Madhya Pradesh

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Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.

Khajuraho Region

Indore Region

Gwalior Region

Jabalpur Region

Bhopal Region

Pachmarhi Region

Sound & Light Show

Caravan Tourism

Temptations

Accommodation Guide

Wildlife Guide

Museum Guide

MPSTDC Offices

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Contents

Madhya Pradesh - the heart of Incredible India is not called so only because of its location in the centre of the country but also because it offers diverse experiences in art, culture, nature, religion and history.

The natural beauty of the State is equally varied. With plateaus and plains that are intersected by meandering rivers and dotted with hills and ravines, one-third of the State is forested, offering an exciting panorama of wildlife. In its National Parks, one can spot the elusive tiger, bison and a wide variety of deer and antelope.

The cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh is ancient and chequered. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces are reminders of a glorious past. Moments of valour and glory, love and passion have been captured in them by the sensitive chisels of master craftsmen.

This is the magic of a many-splendoured land.

The magic of Madhya Pradesh is further enhanced by the wide choice of accommodation offered by M.P. State Tourism Development Corporation. It ranges from exotic log huts to luxury hotels and colonial bungalows, cafeterias and wayside amenities.

Come to Madhya Pradesh and enjoy hospitality that comes from the heart.

Magical, Mystical Madhya Pradesh

Produced by M. P. State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.

The list of places in this publication is not exhaustive.Madhya Pradesh is such a vast state and there are so manyplaces of tourist interest that inclusion of all of them in onepublication seems impossible. However, we have tried to

make it a useful guide for the visitors by covering all majorcentres and other places of tourist interest in the state.

Information on accommodation and on other areas of touristinterest has been listed in a separate section at the end.

Madhya Pradesh

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Khajuraho Region

The temples of Khajuraho are India's unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy; perfect in execution and sublime in expression. Life, in every form and mood , has been captured in stone , testifying not only to the craftsman's artistry but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs under whose rule the temples were conceived and constructed. The Khajuraho temples were built in the short span of hundred years 950-1050AD, in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world's greatest artistic wonders. Lost among the forests for centuries, after the fall of the Chandelas, these temples were discovered by a British engineer, TS Burt, in 1838. The architectural style of the Khajuraho temples is very different from the temple prototype of that period. Each stands, on a high masonry platform instead of within the customary enclosure.

Combined with the upward direction of the structure, which is further accentuated by vertical projections, the total effect is of grace and lightness, reminiscent of the Himalayan peaks. Each of the chief compartments has its own roof, grouped in such a way that the highest is in the center and the lowest over the portico; a triumph of skill and imagination in recreating the rising peaks of a range. These group of temples have been designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site for their archaeological and historical monuments. The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three geographical groups- the Western, Eastern and Southern The Western Group - Located on the main Bamitha-Rajnagar Road, the temples of Western Group are the most visited at Khajuraho, the group to which the largest –Kandariya Mahadev, the oldest-Chaunsath Yogini and the 13 other temples belong. The temples are profiled here in a clock wise direction.

KhajurahoEternal Expressions of Love

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Western GroupKandariya Mahadev- The temple was built between 1025 and 1050 AD. As it rises in successive towers like a range of mountains, it soars 31 m high. Dedicated to Shiva , the sanctum sanctorum enshrines a lingam. Among all the Khajuraho temples it has the most elegantly ornamented basement with intricately carved processional friezes teeming with elephants, horses,warriors, hunters, dancers, acrobats, musicians and scenes of erotic groupings, unabashedly sensuous and vibrantly alive. There are nearly 900 figures.Particularly noteworthy are the entrance arch, the ceiling and pillars of the interior compartments. Chaunsath Yogini - This is the only granite temple and the earliest surviving shrine of the group (900AD), dedicated to Kali.The temple is planned as an open air quadrangle with cells around it. The temple once had 64 peripheral shrines one each of the 64 yoginis (Ascetic attendants) of the Goddess Kali, out of which only 35 survive today. But no image of Kali has survived so far. Another Kali temple, originally dedicated to Vishnu is the Devi Jagdambe temple. Chitragupta Temple - Facing eastwards to the rising sun, the temple is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya . This is one of the few temples in India dedicated to Sun God. The image of the diety in the inner sanctum is particularly imposing: five feet high, and driving a horse drawn chariot. The group scenes depict royal processions, hunting scenes and group dances, reflecting the lavish lifestyle of the Chandela courts. Vishwanath Temple – This is among the finest examples of the developed Khajuraho temple style. The temple is dedicated to Shiva. The architectural style of this temple indicates that it

was built just before the Kandariya. Particularly noteworthy are its two sura sundaris: one plucking a thorn from the sole of her foot with an extremely graceful depiction of feminine curves and another celestial maiden playing the flute. It is a panchayatan temple but now only two subsidiary shrines survive. A Nandi bull faces the shrine.A temple dedicated to Parvati (Gauri) is also situated in the vicinity. The Maharaja of Chhatarpur built another temple nearby about a century ago.Lakshmana Temple - This is a Vaishnav temple and has the five principal elements of the Ardh Mandapa, Mandapa, Maha Mandapa, Vestibule and Sanctum. The Jagati(platform) has a series of battle scenes, hunting expeditions, processions and scenes from daily life. The lintel over the entrance of the beautiful Vaishnavite temple shows the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The finely carved sanctum has a three-headed idol of Vishnu's incarnations, Narsimha and Varaha. This boar incarnation also appears in a nine feet high statue at the Varaha Temple.Jagadambi Temple - A temple dedicated to Goddess Kali(originally dedicated to Vishnu) is of four part design in plan. The Sanctum has a four armed Vishnu . The temple is situated on the same platform as Kandariya Mahadev. Matangeswara Temple – Still a living place of worship, the temple dedicated to Shiva, has an eight feet high lingam. It is probably the plainest among the sandstone temples in Khajuraho. This temple is the venue of a large fair on the day of Mahashivratri when thousands of pilgrims visit the holiest shrine of Khajuraho. Eastern Group: Close to the village of Khajuraho, Brahminical and Jain temples existing side by side make up the Eastern Group. This includes three Hindu temples:Brahma, Vamana and Javari and three Jain temples Ghantai, Adinath and Parsvanath. The Hindu temples are situated near Ninora Tal or Khajuraho Sagar while the Jain shrines are situated further south accessible by a metalled road. Brahma Temple - This temple has been wrongly called a Brahma temple as the four faced linga placed in the sanctum was mistaken for the four faced idol of Brahma . Though the linga would indicate that this is Shiva temple, this was not its original dedication. The prominent figure carved on the lintel of the sanctum doorway indicates that it was a temple dedicated to Vishnu.

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Vamana This temple is dedicated to the fifth incarnation of Vishnu, the Dwarf/Vamana.It has a very simple design of shikhara embellished with a fretwork of Chitya arches. There are only two bands of sculpture decorating the outer walls and these include graceful figures of sura sundaris but erotic sculptures are not prominent. Walls are rich in carvings and decoration. Javari- This is a little gem of a temple built between 1075 and 1100. It stands on a high plinth and has a delicate soaring shikhara or tower. The three bands of sculpture on its outer walls are rich in carvings and decoration. Jain Shrines in Eastern Group of Temples: Ghantai Temple, Parsvanath Temple , Adinath, Santinatha Ghantai Temple: Ghantai which means 'bell', is the local name for these ruins because of the carvings of bells on its slim pillars . All that stands now – behind a vandal –excluding fence- is the remains of the entrance porch and its maha mandap or assembly hall. The carvings inscribed on the main beam , on the top of the door are the sixteen auspicious signs seen in a dream by Lord Mahavira's mother at the time of conception. Parsvanath Temple : About 400 m southeast of Ghantai temple this stands in a walled enclosure with the other Adinath temple. Made of honey coloured sand stone, it enshrines a black marble image of the first tirthankar. Inspite of being a Jaina temple, it holds many images related to the Vaishnava faith in which lord Vishnu is the principal deity. Adinath Temple : It is smaller than the Parsvanath temple in many ways resembles the Vamana. Here only sanctum and vestibule have survived of the original. The sculpture on the three bands include charming sura sundaris where as the principal three niches of the outer façade has images of yakshis. The temple may be dated to the later half of the 11th Century. Southern Group Here there are just two conserved temples : the Duladeo and the Chaturbhuj Temple. These are among the last temples to be built by the sculptors of Khajuraho and there are many experts who believe that when these were being built and carved, the artistic dynamism of Khajuraho was dying. Duladeo Temple: The most impressive features of this temple are the flying celestials on the uppermost row of the shikhara tower. This temple has Shiva as the presiding deity . Chaturbhuj Temple : It is the only temple in

Khajuraho which does not have a single erotic sculpture. This temple has a massive intricately carved image of Vishnu in the sanctum. Sound and Light Show : This fascinating Son-et- Lumiere spectacle evokes the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and traces the story of the unique temples from the 10th to 11th Century. Mounted in the complex of the Western Group of temples, the 50-minute show runs in Hindi and English every evening. State Museum of Tribal and Folk Arts A fine collection of masterpieces of tribal and folk arts and artefacts from all over Madhya Pradesh is on display at the Chandela Cultural Complex. The tradition of tribal and folk arts and crafts has evolved over centuries. It represents the best of Indian culture and tradition and its synthesis with foreign cultures that came through trade and invasions. The State Museum has more than 500 representative items of terracotta, metal craft, woodcraft, tribal and folk paintings, tattoos, jewelleries and masks. The Museum is open on all days except Mondays and Government Holiday from 12 noon to 8:00 p.m.

How to reach By Air- Regular services link Khajuraho with Delhi and VaranasiBy Rail- Khajuraho has its own railway station linking it to Delhi, Jhansi (172km), Harpalpur (94km) and Mahoba (64km). Satna (117 km) on the Mumbai Allahabad line of the Central Railway, is a convenient rail link for those coming from Mumbai, Kolkata and Varanasi.By Road – Khajuraho is connected by regular buses with Satna, Harpalpur, Jhansi and MahobaBest Season- July to MarchYour Host : Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Hotel Jhankar, Hotel Payal and Tourist Village.

Khajuraho, Dance Festival

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Chitrakoot, 'the hill of many wonders', nestles peacefully in the northern spurs of the Vindhyas, a place of tranquil forest glades and quiet rivers and streams where calm and repose are all-pervading. This loveliest of Nature's gifts is also a hallowed ground, blessed by the gods and sanctified by the faith of pilgrims. For Chitrakoot's spiritual legacy stretches back to legendary ages: it was in these deep forests that Rama and Sita spent eleven of their fourteen years of exile; here, that the great sage Atri and Sati Anusuya meditated; and here where the principal trinity of the Hindu pantheon, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh took their incarnations. Sufferers and seekers, poets and visionaries, princes and noblemen have, through the ages, sought and found solace in Chitrakoot, drawn inspiration from its sublime natural beauty, gained spiritual strength from its serene temples and, in turn, become part of the hallowed legend called Chitrakoot.

Kamadgiri : Kamadgiri, the original Chitrakoot, is a place of prime religious significance. A

forested hill, it is skirted all along its base by a chain of temples and is venerated today, as the holy embodiment of Rama. The Bharat Milap temple is located here, marking the spot where Bharat is said to have met Rama to persuade him to return to the throne of Ayodhya. Many are the faithful who perform the ritual circuit (parikrama) of the sacred hill, to ask for a boon or a blessing. Much of the place is undulating plains made of ancient lava fields. But there are also large patches of beautiful forests, well watered with streams and rivers. Thriving shrines stand on the sites of legendary ashrams.Janaki Kund : Upstream from Ramghat is a serenely beautiful stretch of the Mandakini, a symphony of nature in tones of earth- brown and leaf-green, the intense blue of the river waters finding a paler echo in the canopy of the sky. In this idyllic pastoral setting, it is said, Sita would bathe in the crystal clear waters, during the years of her exile with Rama. Certainly, this quiet spot seems to have been specially blessed, for an aura of total harmony and quietitude haloes it, setting it apart from the bustle of the everyday world. There are two approaches to Janaki Kund : 2 km up from Ramghat by boat, or by road along a foliage-lined drive.

