In the old part if town, the multi-storey gateway of the Rajwada or Old Palace looks out onto the palm-lined main square in the crowded streets of the Kajuri Bazaar. Two hundred years ago, this seven storied historical building formed the never centre of all trading activities. Even today it stands proud in the market place, a silent tribute to the craftsmanship of unknown artisans of centuries ago. A mixture of French, Mughal and Maratha styles, the palace has been up in flames three times in its 200 year history. After a very serious conflagration in 1984, it is now not much more than a facade.

The gopura-like monumental stone and wood structure, flanked by bastions and studded with balconies and windows, is a testimony of the past grandeur of the Holkars. It is now used for art exhibitions and classical music concerts. The charred rubble of the rear portion has now given way to a symmetrically laid out garden featuring fountains, an artificial waterfall and some superb pieces of eleventh century sculpture.

The 'Place of Mirrors' is a quaint Jain Shrine, close to Rajwada. The Kanch Mandir also called Glass Temple,  which is a jain mandir (temple) is a marvel in glass. This temple was built by the "Cotton King" Sir Hukamchand Seth in the early 20th century. The walls, ceiling, floor, pillars, doors are entirely inlaid with glass. The mirror work reflects minute detailing. There are paintings done in coloured glass which depict stories from Jain scriptures. At the top is a special glass chamber which multiplies the three statues of Lord Mahavir installed there, into an infinite number.

 The attraction of this palace, as the name indicates, is in the myriad  mirrors studded on the walls and the ceiling in which one's reflection can be seen.

The Lalbagh Palace of the Holkars on the banks of the Khan river is one of the grandest monuments the Holkar dynasty left to Indore city.  It is a blend of the baroque and renaissance styles, and in its days was one of the most elegant residences in India. It is being developed by the Government of Madhya Pradesh as a cultural centre. The main attraction are the splendidly proportioned and furnished rooms, with frescoed ceilings and guilded ornamental mouldings. The whole complex has a total area of 28 acres and at one time had one of the best rose gardens of the country.

Though simple to look from outside, the magnificent interior takes one into a dreamland of past glory. The imposing gates of the palace are unique in Asia. A replica of the gates of Buckingham palace (London), about twice their size , were moulded in cast iron and shipped from England. They carry the Holkar state emblem which means "He who tries will succeed".

Currently this is the residence of Usha Raje, direct descendent of the Holkars, whose ancestral palace it used to be. Exquisitely constructed with great detailing, it reflects the royal taste of the Holkars.

Across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh the tradition of erecting chhatris or cenotaphs was rather prevalent. An example of this can be seen here at Chharti Bagh where the cenotaphs where erected in memory of the Holkar rulers and their family.

A breathtaking sight at night when illuminated, the Chhatris glow etherally against the dark of the sky. An artificial lake is created in this stretch of the otherwise dry Khan river, complete with a fountain, well laid gardens on both banks and boating facility.

The Kajuri Bazaar streets are a good place to take a stroll. They are always very busy and there are many examples of old houses with picturesque overhanging verandahs. Unfortunately, these are disappearing fast as concrete rapidly replaces wood.