Indore

AIESEC INDORE

Issue 1

AIESEC INDORE

24 March, 2012 AIESEC INDORE – HEART OF INDIA

IN THIS ISSUE

INDORE – QUEEN OF THE DECCAN by [AIESEC Indore, CIM]

The largest city and commercial center of MADHYA PRADESH province in central India, it is located 190 Km South-West of provincial capital BHOPAL. th

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It is the 15 largest city in India and 147 largest city in the world. Indore is also referred to as “Mini Mumbai” due to diversity in population and culture, which is reflected in the crowd, shopping style, food and entertainment.

The name Indore is said to have originated from the “Indreshwar” temple present in the city. It is situated on a confluence of the two Rivers Saraswathi and Kahn at the center of Indore, which makes the city more attractive.

The city has a climate that consists of hot summers and cold winters with a spate of monsoon rains in between. Temperatures vary from 10 °C in winter to 45 °C during the summer.

Known for its foodie culture, the blend of different people from different cultures has resulted in a diverse cuisine such as “IdliDosa”, “Vada-Sambhar” to Rajasthan inspired “Dal-Bafle”, a distinctive Malwa food.

But Indore is famous across the subcontinent for its wide variety of “Namkeens”,

a specialty of the region, not found anywhere else. And its staple breakfast of “Poha” and “Jalebi” and snacks of “Kachori” and “Samosas” are also famous.

In addition to being the commercial capital of Central India, Indore is renowned as an Educational hub of India hosting premier educational institutes, such as Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and Indian Institute of Technology, the only city in India to have both institutes in the same City.

Culture of Indore Food, people and culture

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It is also host to various businesses; Small, Medium and Large Scale. From Automobiles to Pharmaceuticals, Software (IT), Retail, Textile and Steel.

Pithampur Special Economic Zone (SEZ), is known as “Detroit of India” as it has many automobile industries and one of the largest pharmaceutical companies.

Sanwer SEZ has steel industries, including “The Indo-German Tool Room”.

Most of the big IT giants like TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) and Infosys are planning to invest heavy amounts to setup new development centers in the city.

Currently some of the big IT players in the city are IBM Indore, Impetus, Computer Science Corporation (CSC) etc.

Life in Indore Transport, attractions and cost of living within Indore.

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AIESEC INDORE | Issue 1

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Food, People and Culture of Indore

by AIESEC Indore [CIM]

The cultural heritage of Indore includes remains of its glorious royal past, historic religious shrines and various archeological sites.

Indore culture is a unique blend of various cultures from across the sub-continent.

Persian, Chinese, North Indian, South Indian, Western Indian, British, Classical Indian, Medieval Indian, Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Baha’I, Bohra, Jain, Buddhist etc. influences are easily observed in the demography, clothing, architecture and cuisine.

Indore is home to a multi-ethnic and culturally and linguistically diverse population. Being a former Marathi princely state of the Holkar Dynasty, the people usually converse in Marathi, but Hindi is the official language of the city, spoken by the majority of the populace. Various dialects of Hindi can be heard here, namely Bundelkhandi, Marwari and Chattisgarhi.

Some other languages spoken here are English, Gujarati, and Sindhi.

CUISINE Indore is known for its foodie culture. Various kinds of food are found in Indore having various vendore in the city such as SARAFA BAZAAR and CHHAPAN (56) DUKAN. PICTURED RIGHT: SPICY AND CRISPY NAMKEEN, NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED.

Pictured above: Jewelry Market by day and Street Food Street by nightfall.

Sarafa Bazaar in the center of Indore is a must see for any visitor with an adventurous appetite.

CUISINE IN INDORE By

AIESEC Indore [CIM]

A variety of food can be found here, catering to the taste buds of a wide range of people. Whether it is South Indian DILIDOSA-SAMBHAR, North Indian CHHOLA BHATURA, Rajasthani DAL-BAFLE, Marathi BHEL, VADA-PAV, PAV BHAJI, Chinese Inspired, HAKKA NOODLES, CHOWMEIN, CHILLI PANEER etc.