ChitrakootAbode of the Gods

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Ramghat: This is the living heart of Chitrakoot. Belief blesses it as the favoured bathing place of Ram, Laxman and Sita. The ghats that line the banks of the river Mandakini reveal a constantly moving and changing kaleidoscope of religious activity. Here, amidst the chanting of hymns and the sweet fragrance of incense, holy men in saffron robes sit in silent meditation or offer the solace of their wisdom to the countless pilgrims who converge here. With the very first rays of dawn that gleam upon the river, Ramghat stirs into life as the devout of all ages take the ritual, purifying dip in the waters and invoke the blessings of the gods. The activity builds up in a crescendo of colour and spontaneous expressions of faith through the day, past high noon, gently diminishing as the setting sun picks out the bright colours of flower petals floating down the river, while the evening 'arti' lends its melodious cadences to the deepening dusk. At all times, Ramghat witnesses a deep and abiding faith which finds expression in the rituals which honour the sanctity of Chitrakoot.The rippling blue - green waters of the Mandakini can be traversed by boats, readily available for hire.Sati Anusuya : Sati Anusuya is located further upstream, set amidst thick forests that resound to the melody of birdsong all day. It was here that

Atri Muni, his wife Anusuya, and their three sons (who were the three incarnations of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh), are said to have meditated. The Mandakini is believed to have been created by Anusuya through her meditation. Sati Anusuya lies about 16 km. from the town and can be reached by road - an undulating, curving drive through densely wooded areas.Sphatik Shila : A few kilometers beyond Janaki Kund is again a densely forested area on the banks of the Mandakini. One can climb up to the boulder which bears the impression of Rama's footprint and where Sita was pecked at, by Jayant in the form of a crow. There are large fish in the river, easily visible in the pellucid water.Gupt Godavari : 18 km from the town by road is a natural wonder located at some distance on top of a hill. The wonder here is a pair of caves, one high and wide with an entrance through which one can barely pass, and the other, long and narrow with a stream of water running along its base. It is believed that Rama and his brother Lakshman held court in the latter cave, which has two natural, throne-like rocks.Hanuman Dhara: Located on a rock-face several hundred feet up a steep hillside is a spring, said to have been created by Rama to assuage Hanuman when the latter returned after setting Lanka afire. A couple of temples commemorate this spot which offers a panoramic view of Chitrakoot. There is an open, paved area here in the shade of a massive peepal tree, a lovely place to halt after the long climb-up.

Bharat Koop : Bharat Koop is where Bharat

stored holy water collected from all the places of

pilgrimage in India. It is a small, isolated spot, just

a few kilometres from town.

How to reach – By Air- The nearest airport is at Khajuraho (175km)By Rail- The nearest railhead is at Chitrakoot Dham (Karwi)(11km) on the Jhansi-Manikpur main line. By Road- Regular bus services connect Chitrakoot with Jhansi, Mahoba,Chitrakootdham, Harpalpur, Satna and Chhatarpur Best Season- October to March Your Host Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Tourist Bungalow.

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Panna tiger reserve is just 25 km from Khajuraho. By the Ken river flowing through the reserve, there is a sanctuary for the long–snouted, fish eating gharial-crocodiles. From a view point, high above the river, visitors can see them like grey logs basking on the white sand-banks of the river Ken. The topography of Panna consists of two plateaus, scattered hills and valleys including that of the Ken river. The flora, here, is southern tropical dry teak forests and northern deciduous mixed forest. As in many other national parks, it is best to get out as early as possible, ensuring that you are suitably dressed for the cold, damp micro-climate of a forest at dawn. Be on the look out for furry jackals and fat mongooses bustling busily looking for snakes and other forest-floor creatures. You can take a boat ride on the Ken river for a closer encounter with the Gharials . The chances of seeing a tiger here are good because much of the forest is fairly open.

The other animals inhibiting this Reserve are nilgai, chital, chinkara, sloth bear, chausingha, wild-boar, jackal, hyena, rhesus and langur monkeys and leopards. There are about 200 species of birds, the common ones being egrets,paradise fly catcher,adjutant stork, crested serpent eagle, quail, kingfishers, vultures etc. These wide-winged scavengers nest in the cliffs of a hairpin-shaped gorge, coasting in and out, with silent grace, on the invisible columns of rising air called thermals. How to reach -By Air - Nearest airport is KhajurahoBy Rail - Nearest railhead is Khajuraho (46 km) and Satna (74 km)By Road - Panna is well-connected with bus network, Khajuraho to Madla (25km), Satna to Madla (90km) and Panna to Madla (19km)Your Host - Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Jungle Camp, Madla

Panna A Tryst with the Nature

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Indore Region

Indore Commercial Capital of Madhya Pradesh

thThe city derives its name from the 18 century Indreshwar temple and lies to the extreme west of the state on the banks of rivers Saraswati and

thKhan in the heart of Malwa plateau. In the 6 century the region of Indore , in the kingdom of Avanti had twin capitals at Ujjain and Mahishmati. This region also became part of Maurya , Gupta and Harsha kingdoms and came under the control of the Parmar kings in the medieval times. In 1401 Dilawar Khan established the sultanate of Malwa with Mandu as its capital. It became the province of the Mughal Empire under Akbar in 1562. Malhar Rao who was the founder of the Holkar dynasty was a commander who played a significant role in the Maratha conquest of Malwa. As a reward by Peshwa Baji Rao, Indore became the seat of the Holkar in 1733. He was succeeded by his daughter-in-law, Ahilya Bai who planned and built Indore from her seat of power at Maheshwar.Indore's modernization is attributed to the last four Holkar rulers who were in control from 1844-1947.

The city has some interesting monuments associated with Holkar dynasty. Rajwada - The biggest tourist attraction in Indore is the Rajwada, built in 1749 by Malhar Rao Holkar to serve as his palace. The mammoth seven-storeyed palace, a combination of Maratha, Mughal and French architectural styles, reaches out to the sky from the chaotic lanes of Khajuri Bazaar, in the heart of the old city. The palace has recently been renovated. The lower three floors are made of stone and the upper floors are made of wood which made it very vulnerable to destruction by fire. Rajwada was burnt three times in its history; the last fire in 1984 took the greatest toll. Today only the front façade remains. Town Hall - Made in 1904 and originally named King Edwards Hall, it was renamed Mahatma Gandhi Hall in 1948. Its architectural style is Indo -Gothic. Made of Seoni stone, its domes and staples are a landmark of Indore today. It has a four-faced clock tower in front, because of which it is locally known as Ghanta Ghar. It is frequently the venue of various exhibitions held in the city. The building also has a library, a children's park and a temple.

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Annapurna Temple –It is close to the Lal Bagh palace. Its architecture is inspired by the Meenakshi temple of Madurai. The gopuram is covered with intricate sculptures of Hindu deities. The main temple in the center of the complex has a pink dome and colourful reliefs from the Hindu mythology adorn its walls. The complex has temples of Shiva,Kal Bhairav, Hanuman and a Veda Mandir. Bada Ganpati - Better known for its size than antiquity, this temple houses perhaps the largest Ganesh idol in the world measuring 25 feet from crown to foot. Created as a result of the dream of an Avantika (Ujjain) resident, Shri Dadhich, it was built in 1875. The idol is made up of soil collected from the seven sacred cities of India mixed with powder of panch ratna (gems), holy water from pilgrimage sites, bricks, limestone, jaggery and fenugreek seeds. Kanch Mandir - This Jain temple is an architectural marvel in glass. The walls, ceilings, floors, pillars and door knobs are entirely inlaid with glass.Even paintings are done in glass. Atop is a special glass chamber which multiplies the three statues of Lord Mahavira installed there into an indefinite number (said to be visible up to 21 times, corresponding to the 21 tirthankars). Lal Bagh Palace - Lal Bagh is one of the grandest monuments, the Holkar dynasty has left in Indore. A reflection of their taste, grandeur and life style, its construction began in 1886 under Tukoji Rao Holkar II and was carried out in three phases. The final phase was completed in 1921 under Tukoji Rao Holkar III. Many royal receptions were held here.It has a total area of 28 hectares, and at one time it had the reputation of having the best rose gardens in the country. Central Museum - The Indore Museum houses the finest collection of Parmar Sculpture from Hinglajgarh. The Parmar style originated here, and is characterized by proportioned figures, carefully and ornately depicted in stone. The museum is also known for its collection of coins, arms and armour. Royal Chhatris - These are beautiful monuments with soaring towers and their walls decorated with sculptures. All of them have wide and deep pavilions presumably made to shelter pilgrims. Not to miss the intricate workmanship that has gone into creating these temple-like memorials to former Holkars.

Gita Bhavan - Adorned with many statues of gods of various religions, its construction is inspired by the religious motto of 'many names to a god is after all of one God'.Khajrana - Built by Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar, is another temple dedicated to Ganesh that is deeply revered by the locals and is believed to fulfill all wishes. Nearby is the dargah of Nahar Sayed which is an important pilgrim place for Muslims. Kasturbagram - 8 km from Indore, the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust was founded by Mahatma Gandhi. Its headquarters were shifted from Wardha to Indore in 1915. The main objective of this trust is to bring improvement in the quality of village life and welfare of rural women and children. Some of its many commendable activities are agricultural production, research, training, experiments in fruit orchards, gobar gas, better water management, rural institute for girls, village sanitation programmes etc. Bijasen Tekri – A two minute drive from the airport leads to a hillock on which was perched a guest house of the Holkars now converted into Border Security Arms Museum as well as a small temple of Bijasen Mata built in 1920, which has a magnificient view of the sunset. A mela (Fair) is held during Navratri. It is a good picnic spot, with a breathtaking view of Indore by night.Gomatgiri-The Jain community has constructed a 21 feet statue of Lord Gomateshwar, a replica of the Bahubali statue of Shravanbelagola . Also built here are 24 marble temples dedicated to each of the tirthankars. How to reach By Air – Devi Ahilya Bai International Airport at Indore has daily flights to the major cities in India. By Rail- It is well-connected to all major cities by train.By Road – Indore is situated at the confluence of two national highways , NH-3 connecting Agra to Mumbai, and NH-59 connecting Ahmedabad to Indore . It is also connected by regular bus services to Bhopal, Gwalior, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Nasik and AurangabadYour Hosts – Indore offers a number of hotels ranging from the budget to the luxury segment.

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The ancient city of Ujjain lies on the banks of river Shipra. The number of temples in Ujjain, as popularly held, is so large that if one comes here with two cartloads of grain and offers only one handful at each temple, one would still run short of offerings.Legend has it that Ujjain is one of the saptapuris, or the seven holy cities of India that grant moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Ujjain hosts the Simhasth, popularly known as the Kumbh Mela, every 12 years, the latest of which was in 2004.For centuries, people have been thronging the ghats on the Shipra not only for holy baths but also to perform life-cycle rituals. The most important ghat is Ram Ghat where every evening a spectacular ritual, sandhya aarti, is held. Priests gather at sundown to worship the sacred river with flowers, incense, sandalwood and vermillion. Mahakaleshwar Temple enshrines one of the twelve jyotirlingas and is thus one of the most sacred Shiva shrines in India. The spire of the temple, crowned with a gold kalash, dominates the city. A corridor leads into a partially covered yard built around the temple tank. In this covered space there are small shrines. The first one is dedicated to Ram, Sita and Laxman; the second holds a shivling named Koteshwar Mahadev and the third is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna. The Mahakaleshwar Shivling is guarded by a hooded snake sculpted in silver and a pot suspended above, drips water to cool the meter-high Shivling. The market around the temple, located

in the heart of the town, is also Ujjain's commercial nerve centre. One of the most important traditions of the temple, the bhasma aarti is performed here every morning (except on Mahashivaratri) from 4 am to 6 am. The original structure of Mahakaleshwar Temple was rebuilt by the Marathas in the 1850s. Legend has it that no one can rule over Ujjain without first surrendering their faith to Mahakaleshwar. The site where Sati's elbow fell is consecrated as Harsiddhi Temple. The Sri Yantra, or symbol of shakti, is also enshrined here. The central deity here is goddess Annapurna. Her vermillion-stained image is seated between Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati.Gopal Mandir - One of the largest temples in Ujjain, was built by the Marathas in the mid-19th century. The temple is enclosed by a high wall, pierced by a lofty and ornate gateway with the distinctive bangaldar roof. The huge silver-plated doors of the garbhagriha once belonged to the famed Somnath Temple in Gujarat.It is said that the poet Kalidas, whose verses were once quite ordinary, gained his legendary skills by the blessings of goddess Gadkalika, enshrined in a temple, 2 kms north of Mahakaleshwar Temple.

