Have you ever heard of Khargone? If not, you are missing out on one of the most fascinating and diverse places in India. Khargone is a town in the Nimar region of Madhya Pradesh, a state known for its historical and cultural heritage. Khargone has a lot to offer to travelers who are looking for a unique and memorable experience. From ancient temples and forts to colorful festivals and markets, Khargone has something for everyone.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Khargone, its history, culture, attractions, and travel tips. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or an adventure seeker, you will find Khargone to be a perfect destination for your next trip.
Khargone’s Rich History and Heritage
Khargone has a long and illustrious history that dates back to the 9th century CE. It was ruled by various dynasties, such as the Parmar, the Khalji, the Bahmani, the Mughal, and the Holkar. Each of these rulers left their mark on Khargone’s architecture, art, and culture. Some of the most notable historical monuments in Khargone are:
Ahilya Fort:
This is the most famous attraction in Khargone, as it was the residence of the legendary queen Ahilyabai Holkar, who ruled the Malwa region in the 18th century. She was known for her benevolence, bravery, and devotion, and built many temples and ghats across India. The fort is situated on the banks of the Narmada river, and offers a splendid view of the surroundings. The fort also houses a museum, a temple, and a cenotaph of Ahilyabai.
Navagraha Mandir:
This is a unique temple dedicated to the nine planets of the Hindu astrology. It was built by Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century, and is considered to be one of the most auspicious places in India. The temple has nine shrines, each representing a planet, and decorated with different colors and symbols. The temple is also known for its exquisite carvings and paintings.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple:
This is another temple built by Ahilyabai Holkar, and is a replica of the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is located on the Narmada ghat, and is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. The temple is also famous for its aarti, which is performed every evening with great fervor and devotion.
Khargone’s Vibrant Culture and Festivals
Khargone is a melting pot of cultures, languages, cuisines, and art forms. It reflects the diversity and richness of the Nimar region, which is influenced by various regions and communities, such as Malwa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. Some of the aspects of Khargone’s culture are:
Language:
The most widely spoken language in Khargone is Nimadi, which is a dialect of Malvi, a language of the Rajasthani group. Nimadi has many words and expressions borrowed from Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, and Urdu. Other languages spoken in Khargone are Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, and Urdu.
Cuisine:
The cuisine of Khargone is a blend of Malwa, Gujarati, and Maharashtrian cuisines. It is characterized by the use of wheat, gram, millet, corn, and rice as staple grains, and spices, herbs, and dairy products as flavoring agents. Some of the popular dishes of Khargone are dal bafla, poha, sev, bhutte ki kees, kadhi, kachori, jalebi, and malpua.
Art:
The art of Khargone is influenced by the folk and tribal traditions of the Nimar region. It includes various forms of painting, pottery, weaving, embroidery, and wood carving. Some of the famous art forms of Khargone are Maheshwari sarees, Bagh prints, Chanderi fabrics, and Gond paintings.
Festivals:
Khargone celebrates various festivals throughout the year, with great enthusiasm and joy. Some of the major festivals of Khargone are Holi, Diwali, Navratri, Simhastha, and Narmada Jayanti. These festivals showcase the religious, cultural, and social aspects of Khargone, and attract many tourists and devotees.
Khargone’s Amazing Attractions and Activities
Khargone is not only a historical and cultural gem, but also a natural and adventurous one. It has many attractions and activities that will make your trip more exciting and fun. Some of the best things to do in Khargone are:
Visit the Maheshwar Temple:
This is one of the most ancient and sacred temples in India, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the temple was built by King Kartavirya Arjuna, who was blessed by Lord Shiva with a thousand arms. The temple is also associated with the epic Ramayana, as it is said that Lord Rama and his wife Sita visited the temple during their exile. The temple is located on the Narmada ghat, and has a magnificent architecture and sculpture.
Explore the Rajwada Palace:
This is a majestic palace built by the Holkar dynasty in the 18th century. It is a fine example of the Maratha and Mughal styles of architecture, and has a grand facade, a spacious courtyard, and a beautiful garden. The palace also has a museum, which displays the artifacts, weapons, paintings, and photographs of the Holkar rulers and their family.
Enjoy the Narmada Ghat:
This is a serene and scenic spot on the banks of the Narmada river, which is one of the seven holy rivers of India. The ghat is a place of worship, relaxation, and recreation, and offers a stunning view of the river and the hills. The ghat is also a place of cultural and spiritual activities, such as aarti, boating, bathing, and meditation.
Visit the Jam Gate:
This is a natural attraction that is located on the outskirts of Khargone. It is a narrow pass between two hills, which offers a panoramic view of the valley and the forest. The gate is also a popular spot for trekking, camping, and picnicking, and is surrounded by many waterfalls, caves, and temples.
Explore the Kajligarh Fort:
This is an ancient fort that is situated on a hilltop, about 40 km from Khargone. It was built by the Parmar dynasty in the 11th century, and was later captured by the Mughals and the Marathas. The fort is a witness to many battles and legends, and has a mysterious and adventurous aura. The fort is also a place of natural beauty, and has many flora and fauna, such as peacocks, monkeys, and leopards.
Khargone’s Travel Tips and Information
If you are planning to visit Khargone, here are some useful tips and information that will help you make the most of your trip:
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Khargone is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool, and the festivals are in full swing. The summer months of April to June are very hot and dry, and the monsoon months of July to September are very humid and rainy.
How to reach:
Khargone is well connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Indore, which is about 130 km from Khargone. The nearest railway station is Khandwa, which is about 80 km from Khargone. There are regular buses and taxis available from both Indore and Khandwa to Khargone. You can also drive to Khargone by taking the National Highway 3 or the State Highway 26.
Where to stay:
Khargone has a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury. Some of the best hotels in Khargone are Hotel Raj Palace, Hotel Crown Palace, Hotel Narmada Retreat, and Hotel Ahilya Fort. You can also find many homestays, guesthouses, and campsites in and around Khargone.
What to eat:
Khargone has a variety of cuisines, from local to continental. Some of the best restaurants in Khargone are Hotel Rajwada, Hotel Narmada, Hotel Maheshwari, and Hotel Shree Balaji. You can also try the street food of Khargone, such as dal bafla, poha, sev, bhutte ki kees, kadhi, kachori, jalebi, and malpua.
What to wear:
Khargone has a tropical climate, and the temperature varies from 15°C to 45°C throughout the year. You should wear light and comfortable clothes, such as cotton, linen, or khadi.
What to avoid:
Khargone is a safe and friendly place, but you should still be careful and respectful of the local customs and laws. You should avoid drinking tap water, eating raw or unhygienic food, wearing revealing or offensive clothes, littering or damaging the environment, and indulging in any illegal or immoral activities.
Khargone is a hidden gem in Madhya Pradesh, that will surprise and delight you with its history, culture, and attractions. It is a place where you can experience the best of both worlds, the ancient and the modern, the rural and the urban, the spiritual and the adventurous. Khargone is a place that will make you fall in love with India, and its people, and its beauty.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Khargone today, and discover the wonders of this amazing town. And don’t forget to share your experiences and feedback with us, we would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading this article, and happy traveling!
