An ages old temple town on the banks of the Narmada river, is mentioned in the Puranas. Ramayana and Mahabharata when it was Mahishamati, capital iof King Kartaviryarjuna. Having been revived to its ancient glory by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore , the twon with its temple and fortess stands in scene dignity. Today, Maheshwar is also known for its distinctive handwoven sarees called Maheshwari.Some Ghats like( Peshwa Ghat, Fanase Ghat and Ahilya Ghat) line the river Narmada, flights of steps lead down from the sandy banks to the river and through the day a kaleidoscope of rural India can be seen here, in the pilgrims and holy men who sit here in silent meditation; in the rows of graceful women, who carry gleaming brass pots down to the holy, life giving river. Lining the banks too, are poignant memorials in stone to the satis of Maheshwar, who perished on the funeral pyres of their husbands. The best time to visit is July to March.

Places to see:

Ragaddi and Rajwada
Located within the fort complex is a life size statue of Rani Ahilyabai seated on throne. Other fascinating relics and heirlooms of the Holkar dynasty can be seen in the rooms which are open to the public.

Temples
Maheswar's temples stands high with spires reaching out to sky. Their balconies and carved doors are a sight to behold . Temples to visit are Kaleshwara , Rajaraeshwara, Vithaleshwara and Ahileshwara temples.

Ghats
Along narmada river are the Peshwa Fanase and Ahilya Ghats. A flight of step lead down to the river, often crowed with pilgrims and holy men who sit here in the ferry loads of villagers who cross and recross these surging waters. Lining the blanks, too, are poignant memorials in stone to the satis of Maheshwar, who perished on the funeral pyres of their husbands.

Maheshwai's Sarees
Introduced into Maheshwara 250 years ago by Rani Ahilyabai, the sarees are renowned throughout India Woven mostly in cotton the 'palu' is distinctive with five strips, three coloured and two white alternating running along its with hand reversible border, known as Bugdi.