Madhya Pradesh,
the 'Heart of India" has been home to the cultural heritage
of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Innumerable
monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts
and palaces are dotted all over the State. Consisting
largely of a plateau, the State has everything. Spectacular
mountain ranges, meandering rivers and miles and miles
of dense forests offering a unique and exciting panorama
of wildlife in sylvan surroundings. Madhya Pradesh is
a state in central India. Its capital is Bhopal. Madhya
Pradesh was originally the largest state in India until
November 1, 2000 when the state of Chhattisgarh was
carved out. It borders the states Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh,
Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Tourism
Ujjain
with historic palaces, Sanchi with ancient Buddhist
monuments, Gwalior with beautiful forts, Khajuraho with
beautiful temples and Bhopal the lake side capital city
are the main tourist centres of Madhya Pradesh.
Weather
Madhya Pradesh becomes
pretty hot from March onwards. In summer, the mean maximum
temperature goes up to around 42.5oC in northern part
of the state. The monsoon begins in end of June/July
and last till end of August. The average temperature
in winter is as low as 10 degree C in the northern half
of Madhya Pradesh, while in the southern half the average
temperature varies from 10 to 15 degree C.
Places
of Tourist Interest
Bhopal
: Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh combines
scenic beauty, historicity and modern urban planning.
It is situated on the site of an 11th century city,
Bhojapal, founded by Raja Bhoja. The capital of Madhya
Pradesh, is famous for its archaeological wealth. The
founder of the existing city was an Afghan soldier,
Dost Mohammed. Bhopal today combines the charm of not
only the old city with its teeming market places and
fine old palaces and mosques but equally for the impressive
new city with it's verdant, exquisitely laid out parks
and gardens, broad avenues and streamlined modern edifices.
Sanchi : Sanchi has the singular
distinction of having specimens of almost all kinds
of Buddhist architectural forms, Stupas, Chaityas,
Temples and Monastries and the finest examples of
Buddhist creative art and sculpture in the country.
The architectural pieces and sculptures displayed
here include the Ashoka pillar and images of Buddha
and Kushan.
Gwalior : Gwalior is a city where
the rich cultural tradition has been interwoven into
the fabric of modern life. A multitude of reigning
dynasties, of the great Rajput clans of the Pratiharas,
Kacchwahas and Tomars have left indelible etchings
of their rule in this city of palaces, temples and
monuments. The magnificent mementoes of a glorious
past have been preserved with care, giving Gwalior
an appeal unique and timeless.
Ujjain : One of the greatest cities
of ancient India, Ujjain's links with it's glorious
past have endured into the present day, making it
a city still renowned for it's traditions of spirituality,
learning and culture. Situated on the banks of the
river Shipra, Ujjain is one of the venues of the Kumbh
Mela held every twelve years.
Pachmarhi : Situated at an altitude
of 1067 metres, Pachmarhi is a large plateau ringed
by hills on the evergreen Satpura range. Being the
only hill resort in Madhya Pradesh, it is a popular
place for nature lovers and sportsmen. The landscape
is characterised by rugged hills, forests and ravines.
Indore : Situated on the banks of
the Rivers Saraswati and Khan, Indore was planned
and founded by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar and derives its
name from the 18th C. Indreshwar Temple. Indore, today,
presents a happy blend of a historical past and a
modern flourishing industrial city.
Khajuraho : Khajuraho is famous
for its magnificent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva,
Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras. These temples
were built between 950 A.D. & 1050 A.D. and represent
some of the most exquisite specimens of art and architecture
in medieval India. Today, of the original 85, only
22 have survived the ravages of time; these remain
as a collective paean to life, to joy and to creativity;
to the ultimate fusion of man with his creator.
Kanha : Kanha has deserved reputation
for being one of the finest and best administered
National Parks in Asia, an irresistible attraction
for all wildlife lovers and a true haven for its animal
and avian population. Kanha National Park is the only
habitat of the rare hardground Barasingha (Cervus
Duvaceli Branderi).
Jabalpur : Among the larger cities
of Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur has enjoyed considerable
importance from the 4th century B.C. onwards. Its
scenic beauty made it the pleasure resort of the Gond
Kings. At present, the divisional headquarters, Jabalpur
is a city of growing commercial importance, though
it is more renowned for it's scenic charms, in particular
the magnificent Marble Rocks.
Festivals
& Events
Madhya Pradesh celebrates
mostly all traditional religious festivals of the Hindus,
Muslims and other communities. The tribal fairs and
festivals of Madhya Pradesh are true reflection of the
ethnic life-styles of the colourful tribes of the state.
The tribal festivals in Jhabua are marked by carefree
revelry, drinking bouts and exotic entertainment like
cock-fighting, uninhibited dancing, etc. Among the cultural
festivals of Madhya Pradesh, the Khajuraho Festival
of Dances and the Tansen Music Festival in Gwalior are
poignant celebrations of Indian classical dance and
music.
When
to Go
The best time to visit
Madhya Pradesh is during October and April.
Interesting
Fact
Khajuraho temples, Madhya Pradesh, were discovered accidentally
by a British military adventurer in 1838. Built between
AD950 and 1050 by the Chandela dynasty, the temples
by the end of the 15th century were abandoned, hidden
deep within thick jungle.
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