Tourist Places and Things to Do in Dewas

Dewas is a city in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, located 35 km northeast of Indore and 37 km south of Ujjain. While primarily known as an industrial hub, Dewas has a rich cultural and religious heritage that makes it worth exploring.

Tekri — The Twin Hills

Dewas is most famous for its twin hills, locally called Tekri. These are two prominent hillocks visible from across the city, each topped with a temple.

• Choti Tekri (Small Hill): Houses the Chamunda Devi temple. A paved path with steps leads to the top, offering views of the entire city. The Navratri celebrations here draw large crowds.
• Badi Tekri (Big Hill): Houses a Devi temple and is slightly higher. The climb is steeper but the views are more expansive, stretching to the Vindhya range on clear days.

Both hills are best visited early morning or at sunset. The temples are well-maintained and the hilltop air is refreshing.

Chamunda Mata Temple

The Chamunda Devi temple atop Choti Tekri is the most visited religious site in Dewas. The temple is believed to be centuries old and is especially crowded during Navratri when a large fair is held. The ropeway (if operational) offers an alternative to climbing the steps.

Ksheerasagar Lake

A peaceful lake near the centre of Dewas, Ksheerasagar is a good place for an evening walk. The lake has a small island with a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Boat rides are sometimes available. The surrounding gardens are well-maintained.

Dewas — The E.M. Forster Connection

British author E.M. Forster (A Passage to India) spent time in Dewas as a guest of the Maharaja in 1921. His experiences here formed the basis of his memoir "The Hill of Devi." The palace and town are mentioned extensively in the book, giving Dewas a unique literary connection.

Industrial Heritage

Dewas is home to several major industries including the currency note printing press (Bank Note Press), Tata Group facilities, and numerous manufacturing units. The city's industrial importance makes it a key hub for corporate travel in the region.

Malwa Fort Ruins

Scattered across the Dewas landscape are remnants of old fortifications and gates from the Maratha and pre-Maratha periods. While not as grand as forts in Rajasthan, they add historical character to the town.

How to Reach Dewas

Dewas is well-connected by road, sitting on the Indore-Ujjain highway. It is 35 km from Indore (1 hour), 37 km from Ujjain (50 minutes), and 40 km from Indore airport. TaxiGo offers cab service to and from Dewas with transparent per-km pricing.