Yes, you guessed
that right, we are talking about the Second Largest State of India Madhya
Pradesh which lies in the Centre of this Vast Indian Subcontinent.
Due to its
location, it’s said to be the only state which divides India between East,
West, North and South touching the borders of 5 adjoining States.
So without further
a do, let’s embark on our journey to explore this unique, versatile and Vast
State.
We start our
Journey from Up North – Gwalior which happens to be one of the Prominent Cities
of Madhya Pradesh. Under the dynasty of Scindias it flourished from the
medieval period. Even today the City of Gwalior boasts some of the most
antique, priceless and unseen artifacts in the Vast Gwalior Fort. If in
Gwalior, one must take out time from precious schedule and ensure a visit to
the Gwalior Fort for that will priceless. In terms of culinary skills things
which make this City Unique is that it’s known for two Sweet Dishes – Gajak and
Revari, especially during the Winters, not only you’ll Savior it, but it’s a
great gift for friends and family members.
Adjoining Gwalior
are Spiritual Places like Datia which is home to one of the most acclaimed Ma
Pitambra Devi. Gwalior and adjoining district also boast the distinction of
having one of the Highest Density of Gun Licenses due to it’s proximity to
Chambal Region, once known for it’s notorious dacoits though the menace have
now been put a complete stop to. Famous Phoolan Devi upon whom the Film was
also made came from this very Chambal Region.
Just down South of
Gwalior lies a City Called as Shivpuri. This City is known for it’s Scindia
Chhatris and acted as the Summer Capital for Scindias. It also has a Madhav
National Park which is inhabited by various species of Wild Animals. Shivpuri
derives it’s name from the Shiv Temple situated in the City.
One of the lesser
know places around Shivpuri King Gerogle Castle the Fifth. Situated on the
highest Peak of the District, it’s a Beautiful Castle built for King George the
Fifth but he never stayed there since he already hunted Tigers on the way to
the Castle. One can see the pristine and clear lake of Sakhya Sagar from the
Hilltop and this Lake is Home to Crocodiles and Alligators and currently has a
Alligator Sanctuary and habitat within it to increase the population of the
reptile.
Recently relocated
Cheethas have also been settled in the Kuno National Park of Sheopur District
which is just adjacent to Shivpuri
Moving South west
of Shivpuri tourists come to one of the Oldest City of Ujjain or Ujjaini as was
called during old days. It was home to Raja Vikramaditya who built some of the
most historic and eminent temples in the City. To this date it is one of the
most acclaimed city in Spiritual Map, home to Mahakal and Kaal Bhairav. Every
early morning an Aarti is performed in Mahakal Temple with the Ashes of freshly
burnt pyre in the City. People from across the World visit this temple for its
significant Importance.
Just 40 Kilometers
from Ujjain is the Commercial Hub or Commercial Capital of Madhya Pradesh,
Indore. It’s a bustling City which is a late night city & was once ruled by
the Holkars. It’s home to some of the most Unique Culinary Street Food which
includes – Poha, Jalebi, Sabudana Khichdi and Garadu, the taste of which you
wont find across any parts of entire Madhya Pradesh.
Quite close to
Indore is a small village town called as Mandu. Known as the Fort Capital of
the Parmar Rules, it’s best known for the Love Story and Saga between Rani
Roopmati and Baz Bahadur. A tragic love story that locals associate with Romeo
and Julliet.
Indore is yet
again surrounded by some very famous Spiritual Destinations just 80-90
kilometers apart which include the famous Jyotirlinga Omkareshwar and another
place on the pious river of Narmada, Maheshwar.
Though a small
town the Sarees made in this small town are called as Maheshwari Sarees and are
sought after, across India.
Another naturally
developed Tourist Spot near Indore is Sailani Tapu which is basically an Island
hosting Water Sport Festivities organized by the Government of Madhya Pradesh
once a Year. If one were on a look out for a laid back tourist destination from
Hustle and Bustle, this would be it.
