An ages old temple town on the banks of the Narmada river, is mentioned in the Puranas. Ramayana and Mahabharata when it was Mahishamati, capital iof King Kartaviryarjuna. Having been revived to its ancient glory by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore, the twon with its temple and fortess stands in scene dignity. Today, Maheshwar is also known for its distinctive handwoven sarees called Maheshwari.Some Ghats like( Peshwa Ghat, Fanase Ghat and Ahilya Ghat) line the river Narmada, flights of steps lead down from the sandy banks to the river and through the day a kaleidoscope of rural India can be seen here, in the  pilgrims and holy men who sit here in silent meditation; in the rows of graceful women, who carry gleaming brass pots down to the holy, life giving river. Lining the banks too, are poignant memorials in stone to the satis of Maheshwar, who perished on the funeral pyres of their husbands. The best time to visit is July to March.

Population  15,000.