Kalidas is widely regardedas the greatest poet and dramatist of classical Sanskrit literature. His works inc lude Abhi jnanasakun ta lam, Raghuvamsa and the lyric poem, Meghdoot.Kalidas's love of Ujjain finds full expression in Meghdoot, which describes the anguish of an exiled yaksha who, sends a message to his beloved via a rain cloud. The poet describes the imaginary passage of the cloud over the splendid city of Ujjain. Close to the Gadkalika Temple are the Bhartrihari Caves on the banks of the Shipra, and the shrine of Pir Matsyendranath, said to be the founder of the Nath sect of Shaivism. The tomb has a very Islamic look with an arched doorway, a domed roof and four small towers at the corners. This saint belongs to the Nath sect who draw their spiritual practices from Shaivism and Vajrayan Buddhism. The antiquity of Kal Bhairav Temple finds mention in the Skanda Purana. The present structure, built in the 18th century, is surrounded by high walls with a large deepstambha facing it. This temple is built a bit like a fortress with steps leading to a nail-studded gate, set in a gate house in the wall encircling the temple. The architecture of the temple reflects a Maratha influence.

Ujjain The City of Temples

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Historically, however, this temple is believed to have been built by an obscure king named Bhadrasen. The nearby Ram Janardan Temple, is one of Ujjain's architectural gems. The temples dedicated to Ram and Vishnu Janardan were built in the 17th century by Raja Jai Singh, the governor of Ujjain under emperor Aurangzeb.Mangalnath Temple is mentioned in the Matsya Purana as the birthplace of Mars (Mangal). The garbhagriha enshrines an image of Shiva in his Mahadev manifestation. Incidentally, the site of the temple offers one of the clearest views of Mars and is hence considered suitable for astronomical studies. Even though this is known as the temple of Mars, the principal idol is that of Shiva.Vedshala- The observatory located about 2 km south-west of Mahakal temple was built by Maharaj Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur during the period 1725-1730. The Ved Shala consists of four main instruments used for observing the activities of the planets and conducting astronomical studies. There is a small planetarium and a telescope to observe the planets . The Tropic of Cancer is just to the north of the Vedshala. Sandipani Ashram- It is believed that Lord Krishna and Sudama received regular sermons in the ashram of Guru Sandipani. The followers of the Vallabha sect regard this place as the 73rd seat of the 84 seats of Vallabhacharya where he delivered his discourses throughout India.

Kaliadeh Palace- The glorious landscape of the flowing river Shipra on both sides of Kaliadeh palace and the man-made tanks and channels with water gurgling through them provide a spectacular backdrop to this imposing building. The central dome of the palace is a beautiful example of Persian architecture. Two Persian inscriptions found record the visits of emperor Akbar and Jehangir to this palace. Vikram Kirti Mandir- The complex was raised to perpetuate the memory of Vikramaditya – the legendary king of the second millennium of the Vikram era. This cultural centre houses the Scindia Oriental Research Institute, an archaeological museum, an art gallery and an auditorium. Some of the other prominent places of interest in Ujjain include the Chintamani Ganesh Temple, located about 5 kms from the Ved Shala on the road to Fatehabad; the Navagraha temple on the Ujjain- Indore road; Kalidas Academy, Durgadas ki Chhatri, Bina-Neev-ki Masjid and Mazar –e – Najmi. How to reach -

By Air- Nearest airport is Devi Ahilya Bai

International airport at Indore (55 kms).By Rail- Ujjain has its own railway station which is well connected to the major cities of India.By Road- Regular bus services connect Ujjain with Indore, Khargone, Jalgaon, Khandwa, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Dhar and Bhopal. Your Hosts- Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Shipra Residency and Avantika.

The Shivalinga in the garbhagriha of Mahakaleshwar Temple

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For centuries, conquerors had marched down the old caravan route that stretches through Dhar, linking Delhi to the Deccan here, they had rested , built their monuments, and then moved on. Dhar preserves a number of worth seeing monuments.The Fort- At the gate of this imposing fortress, there is a descriptive board which says that it was built by Mohd Bin Tughlaq in 1344 while returning from south. It has three gates. The outer wall is made of red sandstone. The third gate was built in the reign of Aurangzeb. Some of the construction was also done in the Fort in 15th-16th century under the reign of the Mughals and Marathas. During the Mutiny , the rebels occupied the Fort but were forced to leave as the British Army fired at it continuously for six days. Sheesh Mahal-Literally the glass palace, it has lost all the mirrors it might once have had. It stands on the north-west part of the Fort and was

thbuilt in the 14 century during the stay of Mohd. Bin Tughlaq who was on his way from Daulatabad (Maharastra) to Delhi. The Sheesh

Mahal was used as a royal residence. It is constructed in Tughlaq architecture, which has heavy walls sloping down. It is rectangular in shape and has a roof with small cells which have arch type doors. Kharbuja Mahal – Kharbuja is a melon and the palace got its name from its domes which looked like large melons. Apart from their aesthetic appeal and conforming to a typical Islamic architectural mode, they also kept their buildings cool, allowing hot air from the rooms to rise inside the dome and away from the living spaces. Mughal royals stayed here and it was probably

thbuilt in the 16 century and was plastered and decorated with murals in the Maratha period.

How to reachBy Air – The nearest airport is at Indore, which is 100 kms away from Indore, connected to Mumbai, Delhi and Bhopal. By Rail- Nearest railway station is at Indore. By Road- Regular bus services are available from Indore.Best Season- July to March Your Host- There are a number of hotels offering budget accommodation.

Dhar

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The elevated plateau is a scene of the most enchanting variety. Contrasting with undulating tracts shaded by trees, are dark pools nestling in the hollows and larger lakes glistening in the sunshine, while rocky ravines alternate with sloping swards, the entire effect being almost unreal in its beauty. And to complete the illusion, a thousand feet below are spread vast plains of the Narmada, the delicate opalescent tints of which provide an entrancing background to the whole. On many of the prominent positions within the broken surface of this magic landscape crowning the heights, are arcaded pavilions and pillared kiosks, turrets and cupolas. Mandu is a celebration in stone of life and joy, of the love of the poet-prince Baz Bahadur for his beautiful consort, Rani Roopmati. The balladeers of Malwa still sing of the romance of these royal lovers, and high up on the crest of a hill, Roopmati's pavilion still gazes down at Baz Bahadur's palace, a magnificent expression of Afghan architecture.Perched along the Vindhyan ranges at an altitude of 2,000 feet, Mandu, with its natural defences, was originally the fort-capital of the Parmar rulers of Malwa. Towards the end of the 13th century, it came under the sway of the Sultans of Malwa, the first of whom renamed it Shadiabad-the City of joy, and indeed, the pervading spirit of Mandu was of gaiety; and its rulers built exquisite palaces like the Jahaz and Hindola Mahals, ornamental canals, baths and pavilions, as graceful and refined as those times of peace and plenty.The impressions begin as the visitors start driving, through the small villages and the sub montane lands on the rising roads of Mandu. On both side of the road can be seen domed structure, interspersed with giant trees giving you the feeling of a backward transit of time- making one experience the real feel of the Medieval history.Mandu is situated 300 km away from Bhopal and 100 kms away from Indore. The array of medieval architectural splendor includes Hoshang Shah's Tomb, Jami Masjid, Ashrafi Mahal, Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Champa Baoli, Roopmati's Pavalion, Baz Bahadur's Palace being to name a few. Defences of Mandu - The great encircling walls of the plateau, seems to be a secondary

defence. The first is the deep irregular ravine of the Kakra Khoh entwining around the fortress on the west, north and east with a slim way projecting deep into the plateau from the east. On the rim of this ravine are the walls winding around for about 45 kms. They have 12 imposing gates. Each of Mandu's structures is an architectural gem; some are outstanding like the massive Jami Masjid and Hoshang Shah's Tomb, which provided inspiration for the masterbuilders of the Taj Mahal centuries later. Under Mughal rule Mandu was a pleasure resort, its lakes and palaces were the scenes of splendid and extravagant festivities. And the glory of Mandu lives on, in its palaces and mosques, in legends and songs, chronicled for posterity.Jami Masjid - Inspired by the great mosque of Damascus, the Jami Masjid, was conceived on a grand scale, with a high plinth and a huge domed porch projecting in the centre, the background dominated by similar imposing domes with the intervening space filled up by innumerable domes.There is an austere simplicity about this enormous structure. It stands on a 4.6 m high plinth accessed by an impressive flight of steps. The whole mosque covers an area of 97.4 sqm and its porch, atop the flight of steps, is dominated by a 16.8 m dome. Beyond the porch is a great open court surrounded by arched colonnades. On the far side of this court is the Prayer Hall with its pulpit atop a flight of steps. The blue in the panels , still glitter after all these centuries, are inlays of the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli. Hoshang Shah's Tomb - India's first marble edifice is one of the most refined examples of Afghan architecture. Its unique features are the magnificently proportioned dome, marble lattice work of remarkable delicacy and porticoed courts and towers to mark the four corners of the rectangle. Shah Jehan sent four of his great architects to study the design to draw inspiration from the tomb. Among them was Ustad Hamid who was also associated with the construction of the Taj Mahal. There is a certain eclectic harmony about this monument. The corridors encircling the grounds have red sandstone pillars with brackets in Hindu architectural style; the artisans were, clearly, given a free-hand to carve them in the manner that they were most familiar with. A round Afghan Dome, distinct from the onion shaped Mughal dome is surmounted by a crescent which

ManduLegends of Love in the City of Joy

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according to the Archaeological Survey of India , is a feature which seems to have been imported to Mandu direct from Mesopotamia or Persia. Hoshang Shah's tomb lies inside the mausoleum along with other tombs believed to be those of his wife , three sons & daughter. Darwazas (Gateways) - The 45 km parapet of walls that encircle Mandu are punctuated by 12 gateways. Most notable of these is Delhi Darwaza, the main entrance to the fortress city, for which the approach is through a series of gateways well fortified with walled enclosures and strengthened by bastions such as the Alamgir and Bhangi Darwaza, through which the present road passes. Rampol Darwaza, Jehangir Gate and Tarapur Gate are some of the other main gateways.Ashrafi Mahal - Built by Hoshang Shah's successor, Mahmud Shah Khilji, this 'palace of gold coins', facing the Jami Masjid, was conceived as an academic institution (madarassa) for young boys, and sundry cells still remain in a fair state of preservation. In the same complex he built a seven-storeyed tower to celebrate his victory over Rana Khumba of Mewar, of which only one storey has survived. Also in ruins is the tomb which was intended to be the largest structure of Mandu, but which collapsed due to hasty and faulty construction.The Jahaz Mahal - This 120 metre long ' ship palace' built between the two artificial lakes, Munj Talao and Kapur Talao, is an elegant two-storeyed palace. Probably it was built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji for his large harem. With its open pavilions, balconies overhanging the water and open terrace, Jahaz Mahal is an imaginative recreation in stone of a royal pleasure craft. Viewed on moonlit nights from the adjoining Taveli Mahal, the silhouette of the building, with

the tiny domes and turrets of the pavilion gracefully perched on the terrace, present an unforgettable spectacle. It is clear that this palace , in spite of its size, was never meant to be lived in. Its ground floor has three large halls with corridors in between, and narrow rooms at the far ends. From the halls pavilions project over the Munj tank. These halls were lounges and the pavilions were places for people to enjoy the cool breeze that blew off the lake. Hindola Mahal - An audience hall also belonging to Ghiyas-ud-din's reign derives the name of' Swinging Palace' from its sloping sidewalls. Superb and innovative techniques are also evident in its ornamental facade, delicate trellis work in sandstone and beautifully moulded columns. To the west of Hindola Mahal there are several unidentified buildings which still bear traces of their past grandeur. Amidst these is an elaborately constructed well called Champa Baoli which is connected with underground vaulted rooms where arrangements for cold and hot water were made.

