MADHYA PRADESH: The Heart of India with the Architectural Splendor of its Monuments/Sculptures & Amazing Destinations of Spiritual & Cultural Heritage & Wildlife Sanctuaries.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

MADHYA PRADESH :I have made a number of wonderful trips to the splendid destinations of MP getting enlightened on each occasion by its heritage, culture, exquisite art and the sites of spiritual salvation. Its an amazing state in the heart of India which retains landmarks from eras throughout Indian history. Begun in the 10th century, its Hindu and Jain temples at Khajuraho are renowned for their carvings of erotic sculptures,most prominently Kandaria Mahadeva,a temple with more than 800 sculptures. Its home to the cultural heritage of Hinduism,Buddhism ,Jainism with innumerable monuments ,exquisitely carved temples,stupas,forts and palaces dotted all over the state. It has won best Tourism state National award in the consecutive years-2015/2016/2017 Three monuments in the state are declared as World Heritage sites by UNESCO-1)Khajuraho group of monuments-1986,2)Buddhist monuments of Sanchi-1989,3)Rock shelters of Bhimbetka-2003 with exquisite mesolithic rock painting. Pachmarhi hillstation (a legacy of British Architecture that lives on) is widely known as the Queen of Satpura beside its beautiful waterfalls and rich diversity. There are two Jyotirlingas in MP out of the total 12 in India, namely Mahabaleshwar temple in Ujjain and Omkareshwar. MP has bagged the award for best State for Adventure Sports alongwith Uttarakhand with 5 water sports destinations in the state. Its organising Jal mahotsav-2020.Khajuraho is organising Dance Festival every year in Feb/March. Khajuraho is famous for its carved and embellished temples and sculptures which are over 1000 yrs old. Representation of Navarasas meaning nine moods or expressions of valour, horror, fear, anger, laughter, sorrow wonder, love and tranquillity. Also based on Kamsutra ,the sculptures of Khajuraho are legendary for the graphic and realistic illustrated scenes of lovemaking. The floodlit sculptures in the temple stand testimony to that. I have visited Khajuraho twice in 1985&1987 and experienced the splendor of the place. In 1985 tour with my friends during the dance festival I was fortunate to witness the amazing spectacle of the Odissi dance performance by Great Sonal Mansingh(Padma Bhushan recipient-1992).The juxtaposition of the dances against the backdrop of the temples was a very unique experience for the performer as well as the audience !There are 10 National parks,3 Biosheres managed by Project Tiger. Narmada and Chambal are the two main rivers of the state.The state is blessed with some of the most beautiful landscapes of India.It has a vast forest cover and natural beauty .There are numerous adventure sports destinations.Bhopal is a city of historic gardens and lakes.Close to Bhopal is Bhojpur whose ancient tales is a journey back in time where the history resides .Raja Bhoj ,who was the founder of Bhopal, was a king from Parmara dynasty with his kingdom centered around the Malwa region.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

About MADHYA PRADESH :

Its a state in Central India with capital at Bhopal, largest city Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Rewa and Ujjain being other major cities.MP is the second largest state by area &fifth largest state by population.It borders UP to the NE ,Chattisgarh to the SE ,Maharastra to South,Gujarat to the West and Rajasthan to the NE. It has 52 districts. Before year 2000,when Chhatisgarh was part of MP,it was the largest state of India.In 2000,Chattisgarh got statehood as part of States Reorganisation Act. After Independence, MP was created in 1950 from former British Central Provinces Berar and princely states of Makrai and Chhatisgarh with Nagpur as its capital.In 1956 the state of Madhya Bharat ,Vindhya pradesh and Bhopal were merged into MP and southern region Vidarbha was ceded to Bombay state.Bhopal was made its capital. CLIMATE :Typical Indian climate with hot ,rainy and cold seasons.Sub tropical condition prevail all over the state with temp. between 30*c &45*c. Cool dry clear skies ,gentle breeze/pleasant weather prevail from Nov. to March with temp. 8* to 20*c. CONNECTIVITY: There is good connectivity with major cities by Air, Rail& Road transport. CULTURE & CELEBRATION: Tribal fairs & festivals are in the ethnic lifestyle of the colourful tribes of the land with fun filled enjoyment marked by great entertainment.1)Bhagoria haat festival,2) MUSIC &DANCE FESTIVALS: Find a whole new dimension of in MP because of the Grandeur of Architecture and History. a)Khajuraho dance festival, b)Tansen music Festival, c)Malwa Utsav, etc. FOOD: There is a mix of Rajasthani,Gujarati& Maharastrian tastes. Bhopal serves meat delicacies.Indore and Ujjain churn out host of vegetarian delights. Indore is famous as the Street food capital of India.Its famous for the Chhappan Dukaan with a row of 56 shops. Sarafa bazar at the historic Rajwada comes alive at night with food carts and eateries so very delicious to the taste buds. STAY :Good number of resorts and hotels for tourist in every popular destination offering very comfortable stay for buisness purpose or pleasure trips.Many modern hotels are converted from havelies, heritage palaces, forts, jungle resorts, nature resorts,huge convocation centres, fantastic indivisual owned retreats. MPSTDC Hotel-Amarkantak holiday homes, Bandhavgarh white tiger Forest Lodge, Bargi-Maikal resort,Bedaghat Motel marble rock. OFFICIAL LANGUAGE :Hindi. Marathi is spoken largely while Adivasis speak their own language. POPULATION: 7,25,97,565 as per 2011 sensus.Tribal population is 15 million(21%of the total population.It consists of the ethnic groups/tribes/caste and communities including the indigenous tribes and migrants. The SC/ST constitute a significant portion of the population. Main tribes are Gond ,Bhil, Baiga, Korku & Bhadia out of the 46 recognised ST & 3 of these have been identified as Special primitive tribal group. RELIGION :Main religion is Hinduism followed by Islam/Jainism/Buddhism/Sikhism. FLORA & FAUNA: a)National parks-10 and Dinasaur national park-1,b)Nature reserves -Amarkantak, Bagh caves, Balaghat, Bori National Reserves, Ken Ghariyal ghati gaon, Nora Dehi, Pachmarhi ,Tami ,etc. c)Bio Reserves-Pachmarhi Bio reserve,Amarkantak Bio reserve and Panna national parks are the 3 out of 18 Bio reserves in India located near Jabalpur- Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Panna and Satpura national parks are managed as Tiger reserve areas. CLASSICAL& FOLK MUSIC :Some noted classical Gharanas are Maiher Gharana, Gwalior Gharana and Senia Gharana. Two of Indias most noted singers-Tansen and Baiju Bawra were born near Gwalior. Noted Dhrupad experts Animuddin Dagar,Gudecha brothers &Udai Bhawalkar are all from MP.Renowned classical singer Kumar Gandharv spent his life in Dewas. Also gret singers Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar ,composer Adesh Srivastava were born in MP. Local style folk singing include Kalbelia.

