Madhya
Pradesh, surrounded by seven States, known as the heart of India,
geographically shares the mountain ranges and plateaus of the
western States. Its verdant forests are rich in flora and fauna and
shelter ancient tribes, in many ways a uniquely harmonious world
where life continues to be unhurried and natural.
The most famous EROTIC SCULPTURES in the world...
The oldest CAVE PAINTINGS in the world...
The oldest BUDDHIST STUPA in the world...
The largest WILDLIFE SANCTUARY in Asia...
Discover the Heart of India
In Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior is the state's
northernmost city and a convenient entry point. Gwalior's landmark
is its hilltop fort which contains a fine museum and an ancient
temple, among other monuments. 120 km from Gwalior is the medieval
city of Orchha with exquisite palaces and cenotaphs. Built by
an 11th century king of the Bundela dynasty, Orchha is
now a ghost city containing the remains of what must have been once
spectacularly lovely monuments, and which combine Hindu and Muslim
architectural traditions. Shivpuri, atop a plateau, contains
two picturesque lakes and a national park that abounds in species of
deer and antelope.
Khajuraho, an obscure village, no more than a clearing in the
jungle, now captures world attention for its 22 temples built by
rulers of the Chandela dynasty. Each temple, built of stone, is
distinguished by carved spires and walls, where the subjects range
from aesthetic depictions of major and minor deities and celestial
beings to a variety of erotic sculptures.
Bhopal, the capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh, has grown
around a large lake, the ornamental newer part of the city being
roughly opposite the labyrinthine lanes of the old town. Craft -
notably velvet handbags studded with stones, and lacy silverwork -
is practised in narrow alleyways that lead off from domed mosques in
the old city. Bharat Bhavan is a showcase of Indian art, folk
traditions, sculpture and a centre for the performing arts as well.
Bhimbetka, a few hours drive from Bhopal, is the site for
spectacular cave paintings: Udaygiri, another excursion from
Bhopal, has notable cave sculptures of religious themes.
Sanchi is an unmatched repository of Buddhist art and
architecture. Located on a secluded hill crowned by a group of
stupas and gateways, it occupies a unique position in the history of
Buddhism. Its stupas, chaityas, temples, monasteries and gateways
are embellished by the most delicate carvings that depict various
incidents in the Buddha's life as well as important teachings. Good
guide services, an essential part of sightseeing in Sanchi.
A 90 km drive from Indore takes one across a narrow gorge,
after the horizon widens abruptly to reveal the deserted city of
Mandu. Built as a testament of love by a Muslim ruler for his
Hindu queen, Mandu's air of serenity and spaciousness offsets to
perfection its palaces, temple and mosque which lie scattered over
the 75 km of Mandu's fortified area. Most interesting of all is the
imaginative use that has been made of the surroundings. Thus Jahaz
Mahal or Ship Palace is actually built in a pond on which it appears
to float, and Hindola Mahal or Swing Palace gives every appearance
of living up to its name.
Chhattisgarh State largely consists of plateaus streaked with
high range of Satpuras in the North, the river Mahanadi and its
tributaries in the Central Plains and the Bastar Plateau in the
South. The Past (Hills) give rises to the main river systems -
Mahanadi, Hasdo, Sheonath and Indravati. From Sixth Century to
mid-twelve century Sarabhpurnima, Panduvanshi, Somvanshi, Kalchuri
and Nagwanshi rulers dominated the region. The various documents,
Copper plaques, coins, and archeological goods apprise us about the
cultural heritage and political development of that time. In
contemporary history evidence of ancient people has been found in
the hills of Raigarh, Singhanpur, Kabra, Basnajhar, Boslada and
Ongana mountains at "Chitwandongri" in Rajnandgaon district. The
stone equipment made and used by ancient people have been found from
the coasts of Mahanadi, Mand, Kanhar, Manihari, and Kelo River.
Although the newly formed state came into existence on 1st
November 2000, its cultural heritage is as ancient as Stone age. In
ancient times Chhattisgarh was known as Dakshin Koshal. Geographical
evidence of the place is found in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
Lord Rama entered Dandkarnaya from North-East of Koshal and spent
some of his exile (forest-living) period here. In Mahabharata's
Rajsoo Yagya episode the description of Dakshin Koshal has been
found. In historical records in Samudragupta Prayag eulogy,
description of Kosal has been found. After the sixth century
evidence of political insurgence of Dakshin Koshal has been found.
Raipur, the state capital is the only place in the state to
be connected by air from other part of the country. It offers an
attractive alternate road route to Kanha National Park and enroute
the traveller may also visit Bhoramdeo too. Champaran (Champajhar)
is a village identified with Champaranya, the birth place of the
Saint Vallabhacharya, the reformer and founder of the Vallabh sect
for whom this place has religious sanctity. A temple was constructed
in honour of Guru Swamy Vallabhacharya. Near to this temple, there
is the temple of Champakeshwara Mahadeva. Bastar is
considered a divine land which also enriched with natural beauty
which makes it a paradise for tourists. The deep forest area between
bushes and bamboos where one always feel the absence of sunlight,
wide and thick forests, between high mountains cool flowing streams,
sky-touching mountains, caves, high waterfalls, and in the valleys
the spread of greenery and in between this, the huts made by bamboo
sticks, the fearless life style of the tribals and their culture,
one's heart and mind would be filled with new wonders and pleasure.