From Dhar when one
moves towards the Central Easter part of the State, one is in the Capital City
of Bhopal. Omce ruled by Raja Bhojpal it’s also known as the City of Lakes. For
those of you who would want to compare the lake Lake with Lake Sukhna or
Hussain Sagar, you are highly mistaken. This in no means is a Lake but an Ocean
in itself. One cannot see the end or the other side of the Lake & it’s as
huge. Bhopal is home to one of the so called biggest mosque in Asia – The Tajul
Masajid and is one of the greenest cities of India.
It's also probably
the only State Capital in India where Wild Tigers roam freely around the
periphery of the City. It has many dams and is also home to one of the best
Wild Life Sanctuary – The Van Vihar. Bhopal is also unique in terms of intricate
Zardozi work which is Unique to the City.
Along side of
Bhopal there are many tourist destinations like BhimBhetka known for its
medieval cave paintings, Raisen for its Fort and one of the most sought after
spiritual places of interest for the Buddhistsm the great Stupa of Sanchi which
was built by Emperor Ashoka in 3 Century BC.
The tropic of
Cancer also passes between Bhopal and Sanchi which are just 40 Kilometers,
apart.
Another place of
great interest is Pachmarhi or the Summer Capital of Madhya Pradesh. It has its
own Natural Beauty and is filled with tourists round the year from various
states including Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
It’s said that
witnessing sunrise and sunset from the top most point of Madhya Pradesh the
Dhoopgarh is a memory for life. Some of the other tourist attractions in the
small cantonment town of Pachmarhi are the Bees Water Fall, the Dutches
Waterfall and the Old Church in the Town built by the Britishers.
Towards the east
of Pachmarhi lies a Historic town of Jabalpur. Known for its Marble Rocks
amidst which the furious Narmada Ji makes its ways it’s the home for one of the
most furious falls in Madhya Pradesh – Bhedaghat. One can purchase small
artifacts made up of Marble on the crampy lanes leading to the Bhedaghat.
Jabalpur is unique to one of the older sweet which seems to have originated
from here – The Khova Jalebi.
Just 150
Kilometers from Jabalpur is the World Famous Kanha Tiger Reserve. Home to the
Royal Bengal Tigers it has vast wilderness and versatile fauna and fauna. It’s
also home to the Native Barasingha Deer which prefers living and grazing in the
Swamps and Wetlands.
Another Spiritual
Destination not very far off is Maihar Temple – It’s home to Sharda Ma and
Locals worship her with all their devotion.
Quite close to
Maihar is another Tiger Reserve in Umaria District called the Bandhavgarh Tiger
Reserve. Having some of the finest of flaura and fauna it was once home to the
most famous tiger “charger” which used to charge on vehicles and elephants not
out of aggression but it’s territorial display.
Charger the Tiger
is said to be most picturized Tigers in all of India.
Madhya Pradesh is
home to some of the highest Tiger Reserves in India it boasts another tiger
reserves which covers as many as three districts – Two from Madhya Pradesh and
one from Maharashtra – Seoni, Chhindwara and Nagpur
This is Pench
National Park. As the legends would have it, Mowgli the acclaimed character
hails from this National Park. The
BBC/Discovery Channel documentary series “Tiger: Spy in the Jungle” (narrated
by David Attenborough) was filmed in Pench, celebrating its connection to
Mowgli’s world.
Like every other State, Madhya Pradesh is equally
unique in various aspects. Not only does this state provide Natural Tourism, Spiritual
Tourism, Cullinary Tourism but also one of the finest Wildlife Tourism across
India.
The biggest credit for the Tourism to thrive in the
State can be attributed to State Tourism Board – Madhya Pradesh Tourism
Corporation.
They have some of the finest & cleanest properties
across the region with equally hospitable staff who is eager to go an extra
mile to serve the guest. The food quality is amazing and they have the
flexibility to include Zero to Full Meals during the stay in their Properties across
the State.
So if you are looking forward to indulging in Tourism
at a place which not only provides you with different forms Tourism but a very
soothing climate and temperature, Madhya Pradesh it has to be…..
Looking forward to having you as a guest in the State
and sharing your fond memories and experience here….