• 

• 

MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:

BHOPAL: Its a city of historic gardens and lakes founded by Raja Bhoj. It has many natural and artificial lakes being one of the greenest city in the country.Great weekend getaways from Bhopal are Tawa and Madai .Bhopal have good good muslim population, mosque &there is wonderful celebrations in the month of Ramzan.1)Minto hall Convention Centre is a jewel in the history of Bhopal,2)Upper& lower lake,3)Van vihar national park.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

INDORE :Its the commercial capital of MP located on the Malwa plateau.Its famous for cotton textile & bangles Industry.Its called the -Food city famous for Sarafa-night market,Chappan Dukan ,Lal Bagh palace,Bada Ganpati,Kanch mandri,Bapna statue, Chintaman Ganesh temple. Town hall, Central museum and Chhatris!

GWALIOR :Its known for palaces and temples including ‘Sas Bahu ka mandir’,Teli ka mandir, Ancient Gwalior fort, Jai vilas palace (built by Scindia dynasty in the 19th century)which is their residence today.

• 

• 

JABALPUR :Located on shores of Narmada has splendid ghats ,waterfalls and glitters of historical and cultural structures. Bhedhaghat-marble rocks and Dhuandhar falls are eminent destinations. Balance rock is another must see site for tourists.

CHANDERI :Located on the borders of Bundelkhand and Malwa its history takes you to 11th century having 375 monuments & is famous for its intricately designed Chanderi sarees, salwar suits and dress fabrics. Chanderi fort is a vast Mughal fort (at 71 mtrs above the town) whose main gate is known as Khooni darwazah. Its also famous for museum and 1200 ancient Baolis.

KHAJURAHO: The temples of Khajuraho are India’s unique gift to the world representing various emotions and moods. The sculptures are perfect in execution and sumlime in expressions.Its declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The temples in the complex are: 1)Kandaria mahadev, 2)Chausath Yogini, 3)Chitragupta temple, 4)Lakshmi and Vigraha temple,5)Parshwanath temple, 6)Adinath temple,7)Ghantal temple, 8)Shantinath temple,9)Brahma temple,10)Vamana temple,11) Javeri temple, 12))Duladeo temple,13)Chaturbhuj temple.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

MANDU : Its a city of joy famous for tragic love story of Sultan Baz Bahadur(who was the last independent ruler of Mandu) and Rani Roopmati ! Mandu has magnificent palaces, tombs, mosques and monuments. Here the Afghan architecture combine beauty with water conservation in 45*C summer.

ORCHHA : Founded in 16th century Bundela Rajput Chieftain Rudra Pratap ,Orchha was the erstwhile capital city of Bundela rulers on the banks of Betwa river famous for its architectural splendor of Orchha reflects the the glory of the rulers. Places worth visiting are-a)Jahangir mahal built on his visit to Orchha.b)Rai Pravin mahal, c)Ram raja temple, d)Chaturbhuj temple, e)Chhatris ,f)Laxminarain temple g)Phool bagh,h)Sunder mahal ,i)Deogarh.

