Maheshwar

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To read the previous blog on Day:07 Mandu (Part 2), click here.

Day 07: Maheshwar

We reached Maheshwar at 4:00pm and checked in MPT Narmada Resort in Maheshwar. We spent a relaxed evening at the resort. We visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on the Maheshwar ghats at 8:00pm to attend the Narmada Aarati. The experience was surreal. Cars cannot reach till the ghats. So we parked near the flyover and went walking till the temple. We came back to MPT Narmada Resort for dinner.

Day 08: Maheshwar

We started the day with a delightful breakfast at MPT Narmada Resort, which, as usual, had a spread of local and continental options. The peaceful setting by the Narmada River made the meal even more enjoyable. We had breakfast and checked out from MPT Narmada Resort.

View from MPT Narmada Resort, Maheshwar.

Rajwada Maheshwar

Our first stop of the day was the majestic Rajwada Maheshwar, the former royal residence of the Holkar dynasty. The grandeur of the palace complex, with its beautiful architecture and well-maintained gardens, gave us a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Holkar rulers.

Maharani devi Ahilyabai holkar memorial , Maheshwar.

Ahilya Devi Fort Maheshwar

Next, we headed to the Ahilya Devi Fort, which is closely tied to the legacy of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, one of the most revered queens in Indian history. She ruled Maheshwar in the 18th century and is known for her wisdom, vision, and contributions to the region’s development. The fort was a symbol of her rule, and walking through its walls felt like stepping back in time. The architecture, including the grand gates, fortifications, and the serene courtyard, evoked the strength and grace of Rani Ahilyabai’s reign.

The fort also offers breathtaking views of the Narmada River, and as we stood there soaking in the surroundings, we felt connected to the history and legacy of Maheshwar.

Ahilya Ghat

After the fort, we made our way to Ahilya Ghat, a sacred spot on the banks of the Narmada River.

Shri Raj Rajeshwar Temple

Our next stop was the Shri Raj Rajeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple has a tranquil and divine atmosphere, and its architecture reflects the artistic brilliance of the region. The temple is located near the Maheshwar Ghat, making it a popular spot for devotees and travelers alike.

Maheshwari sarees

Maheshwar has been a prominent center for handloom weaving since the 5th century, known especially for its elegant Maheshwari sarees and fabrics. These sarees, introduced nearly 250 years ago by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, are celebrated across India for their distinctive weave. Typically made from cotton, Maheshwari sarees often feature plain designs, stripes, or a variety of checkered patterns.

A few decades back, this traditional craft was on the verge of disappearing. Its revival came in 1979 when the present-day descendant of the Holkar family, with minimal support from the Indian Central Welfare Board, initiated a project to bring it back to life. This led to the establishment of the Rehwa Society, which engaged local women in weaving and helped preserve this timeless art form.

Chouhan Handloom

After immersing ourselves in the history and spirituality of Maheshwar, it was time for some shopping. Chouhan Handloom was the perfect place to explore Maheshwar’s famous handwoven sarees and dress materials. The shop offers a variety of traditional Maheshwari sarees, known for their vibrant colors, intricate designs, and lightweight fabric. We spent the next couple of hours browsing through a stunning collection of sarees, kurtas, and dress materials. The shop’s friendly staff helped us choose some beautiful pieces, and we couldn’t resist picking up a few sarees as souvenirs from our trip. It was a delightful shopping experience, and the quality of the handloom products left us in awe.

After a successful shopping spree, we returned to MPT Narmada Resort for a delicious lunch. The food was just as good as the previous day—simple, fresh, and flavorful. We relished the local delicacies and enjoyed the soothing ambiance of the resort once more.

With Maheshwar’s charm still fresh in our minds, we began the next leg of our trip toward Malegaon. A few hours into our drive, we decided to take a quick break at Hotel Veg Aroma in Shirpur for some hi-tea and snacks. The hotel had a cozy vibe, and the refreshments—freshly brewed tea and savory snacks—were a perfect pick-me-up.

After a relaxing break, we resumed our journey and finally arrived in Malegaon by the evening. We checked into the Pavilion Park Hotel, a comfortable place to unwind after a long day of travel. The hotel had all the amenities we needed for a peaceful night’s rest, and we were looking forward to enjoying a quiet dinner.

For dinner, we opted to dine at the hotel’s restaurant. The meal was satisfying and the perfect end to a busy day.