The wooden upper floors were specifically designed to make the structure easier to rebuild following potential fire damage.
The palace interior features a distinct courtyard style reminiscent of Maratha royal residences.
The original main gate is plated with heavy iron to deter enemy elephants during historical skirmishes.
The structure sits at the heart of the city's oldest market area, known as Sarafa Bazaar.
The palace complex includes a small temple dedicated to the lineage of the Holkar family.
Despite its royal origins, the palace is integrated directly into the city's dense urban street grid.
Rajwada Palace is a seven-story historical structure that serves as a prime example of Maratha, Mughal, and French architectural styles. Built by the Holkar dynasty in 1747, the palace complex features a mix of stone masonry and wooden construction. The lower three floors are built with stone, while the upper floors are made of wood to minimize fire risks and structural weight. The building has survived three major fires throughout its history, leading to significant restoration efforts. It remains a central landmark in Indore, functioning as a museum housing portraits and artifacts from the Holkar era. The grand entrance features massive wooden doors reinforced with iron studs, a signature design element of the period.
From the street directly across the main entrance to capture the full verticality of the seven-story wooden and stone facade.
Visit the surrounding Sarafa Bazaar in the evening to experience the local street food scene.
Focus your photography on the ornate wooden carvings and the contrast between the stone base and wooden top levels.
Keep a brisk pace, as the internal museum exhibition is relatively compact.
Do not attempt to park a vehicle directly in front of the palace, as the surrounding streets are extremely narrow and congested.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain modest attire; remove shoes before entering any internal temple areas within the complex.