As is with most parts of India, Spicy Chaat Food is a hot favorite here with some mouthwatering (and sometime eyeswatering) Pani-Puri (also called Golguppa and Pani-Patase), Vadas, Samosas, Kochoris, Chhole Tikkes etc.

The city is also known for its thirst quenchers and drinks like SHIKANJI (a blend of milk and dry fruits), good old fashioned LASSI (flavored yogurt), and Jal-Jira.

Though predominantly a vegetarian city, there are non-vegetarian foods served throughout the city. There are also some big fast food chains that have opened up in Indore such as PIZZA HUT, DOMINO’S PIZZA, MCDONALD’S, KFC, CAFÉ COFFE DAY. Besides these, several hotels and restaurants offer a variety of eatables. From Street food to Continental cuisine.

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ATTRACTIONS

Map of Madhya Pradesh province in Central India.

KRISHNAPURI CHHATRIS Exquisitely crafted stone memorials to the 3 later Holkar rulers standing proud and graceful on the banks of the Khan River, adorning intricately carved Hindu myths and stories.

ATTRACTIONS By

AIESEC Indore [CIM]

BOLIA MAHARAJ CHHATRI Another stone architecture near to the above mentioned KRISHNAPURI CHHATRIS.

INDORE CENTRAL MUSEUM Open from all days except Monday between 10:00 am to 05:00 pm. No admission fees. Guides available. Contains relics of the area’s ancient past.

RAJWADA PALACE / HOLKAR PALACE Two century old residence of the ruling Holkar family.

Its 7 storey entrance is a landmark of the city. It has also survived several fires but has since then restored.

Pictured bottom right corner: Dilapidated gate of the ruined KAJLIGARH FORT, 20Km from Indore, towards Khandwa. Best seen during the rains because of the lush greenery that follows. Most of the fort is drivable.

LAL BAGH PALACE It is a three storey building on the bank of the River Khan. The palace was built by Maharaja Shivaji Rao Holkar during 1886-1921. Situated amidst dry and dusty gardens, it is architecturally quite similar to the New Palace. It once hosted many royal receptions and even today, reflects the life style and taste of the Holkar Rulers showing presian, French, and even greek influences.

KANCH MANDIR A Jain temple made entirely of glass and mirrors.

The walls, ceiling, floor, pillars, doors, everything here is entirely adorned with glass.

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KAJLIGARH FORT This historic fort is not very well known among the locals but was once major defensive outpost constructed by the Holkars. It now lies in neglected ruins.

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ANNAPURNA TEMPLE Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Annapoorna devi, Hindu Goddess of nourishment.

Annapurna, Temple is one of the oldest

temples in the city of Indore

Interior of GOMATGIRI Jain temple, Situated on the hill about 10-12 km away from the heart of the city, there is a 21 feet tall statue of Lord Gomateshwar, a replica of the Bahubali statue of Shravanbelagola. Also built here are 24 marble temples.

OTHER EXCURSIONS IN AND AROUND INDORE

by AIESEC Indore [CIM]

Pictured Above Right: TINCHA FALLS, near Simrol. An hour’s drive away from Indore this place is best visited during or after thhe monsoon rains.

Pictured Above Left: View of the Hindola Palace complex. Part of a much larger Fortress Complex City at Mandu (Mandavgad). Located on a rocky outcrop 100Km west of Indore, Mandu is referenced as a fortified city as early as 6th Century BC, but gained prominence when in the 10th and 11th Century AD the PARMAR rulers took control of it. Praised for its architecture it is a must see for any traveller.

Pictured Left: Indore's oldest Church St. Ann’s Church (White Church) completed 151 years on 9th august. The church was built in 1858. This church in Indore was funded by Sir Robert North Hamilton of British empire. Inspired by European architecture, The church was designed by Engineer Ross McMohan the white church indore. Hamilton's statue is situated at Lalbagh Indore.

White church was founded by Protestant Christians.

