Madhya Pradesh Tour

Khajurao: It is a city well known for its temples and sculptures. The exuberance of Indian spirit represents a paean to life, love, to joy-perfect in execution and sublime in expression. The Khajuraho temples are internationally famous for the erotic sculptures that adorn the walls. Life in every form and mood has been captured in stone, testifying not only to the craftsman’s artistry but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajput under whose rule the temples were conceived and constructed. The temples of Khajuraho follow the shikhara style where the main deity if placed in the centre on a sanctum. Some temples are dedicated to Hindu deities while others are dedicated to the Jain pantheon. It is believed that originally there were 80 Hindu temples out of which only 22 remain.

Orchha: It was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chief captain Rudra Pratap. The meaning of the place, Orchha is ‘a hidden place’ and it perfectly justifies this small village hidden by the forests. Its grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time a rich legacy to the ages. Orchha’s fort complex approached by a multi-arched bridge, has three palaces opened quadrangle. From here the view of soaring temples spires and cenotaphs is spectacular. It is a major tourist attraction of Madhya Pradesh because of the number of beautifully built palaces, temples and cenotaphs built in the 16th and 17th centuries reflecting the rich Bundela art and architecture.

Gwalior: Also described as the `pearl in the necklace of the castles of Hind `, this city dominates the city`s skyline with its massive and captivating structure. Its dazzling beauty, which is a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, has left an everlasting imprint on the minds of the people. The splendor of this royal city is living since sixth century. Once upon a time the patron saint of the shepherds and cowherds, Gwallipa, cured the king who was suffering from leprosy and thus the city got its name Gwalior on the saint.

Sanchi: It is located in a small isolated hill in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It has a special place in the life of Buddhists. There are several Chaityas, Viharas and Stupas in Sanchi that have been constructed way back in between 3rd century B.C. and 12th century A.D. and these throw a great deal of light on the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. It has the oldest stone structure in India which is the Great Stupa. One of the oldest instances of temple architecture in India dating to the 5th century is also found in Sanchi. The place presents to you a very big slice of India`s glorious history.

Bhopal: The capital city of Madhya Pradesh presents a versatile profile, combining a picturesque silhouette of the city, with its historical monuments, mosques and temples and palaces along with the historicity, scenic grandeur and modern planning. Bhopal is divided significantly into the old city and the new city. The old city still bears the aristocratic impression from the ancient times, the new city too do not fail to impress the visitors with its tourist places such as beautiful luxuriant parks, broad roads and avenues and modern buildings. In the texture of Bhopal have been woven the deeds, achievements, traditions and cultures of the dynasties gone by.

Indore: Being the largest city, it is also an Industrial Town of Madhya Pradesh. Presently the commercial capital, the city has historic significance. The city is also important for educations in the state, as many noteworthy institutions, including the Indian Institute of Management are situated here. lndore is on the way to one of the oldest pilgrimages routes of ancient India. It is also the textile town on the banks of rivers Sravasti and Khan and is notable center of Hindustani classical music. Indore city presents a happy blend of a historical past and promises of rapid future modernization.

Jabalpur: The city is located besides River Narmada, and once the capital and pleasure resort of the Gond Kings during 12th century. It is famous for its natural wonder Bhedaghat. Jabalpur is the administrative and educational center of Madhya Pradesh and is also considered as the gateway to important wildlife sanctuaries around it. To the epic times Jabalpur city is considered to be a `Sanskardhani` which means `cultural centerplace`. The city is encircled with a string of lakes, which are shaded off by fine trees and surrounded by wonderful cliffs.

Amarkantak: Spread over a flattish green valley in the Vindhya range, wide open, well watered, meadows and sunlit sal forests and is regarded as one of the sacred place and the river Narmada as one of the blessed rivers. The place is well-known for its religious background and for the holy atmosphere which is laden with various mythical stories. It is also one of the attractive places as the beautiful scenic beauty catches the eyes of the nature lovers.

Omkareshwar: This holy island is shaped like the sacred Hindu symbol "OM". Here the Narmada and the Kaveri rivers meet and the pilgrims gather at the confluence in large numbers to pay obeisance before the Joytirlanga. The spectacle of hundreds of brightly dressed devotees worshipping and bathing on these riverine landing steps or ghats is a ‘happening’ that is unique to Hinduism. The temple on these ghats are excellently carved and sculpted; every pillar and panel would occupy a pride of place in any museum in the world.

Maheshwar: It was once the glorious city in the dawn of Indian Civilization bears an eminent position in the field of history. This temple town on the banks of the river Narmada finds mention in the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is known as the land of temples because various ancient temples can be spotted which ere built ages ago. Weaving of Maheshwari saris is still a popular craft in Maheshwar.

