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With the upcoming Simhastha drawing closer, the Madhya Pradesh tourism department is preparing to unveil a landmark cultural and heritage destination—Ahilya Lok—honouring the life, vision, and legacy of Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar. The ambitious project will come up in Maheshwar, one of her most iconic seats of governance, at an estimated investment of ₹110 crore.
Planned on nearly 15 acres of government land along the banks of the Narmada, Ahilya Lok is being designed as a closed-campus, experience-driven destination rather than a conventional memorial. The idea is to help visitors deeply engage with Ahilya Bai Holkar’s journey as a ruler, reformer, spiritual leader, and patron of architecture through a blend of storytelling and modern technology.
According to Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (MPTDC) Managing Director Ilayaraja T, the project aims to present Ahilya Bai Holkar’s ideals and governance model in an engaging and contemporary format. Using immersive tools such as virtual reality experiences, curated exhibitions, and narrative-driven galleries, the campus will allow visitors to explore her contributions across India—from temple restoration to public welfare initiatives.
A dedicated museum and interpretive galleries will chronicle key phases of her life, while a miniature zone will visually showcase temples, ghats, and civic works commissioned by her in different regions of the country. This section is expected to give visitors a panoramic understanding of the scale and geographical spread of her work.
Reflecting Maheshwar’s rich cultural identity, the project will also spotlight its famed handloom and textile tradition. Plans include a haat bazaar with live weaving demonstrations, artisan interaction spaces, and special corners for local weavers, creating both livelihood opportunities and authentic cultural engagement for tourists.
The overall campus design places strong emphasis on open, people-friendly spaces. Thematic gardens, landscaped walkways, riverfront pathways, curated selfie points, and public plazas will be developed to enhance visitor experience. The riverbank development, to be carried out exclusively on government land, will be integrated with the Narmada riverfront in an environmentally sensitive manner, ensuring controlled access and ecological balance.
Tourism officials have confirmed that expert agencies have been appointed for content creation, architectural design, and execution. This is intended to ensure historical accuracy, visual quality, and a seamless visitor journey.
Once completed, Ahilya Lok is expected to not only strengthen Maheshwar’s cultural stature but also significantly improve infrastructure and facilities for pilgrims and tourists ahead of Simhastha—positioning it as a key heritage destination in Madhya Pradesh’s tourism landscape.