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GETTING AROUND TOWN

TO GET TO INDORE AND AROUND INDORE

by AIESEC Indore [CIM]

Indore is very well connected with the rest of the country by air, road and rail. A lot of domestic carriers connect to Indore.

Lots of trains connect Indore with many other parts of the country, with most trains travelling either weekly or on alternate days.

Inter-State buses also connect Indore to the rest of the country. These buses are usually overnight buses with ample room to lie down and have a nap. And most of the buses are air conditioned.

Out of these, air transport is the most hassle-free mode of reaching Indore. From the airport various taxis: pre-paid and postpaid. That will take you anywhere in the city.

DEVI ALHILYABAI HOLKAR AIRPORT This new terminal of the airport handles domestic (and in the future, also international) flights. It is connected with all major cities of the country. Its located on the outskirts of the city.

Auto Rickshaw: easily the most popular mode of public transport in the subcontinent. These tend to be a little expensive, but their small size allows them to zip in and around traffic effortlessly. Most preferred way to travel within the city.

PUBLIC

TRANSPORT

SYSTEM Public transport is widely available. Auto, rickshaws, mini-vans, City Buses and radio taxis are available.

INDORE RAILWAY JUNCTION A major railway station of central India, Indore is connected by rail with every major city in India. It is located in the middle of the city.

Metro Taxi: A radio cab company operating in Indore. These are costly but very comfortable.

They’re most suited for travelling great distances or coming/going to the airport.

INTER-STATE BUS SERVICES Several buses also connect Indore with the rest of the country. Sleeper and AC buses are also available.

City Buses ferry commuters to and from various parts of the city. Cheap and popular, these buses tend to be packed during rush hour.

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The province of Madhya Pradesh in Central India is a landlocked region with several rivers. The major river is called NARMADA, which flows from the Satpura/Vindhya Range westward into the Arabian Sea.

Indore has a tropical wet and dry climate. There are three seasons observed in Indore:   

Summer (March to May): Dry summer with temperature exceeding 40*C on several occasions. Average Day-time temperature is between 35-40*C Monsoon (June to September): Rainy season providing the city with 90% of its water.

Average rainfall in a monsoon is around 33 inches. The combination of heat and water result in very humid conditions.

Winter (October t0 February): Winters tend to be very light with temperatures known to reach low 30s. Average temperature is between 26 and 30*C. It can go as low as 4*C on some nights.

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COST OF LIVING IN INDORE

BY RENT PER MONTH Apartment(1 bedroom)in city center

RESTAURANTS

BY MARKET

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

1.43$

Meal for 2, Mid-range

5.95$

122.2$

Milk(regular),1lit

0.63$ 0.39$

Apartment(1 bedroom)outside of center

94.48$

Loaf of fresh white bread(500g) Eggs

0.94$

Combo Meal at McDonalds or

Apartment(3 bedroom)in city center

299.95$

Fresh cheese(1kg)

5.82$

Similar

Chicken(boneless, skinless)

1.11$

Cappuccino (regular)

1.99$

Apartment(3 bedroom)outside of center

174.30$

Apples(1kg)

2.50$

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

0.45$

Potato(1kg)

0.21$

Water(1.5lit. bottle)

0.47$

Restaurant, Three-course 3.18$

BY APARTMENT PRICE Price per Square

605.47$

Meter to Buy

UTILITIES MONTHLY

TRANSPORTATION One way ticket (local transport)

0.25$

Basic(electricity, gas, water ,garbage)for 85 mt.sq apartment

28.34$

Monthly pass

8.76$

1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff local (no discount or plans)

0.02$

Taxi start(normal tariff)

0.28$

Apartment Outside

0.26$

Internet(6Mbps,flat rate, cable/ADSL)

30.93$

Taxi 1 km(normal tariff)

of Centre

Taxi 1hour waiting (normal tariff)

1.02$

Gasoline(1lit)

1.41$

Apartment in City Centre Price per Square

393.47$

Meter to Buy

AIESEC INDORE

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