Ujjain: It is one of the greatest cities and among the seven sacred cities of Hindus in India. It is abode with one of the twelve shrines of Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. It was earlier called Avantika, but after King Shiva defeated Demon King of Tripuri, he renamed it to Ujjainyini (One who conquers with pride). Ujjain is the proud possessor of a very glorious history. Kumbha mela is held here once in twelve years. Ujjain is also known for industry and crafts.

Chitrrakoot: Famous as “Hill of Many Wonders”, is referred to many legends and mythological stories. It is an ideal destination for those who are in search of solitudal bliss. The deep forests of Chitrakoot once gave shelter to Rama and Sita when they were passing their days in exile and was also the meditating grounds of Atri and Anusuya. Nature has indeed bestowed Chitrakoot with plenty. The scenic beauty is enhanced by the streams and rivers. The tranquility of the surroundings will cast a spell over you.

Mandu: It is one of the ancient towns and has been often been described a celebration in stone, so evocative is the ruined architecture of this half-forgotten town. They say the best way to experience Mandu is to come here on a moonlit night with your beloved and perhaps a bottle of wine, and linger over the pavilions where the poet-prince Baz Bahadur serenaded his beautiful wife, Rani Roopmati. The spirit of Mandu remains in the palatial monuments that were built ages ago and still bears the bare stories of the past. An important centre for lovers of architecture, it is rich with monuments. Built around water tanks, the palaces and buildings here are unique. While Mandu`s fascination is enduring, in the monsoon its magic is spellbinding.

Panchmari: A saucer shaped hill resort; it is often called as the queen of Satpura Ranges. Pachmarhi offers a variety of attractions ranging from ancient caves to beautiful monuments. It is believed that Panchmarhi has derived its name from the five caves which provided shelter to the Pandava, the five brothers of the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. The lustrous greenery combined with the majestic hills and the cascading waterfalls presents eye-catching scenery to the observer. One among the main attractions of this hilly resort is the spectacular sight it provides when the sun sets in the horizon.

Bandhavgarh National Park: It is located in Vindhya mountain range of central India it is a famous wildlife heritage. It is renowned for serving as a shelter to Royal Bengal Tigers, Cheetahs, Leopards and many migratory birds. The landscape is a unique mixture of steep and rocky hills, with flat tops and level grasslands in the valleys below. The vegetation found within the Park is moist deciduous forest with fine Sal trees and stretches of bamboo. Today, Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is known for having one of the densest populations of Tigers in the country.

Chanderi: It is a small historical town in Madhya Pradesh. In the 11th century it was an important military outpost and also lay in the main trade route. Legend has it that at one point of time Chanderi was so thickly forested that Babur; the Mughal Emperor could trace the fort after searching the depths of the jungle for six months. An annual fair is held each year in honor of Jaageshwari Devi. The place is well known for the beautiful Chanderi saris that come in light colors and beautiful golden borders.

Kanha National Park: It is known world wide for its national park and is ideal for spotting the wild animals. The town is famous for its varied wildlife and various historical sights. The historical items are displayed in the museum which gives the detailed background of the place and its significances. The green vegetation of sal teak and other forest trees explain the lush green atmosphere of the national park. Kanha is a tourist friendly place which pampers the tourists and gives them all the opportunity to spend their time in the pure nature.

Pench: Well known tourist destination in India for the Pench National Park. It has derived its name from the Pench River which flows through the national park. It has a breathtaking landscape with small hills, mixed forest and the imposing Satpura Ranges. The forest of Pench includes teak, lendi, haldu, salai and many other types of trees. The stunted plants and bushes are also a part of the vegetation. Wildlife includes tigers, leopard, fox, gaur, jungle cat and many other types of animals. Different species of local as well as migratory birds visit Pench every year. Some of the birds found in the area are peafowl, crimson-breasted barbet, magpie robin, pintail, shoveler and many more.

Sonagir: It is famous for the Jain Temple that has been constructed in accordance with the Jain Religious cult. The Jains were supposed to be the most ardent follower of their religion, and they were also considered to go through all the hardships of life.

Shivpuri: It is laid out over gently sloping hills with abundant deciduous forests. The place derives its name from the Hindu God Shiva. Earlier it was known as Sipri. It has a rich royal legacy. The history of Shivpuri dates back to the Mughal period. The dense forests of Shivpuri were the royal hunting grounds. In Madhav National Park one can see varied wild life and an amazing variety of fauna.