Monday 8 July 2013

MADHYA PRADESH: A JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF INDIA

The state of Madhya Pradesh is located in the centre of India; it is for this reason that the MP tourism board promotes it as ‘the heart of incredible India’. And rightly so, Madhya Pradesh is not just centrally located but has also preserved the values and historical traditions of India. Home to innumerable monuments, stupas, palaces, forts and equally blessed by nature by way of spectacular mountain ranges, dense forests and meandering rivers, MP is definitely the best of India in one state.

To completely explore and experience Madhya Pradesh, even months would be less. The state is huge not just in size but also in the abundance of its offerings. Magnificent ancient monuments and pristine national parks dot its entire landscape. The Sightseeing in Madhya Pradesh options for a tourist here are innumerable. Each city has some unique gem preserved in its folds.

Gwalior has the regal hill top fort towering over the city, dating back to a 1000 years. The fort is an interesting blend of Indian and Chinese architecture. The town of Orchha has well preserved palaces and temples from the medieval era. The abandoned city of Mandu has beautiful remains of grand Mughal architecture. Indore is famous for architecture which is a blend of Mughal, Maratha and British influences. One can’t miss the erotic art of the Khajuraho temples depicting beautifully carved sculptures. The Datia district is a renowned pilgrimage popular for Buglamukhi Devi Temple, the holy Jain centre of Sonagiri and Gopeshwar Temple and Siddhapeeth of Shri Peetambra Devi. The small town of Chitrakoot is a pious destination for Hindus is known for its resplendent and serene surroundings.

Madhya Pradesh also boasts of nine national parks and twenty five sanctuaries. The Kanha National Park situated between the mountain peaks of Majkal and Satpura is home to the endangered species, the royal Bengal tiger. Bandhavgarh National Park is home to a large number of endangered species such as Indian bison, langurs, tigers and chital. Pench National Park and Panna Tiger Reserve are some of the other famous parks here.

The scenic beauty of Madhya Pradesh is unmatched. Nature has blessed this state with incredible natural wonders. The plateau has the magnificent Vindhyachal and Satpura mountains to flaunt. It is replete with lush dense forests, beautiful waterfalls, lakes and limestone caves. Among the famous ones are the Upper and Lower lakes of Bhopal, the Dhuandhar waterfalls, and the Rajat Pratap Falls. The hill stations of Panchmarhi, Amarkantak and Shivpuri offer spectacular views and sights. Man made wonders like the Bansagar Dam, Bargi Dam, Gandhi Sagar Dam, Kerwa Dam etc are also major tourist attractions.

The state is so large and diverse that listing all its famous sightseeing spots is an impossible task. This vibrant state offers a unique and exciting panorama of culture, history, wildlife and nature. A visit to this intriguing state will enthral and captivate you, and even when you leave, a small bit will stay with you forever. Madhya Pradesh truly has something for everyone!

No comments:

Post a Comment