Madhya Pradesh is the largest state of India. The land of Madhya Pradesh with its striking contrast of rugged rocky areas and vast plateau, primitive people and their interesting culture, cave art has always been an irresistible draw for the tourists. The sprawling plateau is nestled between the Vindhya and Satpura mountains which have made a steep descent into the Tapti and Narmada valleys. These two rivers demand a deserving mention in this regard as they serve as the connectors between east and west India.
Madhya Pradesh is home to 40% of aboriginal tribes including Bhils, Maria, Baigas, Muras. Apart from Hindi, Malwi, Bhojpuri, Bundelkhandi are some of the local dialects in Madhya Pradesh. Hand-woven cotton saris with mythological tale in studded jewel-colored embroideries on the borders are the specialty of Chanderi. Bhopal is famous for filigreed silver jewelry, inlaid leather, embroidered slippers and bead handbags. Jabalpur is the center for lacquer work and Gwalior has earned a name for its famous carpet industry.
Bhopal is a prosperous city and capital of Madhya Pradesh. It has many places worth visiting. Bharat Bhavan is one of the greatest hubs of art and culture in India. New plays, dance drama, poetry recital are organized at this place throughout the year. Jama Masjid, Sardar Manzil Palace are other must-visit destinations of Bhopal.
The architectural brilliance of ancient and mediaeval India are scattered all over Madhya Pradesh. The great Stupa at Sanchi, built by King Ashoka, is a spot no visitor likes to miss. Another prosperous town is Vidisha. It is not far away from the Stupa and was built during the reign of Ashoka. Indore is another city which is picking up in importance as a busy commercial center. This city houses Kanch Mandir (temple of mirrors). Chattri Bagh is a beautiful place with carved umbrella shaped mountains here and there. However, for the pious Hindus, the main attraction of Madhya Pradesh is Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years at Ujjain. Jantar Mantar, the first and famous observatory of India built by Raja Man Sigh, is seated here. Many Buddhist Monasteries resembling Ajanta architecture can be found at Bagh. Another attraction is Surajkind where Indians of every religious faiths throng for benediction.
The climate of Madhya Pradesh is typically continental. Summer is too hot and winter is chilly cold. The ideal time to visit Madhya Pradesh is between October and April.
Places to visit:
Khajuraho Temples – The Khajuraho temples are rarely missed by the visitors while on a trip to Madhya Pradesh. This temple is unique due to its depiction of love, emotion and passion between men and women in stone. It was built one thousand years ago under the generous and artistic patronage of the Chandela Rajput kings of Central India. Originally 85 temples were built and each of them is magnificent and richly carved. It took 100 years (950 AD-1050 AD) to complete the 85 structures. However, only 22 out of 85 have survived the wear and tear of time. Representing stupendous craftsmanship, this temple is believed to be a celebration of womanhood. The physical beauty of women, her mood, passion and physical longing are beautifully crafted on the walls of the temple. Khajuraho depicts veritable Kamasutra through incredibly erotic positions of men and women.
Amarkantak – It is seated amidst sylvan surroundings. Located at a height of 1065m at the meeting point of the Santpura and Vindhya mountain ranges, it is a sanctimonious place for the Hindu Pilgrims. It is the place where Narmada and Sone have originated from. The place with its holy ponds, deep forests, breathtaking waterfalls, hilly terrains, nocturnal life offers serenity to be with one’s inner-self and is an irresistible draw for the religious people and nature-lovers alike.
Bhimbetka Caves – Bhimbetka is 46 km south of Bhopal and surrounded by the northern fringe of the Vindhyan ranges. This place is of greater archeological importance to the historians. In this rocky terrain of dense forest and craggy cliffs, over 600 rock shelters of the Neolithic age were discovered. Vivid panoramic details of over 500 Bhimbetka cave paintings are a mirror to passionate love of the pre-historic cave dwellers for visual arts. The majority of these paintings are of birds and animals.
Mandu – it is a depiction of the poet-prince Baz Bahadur’s love for his exquisitely beautiful wife, Rani Roopmati. Towards the end of 13th century, it came to be known as Shadiabad – city of joy – under the regime of the Sultans of Malwa. Mandu houses some beautiful and archeological wonders like the Jahaz and Hindola Mahals, ornamental canals, baths and pavilions.
Udaigiri Caves – It is five km from Vidisha and has 20 Gupta cave shrines cut into sandstone hill. In cave 5, one can see a stunning image of lord Vishnu in his boar incarnation.
Marble Rocks – Made of high cliffs of marble and polished over centuries, it is one of the most sought-after tourist spots. It looks its best when kissed and flooded by moonlight. Boat riding is another attraction of this place. It will be an amazing experience to ride the boat down the gorge especially in the wee hours of morning or late evening.
Kanha National Park – It is the setting for Kiplineg’s famous Jungle Book. This park is a part of ‘Save Tiger’ project initiated by the government of India. The park with its lightly wooded grassland, rivulets and rivers is a beauty to gawk at and home to an excellent variety of wildlife.
Panchmari – Nestled amidst the rocky Satpura ranges of Madhya Pradesh is Panchmari – most probably the loveliest hill-station of India. Panchmari exudes pretty English demeanor. All military bands are trained here. The bands rehearse and play a vast repertoire of tunes every morning and almost throughout the day.
Lal Bagh Palace- It is Located in Indore. This place with its surrounding gardens is a reminder of the Buckingham Palace and even has a beautiful wooden ballroom floor mounted on springs.