Set against the scenic backdrop of a hilly terrain, studded with stretches of greenery and shimmering lakes, Dhar is a historic city, laced in the legends of kings and battles. Ancient structures, standing tall for centuries, grace the cityscape and transport you back to another era as you walk through the narrow dusty lanes admiring these historical marvels. Located in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, Dhar has witnessed the glorious rules of many rulers. It is believed to have been established in the 1st century BC by the Rajput Paramar King Vikramaditya. From the Paramars and Khalji Sultans to Mughals and Marathas, each of the rulers left their mark in the city. Today, Dhar stands as a colorful blend of different cultures, luring travelers with its splendid heritage.
With its many monuments spread about the city, Dhar is a history lover’s paradise. The Dhar fort is the city’s most iconic attraction. A beautiful sandstone structure perched atop a hill, it is believed to be built by Muhammad bin Tughluq, with the timely additions to its features by each ruler. It also houses a museum displaying the remains of the several temples and other structures within the fortress that have degenerated over time. The Jheera Bagh Palace built in the 19th century was the royal abode of the Pawar rulers. It is worth visiting as a fine specimen of modern Indian architecture.
For those interested in archeological attractions, the Bagh caves, situated at a small distance from the main city, are a must-visit site. This group of nine caves is especially popular for their rock-cut carvings and artistic wall paintings. Other important attractions in the city include several ancient mosques, Cenotaphs and some archeological museums.
Shop at the local markets for fabrics accentuated with the traditional Bagh print works and other handicrafts, including bead works, the Pithora paintings, and teak artifacts.
The city bus service operates on the major routes within the city and is an affordable commute option. Cycle-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are the most commonly used means of traveling Dhar and are available in every part of the city. Tourists can hire taxis or private cars from fleet owners in and around the city.
On a daily basis there are approximately 39 flights that operate at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport.IndiGo and Air India are the most popular airline brands that fly frequently to this airport.
By road Dhar is surrounded by Badnagar, Indore, Barwani which are 32.33 km, 38.02 km, 45.18 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.