Madhya Pradesh is a state in central India. Its capital is Bhopal and the largest city is Indore with Jabalpur, Gwalior, and Ujjain being the other major cities. Nicknamed the “Heart of India” due to its geographical location in India, Madhya Pradesh is the second-largest state in the country by area. With over 75 million inhabitants, it is the fifth-largest state in India by population. It borders the states of Uttar Pradesh to the northeast, Chhattisgarh to the southeast, Maharashtra to the south, Gujarat to the west, and Rajasthan to the northwest. Its total area is 308,252 km2. Before 2000, when Chhattisgarh was a part of Madhya Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh was the largest state in India and the distance between the two furthest points inside the state, Singoli and Konta, was 1500 km. Konta is presently in Sukma district of Chattisgarh state.
The area covered by the present-day Madhya Pradesh includes the area of the ancient Avanti Mahajanapada, whose capital Ujjain (also known as Avantika) arose as a major city during the second wave of Indian urbanisation in the sixth century BCE. Subsequently, the region was ruled by the major dynasties of India. By the early 18th cen
The heart of India, Madhya Pradesh is a place of enchantment and incredibility. Spectacular views and amazing destinations fill the state. Madhya Pradesh is drenched in history and covered by nature while a great culture enriches it.
Madhya Pradesh is a treasure trove which opened will regale you with experiences unlike anything. This is the land where the Jungle Book comes to life in the rich national parks. It is here in Madhya Pradesh that ancient perfectly sculpted lovers entwine each other in erotic embraces. Gods have made their abode in the multiple magnificent shrines dotting the landscape. History can be re-lived through the fascinating monuments, palaces and forts which dominate skylines of cities. This is the state of kings and lovers.
The heartland of an amazing country, Madhya Pradesh offers a bit of everything. In Khajuraho, you will be transported to an ancient age with the splendid architecture of its temples. The Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks rumble with the growls of the majestic tigers and the music of the birds enchant visitors. Rocks will never seem as mysterious as seen in Jabalpur. Watch the blue Narmada make its way through some of the most marvelous places and sights. Visit Gwalior where the history and heritage of kings have become merged with the modern life. Amarkantak watches serenely while you get lost in prayer.
Rich histories, fascinating cultures, splendid nature and sacred spirituality combine into a remarkable blend which paints a fascinating image of Madhya Pradesh which seems a lot like India at large.
tury, the region was divided into several small kingdoms which were captured by the British and incorporated into Central Provinces and Berar and the Central India Agency. After India’s independence, Madhya Pradesh state was created with Nagpur as its capital: this state included the southern parts of the present-day Madhya Pradesh and northeastern portion of today’s Maharashtra. In 1956, this state was reorganised and its parts were combined with the states of Madhya Bharat, Vindhya Pradesh and Bhopal to form the new Madhya Pradesh state, the Marathi-speaking Vidarbha region was removed and merged with the then Bombay State. This state was the largest in India by area until 2000, when its southeastern Chhattisgarh region was made as a separate state.
Rich in mineral resources, MP has the largest reserves of diamond and copper in India. More than 30% of its area is under forest cover. Its tourism industry has seen considerable growth, with the state topping the National Tourism Awards in 2010–11. In recent years, the state’s GDP growth has been above the national average.
The charming capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, is divided by a couple of beautiful lakes. The two sides of Bhopal offer two incredibly different cityscapes. In fact, you may not even believe that you are in the same city when moving from one side to another. In the north lies the fascinating old city of Bhopal. A stunning collection of mosques interspersed with crowed bazaars decorate this part of the cityscape. You will be transported to a more regal era as you behold before you imposing palaces. Head south and you will be amazed at the transformation of the old world charm of the city into a modern vista. Wide roads with shopping complexes and swanky restaurants are replete in the southern side. This metropolitan side overlooks the marvelous lakes and the old city as the Arera and Shamla Hills rise up on either side. The interesting duality of Bhopal is not limited to its outlook. The city is a harmonious blend of the Hindu and Islamic cultures. Even traditions of north and south India have become one rather aptly, in the heartland of Madhya Pradesh.
