Maheshwar was a glorious city at the dawn of Indian civilization when it was Mahishmati, capital of king Kartivarjun. This temple town on the banks of the river Narmada finds mention in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Revived to its ancient position of importance by the Holkar queen Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. Maheshwar's temples and mighty fort-complex stand in quiet beauty, mirrored in the river below. Today, Maheshwar, a temple town on the bank of River Narmada, was a glorious city and referred in Hindu epics as ‘Mahishmati’. After Mughals the Queen Ahilyabai of the Holkar dynesty made Maheshwar her capital city. British moved the capital to Indore.

The city is famous for its temple, bathing ghats, mighty fort complex. Maheshwar is also known for its distinctive handwoven sarees called Maheshwari exquisitely woven 'Maheshwari' sarees.

RAJGADDI AND RAJWADA : This is the right place to begin a tour of Maheshwar as there is a beautiful statue is placed for this wise queen was the architect of its revived importance. The Other fascinating relics and heirlooms of the Holkar dynasty can be seen in the other rooms which are open to the public. An nice small shrine in the complex is the starting point of the Dussehra ceremony till today. Rajgaddi is within the Maheshwar fort omplex. The fort is partially transformed in a hotel.

Bawangaja : This important Jain pilgrim centre is 10 km from Barwani, tehsil headquarters of Khargone distt., the Bawangaja temples are 170 km from Indore. The 72ft high Jain statue here has been hewn in the rock. It belongs to the early 15th century.

Mandleshwar : This town is situated on the banks of river Narmada, at a distance of about 5 km from Maheshwar. The town was founded by Mandana Mishra, and has a stone fort constructed by Mohammedan rulers. Tukoji Rao Holkar II b...

Maha Shivaratri Festival is celebrated during February - March.