Madhya Pradesh Travel Guide

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Madhya Pradesh is called the 'heart of India', not only because of its location in the centre of the country, but also because, it has been home to the cultural heritage of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, forts and palaces are peppered all over the state - glorious reminders of emperors and kings, warriors and builders, poets and musicians, saints and philosophers. The natural beauty of the state is equally varied. Consisting largely of a plateau, the state has everything - awesome mountain ranges, meandering rivers, and miles and miles of dense forests. The rich folk culture and tribal traditions of this fascinating state, are manifested in the umpteen exuberant festivities, and Statue of Rani Jhansi, Gwalior fairs of its colourful people.

Fact File
Area: 443,446 sq km
Population: 60.4 million
Capital: Bhopal
Languages spoken: Hindi
Best Time to visit: September to February
Major Cities : Khajuraho, Bhopal, Pachmarhi, Sanchi Tourist Attractions:
Bandhavgarh National Park:
Set amidst the Vindhyan ranges, the Park has a series of ridges running through it. Initially just 105.40 sq. km. in area, Bandhavgarh with 25 resident tigers, was noted for its high density tiger population. Today, it has been extended to an area of 437 sq. km. About half the Park is covered with fine stands of sal, while mixed forests are found in the higher reaches of the hills. Stretches of bamboo and grasslands extend to the north. The main viewing area is still in the core of the Park with its 32 picturesque, wooded hills.

Bhopal:
Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is a fascinating amalgam of scenic beauty, historicity and modern urban planning. It is situated on the site of a 11th century city, Bhojapal, founded by Raja Bhoja. The founder of the existing city was however an Afghan soldier of fortune, Dost Mohammed. Fleeing from Delhi in the chaotic period that followed Aurangazeb's death, Dost Mohammed encountered the beautiful Gond queen Kamalapati, who sort his aid after the murder of her consort.

Pachmarhi:
Pachmarhi is Madhya Pradesh's most verdant jewel, a place where nature has found exquisite expression in myriad enchanting ways.Green shades embrace the mountains, and everywhere is heard the gentle murmur of flowing water. Bridle paths lead into tranquil forest glades, groves of wild bamboo and jamun, dense sal forests and delicate bamboo thickets.

Sanchi:
Sanchi is 9 km from Vidisha and 68 km from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for several stupas, Gupta temples and Buddhist monasteries. Sanchi is listed as the World Heritage Site. The stupas at Sanchi trace the growth of the Buddhist architecture and sculpture at the same site from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD. Emperor Ashoka built the Stupa at Sanchi the central chamber of which contains relics of Buddha. The stupas at Sanchi are remarkable for their toranas or the gateways as they are ornamented by depiction of incidents from the life of the Buddha, his previous incarnations and various episodes from Jataka tales. Sculptors of different time period depicted the same story by repeating figures. The Buddha has been represented through symbols like the tree, throne, stupa, horse, lion and elephant. There is a site museum at Sanchi, which has a good collection of artifacts found form the spot, and nearby locations. It is the first site museum in India. The tour of Sanchi is a must to appreciate the skills of the artisans and beauty of the monument

Gwalior:
Gwalior is named after a legendary Saint Gwalipa of 8th Century A.D. It is also sacred to the memory of the heroic queen Rani of Jhansi and Tatya Tope.

Kanha National Park:
Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is a tiger reserve that extends over an area of over 940 square km. A horseshoe shaped valley bounded by the spurs of the Mekal presents an interesting topography. Steep rocky escarpments along the edges offer breathtaking views of the valley. Realizing the danger on the Tiger population in the country, the Government started the "Project Tiger" at Kanha and in 1974 the area was declared a Tiger reserve. The park is also the habitat of the high ground Barasingha

Khajuraho:
Khajuraho is a small town of Madhya Pardesh. It is known the world over, for its unique temple which reflects human emotions that gives an outlet to the spiritual and physical love. This obscure village of central India was discovered in 1838 by a British army engineer, captain T S Burt.Khajuraho derived its name from the word 'khajur' meaning the date palm, was a quiet unknown town till, a chance discovery made it a popular tourist destination. It remained in the obscurity till 1960 but now it is after Taj, India's biggest single tourist attraction. Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval temples; each studded with countless sculptures of extraordinary grace and delicacy. The temples of Khajuraho, are indeed, celebrations of the stylized and refined courtly accomplishments of beauty, love and creative arts. In 1986 it was given the status of world heritage site in order to preserve its splendor for posterity.

Kanha National Park :
The Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh was conceived in 1955 and later in 1974, it got the status of a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger Scheme. Spread over an area of more than 940 sq km; the Kanha National Park owes thick vegetation made of sal and bamboo forests, grasslands and streams. The national park is the sole habitat of the rare species of barasingha.