Rajwada Palace Indore, also called Holkar Palace or the Old Palace, is a seven-storey historic palace in the heart of old Indore. District Indore attributes its original construction to Malhar Rao Holkar in 1747. Today, Rajwada is one of the city’s strongest symbols of Holkar heritage and a natural starting point for exploring the old markets, Sarafa Bazaar and nearby religious landmarks.
Sound-and-light show timings and prices below are current from Madhya Pradesh Tourism’s June 2026 guide. Daytime palace opening hours, weekly closure, general entry fee and photography rules still need same-day confirmation because current public listings remain inconsistent.
Rajwada Palace Indore: Quick Visitor Guide
| Name | Rajwada Palace, Holkar Palace, Old Palace |
|---|---|
| Location | Khajuri Bazaar area, central Indore, Madhya Pradesh |
| Historical association | Holkar dynasty of the Maratha Empire |
| Original construction | 1747, attributed to Malhar Rao Holkar by District Indore |
| Structure | Seven storeys |
| Daytime opening hours | Confirm before travelling |
| General daytime entry fee | Confirm before travelling |
| Hindi sound-and-light show | 7:30 PM to 8:15 PM |
| English sound-and-light show | 8:30 PM to 9:15 PM |
| Indian adult show ticket | ₹150 |
| Indian child show ticket | ₹75 |
| Foreign adult show ticket | ₹250 |
| Foreign child show ticket | ₹150 |
Why Is Rajwada Palace Famous?
Rajwada Palace is one of Indore’s most recognisable historic landmarks because it combines Holkar political history, old-city architecture and a location at the centre of traditional Indore.
District Indore describes Rajwada as a seven-storey structure near the Chhatris and notes its massive wooden entrance, internal courtyard, balconies, windows and corridors. The lower three floors are primarily stone, while the upper floors use more wood.
The palace also faces a garden with a statue of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, fountains and an artificial waterfall, strengthening the connection between Rajwada and the Holkar legacy.
History of Rajwada Palace
District Indore attributes the construction of Rajwada Palace to Malhar Rao Holkar in 1747. The palace served as a Holkar residence and remained closely tied to the royal and civic history of Indore.
Rajwada suffered damage from multiple fires and was rebuilt or altered over time. That layered history explains why the present palace contains different materials, architectural influences and restoration phases rather than representing one untouched eighteenth-century structure.
Incredible India notes that the current royal family restored the palace in 2006 and describes Rajwada as an important example of Indore’s royal past.
Architecture of Rajwada Palace
Rajwada’s architecture reflects the palace’s long construction and restoration history. Madhya Pradesh Tourism describes a blend of Maratha, Mughal and French influences, while District Indore highlights the contrast between the stone lower floors and wooden upper levels.
Rajwada Palace Timings
The older IndoreCity article listed daytime hours around 9:00/10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and also described Monday as a closure day. Current public listings are inconsistent, so those details should not be treated as officially current without direct confirmation.
- Confirm opening and closing time for your exact visit date.
- Confirm the current weekly closure day, if any.
- Ask whether restoration work restricts any section.
- Check whether the evening sound-and-light show is operating normally.
Rajwada Palace Entry Fee
The older article listed a general museum ticket of ₹10 and separate camera/video charges. Those figures may no longer be current. A recent official daytime ticket notice was not located during this editorial review, so the final guide does not present those old rates as current.
Rajwada Palace Sound-and-Light Show
Madhya Pradesh Tourism’s guide published on 11 June 2026 lists a sound-and-light show at Rajwada Palace that presents the history of Indore and the Holkar dynasty, including the contribution of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar.
| Hindi show | 7:30 PM to 8:15 PM |
|---|---|
| English show | 8:30 PM to 9:15 PM |
| Indian adult | ₹150 |
| Indian child | ₹75 |
| Foreign adult | ₹250 |
| Foreign child | ₹150 |
Arrive early enough to confirm ticket availability and same-day operational changes. Weather, maintenance, cultural events or special arrangements can affect a show even when a published schedule exists.
Where Is Rajwada Palace Located?
Rajwada Palace stands in the Khajuri Bazaar area in the heart of old Indore. Its location is one of the main reasons it works well as a starting point for a heritage walk.
Sarafa Bazaar, traditional markets, Kanch Mandir, Bada Ganpati and other historic sites are all part of the wider old-city experience.