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Other places of interest in this enclave are Dilawar Khan's Mosque, the Nahar Jharokha (tiger balcony), Taveli Mahal, the two large wells called the Ujali (bright) and Andheri (dark) Baolis and Gada Shah's Shop and House, all worth a visit. Jal Mahal - This water palace has two halls with vaulted ceilings and seems to have been meant for the use of its rulers. Its marble walls with medallions of blue and yellow with inscriptions, give a certain regal air. But though it has not been dated it is likely that it was constructed after the Khilji era. It was probably built to offer a private escape for royal couples. ASI Museum - It has some interesting exhibits found in Mandu. Most of them are Hindu scriptures of the 11th and 12th century but there is also a large statue of a Jain Tirthankar. About 10% of the exhibits are devoted to Islamic calligraphy.Darya Khan's group of monuments - These are a little off the road, to the left. All that we know of Darya Khan is that he was an officer in the court of Sultan Mahmud-II who ruled from 1519 to 1526. The monuments have been spaced around a large tank now called the Somvati kund. Around this place there is a large, squat, sandstone tomb and to the left of the tank there is a smaller domed structure. Sagar Talao Group - Here too the monuments are near a tank, called the Sagar Talao. The principal monument in this group is Malik Mughith's Mosque built by the father of the man who became the first Khilji ruler of Mandu, Mahmud Shah Khilji-I. Many of the buildings of the pre- Islamic Hindu era lay in ruins. Rewa Kund - A reservoir built by Baz Bahadur with an aqueduct to provide Roopmati's palace with water. Today the pool is revered as a sacred spot.Baz Bahadur's Palace - Built by Baz Bahadur in the early 16th century, the palace's unique features are its spacious courtyard surrounded by halls and high terraces which afford a superb view of the surrounding countryside. The entrance of this double storeyed palace has tall, slim arches on the left. Atop these once ran an aqueduct, carrying water lifted by animal powered Persian Wheels from Rewa Kund to the pool that is virtually a courtyard of the place. Other courts lined with colonnades serving airy rooms make this monument an elegant and cool place even today. Roopmati's Pavilion - The pavilion was

originally built as an army observation post. From its hilltop perch, this graceful structure with its two pavilions was a retreat of the lovely queen, from where she could see Baz Bahadur's Palace and the Narmada flowing through the Nimar plains far below.Caravan Sarai- This is a specific, purpose built structure unique to the age of caravans. Not many of them have survived till date.

OTHER MONUMENTSThere are other monuments in Mandu which do not fall in any group but which merit special attention.Nilkanth Mahal - Belonging to the Mughal era and close to the Nilkanth shrine, this palace was constructed by the Mughal governor, Shah Badgah Khan, for Emperor Akbar's Hindu wife. On the walls here are some inscriptions of the time of Akbar, referring to the futility of earthly pomp and glory.

Hathi Mahal, Darya Khan's Tomb, Dai ka Mahal,

Dai ki Chhoti Behan ka Mahal, Malik Mughith's

Mosque and Jali Mahal are some of Mandu's other fascinating monuments. There is also the Echo Point the 'Delphic Oracle' of Mandu. A shout from here reverberates far below and is heard clearly back. The Lohani Caves and Temple ruins, not far from the royal enclave area, also merit a visit due to their association with Mandu's history and monuments. Sunset Point in front of the caves, affords a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.How to reach By Air - The nearest airport is at Indore, which is 100 km away, connected to Mumbai, Delhi and Bhopal.By Rai l – Convenient ra i lheads are Ratlam(124kms) on the Mumbai-Delhi main line and Indore(99km) .By Road- Regular bus services connect Mandu with Indore, Dhar, Mhow,Ratlam, Ujjain and Bhopal.Your Host- Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Malwa Resort and Malwa Retreat.Best season- July to March with monsoon months being the best.

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78 km east of Indore, Omkareshwar is a sacred island shaped like 'Om' at the confluence of the river Narmada and Kaveri. Piligrims gather in large numbers at the 2 km long and 1 km wide island, formed by the fork of Narmada, where the temple of Shri Omkar Mandhata stands. The Narmada parikrama begins at this temple. The soft stone which it is constructed of has lent its pliable surface to a rare degree of detailed work, of which the frieze figures on the upper portion are the most striking. The stone roof of the temple also bears some carvings.

thMamleshwar Temple – Built in the 10 Century , this ancient temple is under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India. It is a small complex of temples. Nowadays only one large shrine seems to be open to worshippers. The carvings in this complex are remarkable. Mamleshwar Temple is on the south bank of the Narmada. The sacred island of Omkareshwar lies across the river.Mahakaleshwar Temple- Here Lord Shiva is worshipped as the Lord of Time. The idol is in a glass fronted alcove. Above the Mahakaleshwar temple are three more floors, each dedicated to different aspects of Shiva.Sangam- This is the confluence of the Narmada and the Kaveri.Gauri Somnath Temple This is at the top of 270 steps that rises up from the ghats. The temple has a curious resemblance to the temples of Khajuraho, with only a curvilinear tower atop a high platform. Inside is an enormous black Shivling. Patali Hanuman – In a pavilion out of which tree grows, is a three meter long idol of Hanuman. Here Hanuman is shown sleeping. Chand Suraj Gate - This gate is set in massive walls of dressed stone with carved corbel projections to support the topping stones. It seems as if it were the remains of an old temple as the sculptures of Chamunda and Ganesh are found here.

Ashapuri Temple- This temple holds the image of the goddess of hope, the deity of the Bhil tribal people and the former ruling family. A fair is held here in the presence of the former ruling family and a sacred fire is lit. Siddinath Temple- Although in ruins, this temple still holds grace with its rich sculpture. Its unroofed pillars rise from a plinth rich sculpted with a frieze of elephants and equestrian warriors. The pillars are worth examining for their intricate carvings and corbels.Arjun Bhim Gateway-This is a massive gateway set in thick walls, largely ruined now, with sculptures of two warriors of the epic Mahabharata- the Pandav brothers Arjun and Bhim. It is difficult to explain the presence of this gate unless one believes that the whole of the upper part of the island was once fortified. A flight of over 200 steps winds down from this gate to the ghats.How to reach By Air - The nearest airport is at Indore, which is 77 km away, connected by regular flights with Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Kolkata, Jabalpur, Gwalior and Bhopal.By Rail – Nearest railhead is at Omkareshwar Road (12km) on the Ratlam-Khandwa section of the Western Railway.By Road- Omkareshwar is connected to Indore, Ujjain, Khandwa and Omkareshwar road by regular bus services. Your Host- Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Narmada Resort.Best Season- July to March

Omkareshwar Sanctified by Faith

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91 kms from Indore, Maheshwar was a glorious city at the dawn of Hindu civilization, then known as Mahishmati.The temple town on the banks of the river Narmada finds mention in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharta . After many centuries of obscurity it was revived to its ancient position of importance by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore in late

th18 century. Maheshwar is a city of forts and temples mirrored in the quiet waters of river Narmada. The city is well known for its local hand woven sarees called Maheshwari . Rajgaddi and Rajwada - A life-size statue of Rani Ahilyabai sits on a throne within the fort complex. This is the right place to begin a tour of Maheshwar, for this pious and wise queen was the architect of its revived importance. Other fascinating relics and heirlooms of the Holkar dynasty can be seen in the other rooms which are open to the public. Within the complex is an exquisite small shrine which is the starting point of the ancient Dussehra ceremony which is carried out even today. Temples With their soaring spires, the many tiered temples of Maheshwar are distinguished by their carved overhanging balconies and their

intricately worked doorways. The temples to see are Kaleshwar, Rajarajeshwara,Vithaleshwara and Ahileshwar. These many tiered temples are distinguished by their carved over hanging balconies and their intricately carved doorways. The Peshwa, Phanase and Ahilya ghats lining the banks of the river Narmada are the places to see the daily rituals of the folks. At these ghats one can see the stone memorials of women who practised sati as a ritual.Narmada festival Its formal name is Narmada Jayanti. Donations are collected from all who want to celebrate this festival and an order is placed with weavers in Surat, in Gujrat, to make a 1000 m long cotton sari.When sufficient funds are collected, the date is set between 15 Nov and 15 Dec. The sari is stretched across the river as an offering. No one knows when , or how, this unique ritual started in honour of the sacred river. Baneshwar Temple: - This single-celled shrine , rising atop a short flight of steps from the water's

thedge, was built by Anand Raj Parmar in the 5 Century. Outside , there is a panel depicting a man on elephant's back fighting a curious monster with a long reptilian neck and a lion's mouth. There is a shivling inside the Baneshwar temple. When the river is in spate, the temple could be completely submerged. Cenotaph of Ahilyabai – Facing Vithoji Rao's Chhatri lies the cenotaph of Ahilyabai built by her daughtet-in-law. It is a powerful structure resembling a temple, a black curvilinear tower rising from a white lower floor and clearly visible from the river. Palace complex of Ahilyabai – This is a long doubled storeyed building, very plain and bare of any carving or decorations. A part of the palace is still in possession of the Holkars and is not open to casual visitors. In deference to the memory of Ahilyabai Devi, this wing of the palace is accorded much of the respect given to a shrine. How to reach By Air – Nearest Airport is at Indore (91 km)By Rail – Nearest railheads are at Barwaha(39km), Khandwa(110 km), Indore (91km) and Mhow on the Western Railway.By Road- Regular buses are available from Barwaha, Khandwa, Dhar and Dhamnod.Your Host- Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Narmada Retreat.Best Season- July to March.

Maheshwar - Sanctified by Faith

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Burhanpur is a hidden jewel in the annals of medieval Indian architecture. Today a small town in Madhya Pradesh, barely 20 kms from the Maharashtra border, its history is one of battle, conquest and change, interspersed with bursts of peace that allowed for a rich aesthetic to flourish.Burhanpur was founded in c.1400 AD by the Faruqi king, Nasir Khan, on the north western banks of the river Tapti. The Faruqis ruled Burhanpur for the next two centuries. In 1600, the Mughal Emperor Akbar captured Burhanpur, and for a century thereafter, until Aurangzeb's death in 1707, it remained integral to Mughal ambitions in the Deccan. The governor of the city was

invariably an individual of elevated rank, often a Mughal prince. Asirgarh Fort, on the outskirts of the town, was known as Dakkhan ka Darwaza or the Gateway to the Deccan.Burhanpur remains a city of great architectural importance, but its fame rests largely as a pilgrimage for Bohra Muslims as well as for Sikhs. It is 172 kms from Indore and 76 kms from Khandwa. The capital of Khandesh, which overlapped what are now the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharastra, Burhanpur holds immense importance in Medieval history of India. What to SeeTwo of the oldest Faruqi monuments in Burhanpur are Kali Masjid, and the nearby Bibi ki Masjid, both in a fair state of preservation. The latter, standing in the winding alleys of Itwara mohalla, was built between 1520 and 1540 by a Faruqi queen. The black stone with which the Kali Masjid is made is said to have been brought from the great fort of Asirgarh. The mosque's northern entrance once had an inscription that recorded its construction in 1399, but that record is now ruined. Also ruined is the mosque's large dome, though a number of small domes still exist. Of its two minarets, one was rebuilt approx. 15 years ago; and both are sparsely decorated with symmetrical patterns . In a nod to medieval syncretism, the minarets are crowned with what appears to be lotus blossoms. The Bibi ki Masjid is built in rectangular shape. Both its minarets have fallen, out of which one has now been repaired. The mosque's peaceful central courtyard is open to the skies. Jama Masjid - Located at the very centre of town in Gandhi Chowk, was initiated by the Faruqi ruler, Adil Shah, and completed by Emperor Akbar. Its symmetrical arches and sparsely decorated pillars create a sense of severe beauty, while the two 36 m high minars tower over the mosque's arched compound. Inscriptions both in Arabic and Sanskrit record that the mosque was built by the Faruqi ruler, Raja Ali Khan , also called Adil Shah, in 1589- for which, according to locals, stones were brought all the way from Mandu. There is also an inscription by Akbar on the southern minar, which details his conquests of the region in 1600. Akbar is also said to have completed work in the mosque. There is little ornamentation in the mosque; indeed Cunningham describes it as unusually 'plain'.

BurhanpurThe Medieval Gateway to the Deccan

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About 3 kms away are the tombs of several Faruqi rulers and their queens within a walled enclosure. Most noteworthy of these are the tombs of Nadir

Shah and Adil S h a h w i t h delicatelyc r a f t e d j a a l i screens.The Mughals addedenormously to B u r h a n p u r ' s a r c h i t e c t u r a l treasures.

