Krishnapuri Chattri in Indore is a testament to the Holkar dynasty

"This city has a very rich and vibrant culture", is one sentence that is used for almost every city and has the most cliched phrases. For a city like Indore, however, this statement rings eternally true. The city is home to a few of the best tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh and Krishnapuri Chattri happens to be one of them. Though it is very subtle and down to earth, its dynamic past is what makes it a great place to visit.

Upon first glance, Krishnapuri Chattri may not seem like much. The Kaanch mahal is certainly more eye pleasing than this one but what immediately strikes you about this historic monument is that it has a distinct aura of its own. The monument has a charm that immediately draws you to it, largely due to the architecture and design that it has.

Built all the way back in 1849, they are cenotaphs that were constructed by the Holkars to hold the remains of deceased rulers from the dynasty. Each of the 'chattris' has a varied look and feel, which adds to its alluring charisma. A total of three chattris make the entire complex what it is.

The chattris are a symbol of the fact that the Maratha Rulers not only had an eye for grandeur but for tasteful architecture as well. A look at the exterior of these chattris says enough to back that, as each of the carvings are impeccable made using a combination of different rocks and stones. Glancing at them makes you wonder how such intricate designs could be made using just human hands.

In the three chattris, there are a total of five cenotaphs that commemorate the death of the rulers of the dynasty. Taking a stroll around the complex truly makes you feel like you're in the presence of royalty. Apart from just commemorating the death of rulers, the statues here are of the original soldiers of the Holkar dynasty and their service has been permanently etched into the stones of time.

Even inside the complex, you'll see a lot of detailed designs as well as some architectural styles that aren't seen today. For one, the place is made in a manner that it is very easy to navigate, which makes it a great place for families.

Though the monument is a major part of Indore's history, it has been falling out of place. This is largely due to the fact that residents and tourists who visit are not properly educated about the history, which leads them to undermine the place as a whole.

However, the government has been doing their bit to keep it together. Several restoration and upkeep plans have been put to place so that the monument is brought back to its former glory.

We are proud of this historical monument and all that it says about Indore and its people. With a charm and history of its own, it is certainly a place that you should visit once.