How to Reach Rajwada Palace
- From Indore Junction: auto-rickshaw, taxi and app-based cab are practical options.
- From Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport: use a taxi or app-based cab towards central Indore.
- Local transport: buses and auto-rickshaws serve central Indore, but routes and stops can change.
- Private vehicle: old-city traffic and parking can be difficult, especially in the evening.
- Best approach: use live navigation and confirm the most practical drop-off point.
Rajwada Palace and Rajwada Market Are Different
Rajwada Palace is the historic monument. Rajwada Market refers to the commercial area surrounding it.
The two have different search intent and different operating patterns. Palace timings should not be copied to nearby shops, and market timings should not be treated as palace timings.
Places to Visit Near Rajwada Palace
Suggested Rajwada and Old Indore Half-Day Itinerary
- Visit Rajwada Palace during confirmed daytime opening hours.
- Continue to Krishnapura Chhatris.
- Visit Kanch Mandir or Bada Ganpati depending on your interests.
- Return for the sound-and-light show if it is operating.
- Continue to Sarafa Bazaar later in the evening after checking the current night-market schedule.
Keep extra time for old-city traffic and crowds. Festival days such as Rang Panchami or major religious processions can significantly change movement around Rajwada.
Best Time to Visit Rajwada Palace
October to March is generally the most comfortable period for walking around old Indore because temperatures are milder.
For daytime architecture and photography, arrive during confirmed palace hours. For the evening experience, plan separately around the sound-and-light show and Sarafa Bazaar.
Practical Tips for Visiting Rajwada Palace
- Confirm daytime timings and the general ticket price before leaving.
- Keep a digital payment option and some cash for small purchases.
- Wear comfortable footwear for the palace and surrounding markets.
- Ask before photographing restricted interiors, exhibits or religious spaces.
- Keep valuables secure in crowded market areas.
- Use live maps rather than old fixed-distance estimates.
- Respect barriers and conservation restrictions inside the heritage complex.
- Avoid an overly tight schedule during festivals or peak evening hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rajwada Palace?
Rajwada Palace is a seven-storey historic palace in central Indore associated with the Holkar dynasty. District Indore attributes its original construction to Malhar Rao Holkar in 1747.
Who built Rajwada Palace?
District Indore states that Malhar Rao Holkar, founder of the Holkar dynasty, constructed Rajwada Palace in 1747.
What are the timings of Rajwada Palace?
Daytime opening-hour information remains inconsistent across public listings, so confirm the current opening, closing and weekly closure before visiting. Madhya Pradesh Tourism’s June 2026 guide lists the Hindi sound-and-light show at 7:30 PM and the English show at 8:30 PM.
What is the Rajwada Palace ticket price?
The general daytime entry fee needs current local confirmation. Madhya Pradesh Tourism’s June 2026 guide lists sound-and-light show tickets at ₹150 for an Indian adult, ₹75 for an Indian child, ₹250 for a foreign adult and ₹150 for a foreign child.
Is Rajwada Palace and Rajwada Market the same place?
No. Rajwada Palace is the heritage monument, while Rajwada Market refers to the surrounding commercial area. Their timings are different.
How much time is required at Rajwada Palace?
Allow roughly 1 to 2 hours for the palace area, depending on interior access and crowds. Add more time if you are combining it with nearby markets, temples or the evening show.
Can I visit Rajwada Palace and Sarafa Bazaar together?
Yes. Their proximity makes them suitable for one Old Indore itinerary. Visit Rajwada during confirmed palace hours, then continue to Sarafa later after checking the night-market schedule.
Sources and Editorial Verification
Core historical and architectural details were checked against District Indore, Madhya Pradesh Tourism and Incredible India. The sound-and-light show schedule and ticket prices are based on Madhya Pradesh Tourism’s guide published on 11 June 2026. Daytime palace hours and the general entry fee are intentionally left for current confirmation.
- District Indore: Rajwada
- District Indore: History of Indore
- Madhya Pradesh Tourism: Rajwada Palace in Indore
- Madhya Pradesh Tourism: Sound & Light Shows in Madhya Pradesh
- Incredible India: Rajwada
Explore More of Old Indore
Continue from Rajwada to Sarafa Bazaar, Bada Ganpati, Kanch Mandir and other major heritage and cultural landmarks.
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