Bhimbetka Caves
Taj-ul-Masjid, Bhopal
Shaukat Mahal
Van Vihar National Park
First impressions are not always necessarily the best. When you step into the city of Ujjain, you are not going to be regaled with a splendid sight. Instead, it will seem just like any other city in India. However, take a walk through the meandering lanes of the town to reach the banks of the Kshipra River. There, standing on a river ghat, you will finally understand why people have been visiting this city for hundreds of years.A spiritual aura hangs over Ujjain, one of the ancient cities of India. An incredible energy pulsates through the veins of Ujjain. Maybe it is due to the presence of the many temples chanting prayers in unison. Maybe, the source of the energy is mythology as Ujjain is mentioned in the Mahabharata as Ujjayini. It may also be due to its history as an ancient center of learning. According to legend, Lord Krishna had his education under Maharishi Sandipani.
Hallowed as one of the seven holy cities of the Hindu religion, Ujjain boasts of some spectacular temples. In Ujjain, you can indulge your spiritual self by becoming entranced in the chants that reverberate through the city during prayer times.
Mahakaleshwar
Radha Madan Mohan Temple
Kal Bhairava
Bade Ganeshji ka Mandir
Pir Matsyendranath
The original home of the white tiger, the Bandhavgarh National Park is a fascinating place. The magnificent beauty of the place is complementary to the charm of the wild tigers that roam here. There can be only reason for visiting Bandhavgarh which is to see a tiger. Everything else becomes secondary in importance when you can watch one of these majestic creatures stepping out with pride. Bandhavgarh is the ancestral home to every white tiger that breathes in this world. The graceful contours of this magnificent creature silhouetted against the verdant green landscape will not be a sight you are likely to forget anytime soon. These mesmerizing creatures roam in the wilds of Bandhavgarh in all their glory. However, royal tigers are not the only fascinating things that move in the lush lands of Bandhavgarh. There are 37 other mammals to look for. This includes the lithe leopards that prance about forests. The sturdy Indian Bison or Gaur has now been reintroduced to their native lands. There are also deer, wolves, hyenas and other interesting creatures. Bandhavgarh is home to 250 different avian species that provide amazing background music for your enjoyment. 80 species of butterflies flutter about without a care in the world.
Khajuraho ranks the highest amongst the myriad temples in India in terms of the sheer brilliance of architecture. Nearly a thousand years ago, under the patronage and supervision of the Chandela Rajput kings, 85 magnificent temples were built in a complex. Unfortunately, the ravages of time have left only 22 intact. The remaining 22 temples stand erect as a testament to the skills and creative inspiration of the architects, sculptors, artisans and workers whose efforts resulted in one of the most incredible temple architectures ever seen. The beautiful temples are an ode to creativity and joy. They are the ultimate example of the spiritual fusion of man and God. Khajuraho is a symbol of the Indian medieval heritage. It reflects the spiritualism of not only Hindus but also of Jains. The ancient walls of the temples are a journey into erotica with their incredibly stunning and intricate carvings. However, erotica comprises only a tenth of the sculptures found in Khajuraho. There may be many theories as to the presence of the erotic carvings. However, the fact remains, that the skills of the sculptors were supreme. This fascinating complex of temples has found a place in the World Heritage List with three of its temple groups representing it in the list.
Western Group of Temples
Lakshmana Temple
Kandariya Mahadev Temple
Devi Jagdambi Temple
Chaunsat Yogini
Eastern Group of Temples
Parsvanath Temple
Ghantai Temple
Adinath Temple
Hanuman Temple
Brahma Temple
Vamana Temple
Javari Temple
Southern Group of Temples
Dulhadev Temple
Beejamandal Temple
Chattarbhuj Temple or the Jatkari Temple
Light and Sound Show at Western Group of Temples
Mother Nature has not gifted Jabalpur with beauty; she has rained down her blessings here. The incredible beauty of the region offers you a chance to escape into the bosom of nature here. The sacred river Narmada flows languidly through Jabalpur as if contemplating the skills of the artist that painted the landscape. In the arms of this natural splendor, various stunning pieces of heritage and monument have been erected. When faced with such beauty, it seems rather appropriate that you become spiritual. The ancestors who lived here felt the same and they have left behind fascinating temples to give vent to their spiritual desires. You will feel and experience the unparalleled natural allure of Jabalpur everywhere in the city. The picturesque valley of Narmada provides the perfect background for a quite stroll. As you roam around the city the sight of green mountains against an orange blue sky will haunt you like a beautiful specter.
