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.

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.

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.

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 lifestyles of the colourful tribes of the state. The tribal festivals in Jhabua are marked by carefree revelry, drinking bouts and exotic entertainment like cockfighting, 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.

The best time to visit Madhya Pradesh is during October and April.

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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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