Also known as the Varanasi of Central India, the holy city of Maheshwar has a lot in store for those who seek a reprieve from their everyday lives for perfect weekend getaways near Indore. Situated on the banks of the Narmada River, the place is frequented by tourists and devotees alike. It is famous for the Shiva Temple, which is a must-visit in Maheshwar.
Maheshwar is believed to be one of the ancient Indian cities that is mentioned in the two epic poems of India, namely the Valmiki Ramayana and the Mahabharata where it is addressed in its ancient name, Mahishmati. This tourist destination also makes for a wonderful one-day outing near Indore.
Having heard a lot about the place from my friends, I began my research. As I read about its amazing history, I was intrigued and planned a trip the following weekend. I also looked for the best car rental and cab services to avail the best Indore car rental with an experienced driver.
Travel to Maheshwar
As it is quite close to Indore, taking a road trip via cab is feasible and convenient if one is looking at a short trip. Following through with my plan to get away for some reviving and rejuvenating time, I went about it to book an AC cab from Indore to Maheshwar. The distance from Indore to Maheshwar is not too long to cover. Moreover, there are many flights that frequent Indore, making it easy to reach the place from most of the major Indian cities.
November to February is the right time to plan the trip as it is when the place is the coolest and the driest. It gets hotter during the summers, hence planning a winter trip is a great idea. I learned that booking accommodations before the trip will be convenient as the options are limited, unlike most of the other tourist destinations. However, one can explore a variety of options like boarding at the Ahilya Fort hotel where a good part of the palace is turned into a luxury hotel; the stay here is expensive though and not recommended if you are looking for budget vacations near Indore. Other hotels are relatively cheaper, but I recommend the luxury tents near the Narmada river that adds on to the spirit of adventure one experiences during this amazing road trip to Maheshwar. Homestays are gradually getting popular in India as the tourists get to experience the charms of the city they visit from a local’s perspective thanks to the insight offered by the hosts of the homestay.
Overview and daily activities
The Ahilya Fort was built during the 16th century by emperor Akbar. It was a thrilling moment to take a stroll in this historic palace. It is said that when the palace was taken over by Ahilyabai Holkar, the latter included many temples in its vicinity. Apart from the hotel, part of the palace is treated as a public courtyard where I had a memorable time gazing on the rivers and the ghats.
The riverside temples are the main attractions of Maheshwar. I was pleased to explore them on walks through narrow winding lanes which brought me up-and-close with the local. I also could not miss shopping at Maheshwar for the famous Maheshwari sarees which I picked for my family and friends back home as souvenirs of my solo trip. The Rehwa Society that extends support to the local weavers is a must-visit if you want to watch the weavers weave their magic in intricate designs and patterns. The locals are quite friendly and are vocal about the cultural and historical heritage of the city on the riverbed.
I took the boat ride to view the beautiful sunset in the Narmada river. It calls for a breathtaking view which will stay forever ingrained as one of the best moments of my life. There are plenty of boats that one can hire to experience Maheshwar from the Narmada River.
How to reach Maheshwar
There are no direct trains, flights, and buses to Maheshwar. However, the nearest option is Indore that is connected to major Indian cities via planes, buses, and trains. Choosing a cab or opting for car rental is a feasible option as it saves time, allowing you to enjoy the road trip to Maheshwar.
Distance and time to travel
The distance between Indore and Maheshwar is only 95 km, which approximately takes two to three hours. While there are two routes – the first is via Ralamandal, Simrot, Gajinda, and Dhargaon. The other route is through Rau, Pithampur, Mapur, Gujri, and Dhanod covering a distance of 95 km which my driver covered in less than two hours. The first route takes almost two to three hours and is 111 km away, which makes the other route a viable option when traveling by cabs or rental cars. Maheshwar is ideal for a quick weekend getaway as both an adventure trip and a holy pilgrimage.