Behdhaghat- Marble Rocks
Duandhar Falls
Chausat Yogini temple
Madan Mahal Fort
Rani Durgavati Memorial
The enchantment of the Kanha National Park lies in its dense emerald forests which hides scores of natural treasures in its lush foliage. Stay inside the fantastic landscape and you will be transported to an oddly familiar place where Mowgli frolics with Baloo while Bagheera is on the lookout for Sher Khan. Yes, it is here in the wilds of Kanha where Rudyard Kipling based his famous work, ‘The Jungle Book’. The incredibly massive forests hide, inside its lush green shawl, a divine beauty that can only be found in nature. Wildlife thrives in abandon here. The rivers, Banjar and Helon meander through the landscape giving a splash of blue on the greenish labyrinth. The immense depth of the Kanha National Park in terms of area and diversity of wildlife make it the perfect place to enjoy a few jungle safaris. The incredible forests of Sal trees provide the perfect foliage for leopards and tigers to enjoy. The vast expanses of meadows are filled with huge populations of antelope and deer. The rare Barasingha has also made its home here. Languor are frequently spotted along with a gaur or two. The skies will be filled with 300 avian species whose cries reverberate through the entrancing landscape.
The town of Omkareshwar looks remarkably like the shape of the ancient and holy symbol of the Hindus, the ‘Om’. Surrounded by two hills and divided by a valley, this incredible place is blanketed by an aura of spirituality. Omkareshwar contains one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, special holy shrines dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. The Omkareshwar temple is a splendid piece of sacred architecture that has given its name. There are many other fascinating temples in the vicinity such as the Siddhanath Temple and the Ran Mukteshwar Temple. During prayer times, the music of the chants and prayers happening at all of these temples in unison is capable of enthralling you. Nature has provided the perfect setting for a spiritual experience in Omkareshwar. The spectacular beauty of nature will envelop you in a cocoon of spirituality. The two rivers, Kaveri and Narmada cradle Omkareshwar with their confluence. The magnificence of nature displayed around you is certainly going to make you wonder.
In its long history, Gwalior has been a capital city for most of it. Ever since it was established in the 8th century, Gwalior has served as the capital city for all succeeding kingdoms and dynasties. Even the Scindia dynasty had their capital here till the independence of India. This royal history has left behind a rich treasure trove of historical monuments creating a city that is timeless in its appeal. Gwalior is a cradle of greatness as it gave birth to some of the greatest rulers and personalities in Indian history. As you walk through the city’s hallowed streets, you will be hard-pressed not to recall the incredible achievements of those great personages. Each of these legends added a new dimension to the already rich culture and heritage of the building. Tansen, one of the nine gems of the Mughal emperor, Akbar, was born in this glorious city. The rich history has become intricately woven into the modern lifestyle of the city. Magnificent monuments, gorgeous palaces and imposing forts lie scatted across the cityscape welcoming you to a vista of ages past.
Gwalior Fort
Man Mandir Palace
Sas-Bahu Temples
Memorial of Tansen
Sarod Ghar
Gujari Mahal
Jai Vilas Palace and Museum
A bright green gem called Amarkantak lies cradled in the arms of the dazzling Vindhya and Satpura mountains. The verdant sylvan surroundings wrap Amarkantak like a blanket. This magnificent place is home to two majestic rivers, the Shone and the Narmada. The name ‘Amarkantak’ in Sanskrit means the eternal source which seems apt considering that two major rivers have their sources nearby. The gorgeous landscape of Amarkantak hides the rich history that runs through its street. It has been a witness to the rise and fall of various civilizations. The city has endured the test of time and stands proudly offering a divine spiritual experience. An intriguing collection of architectural styles exist in the city each style a reflection of the grandeur of its era. The tranquil atmosphere of the city surrounded by charming scenes has given birth to a spiritual aura. Hindus consider Amarkantak to be Teertharaja or the king of pilgrimage sites. With its verdant natural beauty and entrancing waterfalls, it is easy to see why. The immaculate beauty of nature is displayed in all her glory in Amarkantak. You are bound to be drawn into a spiritual state with the glimmering ponds, shining streams and thick green forests.
