Credit:Manisha Barse
History and architecture
The stunning collection of canopies is a remarkable feature to observe whenever you visit Indore. It was built in honor of the Holkar rulers and is one of the major attractions of the city. The Chattris showcase the remarkable brilliance of Maratha architecture and are on the bank of the Saraswati River. The beautifully designed types of stones are exquisitely carved into intricate exteriors and columns.
Among all the chhatris, the largest cenotaph is the one dedicated to Malhar Rao Holkar I (1693 – 1766), the founder of the Holkar dynasty. The cenotaph that has been decorated with frescos has been situated in the first compound, while the second compound houses the cenotaph of Queen Ahiylabai( 1725- 1795) and the beautiful Boli’s Sarkar’s Chhatri. The exterior of the cenotaphs is beautifully carved and becomes magical when illuminated in the evenings. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride on the artificial lake that is located in the park.
Exploring the Other Cenotaphs in the Vicinity
Aside from the chhatris at Chhatri Bagh, there are other notable cenotaphs in the vicinity that are worth exploring. One such cenotaph is the Hari Rao Holkar Chhatri, located in the Chhatribagh area. This cenotaph was erected by Tukoji Rao Holkar in memory of Hari Rao Holkar, the tenth ruler of the Holkar Dynasty, who ruled the Holkar Kingdom from 1834 until his death. The cenotaph features engravings of gods and goddesses and various mythological stories associated with Lord Shri Krishna, Lord Shri Ram, and the story of Draupadi.
There are numerous Chattris to explore in the area. One such cenotaph is the Hari Rao Holkar Chhatri, which is located in the Chhatribagh area. Built-in memory of Hari Rao, the tenth ruler of the Holkar dynasty, who ruled the Holkar kingdom from 1834 until his death. This cenotaph was erected by Tukoji Rao Hokar. The associated stories of gods and goddesses that are beautifully engraved on the Cenotaph are something to watch.
Another remarkable cenotaph located in the vicinity is the Krishna Pura Chhatri. Built-in the 19th century for Krishna Bai Holkar, the wife of the famed military leader Yashwant Rao Holkar and the mother of Malhar Rao Holkar II, this cenotaph is an exquisite example of Maratha architecture. The cenotaph features intricate carvings and is a testament to the Holkar Dynasty’s commitment to preserving its legacy.
Another remarkable cenotaph to visit is the Krishna Pura Chhatri. It was built in the 19th century for Krishana Bai Holkar, the wife of the famed military leader Yashwant Rao Holkar and the mother of Malhar Rao Hokar II. This cenotaph is a prime example of Martha’s architecture and a testament to the Holkar dynasty commitment to preserving the legacy.
The Chaatri Bagh, which has recently been included in the historic site of Indore by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, gives visitors a reason to explore this magnificent place.
How to Reach Chhatri Bagh
By Car:
Indore is well connected by roadways, and you can reach Chhatri Bagh easily by car. If you are traveling from nearby cities like Bhopal, Ujjain, or Nagpur, you can take National Highway 47 (NH47) or National Highway 52 (NH52) to reach Indore. The journey time will depend on your starting point and the traffic conditions.
By Train:
Indore Junction is the nearest railway station to Chhatri Bagh, located at a distance of around 6 km. The railway station is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take an auto-rickshaw to reach Chhatri Bagh.
By Air:
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport is the nearest airport to Chhatri Bagh, located at a distance of around 8 km. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take an auto-rickshaw to reach Chhatri Bagh.