The fort, Badshahi Qila was further fortified and many structures were added to it. Within the fort, the Diwan-e-Khas and Diwan-e-Aam, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, are set in beautifully manicured gardens that come alive in the evenings with families and young couples.The most striking structure in the Badshahi Qila is the Zenana Hammam. Built in a combination of Mughal and Persian styles, the baths were once decorated with beautiful frescoes on the ceilings, some of which still survive. Visitors can still clearly see an image of what the local guides claim is an early drawing of the Taj Mahal. A mosque within the fortress, Pir Banna Masjid , is now quite ruined. Only one minaret remains. Burhanpur boasts of an elaborate system for transporting water, begun during Akbar's reign. The underground channels, 'glorious relics of Mughal engineering ingenuity and skill', were used to supply water to the town well in the 20th century. MP Tourism looks after Kundi Bhandara, about 8 kms from Burhanpur. At the complex, a tiny electric lift carries visitors 25 m underground to dark tunnels, their walls gleaming white with limestone that has gathered over centuries, and now covers the original brickwork. It further developed under Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb, made by intercepting a number of underground springs flowing from the Satpura hills to the Tapti river. Wells, built at regular intervals, would collect the water as it flowed down these streams. These wells were interconnected and, once enough water had collected, it would flow through underground tunnels to numerous destinations. On the northern outskirts of Burhanpur is a beautiful Mughal monument, the Tomb of Shah

Nawaz Khan. Inside the tomb, the walIs and ceiIings are covered with intricate fresco work. Covered by a large, elegant dome, the 6.5 sq m tomb has four short, hexagonal minarets at each corner, and it is shaded by chhajas along the four sides. Small, slender minarets rise from the base of the dome. The Tomb of Bilquis Jahan, or Begum Shah Shuja, is barely 2 kms from Shah Nawaz's tomb. Because of its distinctively shaped dome, the tomb is locally known as Kharboozi ('melon-like') Gumbaz. Every niche in the circular wall within is beautifully decorated with floral patterns, and the colours appear as fresh now as they must have been at the time of the tomb's execution.Close by, on the banks of the Utaoli river, is the dargah of Hazrat Shah Bhikari, also known as Hazrat Shah Nizamuddin. During the annual Urs held in the saint's memory, millions of people congregate on the river's dry bed to offer namaz.

SHAH JAHAN & M U M T A Z M A H A L I N BURHANPUR

Across the Tapti

from Burhanpur is

one of its most well

known monuments, the Ahukhana, literally 'deer

park' which was used as a hunting ground during

Faruqi and Mughal rule. This is also where Shah

Jahan's most beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal, was

buried.She died in Burhanpur in 1631 while thgiving birth to their 14 child, princess Gauhara.

The queen's body rested here for several months

until it was disinterred and travelled with the

' Mughal court to Agra there, later, to find a final

home in the glorious Taj Mahal.

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DARGAH-E-HAKIMIAbout 3 kms from Gandhi Chowk in Burhanpur is the Dargah-e-Hakimi, a most sacred pilgrimage for Dawoodi Bohra Muslims. It is the mazar of Syedi Abdulqadir Hakimuddin. Hakimuddin came to Burhanpur in 1729 to spread the word of the Prophet. The entire complex is so well kept that locals refer to it as chhota Amreeka or 'little America'SIKHISM IN BURHANPURThe Sikh connection to Burhanpur dates to the early 16th century when Guru Nanak visited the town. His visit is commemorated by the Gurudwara Sangat Rajghat Patshali Pahili. The tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh, halted at Burhanpur while accompanying the Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah I, to the Deccan in 1708. It is said that the Guru spent 20 days preaching to the sangat. Gurudwara Bari Sangat is built on the site, and enshrines a handwritten copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, with an inscription by Guru Gobind himself.

BEYOND BURHANPURBeautifully located on the banks of the Badi Utaoli river is Mahal Gulara, a Mughal pleasure retreat, 21 kms from Burhanpur on Amravati Road. When, as a prince, Shah Jahan arrived to govern Burhanpur, he is said to have fallen in love with a beautiful and talented singer named Gulara. Shah Jahan would spend many moonlit nights in this palace as she sang for him. The prince married the singer and named the nearby village after her.Perched high on the Satpura range, just under 25 kms north of Burhanpur, is Asirgarh, one of the most magnificent forts of India, rivalling even the great Golconda in impregnability. Initially ruled

by a local chieftain, Asa Aheer, the fort was captured by the Faruqis in 1400. It soon became the region's most coveted fortification, mainly for its strategic location. Any ruler with ambitions on the Deccan had to first control Asirgarh. Indeed, Asirgarh was known as the Dakkhan ka Darwaza or Gateway to the Deccan. There are many stories of deceit, valour and chivalry related with this invincible fort of Medieval history. The most prolific builder of the line , Adil Khan II, added a lower reinforcement to the fort,which was named Malaigarh. The highest fortification, Asirgarh is over a kilometre long at some stretches, and almost 550m wide, while the middle fortification is known as Kamargarh. Taken together, these three occupy an area which is 1.6 km long and 800m wide.Temple of Ichhadevi -The famous temple of Ichhadevi is located 23 kms from Burhanpur. Believed to answer any prayer made to her, the Goddess is much revered by the locals. Though the present structure is fairly recent, the original site is said to be over 450 years old.Ghats of Tapti – Tapti, also Tapi, flows 724 kms across the northern Deccan plateau, irrigating much of India's cotton growing heartland in the Nimar plains of Madhya Pradesh, and the Khandesh and eastern Vidarbha regions in Maharastra and south Gujarat. Along with the Narmada, Tapti is the only other major river in India that empties in the Arabian Sea, 14 kms downstream from Surat in Gujarat. Burhanpur located on the north-western bank of Tapti, has been nurtured by the great river for centuries. Today, it flows past many of Burhanpur's most memorable sites, the most imposing monument of which is the Badshahi Qila. The seven storeyed city fortress, now looked after by the ASI, was once home to Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, as well as many other Faruqi and Mughal rulers. How to reach By Air – Nearest Airport is Devi Ahilya Bai International Airport at Indore (180 km)By Rail – Burhanpur has its own railway station 8 kms from Gandhi Chowk.By Road- Regular buses connect Burhanpur with Indore, Khargone, Jalgaon, Khandwa, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Ujjain, Dhar and Bhopal. Your Host- Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Tapti Retreat.

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Choral Choral Dam, an ideal picnic spot is about 52 km from Indore and 41 km from Pithampur Industrial area. It is known for beautiful natural looks of hillocks and greenery. Choral is perfect at any time of the year to have a relaxing holiday. The beautiful surroundings of Choral make it an ideal getaway. The Choral Resort built by Madhya Pradesh Tourism, located near the Choral Dam, is a destination to delight in tranquillity.

Ratlam Located about 75 kms northwest of Ujjain, the bustling town of Ratlam is more than just a busy railway junction. One can visit the beautiful 11th century temple in Bilpank or drive to Sailana. The place is also a home to a stunning Cactus Garden. One can also devote their time at the Hussain Tekri shrine. The region is also famous for pure gold. For the curious traveller, Ratlam also reserves unexpected sojourns into history.

Neemuch Neemuch is about 176 km from Ujjain. Perched on a barren basaltic ridge, the town of Neemuch is located on the border of two historically active regions – Rajputana and Malwa. From Neemuch, you can visit the feudal, fortified township of Rampura and the intricately carved temple of Khor, The history buffs can wander into lovingly preserved havelis. M.P Tourism has established a Tourist Motel in Neemuch.

Mandsaur Mandsaur is about 169 km from Indore. In Mandsaur district, you can explore a gallery of prehistoric art at Chaturbhujnath Nala, be awed by a 4.6-tonne shivalinga at Pashupatinath Temple, have a gaze upon the limitless expanse of the Gandhi Sagar Dam and exotic Wildlife Sanctuary.Madhya Pradesh Tourism has built Highway Treat in Mandsaur.

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Gwalior Region

GwaliorA Living Heritage of Heroism

The ancient city of Gwalior is steeped in the splendour of its past. A multitude of reigning dynasties, of the great Rajput clans of the Pratiharas, Kachwahas & Tomars have left indelible etching of their rule in this city of palaces, temples & monuments. The magnificent mementoes of a glorious past have been preserved with care, giving Gwalior a unique & timeless appeal. Gwalior's history is traced back to a legend . In 8 Century AD, a chieftain called Suraj Sen was striken by a deadly disease. He was cured by a hermit saint, Gwalipa, and in gratitude founded a city which he named after the saint who had given him the gift of a new life. The new city of Gwalior became, over the centuries , the cradle of great dynasties and with each, the city gained new dimensions from warrior kings, poets, musicians & saints, contributing to making it a capital renowned throughout the country. Myth & history come together in an ancient inscription which proves that the hill where the Fort is situated was occupied in 525 AD. Since then it has

housed successive lines of rulers that have appeared like comets, blazing briefly across the ancient skies of our land: Huns, Pratiharas, Kachapghat, the Mughals, the East India Company & eventually the Scindias before it was absorbed into the Republic of India. Today, Gwalior is a vibrant city bustling with life.What to See- The Fort- Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior fort dominates the city & is its most magnificient monument. It has been the scene of momentous events–imprisonments, battles & jauhars. A steep road winds upwards to the fort, flanked by statues of the Jain tirthankars, carved into the rock face. The magnificient outer walls of the Fort still stand, 2 miles in length & 35 feet high, bearing witness to its reputation of being one of the invincible forts of India. This imposing structure inspired Emperor Babur to describe it as ' the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind'Gujari Mahal – Within the Fort are some marvels of Medieval architecture. The 15th Century Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja Mansingh Tomar for his intrepid Gujar Queen, Mrignayani. The outer structure of Gujari Mahal

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has survived in an almost total state of preservation. The interior has been converted into an Archaeological Museum housing rare antiquities, some of them dating back to the 1st Century AD. Even though many of these have been defaced by the iconoclastic ruler, their perfection of form has survived the ravages of time. Particularly worth seeing is the statue of Shalbhanjika, from Gyaraspur, the tree goddess, epitome of perfection in miniature. The statue is kept in the custody of the museum's curator, & can be seen on request. Man Mandir Palace- Built between 1486 & 1517 by Raja Mansingh. The tiles that once adorned its exterior have not survived, but at the entrance, traces of these still remain. Within the palace, rooms stand bare, stripped off their formal glory, testifying to the passing of the centuries. Vast chambers with fine stone screens were once the music halls, & behind these screens, the royal ladies would learn music from the great masters of the day. Below, circular dungeons housed the state prisoners of the Mughals. Emperor Aurangzeb had his brother Murad imprisoned & later executed here. Close by is Jauhar Pond, where, in the Rajput tradition, the ranis committed mass Sati after their consorts had been defeated in battle. At Man Mandir palace, a poignant ambience of those days of chivalry and heroism still lingers in the silent chambers. A superbly mounted Son-et-Lumiere here brings it all alive every evening.

thTeli ka Mandir & Sas Bahu Ka Mandir- The 9 century Teli Ka Mandir, towering 100 ft high is a Pratihara Vishnu Temple, of a unique blending of architectural styles. The shape of the roof is distinctively Dravidian, while the decorative embellishments have the typical Indo-Aryan characteristics of northern India. Also dedicated to Vishnu is the graceful Sas Bahu ka Mandir

built in the 11th Century. Surajkund - Though major portions of the fort were built in the 15 Century, references to this gigantic complex can be traced back to 425 AD. Older than the city is the Suraj Kund within the fort walls, the original pond where Suraj Sen was cured by Gwalipa.People still believe that its water has curative properties.Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod - Built in the

thmemory of Guru Hargobind Saheb, the 6 Sikh Guru who was imprisoned by Emperor Jehangir for 2 years.Jaivilas Palace & Museum- A splendour of a different kind exists in the Jaivilas Palace, current residence of the Scindia family.Some 35 rooms have been converted into Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum & in these rooms, evocative of a regal lifestyle, the past comes alive. Jaivilas is an Italianate structure which combines the Tuscan & Corinthian architectural modes. The imposing Darbar Hall has two central chandeliers weighing three & a half tonnes each & hung only when 10 elephants had tested the strength of the roof . Ceilings picked out in gilt, heavy draperies & tapestries, fine Persian carpets & antique furniture from France & Italy are features of these rooms. Eye catching treasures include a silver train with cutglass wagons which served guest as it chugged around the table on miniature rails; a glass cradle from Italy used for the baby Krishna each Janmashtami, silver dinner services & swords that

were once worn by Aurangzeb & Shahjahan. There are besides, personal mementoes of past members of the Scindia family-the jewelled slippers that belonged to Chinkoo Rani, four poster beds, gifts from practically every country of the world, hunting trophies & portraits. The Scindia Museum offers an unparalleled glimpse into the rich culture & lifestyle of princely India.

