Slowing Down After Ujjain and Omkareshwar
After witnessing the spiritual intensity of Ujjain and the serene divinity of Omkareshwar, our journey continued towards Maheshwar — a place I had often heard about for its timeless charm and peaceful ghats. Unlike the previous days that began before sunrise and ended in exhaustion, this part of the trip felt unhurried, almost as if the journey itself was inviting us to slow down and absorb every moment.
26th December 2025 felt noticeably calmer as we headed toward Maheshwar. I had heard so much about this town and was excited not just to see it, but to truly feel it.
After a delicious breakfast in Omkareshwar, we began our drive.
First Impressions of Maheshwar
As soon as we arrived, the first thing I noticed was the statue of Ahilyabai Holkar. At that moment, I didn’t know much about her — I simply assumed she must have been the queen of this region.
But as the day unfolded, I discovered she was far more than that.
Exploring Maheshwar Fort and the Legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar
We entered the fort and visited the museum inside, where I learned about the life of Ahilyabai Holkar. She is truly an inspiration — a ruler who dedicated her life to the welfare of her people, the restoration of temples, and the cultural growth of her kingdom.
I also learned about the origin of the famous Maheshwari silk sarees, which added another layer of richness to the town’s heritage.
The main section of the fort has now been converted into a heritage hotel. I found myself wishing it were open to the public because I would have loved to see what it looked like inside.
Temples, Ghats, and the Peace of the Narmada
We then walked down toward the temples and the banks of the Narmada River.
The temples were beautiful and incredibly peaceful — the kind of place where you could simply sit for hours, admiring the architecture and watching life unfold quietly around you.
Standing there, I realized that Ahilyabai and I shared something in common — a deep love and devotion to Lord Shiva.
The ghats were equally mesmerizing. Boat rides drifted gently across the river, and the entire setting felt calm and timeless. More than anything, I wanted to sit by the river, watch the water flow, observe the people around me, and take in the stunning surroundings.
Maheshwar gave me a feeling of completeness — a quiet kind of happiness that is hard to describe.
I would love to return someday and spend at least a full day here. This time, we simply didn’t have enough time.
Shopping in Maheshwar (A Surprise for Myself)
Before leaving, we stopped to explore the local shops. What we thought would be a quick visit turned into two hours of browsing sarees and dresses without even realizing how quickly time had passed.
I’m usually not someone who enjoys shopping — but this time was different. For the first time, I genuinely loved the experience.
After lunch, it was time to head toward our next destination: Indore.
A Scenic Drive to Indore
On the way, we stopped at a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking a wide valley. Sipping fresh sugarcane juice while enjoying the panoramic scenery was one of those simple yet unforgettable travel moments.
Soon after, we reached Indore and headed straight to our first temple.
Khajrana Ganesh Temple and Our First Evening in Indore
Our first stop was Khajrana Ganesh Temple, a massive and vibrant temple complex with several smaller temples surrounding the main shrine.
After darshan, we visited the famous Chappan Dukan for snacks, where we enjoyed pancakes before heading to our hotel.
We freshened up, had dinner in our room, and called it a day.
27th December – Temples, Palaces, and Discovering Indore
We began the next morning with a visit to Pitreshwar Hanuman Temple, known for its towering Hanuman statue and detailed carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana. A small park surrounding the temple made the atmosphere even more pleasant.
Next, we visited Annapurna Temple, and I was instantly in awe of its architecture. The temple, fully adorned in white, looked magnificent. I couldn’t help but wonder how many years it must have taken to build something so grand.
Our next stop was the Vaishno Devi Temple, which felt unique because the path to the shrine resembled a cave with several turns along the way. Inside, there were smaller temples dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Shiva, and Ambaji. It felt similar to the Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu.
Grandeur of Lalbagh Palace
One of the biggest highlights of the trip was Lalbagh Palace.
I was completely captivated by its beauty and grandeur. Every room seemed to carry its own personality, and I couldn’t stop taking photos and videos. The luxury preserved within those walls was simply astonishing.
Rajwada Palace and the Magical Kanch Mandir
We then visited Rajwada Palace. Personally, I felt there wasn’t much to explore inside — it appeared more like a large hall than a palace.
From there, we walked about 1.5 kilometers to reach Kanch Mandir, a temple made entirely of mirrors. Watching countless tiny mirrors reflect light in every direction made the space feel almost magical.
Shopping, Sweets, and a Relaxed Evening
Naturally, we went shopping again — because how much shopping is too much shopping?
We bought a few sarees and then stopped by a sweet shop to pick up gajar halwa and jalebi before returning to the hotel.
That evening was intentionally slow — we watched TV, had dinner, and rested.
28th December – A Food Tour Before Heading Home
The day had finally arrived for us to return to Hyderabad. Since our flight was in the evening, we decided to revisit Chappan Dukan for breakfast and explore it properly this time.
We took an auto and reached early, finding the area peaceful with only a few shops open.
But what followed turned into a full breakfast feast.
First — poha, which you simply cannot miss in Indore.
Then came pav bhaji, followed by what I’d easily call the best of the morning — chole bhature.
Our stomachs were full, but our hearts still wanted more. So we ended with cold coffee and masala maggi, a surprisingly perfect combination for the chilly weather.
After eating that much, walking felt necessary, so we headed to Phoenix Citadel Mall. With only an hour to spare, we explored as many stores as possible and enjoyed some window shopping.
We later grabbed a dosa for lunch, returned to the hotel, and soon our driver arrived to take us to the airport — carrying with us countless memories from this beautiful journey.
A Journey Filled With Contrast and Memories
From the spiritual energy of Ujjain to the peaceful charm of Maheshwar and the lively rhythm of Indore, this journey gave me experiences that felt beautifully balanced.
Some places awaken devotion, some bring calmness, and others fill you with excitement — and this trip offered all three.
As this chapter of the journey came to an end, I found myself feeling deeply grateful for every moment, every place, and every memory we created along the way.
But beyond the destinations, this trip also left me with meaningful reflections and lessons — ones I will carry with me for a long time.
I’ll be sharing those learnings in my next blog.