Narmada Mandir
Mai Ki Bagiya
Bhrigukamandal
Dudhdhara
The exquisite Pench National Park offers you a vista different from other national parks. Here teak trees grow without restraint showering a green due on the land. The raging Pench River cuts the landscape with its frothy milky white waters. Stunning white Kulu trees peek out from the dark foliage like spectral ghosts. This incredible national park lays in the coddling lap of four mountain ranges, namely, the Vindhyachal, Aravalli, Maikal and Satpura ranges. The scenic mountains are a fantastic background to the already mystical landscape of the Pench National Park. The dense forests hide treasures in the form of rare medicinal plants which number at more than 1300 different species. The idyllic forests have been a haven to tigers and other majestic beasts. The chital, the sambhar and the nilgai graze languidly but still alert for jackals and leopards. Sloth bears and wild boars keep to themselves. The gaur, the barking deer and the chowsingha roam carefully so as not to attract predators. 210 different species of birds crowd the skies and sing an enchanting tune.
Perched on the Vindhya Mountain Ranges, Mandu celebrates life and joy through stone.Baz Bahadur, the poet-prince, and his love for Rani Roopmati, his beautiful consort used to romance in this stunning place. Even today, the balladeers sing about the passionate and incredible love story. Once called Shadiabad – city of joy, Manu has not lost its cheerful spirit. Exquisite palaces and decorative canals line Mandu while graceful baths and pavilions dot the area. The architecture of Mandu is a gem with impressive structures cropping up seemingly from nowhere. If you have seen the amazingly beautiful Taj Mahal, you will not fail to be stunned by Mandu. After all, the architects of that fascinating structure drew their inspiration from the monuments at Mandu. In Mandu, you will find Afghan influences in architecture while African Baobab trees litter the area. It is difficult to be bored in Mandu. All of the breathtaking palaces, monuments, mosques and tombs are located within walking distance of each other.
The dry deciduous forests of Panna National Park present a different charm altogether. Every year, the forests change like a dream going from emerald green in the monsoon to a depressing grey in summer. Ancient relics lie scattered all over the forests adding a layer to the romantic portrait of the Panna National Park. In the midst of the dynamic landscape, wildlife has found a way to flourish. The dangerously charming crocodiles rule the Panna National Park while the majestic tigers have been relegated to the second spot. Other terrestrial animals include bears, chinkaras, chitals and sambhars. Birds, however, have superior numbers with 200 species. The King Vulture reins the skies surrounded by his loyal entourage of honey buzzards. Different species of geese and parakeets add a little music to the landscape.
Pachmarhi, the only hill station of Madhya Pradesh is singular in terms of sheer beauty as well. The beauty of Pachmarhi is drenched in waterfalls, hidden in cave temples and scattered in verdant forests. Step into the fantastic landscape of Pachmarhi and a cool breeze will refresh you as you escape the often steamy conditions of the plains. Pachmarhi offers an excuse to indulge whatever desires you are feeling at the moment. You may suddenly discover your love for nature while trekking on the fantastic trails. You may start craving a lazy dip in the innumerable pools that dot the landscape after an enriching jungle safari. The magnetic beauty of Pachmarhi has been a romantic twist with the different colonial buildings that now serve as comfortable guesthouses. The gentle aura of Pachmarhi is reminiscent of the Victorian nobility which the place seems to have not yet let go. Pachmarhi is the best place for you to enjoy the range of treasures the Satpura range has to offer.
Jamuna Prapat (Bee Fall)
Mahadeo
Jata Shankar
Pandav Caves
Christ Church