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Tansen's Tomb- A pillar of Hindustani classical music, the great Tansen , one of the 'nine jewels' of Akbar's court, lies buried in Gwalior. The memorial to this great musician has pristine simplicity and is built in the early Mughal architectural style. It is a very simple pavalion made of white marble on its own platform.More than a monument, this tomb is part of Gwalior's living cultural heritage- it is the venue of a national music festival held annually in November- December.Ghaus Mohammad's Tomb - The great Sufi Saint Ghaus Mohammad Gwaliori's tomb situated at Rusal, was built by Akbar from Jagir of Datiya. Built on sandstone, the tomb is a beautiful piece of Iranian architecture. The unique intricate artistic carvings on its Lattice enchant the tourists. Musicians sitting on the floor of the gallery just outside the inner chamber sing semi- religious songs. The tomb of the Saint , in inner chamber, is enclosed in another grille.Memorials - The earliest freedom fighters Tatya Tope & the indomitable Rani of Jhansi, are commemorated in memorials in Gwalior. There are cenotaphs at major public crossings, memorials of Scindia kings & queens. Throughout the city, there are these reminders of a proud past, of the great men & women of Gwalior who have their place in the nation's roll of honour.Sarod Ghar- This museum of music has been set up in the ancestral house of Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan. It houses ancient instruments of the great Indian masters of yesteryears.Sun Temple- Located near the Residency at Morar, the Sun Temple takes its inspiration from the famous Konark Sun Temple in Orissa. Excursions- Bateshwar Group of temples- 40 Km via Malanpur. It consists of large numbers of temples in various states of preservation. Most of these are single Cell shrines with Shikharas , surmounted by Amalakas. The main temple here is known as Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple. The temples belong to 8-12 Century AD- (Pratihara & Kachapaghata period)Sihoniya (Kakanmath Temple) - Located 90 km via Morena, the Shiva Temple locally known as Kakanmath is built on a spacious platform. The plan consists of a sanctum, a pillared hall & a porch. The temple is dated to 11th Century AD. Padavli- 38 KM via Malanpur The fortress at Padavli was built by the Jat Ranas of Gohad. Among the most conspicuous architecture at this

site is the temple inside the fortress. This Shiva temple consists of a Mandapa with intricately carved ceilings & sturdy pillars. The temple is embellished with depiction of scenes of Ramayana and is dated to Kachapaghata period.

Mitavli - 40 KM via Malanpur The temple stands on a circular platform in an open court enclosed by a circular wall with small cells & colonnade inside with a Shiva image in each cell. It is dated to the 14th Century AD. On the basis of an inscription dated to V.S. (Vikram Samvat)1380(1323 AD) it is claimed that the temple was built by the erstwhile ruler, Maharaja Devapala. This type of circular architecture is unique in the whole region.

How to reach By Air – Gwalior is connected to Delhi and Jabalpur.By Rail – Gwalior is on the Central Railway's main Delhi- Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai lines. Among other major trains, the Taj and Shatabdi Expresses connect Gwalior with Delhi and Agra.By Road- Gwalior is connected by regular bus services with Agra, Mathura, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Bhopal, Chanderi, Indore, Jhansi, Khajuraho, Rewa, Ujjain and Shivpuri. Your Host- Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Tansen Residency.

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Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time; a rich legacy to the ages. For in this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection.Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap who chose the stretch of land along the Betwa river as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatries. From here the view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular. Complementing the noble proportions of their exteriors are interiors which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting. In the Laxminarayan Temple, vibrant, murals encompassing a variety of religious and secular themes, bring the walls and ceiling to rich life. Strewn around the area are little shrines and memorials, each with its own poignant history, each contributing to the nostalgic beauty that is Orchha.Ram Raja Temple- Standing in the middle of the village, Ram Raja Palace was once a royal palace. Legend has it that following the dream-visitation of Lord Rama, Madhukar Shah's wife Ganesh Kunwari brought a statue of the god from Ayodhya to Orchha. While the king was a worshipper of Lord Krishna, the queen was a devotee of Lord Rama. The image was placed in a palace prior to its installation in a temple. When the idol proved impossible to move, the queen recalled, too late, the deity's edict that the image

would remain in the place where it was first installed. Today, with its soaring spires and palatial architecture, the temple is surely one of the most unusual in India . It is also one in the country where Rama is worshipped as a king. Laxmi Narayana Temple - A flagstone path links this temple with the Ram Raja Temple. The style is an interesting synthesis of fort and temple moulds. The interiors contain the most exquisite of Orchha's wall paintings of the Bundela school. Covering the walls and ceiling of three halls, these murals are vibrant compositions and cover a variety of spiritual and secular subjects. They are in an excellent state of preservation, with the colours retaining their vivid quality. Chaturbhuj Temple - Laid out in the form of a cross, a symbolic representation of the four armed God Krishna, Chaturbhuj temple was specially constructed to enshrine the image of lord Rama that remained in the Ram Raja temple. Built upon a massive stone platform and reached by a steep flight of steps, the temple dominates the landscape of Orchha and is the largest temple of the place . There is a triple arched gate with attractive balconies on the exterior. The sanctum is chastely plain with high vaulted walls emphasizing its deep sanctity.Diwan Hardaul's Palace - Hardaul was a son of Bir Singh Ju Deo and died to prove his innocence to his elder brother Jhujhar who cast doubts on his relationship with his (Jhujhar's) consort. This saintly prince was, after his martyrdom, worshipped as a god, and even today, the villages of Bundelkhad contain platform - like shrines where Hardaul is worshipped.Cenotaphs (Chhatris)- 14 Cenotaphs are located on the southern ghat of the Betwa river at Kanchana Ghat , belonging to the Bundela kings and members of their clan. They are made in the Nagara style of temple architecture . Jehangir Mahal - Built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th Century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. Its strong lines are counterbalanced by delicate chhatris and trellis work, the whole conveying an effect of extraordinary richness.Raja Mahal- Situated to the right of the quadrangle this palace was built by Madhukar Shah, the deeply religious predecessor of Bir Singh Ju Deo. The plain exteriors, crowned by chhatris, give way to interiors with exquisite murals, boldly colourful, on a variety of religious

Orchha Medieval Legacy in Stone

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themes. Of special interest at Raj Mahal is a newly

inaugurated Sound and Light Show in the

premises facing the entrance gate.The one hour

show in Hindi and English brings alive the four

hundred year history of Orchha in a stunning

spectacle.

Rai Praveen Mahal - Poetess and musician, Rai Praveen was the beautiful paramour of Raja Indramani (1672-76), and was sent to Delhi on the orders of Emperor Akbar, who was captivated by her charm. She so impressed the Great Mughal with the purity of her love for Indramani that he sent her back to Orchha. The palace built for her is a low, two-storeyed brick structure, designed to match the height of the trees in the surrounding, beautifully landscaped gardens of Anand Mahal, with its octagonal flower beds and elaborate water supply system. Skillfully carved niches allow light into the Mahal which has a main hall and smaller chambers. Sunder Mahal - This small palace, almost in ruins today, is still a place of pilgrimage for Muslims. Dhurjaban, son of Jhujhar, embraced Islam when he wed a Muslim girl at Delhi. He spent the latter part of his life in prayer and meditation and came to be revered as a saint.Shahid Smarak - Commemorates the great freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad who lived and worked in hiding in Orchha during 1926 and 1927. Other places worth seeing in Orchha are the shrines of Siddh Baba ka Sthan, Jugal Kishore, Janki Mandir and the Hanuman Mandir at Ohharedwara.Heritage Walk – For tourists who are interested

in a walking trail, the path would be: Walk beyond the main monuments to visit monuments like – Raiman Dauji ki Kothi,Purushottam Das ki Haveli, Daroga ki kothi,Siddh baba ki gufa, Shyam Daua ki Kothi and top Khana, Taksal Bhavan, Bhagvant Rai ki Haveli, Kriparam Gaur ki Haveli, Narayan Das Khare ki kothi, Gundrai Darwaza, Palki Mahal and Phool Bagh, None ju ki Haveli and Wind Tower( Sawan Bhado).Phool Bagh - Laid out as a formal garden, this complex testifies to the refined aesthetic qualities of the Bundelas. A central row of fountains culminates in an eight-pillared palace-pavilion. A subterranean structure below was the cool summer retreat. Orchha's monuments retain their pristine perfection.

How to reach By Air – Nearest airport is at Gwalior(119km) and Khajuraho (170km).By Rail – Nearest railhead is at Jhansi(16km) on the Mumbai-Delhi and Delhi –Chennai main lines. All major mail and express trains stop at Jhansi. By Road- Orchha lies off the Jhansi- Khajuraho road. Regular bus services connect Orchha with JhansiYour Host- Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Sheesh Mahal and Betwa Retreat.

Paintings of Laxmi Narayana Temple depicting a scene from the Ramayana

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‘Chanderi has long been famous for the manufacture of delicate muslins.... The cloth is of unusual fineness and delicacy while the coloured gold and silk borders are of surpassing beauty.’Imperial Gazetteer of India, Vol 10, 1908

Chanderi's antiquity dates back to the 11th century when the Pratihara king, Kirti Pal, moved his capital here from Budhi Chanderi (18 kms away).Chanderi, 230 kms southeast of Gwalior, in Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh, was once coveted by the rulers of the north for its strategic location as a military outpost on the Malwa-Bundelkhand border. As a result several dynasties came to hold sway over the town including the Malwa Sultans, Mughals, Bundelas and Scindias - making it a prosperous centre of economic and cultural activity. From Kirti Pal's Fort , the view over the town is expansive. The town spreads across a valley encircled by hills. Minarets and domes rise out of the fields and trees and there are occasional glimpses of the high wall that once encircled the city. It is, of course, the weaving tradition that occupies the pride of place in any account of Chanderi today, with its shimmering fabrics having survived the trials of time and changing rulership. While handloom weaving was always a significant activity in Chanderi, for the past 400 years it has been the primary occupation of the town's residents.What to SeeToday, the fame of this ancient town rests much more on the fine silken fabric woven by its skilled

artisans, than on its rich history. The remarkably clean town houses a large number of weavers, and despite their flurry of activity one can go into their houses and watch them at work without feeling conspicuous. When visiting the town, Sadar Bazaar is the best place to pick up Chanderi saris and fabric, available in a wide variety of colours and designs. Sitting atop a 200 m high hill, Chanderi Fort measures 2 kms in length and over a kilometre across. Originally built by Raja Kirti Pal, all subsequent rulers who conquered Chanderi - Alauddin Khilji, Babur and the Bundela kings, among others - left their mark on it. Within the crenellated walls are several buildings, including the three-storeyed palace complex, a Khilji period mosque and the samadhi to the legendary singer, Baiju Bawra. Close by, is the much-revered Shri Jageshwari Temple.Babur's Mosque- It is in ruins today, after five centuries, but one can still discern a few of the old features. A shelf of land behind the mosque gives superb, though vertiginous , views of the whole town below. Chanderi's most defining monument is the Badal Mahal Gate, set in well-manicured lawns, against the striking backdrop of the fort. Built by Sultan Mahmud Shah Khilji in AD 1450, it was meant to serve as the 'welcome gate' for visiting dignitaries. Built entirely of stone, the gateway rises to an impressive height of over 1 5 m. It is 7.5 m in width, most of which is occupied by the massive tapering turrets flanking it. Built by Ghiyassuddin Balban of Delhi to commemorate his conquest of Chanderi in 1251, the exquisite, three-domed Jama Masjid survives to this day as a reminder of the town's

thunsurpassed architectural heritage. This 15 century mosque is accessed through an impressive door opening to a short flight of steps and a large central court. A few minutes walk from Badal Mahal takes one to another monument,

Chanderi Medieval Forts and Magical Weaves

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marked by the most beautiful jaali screens. This houses the tombs of the family/disciples of the great Sufi saint from Delhi, Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya. In a walled compound there are a number of graves , most of them set in pavilions with beautifully carved stone lattices. If legend is to be believed, Chanderi probably owes its present location to Parmeshwar Tal. Kirti Pal, the founder of the town is said to have been cured of disease after washing himself in the waters of this tal.Lakshman Temple stands majestically on one end, its brilliant white facade reflecting splendidly in the waters. Battisi Baoli -Abul Fazl in Ain-i-Akbari records the existence of 1,200 baolis in Chanderi. Of those that remain, the most spectacular is the 15th century Battisi Baoli. Standing within a fenced compound, it is 20 sq. m. and four storeys deep. Thirty-two (battis, in Hindi) steps lead down to the water level, giving it its name.Shehzadi ka Rauza, is one of the most impressive tombs in Chanderi.The impressive memorial to love, Shehzadi ka Rauza is an architectural delight, as is the near by Shahi Madarsa.Noteworthy are their serpentine brackets and intricate jaalis.Of the secular buildings in Chanderi, the majestic

