Friday, September 26, 2014

14. Madhya Pradesh

 
The massive Bhedaghat Falls
Tourism in Madhya Pradesh
















 
Tourism in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is called the "Heart of India" because of its location in the centre of the country. It has been home to the cultural heritage of Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces are dotted all over the state.

The temples of Khajuraho are world-famous for their erotic sculptures, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gwalior is famous for its fort, Jai Vilas Palace, the Tomb of Rani Lakshmibai, Md. Ghaus & Tansen.

Madhya Pradesh is also known as Tiger State because of the tiger population. Famous national parks like Kanha National Park, Bandhavgadh, Madhav National Park, Shivpuri, Pench are located in Madhya Pradesh. Kuno Palpur national park is getting African cheetas and is expected to become only reserve having four species of big cats (lion, tiger, leopord and cheetah). 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 very much known for Narmada river, is the oldest known holiest and worshiped as a river goddess in Hindu religion. Narmada originates from Amarkantak, a wild reserve is known for its natural beauty, and it is a pilgrimage centre for Hindus. Another great tourist destination is Bhedaghat Falls in Jabalpur. The river Narmada takes the form of massive falls here. The place is surrounded by marble of various colours. The sight is a visual treat in itself. The prime attraction includes boating in the river with amusing commentary by the rower.

Places of attraction are:

♦Khajuraho Temple

♦Kanha Kisli

♦Van Vihar


The natural beauty
The natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh is equally varied. Consisting largely of a plateau streaked with the hill ranges of the Vindhyas and the Satpuras, the State has everything. The hills give rise to the main river system - Narmada and the Tapti, running from east to west, and the Chambal, Sone, Betwa, Mahanadi west to east. Spectacular mountain ranges, meandering rivers dotted with hills and lakes and miles and miles of dense forests offering a unique and exciting panorama of wildlife in sylvan surroundings.

One third of the state is forested and offers a unique and exciting panorama of wildlife. In the National Parks of Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Shivpuri and many others one has the rare opportunity to see the tiger, the bison and a wide variety of deer and antelope in sylvan surroundings.

World heritage sites

Although the modern state of Madhya Pradesh came into being in 1956, its cultural heritage is ancient and chequered. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces on hilltops, raise in the visitors mind visions of empires and kingdoms, of the great warriors and builders, poets and musicians, saints and philosophers; of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. The famous Sanskrit poet-dramatist Kalidasa and the great musician of the Mughal court, Tansen, were from Madhya Pradesh. They are known all over the world.

Several cities in Madhya Pradesh are extraordinary for their architecture and or scenic beauty.
Three sites in Madhya Pradesh have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO:

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)

Significant sites

Other architecturally significant or scenic sites include:

Amarkantak
Asirgarh
Bawangaja
Bhopal
Chanderi
Chitrakuta
Deorkothar
Dhar
Gwalior
Indore
Maheshwar
Mandleshwar
Mandu
Omkareshwar
Orchha
Shivpuri
Sonagiri and Ujjain.

Madhya Pradesh being very large geographically, and the history being spread over several millennia, a developing a comprehensive picture of heritage and architecture is a monumental task.

National Parks

Madhya Pradesh is home to several National Parks, including:

Bandhavgarh National Park
Kanha National Park
Satpura National Park
Sanjay National Park
Madhav National Park
Van Vihar National Park
Mandla Plant Fossils National Park
Panna National Park
Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh.

Nature reserves

There are also a number of nature preserves, including:

Pachmarhi
Amarkantak
Bagh Caves
Bhedaghat
Bori Wildlife Sanctuary
Ken Gharial
Ghatigaon
Kuno Palpur
Narwar
Chambal
Kukdeshwar
Narsinghgarh
Nora Dehi
Panpatha, Shikarganj


Fairs and festivals


Dance Festivals in Madhya Pradesh

Customs and beliefs in each area in Madhya Pradesh have added colours to the fairs and festivals. Shivratri in Khajuraho, Bhojpur, Pachmarhi and Ujjain; Ramanavami in Chitrakoot and Orchha, Bhagoriya dance in Jhabua and the annual festival of dances at Khajuraho are events for the tourists to remember. The Malwa festival in Indore, Mandu and Ujjain, and the Pachmarhi festival bring alive the rich folk and tribal culture of the state in colourful celebrations. Gwalior trade fair is India's second largest trade fair. It is organised in various sectors which includes electronic sector, automobile sector, food sector, fun (jhula) sector etc. Gwalior carnival is newly introduced festival in 2012. It was organised for 22 days in December. It is planned to organise carnival every year.

Hill stations

Panchmarhi
Amarkantak
Shivpuri
 

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