• 

• 

• 

• 

PANNA & PANNA NATIONAL PARK :Its a paradise for bird watchers with more than 200 species of birds.Panna national park is one of the 3 Biospheres in MP located near Jabalpur managed as Project Tiger areas. PNP is a gemstone of Indian national parks-colourful rocks ,clear water of Ken river.

UJJAIN: Situated on the banks of sacred river Shipra,Ujjain is modern name for Ujjaini.It is famous for Mahakaleshwar temple which houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. OMKARESHWAR :Its where the only Jyotirlinga located on the banks of holy river Narmada.Its the second Jyotilinga of MP after Ujjain.

• 

• 

PENCH NATIONAL PARK: or Pench Tiger Reserve inspired Rudyard Kiplings famous work-The Jungle Book.Today it boasts of the highest density of herbivores in India. PANCHMARHI :Its a hillstation in the Hoshangabad district and is a cantonement since the British raj.Its popularly called the Queen of Satpura at a height of 1067 mts in a valley of Satpura range..Dhupgarh is at a height of 1352 is located in Satpura range.Its a part of the Biosphere reserve famous for Tiger reserve,satpura national park,Lord Shiva temple ,Pandavas of mahabharata.Its under the administration of Panchmarhi cantonement board serving the Indian Army-centre of Army’s education core. Climate is mild ,warm and temperate.1)Pandav caves,2)Sunset point,3)Bee fall ,4)Pachmarhi lake spot,5)Trishuls at Chauragarh, 6)Satpura national park,7)Dhupgarh,8) Sethani Ghat(Narmadapuram)

• 

• 

• 

• 

BHIMBETKA: This site is second oldest cave paintings in the world.The Bhimketaka rock shelters exhibit the earliest traces of human life in India. Its stone age rock paintings are approx.9000 yrs old. Its a world Heritage site .

CHITRAKOOT : Its located in the hills of northern Vindhyas and is a peaceful place where Lord Rama& Sita mata spent 11 of their 14 yrs of exile in the forests of Chitrakoot. Its a holy town closely associated with the epic Ramayana on the banks of the river Mandakini. It has many ghats is believed to be the place where sage Atri and Anasnya meditated. KANHA NATIONAL PARK : Its one of the most tourist friendly national parks providing shelter to some rarely seen wildlife species like world famous Barasingha deer. SANCHI : Its known for its stupas,monastaries,temples and pillars dating from 3rd century BC to 12th century AD.Its a world heritage site. AMARKANTAK : Surrounded by a rich variety of flora,its a unique natural heritage area and is a meeting point of Vindhya and Satpura ranges.A hilly region covered with dense forests.The Narmada river is one of the holliest and longest rivers of India originating from here.considered very sacred and worshipped throughout the region! Its There is a Brahma statue here with various deities located here.

• 

• 

BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK : Its blessed with rich flora and fauna .The forest is full of animals and birds such as world famous tigers, leapords ,wild dogs ,Barasingha ,mouse deer, etc.

• 

• 

GANDHISAGAR DAM: Its one of the major dams built on Chambal river located in Mandsaur ,Neemuch distt. of MP. Its a masonary gravity dam completed in the year 1960. It has a 125MW (25x5MW) Hydroelectric Generating station .Water released from here is utilized at Rana Pratap sagar dam,Rawatbhata downstream for the 172MW (4X43MW) Hydroelectric generating station as well as for irrigation purposes. At Gandhi sagar dam a beautiful park and a tourist complex is developed with an elegant statue of Chambal mata providing water to two children signifying MP State and Rajasthan state. In the year 1968,I visited the place through our educational tour to Gandhisagar when I was studying in Rawatbhata in 5th standard.As small children,we enjoyed the trip a lot. Still further downstream there is the Jawahar sagar dam midway between Rawatbhata and Kota having a Hydroelectric station-60MW(3X20MW)and still further downstream is the Kota Barrage using the water for irrigation purposes. Chambal river is one of the cleanest perenial rivers of India.It originates at Janapav south of Mhow town in Vindhya range in MP. It flows through Rajasthan before turning SE to join the Yamuna in UP.It ends at the confluence of Chambal, Kwari ,Yamuna, Sind, Pahuj, at Pachnada in UP.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Other Tourist Attractions:- BATESHWAR TEMPLE COMPLEX,PADAVALI,MORENA./ CHAUSATH YOGINI TEMPLE ,MITAVALI,MORENA./ SHAHASTRA BAHU TEMPLE,GWALIOR FORT./ SHIV TEMPLE AT BHOJPUR/ BENI SAGAR LAKE/ ARCHEALOGICAL MUSEUM / RAJGARH PALACE,/ PANDAV FALLS/ KEN GHARIYAL SANCTUARY / KUNDALPUR JAIN TEMPLES NEAR DAMOH/ HINGLAJGARH TEERTHAM,BHANPURA,DISTT.MANDSAUR.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Note: My sincere gratitude to Wikkipedia for the much needed references on MP. & MP Incoming site for their great travel services & catalogues helping me provide tourism information in MP. My readers may pl. inform me for any incorrect information on this site which will be duly corrected.