Dhar: Ponds, Temples and Architectural History

If you’re looking for a hotel in Dhar, you can plan your trip around the themes you’d like to shape your stay: architectural history, religious sites, seasonal customs or a traditional regional dish. Dhar brings together these different points of interest alongside a number of named ponds.

Ponds and Local Connections

Some of the most important ponds in the city of Dhar include Munj, Devisagar, Dhoop, Sitapath, Purniya, Lendiya, Natnagar, Siddanath, Chausath Yogini and Mussorie. Some of these ponds have disappeared. Their names offer another perspective on Dhar alongside its architectural history. The Devi-Sagar pond has a specific connection with a structure: the old Hindu Gadh-Kalika Temple stands on a hill in Dhar, close to the pond. This creates a clear geographical connection between a named body of water and a religious site.

Architectural History and Archaeological Finds

The Lat Masjid was built in 1405 by Dilawar Khan, governor of the province of Malwa. It takes its name from the large iron pillar erected on its grounds at the time. The windows and pillar are decorated with engravings, while the architecture combines Mughal and Rajput styles. The mosque offers architecture enthusiasts several distinct points of interest: its date of construction, the story behind its name and the design of its structural elements.

Kharbooja Mahal offers a different focus. The two-storey building has seven rooms on the lower floor and four on the upper floor. The layout of the rooms makes the arrangement of its two storeys a distinctive feature. The Dhar Museum is located inside Dhar Fort and preserves archaeological remains from different periods. A documented building layout and archaeological finds from different eras thus offer two distinct ways of exploring Dhar’s history.

Religious Sites and Seasonal Customs

Dhareshwar Temple is in the centre of Dhar and is the city’s most important Shiva temple. The Sawari of Lord Dharnath is also part of local religious tradition: during the Sawan month in the rainy season, the procession travels through Dhar and is also known as Chhabina. These two details offer different ways to plan a visit: the temple is notable for its central location, while the Sawari is associated with the time of year when it takes place. If you’d like to include the procession in your travel plans, check the dates before your trip.

Food Culture and Getting There

Daal Bati or Bafla adds a culinary tradition to the mix. The dish is traditional in Dhar and is popular in both urban and rural areas. For travellers interested in food culture as well as architecture and religious sites, this dish offers another facet of the city.

If you’re travelling by train, it’s important to know that Dhar has no railway station. The nearest station is in Indore, 60 kilometres from Dhar. If you plan to travel by train, check your connection before setting out.

For the broader travel overview: Dhar.