of the queen is currently converted into a royal guesthouse managed by Prince Shivaji Rao Holkar (son of last Maharaja of Indore). In Maheshwar, this is the place to put your baggage down and soak in the glory of bygone eras and experience the spectacle of royalty. While talking about royalty, another splendid work of architecture to visit, is the Rajwada. Constructed under the rule of the enterprising Queen Ahilyabai Holkar this design is inspired by Mughal and French trends.


Day 2 begins with a mesmerising walk on the Narmada banks. So enchanting it is that I forget to even switch on my camera. Some moments I guess are only for the eyes to capture and mind to absorb. 
The next attraction is the Ahilyeshwar temple built regally with stone carvings and mammoth lampstands standing tall on the banks of Narmada.



A visit to Maheshwar is incomplete without visiting the weavers and indulging in indigenous shopping. In and around the city are small colonies of weavers who live in colourful houses and are busy spinning works of art in their powerful looms. Weaving in Maheshwar dates back to over 1500 years and the current tradition owes its resurgence to Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, under whose reign the art prospered. Shopping can be done at Rehwa, the nonprofit organisation outlet, which is built with the motive to promote handweaving, women empowerment, housing, education and healthcare facilities for the artisans. Maheshwar has shops of different weaving communities that have mushroomed all over the city and is a shoppers' paradise. I must confess that in my shopping spree I landed up leaving really late from Maheshwar and nearly missed my flight out from Indore.



An extempore escape into the lovely city of Maheshwar is a phenomenon I would love to replay. This fleeting and dynamic travel experience has sowed the seeds for more to come. Short, spontaneous getaways are lovely and lead me to believe that sometimes unplanned adventures make the best of stories.



About Post Author

Architect, Photographer, Bookworm.
Lifestyle and Design Hunter. In search of Pattern in Chaos.

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3 comments:

  1. Unknown28 April 2016 at 22:32

    What a beautiful travelogue to read, delve into the perfect pictures and stroll onto the streets of Maheshwar without having to combat the heat and grime. Each aspect is so well addressed and illustrated vividly that I was teleported to Maheshwar for the time I was reading the post. Wonderfully compiled. Keep it up.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unknown29 April 2016 at 02:08

    Wow....so well descibed.I almost felt that I am already there... I am taking a walk on the riverbank...on the steps of stone temple.. Great

    ReplyDelete
  3. Pooja Mahimkar18 March 2017 at 01:19

    Beautiful pictures

    ReplyDelete

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Lifestyle and Design Hunter.
In search of Pattern in Chaos.
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