Koshak Mahal : 4 kms from the town centre, it is the most significant monument. Set in landscaped gardens, the stunning edifice rises few floors high. The palace is said to have been built by Mahmud Shah for his wife, Koshak, who gave birth to their child here. He named the palace after her and it was originally named Koshak Hafta; hafta (Urdu for week) denoting its seven floors. 'These halls rise up storey upon storey, each opening out on to the tall arched passages inside, with light admitted through the balconied windows on the outside' (Percy Brown).To the south of Chanderi town is the Kati Ghati

Gateway, where the hill itself has been cut through to make for this massive gateway.Though not particularly striking, it is an architectural feat, measuring over 10 m high and 25 m wide. The story goes that when Babur came to attack Chanderi, his army's final assault on Chanderi Fort was obstructed by the hill. Not one to give up, he had it cut overnight to make way for his army's advance.Jains are a prominent community in Chanderi, and perhaps the most prosperous Shri Chaubisi Jain Temple is a major Jain shrine in the town. Situated high on a hillside, a few kilometres away, is another Jain pilgrimage, Shri Digambar Atishay Khandagiri. Here, carved into the rock of a vertically rising cliff is a splendid 14 m high statue of Rishabhnath.Thuvanji, 21 kms from Chanderi, also attracts a large number of Jain pilgrims.Archaeological Survey of India's new Chanderi Museum houses an impressive collection of sculptures from in and around Chanderi.Budhi Chanderi ( l i t e r a l l y , o l d Chanderi), 18 kms from the present city, i s b e l i e v e d t o co r r e spond w i th C h a i d n a g a r mentioned in the Puranas. Historians have documented the existence of 55 Jain and Hindu temples here, built in the Chandela style of 10th-11th century. Today, as one enters the walled enclosure on the hill, one is impressed by the remains of the Jain temples adorned with carvings.How to reach By Air - Nearest airport is at Gwalior (230kms).By Rail - Nearest railhead is at Lalitpur(36 km ) on the Delhi-Chennai main line.By Road - Cars can easily be hired from Jhansi (130kms) and Lalitpur.Your Host- Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Tana Bana Ph.: 07547-252222

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'Bir Singh Palace is a most impressive monument, its great bulk surmounted by the elegant group of domes providing a gratifying spectacle from every aspect.'Percy Brown, Indian Architecture, 1956The small town of Datia, mentioned in the Mahabharata as Daityavakra, has one of the most beautiful palaces in India -the seven-storied Bir Singh Palace, also called Govind Mandir Palace. Another significant landmark is the famous shaktipeeth, Pitambara Peeth.The Bundela king, Raja Bir Singh Deo, apparently not satisfied by the majestic Jehangir Mahal palace he had built at his capital in Orchha, went on, in 1620, to build a palace 'of such a distinctive character as to stand in a class by itself' on a rocky mound in Datia, 43 kms away. Historians and architects consider it to be one of the finest representations of Bundela architecture.An imposing structure, Bir Singh Palace sits like a diadem on a hillock, draped in beautiful pink bougainvilleas. Standing 40 m high, its effect as an architectural entity is grand!The art historian Percy Brown contends that the palace 'is conceived on a principle not unlike the

1phenomenon of an iceberg . The structure consists of a series of large underground halls, descending for several storeys, some of which are excavated out of the basement rock. These cool, subterranean apartments would have been most appropriate for the hot summer months in this arid region. The symmetrical structure of the palace is

influenced by the Mughal architectural style. At the same time, the plan resembles the swastika, one of the holiest symbols of Hinduism. This syncretism made it a favourite of Sir Edwin Lutyens, the English architect and planner, who designed most of British New Delhi.The palace has a profusion of arches, chhatris, ornamental jaali screens, balconies and oriel windows which open to delightful views.The main entrance is on the eastern side, while the south opens out to the beautiful lake, Kama Sagar. Designed as a royal rest-house, the palace was meant to serve many purposes. The first floor is divided into dark, barrack-like rooms, evidently meant to hold prisoners. The second floor was for soldiers and guards, while the third floor was meant for entertainment. The fourth floor had beautifully painted rooms for royal guests, and on the fifth floor was the Diwan-i-Aam, where the king would hold court.The sixth floor was where secret meetings were conducted between the king and his trusted courtiers, while the topmost floor had watchtowers for tracking enemy movements. Today, a climb to the seventh floor of the building offers the visitor some of the most stunning views of the surrounding countryside.A unique feature of the palace is that it is made entirely of stones and bricks with no use of wood and iron. The intricate jaali -work, exquisite murals and frescoes on the inside walls of the upper floors, and the stucco figures in the royal apartments are outstanding examples of Bundela art. However, interestingly, the Bir Singh Palace is not only deserted, but was apparently never occupied. Datia is noted for its many beautiful temples, and thus referred to as Laghu Vrindaban or 'small Vrindavan'. The most popular temple in Datia town is Pitambara Peeth. A shaktipeeth, it enshrines two of the ten Mahavidyas, Dhumavati and Baglamukhi, and is much revered by the local population. It is thronged by devotees from far and wide, especially on every Saturday. Apart from the main shrine, the complex has several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities, including Parshuram, Hanuman and Kal Bhairav. Vankhandeshwar Temple, to Lord Shiva, is believed to date back to the time of the Mahabharata.Some of the other temples in Datia are Avadh Bihari Temple, Shivgir Temple, Vijay-Raghav Temple, and Bihariji Temple.

Datia A Bundela Treasure

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Another significant structure in Datia is Rajgarh

Palace on top of a hill near Pitambara Peeth. It

also houses a museum that is certainly worth

visiting. Bharatgarh Fort and Karna Sagar

Tank with its ghats, ruined temples, and

surrounding chhatris, are the other attractions of

the town.Around DatiaSonagiriLocated 15 kms from Datia, one comes across low hills with rows of sparkling white marble-clad temples on the slopes. This is the famous Jain pilgrimage of Sonagiri (literally the 'golden

1mountain ). Known as Swarnagiri or Shravangiri in ancient times, it is revered by the Digambara sect of Jains.Sonagiri has 77 temples on the hill and 26 in the village below, many of them built recently, and all of them brilliantly white. The total effect, as Takeo Kamiya observes, 'is out of this world' (Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent, Tokyo, 1996). The most beautiful among these is possibly the temple dedicated to Chandranatha, the eighth of the 24 tirthankaras.Sonagiri is also known for a large annual fair held here in the month of Chaitra (March-April), when 'thousands of pilgrims gather at this religious site set in a landscape of tranquil beauty', writes Kurt Titze (Jainism: A Pictoral Guide to the Religion of Non-Violence, Delhi, 1998).

How to reach By Air – Nearest airport is Gwalior(74 kms)By Rail – Nearest railhead is Jhansi(35kms)By Road Cars can easily be hired from Jhansi Your Host- Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Tourist Motel Ph-07522-238125

Shivpuri is steeped in the royal legacy of its past, when it was the summer capital of the Scindia of Gwalior. And earlier, its dense forests were the hunting grounds of the Mughal emperors when great herds of elephants were captured by Emperor Akbar. Much later, it was the tiger that roamed the wooded hills and many a magnificent beast was 'bagged' by royal shikaris. And with its luxuriant forests & undulating hills , Shivpuri was a natural choice as the summer resort capital of the Scindias. Shivpuri's royal ambience lives on in the exquisite palaces & hunting lodges & graceful, intricately embellished marbel chhatris. (cenotaphs) erected by the Scindia princes.A sanctuary for rare wildlife & avifauna, Shivpuri has transformed a royal past into a vibrant, hopeful present. What to see-Emperor Akbar , reputedly caught a large herd of

thelephants in the forests of Shivpuri in the 16 Century. Later in the 1800s, after the Scindias became the ruling dynasty of Gwalior, they declared that a significant part of the present Madhav National Park was their private hunting preserve. Sir Madhav Rao Scindia built a dam across the Manihar River creating the Madhav & the Sakhya Sagar lakes. This brought considerable relief to this otherwise dry area. An increase in the grasslands and forest cover appreciated the increase of herbivores & this in turn gave a boost to the tiger population. Shivpuri had acquired such a reputation for its tigers that when Britain's George V decided to visit India, in 1911, his itinerary included a day tiger shooting in the forest of Shivpuri. After the assimilation of Indian princely states in the Indian union, in 1958

Shivpuri Tranquil Forests Steeped in Sanctity

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his hunting preserve became Madhav National Park. Madhav National Park- 156 sq km in area, the park is open throughout the year. With a varied terrain of wooded hills, the forests being dry, mixed & deciduous & flat grasslands around the lake, it offers abundant opportunities for sighting a variety of wildlife. The predominant species that inhabits the park is the deer, of which the most easily sighted are the graceful little chinkara, the Indian gazelle & the chital. Other species that have their habitat in the park are nilgai, sambar, chausingha, or four horned antelope, blackbuck, sloth bear, leopard & langur . The National Park is equally rich in avifauna, the artificial lake, Chandpatta, is winter home of migratory geese, pochard, pintail, teal, mallard & gadwall. A good site for bird watching is where the forest track crosses the wide rocky stream that flows from the Waste Weir. Species that frequent this spot are red wattled lapwing, large pied wagtail, pond heron & white breasted kingfisher. The avifauna includes the cormorant, painted stork, white ibis, laggar

falcon, purple sunbird, paradise flycatcher & golden oriole. Chhatris- Set in a formal Mughal garden, with quiet nooks under flowering trees, intersected by pathways with ornamental balustrades & illuminated by Victorian lamps , is the complex in which the cenotaphs of the Scindhias are set. Facing each other across a water tank are the chhatris of Madhav Rao Scindia, synthesizing the architectural idioms of Hindu & Islamic styles with their shikhara type spires & Rajput Mughal pavilions. The glittering white marble surface of Madhav Rao Scindia's cenotaph is inlaid with lapis lazuli & onyx to create a spectacularly rich effect, heightened by the delicacy of the trellis work on the sides. The dowager queen's cenotaphs has a noble dignity of line & superb structural harmony.

Madhav Vilas Palace Standing upon a natural eminence, the elongated rose-pink summer palace of the Scindias is built in truly royal proportions. A fine example of colonial architecture, the 'Mahal', as it is called, is remarkable for its marble floors iron columns, graceful terraces & the Ganapati Mandap. From the turrets, the view is a spectacular one of Shivpuri town and the park beyond. George Castle- Deep within the forests of the park, on its highest point , is the turreted George Castle built by Maharaja Jiyaji Rao Scindia. From here the view of the lake is unparalleled and the best time to visit the castle is at sunset when the lakes below mirror the changing hues of the evening sky.Sakhya Sagar Boat Club- Edging the forest of the Madhav National Park is the Sakhya Sagar lake, habitat of a variety of reptiles Species that can be seen here are the Marsh Crocodile or mugger,Indian python, & the monitor lizard. On the shores of the lake & connected to it by a broad pier is a Boat Club, an airy, delicate structure with glass panels.Bhadaiya Kund- A scenic picnic spot by a natural spring. The water here is rich in minerals , supposedly of a curative nature. Excursions- Chanderi- 127 kms away , Chanderi has some of the finest examples of Bundela Rajput & Malwa Sultanate architecture. Dominating the skyline of this lovely old town , famed today for its brocades & muslins, is Mughal FortNarwar 41 kms away , Narwar is the one time- capital of Raja Nal of Naisadha and his consort Damyanti. It is remarkable for its medieval fortress atop a hill.Surwaya 21 kms away, Surwaya is noteworthy for the remains of a fort, three Hindu temples, a monastery & a step-well. The charming gadi has recentely been painstakingly restored inside. How to reach By Air – Nearest airport is at Gwalior(112 kms) By Rail – Nearest railheads are Jhansi(101kms) and Gwalior which are on the Delhi- Mumbai and Delhi Chennai main lines. Shivpuri has a railway station on the Dehradun-Ujjain route.By Road –Shivpuri is connected by regular bus services to Gwalior, Indore, Bhopal, Jhansi and Ujjain. Your Host- Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Tourist Village Ph-07492-223760, 221297

