Madhya Pradesh Travel Guide
Madhya Pradesh is the richest state in the country in respect of painted rock-shelters, the majority of which have been found in the districts of Sehore, Bhopal, Raisen, Hoshangabad and Sagar. During the ascendancy of the Guptas the whole region came under the domain of the imperial Guptas and subsequently formed part of Harshvardhan's empire. With the decline in imperial power the province was broken up into small principalities contending forever to establish their supremacy over one another. Chandels were one such dynasty claiming descent from the moon, who carved out a strong prosperous kingdom for themselves after the decline of the great empire. There was a short spell of inspired construction activity under the Chandels in the 10th to 11th centuries. They are the ones who have left behind the cluster of matchless temples at Khajuraho. This land is a fascinating amalgam of scenic beauty, history and modern urban planning. Madhya Pradesh is famous for its legendary tourist destinations such as the temples of Khajuraho, the majestic forts of Gwalior, Buddhist stupas of Sanchi and the various wildlife sanctuaries that Madhya Pradesh is peppered with. Among the important cities of Madhya Pradesh Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Ujjain are some of those that must need a mention here. Places of interest: Khajuraho, Gwalior, Bhopal, Orchha, Kanha National Park, Events and Festivals, This land is a fascinating amalgam of scenic beauty, history and modern urban planning. Madhya Pradesh is famous for its legendary tourist destinations such as the temples of Khajuraho, the majestic forts of Gwalior, Buddhist stupas of Sanchi and the various wildlife sanctuaries that Madhya Pradesh is peppered with. Among the important cities of Madhya Pradesh Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Ujjain are some of those that must need a mention here.Some of the attractions are world famous and draw tourists in great deal, while some are remote and thus isolated. Bhopal, the capital city, is located on the banks of a large beautiful lake.
This picturesque city is adored for its moderately calm environment and tranquil environ. The erotic temples of Khajuraho, which are extremely famous, are located in the north of the state. Kanha National Park is the hub of tigers, an inspiration for Rudyard Kipling to write Jungle Book. This picturesque park is a favourite destination for nature lovers. Gwalior is an ancient city famous for its large fort, temples and many ruined places. Orchha, meaning ‘Hidden Place’ was once the capital of Bundela kings. Bandhavgarh National is also quite famous and often called the crown of Madhya Pradesh’s rich wildlife heritage. Kanha National Park is the region that inspired Rudyard Kipling to write his unforgettable classic, Jungle Book. The romance of the Kanha National Park has not reduced over time-it is still as beautiful. By far the most striking feature of this region are the open grassy meadows, where sighting blackbuck, swamp deer, sambar and chital together is not uncommon. Gwalior is the state’s northernmost city and a convenient entry point. Gwalior’s landmark is its hilltop fort which contains a fine museum and an ancient temple, among, other monuments. 120 km from Gwalior is the medieval city of Orchha with exquisite palaces and cenotaphs. Built by an 11th century king of the Bundela dynasty, Orchha is now a ghost city containing the remains of what must have been once spectacularly lovely monuments, and which combine Hindu and Muslim architectural. traditions. Shivpuri, atop a plateau, contains two picturesque lakes and a national park that abounds in species of deer and antelope. Khajuraho, an obscure village, no more than a clearing in the jungle, now captures world attention for its 22 temples built by rulers of the Chandela dynasty. Each temple, built of stone, is distinguished by carved spires and walls, where the subjects range from aesthetic depictions of major and minor deities and celestial beings to a variety of erotic sculptures. Madhya Pradesh has produced great men and women who are held in high esteem due to their great deeds. India's immortal poet-dramatist Kalidas belonged to Ujjain and great musician Tansen to Gwalior. Bravery of great women like Durgawati, Avantibai, Kamlapati and Devi Ahilya Bai is inscribed in golden letters in history.In the freedom struggle, many movements were successfully launched in Madhya Pradesh coinciding with the Non-Cooperation Movement and Quit India Movement.
The Flag Satyagraha of Jabalpur in 1923, Salt Satyagraha of 1930 in Jabalpur and Jangle Satyagraha started by tribals are the notable movements. Almost all parts of the state were active in freedom struggle, though at different times. The older shopping centres in Madhya Pradesh have retained the lingering ambience of a bygone age. There is a hustle and bustle in the teeming bazaars and narrow bylanes but once inside a shop, the trader or shopkeeper displays an abundance of courtesy without a mite of impatience as one goes through the wares haggling and bargaining. In the tribal villages of Bastar the Madai fairs record their social consideration as of vital importance to all the ethnic groups of the area. The Madai fairs of Narayanpur, Kondagaon, Dantewara and Dhanara, falls within February, March and April every year. In the Chaitra fair held at Biaora (Malwa), the Dhup Dehi ka Mela of Hirapur (Rewa Division), the Ram Navami fair of Naya Gaon, the Bhilat Baba ka Mela of Seoni and the Gal Yatras held at over two dozen villages of Malwa are worth mention.
The state of Madhya Pradesh is well connected and easily accessible. The airport at the capital city of Bhopal caters to the air transport in Madhya Pradesh. The railhead at Bhopal links the state of Madhya Pradesh with the other places of interest within the state as well as the neighboring states. Similarly the excellent road network caters to the transport between the important destinations in Madhya Pradesh through the state and the national highways.
Access: The major airports in Madhya Pradesh are in Bhopal, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Indore, and Jabalpur that connect it with other parts of India. Bhopal is the major railway station, lying on the main railway line to southern India. It has a well-connected railway network connecting the entire state with the country. Madhya Pradesh has a very well connected network of roads both national and state highways. From Bhopal, Gwalior (422 km), Indore (187 km), Sanchi (45 km), Agra (541 km), Jaipur (572 km), Khajuraho (387 km), Mandu (290 km) and Nagpur (345 km) are easily accessible.