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Jabalpur Region Jabalpur Region

Jabalpur - BhedaghatAn Awesome Spectacle of Nature

Pleasure resort and capital of the Gond kings thduring the 12 century, Jabalpur was later the seat

of the Kalchuri dynasty. The Marathas held sway over Jabalpur until 1817, when the British wrested it from them and left their impression on the spacious cantonement with its colonial residences and barracks. Today Jabalpur is an important administrative center, bustling with commercial activity. The holy river Narmada flows through the district and the city of Jabalpur, which lies at the junction of the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. The world famed Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat (23km) on either side of Narmada are a great visual treat . Jabalpur is also the gateway to Kanha National Park (165 km) and Bandhavgarh National Park(164km).Madan Mahal Fort- Constructed in AD 1400 s atop a huge boulder providing a panoramic view of the Jabalpur city and countryside around it, the fort is reached by a long flight of steps. It is a three storied structure with multiple balconies on each floor. The palace was built by Madan Shah who built it as his pleasure palace. Some historians claim that the palace was built by Rani Durgavati and yet some claim that it was built by the Gond ruler, Hirday Shah.Rani Durgavati Memorial and Museum Dedicated to the memory of the great queen Durgavati is her memorial and a museum which houses a fine collection of sculpture, inscriptions and pre- historic relics. The gallery dedicated to

Indian Freedom Struggle exhibits letters and photographs of nationalist leaders particularly those of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru and Bhagat Singh. Rani Tal This lake, really a reservoir, was created by the visionary Gond queen, Durgavati. Tilwara ghat – This is the place from where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in the Narmada and it was also the venue of the open session of the Tripuri Congress in 1939. The Tilwadeshwar Temple here is a revered temple of

th the area. The 12 century Mala Devi Mandir, Pisan Hari Jain Temples and Roopnath are some of the other places in and around Jabalpur which merit a visit.Chaunsath Yoginis in Bhedaghat –Access to the temple is up a flight of 108 steps rising through a wooded hill side. The circular cloister has 81 images of different Brahminical goddesses and a few images of gods including Ganesh. The temple is popularly known as the temple of the 64 yoginis or attendants of the Goddess Durga. The inscribed images belong to Circa 10 century AD when they were worshipped in an open air shrine, while the pillared roof have been added later. There also exists a living Shiva temple. Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat- Soaring in glittering splendour, the Marble rocks at Bhedaghat rise to a hundred feet on either side of Narmada. The serene loveliness of the scene is an awesome spectacle.

Bargi Lakeside Resort- 50 km from Bhedaghat and 31 kms from Jabalpur, the places has an enormous lake created by the dam at Bargi. At the edge of the lake is a pleasant resort set in a well landscaped garden. MP Tourism floats a river cruise, Narmada Queen, which offers a 5 hour ride. But visitors do not have to go out onto the water- though very few will be able to resist it. The quite garden resort may be an ideal spot for many.

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Tripur Sundari Temple Situated about 12 km from the city, in the village of Tewar on the road to Bhedaghat. The deity enshrined here is a three headed goddess representing Durga, Kali and Saraswati. Dhuandhar Falls- Here the Naramada pours over a cliff, roaring and fuming in a cloud of white mist. There is a platform built nearby to facilitate the viewers to behold this beautiful scene. The falls and the breaking of the volume of water at the crest present an awesome spectacle of Nature's power unleashed. The Narmada making its way through the marble rocks narrows down and then plunges in a waterfall. So powerful is the plunge that its roar is heard from a far distance.

Bhedaghat Bazaar- This is the market for the sculpted items of marble rocks. Everyone, from grey haired senior citizen to junior apprentices after returning from school, is busy transforming stones into works of art. Plaques, statues, jewel boxes, lampshades everything is available . How to reach - JabalpurBy Air- Jabalpur has its own airport.By Rail- Jabalpur is on the Mumbai-Howrah via Allahabad main line. All mail, express and passenger trains halt here. Your Host – Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Kalchuri Residency Ph-0761-2678491/92How to reach-Bhedaghat By Air- Jabalpur (23 km) is the nearest airport for Bhedaghat.By Rail- Jabalpur , on the Mumbai-Howrah via Allahabad main line. All mail, express and passenger trains halt here. By Road- Frequent buses, tempos and taxis are available from Jabalpur. Your Host – Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Motel Marble Rocks.Ph- 0761-2830424

This is a small National park; compact yet teeming with wildlife. The density of the tiger population in Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India. This is also the White Tiger country, the original home of all the white tigers alive. These have been found in the old state of Rewa for many years. The last captured by Maharaja Martand Singh in 1951. This white tiger, Mohun, is now stuffed and on display in the palace of the Maharajas of Rewa. Bandhavgarh is densely populated with other species: sambar and barking deer are a common sight, and nilgai are to be seen in the more open areas of the park. The terrain is of great rocky hills rising sharply from the swampy and densely-forested valley bottoms. The finest of these hills is Bandhavgarh, sided with great cliffs and eroded rocks and on its highest point stands Bandhavgarh Fort, thought to be some 2000 years old. Scattered throughout the park, and particularly around the fort, are numerous caves containing shrines and ancient Sanskrit inscriptions. Covering 448 Sq km, Bandhavgarh is situated in Umaria district (previously in Shahdol district) among the outlying hills of the Vindhya range. At the center of the park is Bandhavgarh hill surrounding it are a large number of smaller hills separated by gently sloping valleys. These valleys end in small, swampy meadows, locally known as 'bohera'. The lowest point in the park is Tala (440 metres above MSL).The vegetation is chiefly of Sal forest in the valleys and on the lower slopes, gradually changing to mixed deciduous forest on the hills and in the hotter, drier areas of the park in the south & west, bamboo is found throughout.

BandhavgarhNational Park with a Rich Historical Past

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There are three well- defined seasons-the cool (from middle of October to end of February), the hot ( from March to middle of June ) and the wet(from the middle of June to middle of October). The mean & annual rainfall is 1173 mm, coming mostly in the rainy season. The temperature ranges from a maximum of 42 Degree Celsius in May & June to around 4 Degree celcius in winter. Prior to becoming a National Park, the forests around Bandhavgarh had long been maintained as a Shikargah, or game preserve, of the Maharajas of Rewa.Hunting was carried out by the Maharajas & their guests –otherwise the wildlife was relatively well-protected.It was considered a good omen for a Maharaja Of Rewa to shoot 109 tigers. His Highness, Maharaja Venkat Raman Singh shot 111 tigers by 1914. In 1947, Rewa state was merged with Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh came under the regulations of Madhya Pradesh.The Maharaja of Rewa still retained the hunting rights of Bandhavgarh and no special conservation measures were taken until 1968, when the areas were constituted as a National Park.Since then, numerous steps have been taken to retain Bandhavgarh National Park as an unspoilt natural habitat. What to See:The Fort- No records remain to show when Bandhavgarh Fort was constructed.It is thought however, to be some 2000 years old, and there are references to it in the ancient books, The Narad-Panch Ratra & the Siva Purana. Various dynasties have ruled the fort, for example, the Maghas from the Ist century AD, the Vakatakas from the 3rd

thCentury, the Sengars from the 5 Century AD, the Baghels took over, the r u l i n g s f r o m Bandhavgarh until 1 6 1 7 , w h e n M a h a r a j a Vikramaditya Singh moved his capital to R e w a . T h e l a s t inhabitants deserted the fort in 1935.Flora & FaunaTiger- Probably o r i g i n a t i n g i n C e n t r a l & Northern Asia , tigers then seem to have migrated s o u t h w a r d s ,

avoiding Tibet & the northern slopes of the Himalayas, reaching Mongolia, Manchuria & Korea, and the south west from the Russo-Afghan boundary to the north of the Hindu-Kush through the Elburz mountains, south of the Caspian travelling, as far as the Caucasus. From Manchuria tigers spread southwards as far as Bali. And in the subcontinent, they roamed through Bhutan & Nepal, as far away to west Gujarat and south to Kanyakumari. The tigers of the Caspian area had coats with a slightly richer colour than their Indian cousins, and in winter, the fringes on the sides of the face and along the belly were very long. The White Tigers are albinos of the Royal Bengal Tigers, not a separate sub-species. The Royal Bengal Tiger is found in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan & Nepal. Some of them prowl in Madhya Pradesh. The forests of Bandhavgarh can be classified as moist deciduous, and the National Park hold all those animal species which are typical of this habitat in Central India. Certain areas of the Park (particularly the south & west) are drier in character, and hold such species as the nilgai and the chinkara. Sal forest occurs throughout the valleys, giving way to mixed forest which occurs where the soil is of relatively poor quality on the upper hill slopes, on rocky outcrops and in the south & west. Grassy meadow patches occur in the valley and along the nalahs. WildlifeThere are more than 22 species of mammals & 250 species of birds. Common langurs and the rhesus macaque represent the primate group. Carnivores include the Asiatic jackal, fox, sloth bear, ratel, grey mongoose, striped hyena, jungle cat, leopard & tiger. The artiodactyls frequently sighted are wild pig, spotted deer, sambar, chausingha, nilgai & chinkara. Mammals such as dhole, the small Indian civet, palm squirrel & lesser bandicoot rat are seen occasionally. The vegetation along streams and marshes is rich in birdlife. The common ones are little grebe egret, lesser adjutant, sarus crane, black kite, crested serpent eagle, black vulture, Egyptian Vulture, common peafowl, red jungle fowl, dove, parakeet, kingfisher and Indian roller. Serpent Eagle does not look like a snake, it eats them and if luck supports you, you might see the bird devouring a snake. Reptilian fauna includes cobra, krait, viper, ratsnake, python, turtle & a number of lizard varieties , including varanus.

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Wildlife viewing-There are two main ways of getting about in the park-in a motor vehicle or on elephant back. Many of the animals are by now accustomed to both, even so, it is best to talk quietly and not make rapid movements. Jeep safaris are best undertaken from dawn until about 10 am and from about 4 pm until dusk, as the animals are most active during these periods. A Forest Department guide must always accompany you. This guide will direct you and point out wildlife. Elephants are used every morning by the Forest Department for tiger tracking. If a tiger is found, then the elephant will take you directly to the tiger either from the Lodge or from a nearby point reached by jeep or car. Tourists are however advised not to be tiger fixated and try to spot other animals listed in Bandhavgarh. Though tigers have a territory of 25 square kilometers, your guide, should be able to increase your chances of spotting one.If a tiger has made a kill the night before, it will generally rest in a bamboo clump near the remains of its dinner, dozing but alert to drive away unwelcome scavengers. One should, however, always avoid getting too close to the tiger. There is an interesting monolithic carving of a reclining Vishnu in the Bandhavgarh forest. A spring of water touches the feet of the idol and flows on, thus earning the name, Charan Ganga.There are rules of jungles which one needs to strictly adhere to – playing music in the vehicles is not allowed. Do not throw garbage and do not talk loudly. Following these instructions will make your encounter with the wild more realistic. How to reach By Air- The nearest airport is at Jabalpur ( 1 9 0 k m) . F r o m K h a ju r a h o ( 2 3 7 k m) , Bandhavgarh is a five-hour drive via Panna, Satna and Maihar across stretches of the Vindhyachal. By Rail- The nearest railway station near Bandhavgarh are Jabalpur (190km), Katni (102km) and Satna (120km) on the Central Railway and Umaria (35km) on the South Eastern Railway. State/private transport buses ply between Katni and Umaria and from Satna and Rewa to Tala (Bandhavgarh). Taxis are available at Satna, jabalpur, Katni, Umaria and Khajuraho By Road- Best Season- Mid-October to June. The park is closed from 1 July to 15 October due to rains. Your Host- Madhya Pradesh Tourism's White Tiger Forest Lodge, Ph-07627-265406,265366

Kanha's Sal & bamboo forests, rolling grassland & meandering streams stretch over 940 sq km in dramatic natural splendor. Kanha National Park forms the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1974 under Project Tiger. The park is the only habitat of the rare hardground barasingha ( Cervus Duvaceli Branderi).In the 1930s, the Kanha area was divided into two sanctuaries, Hallon & Banjar, of 250 sq kms & 300 sq kms each. Though one of these was subsequently disbanded, the area remained a protected one until 1947. Depletion of the tiger population in the years that followed led to the area being made an absolute sanctuary in 1952.By a special statute in 1955, Kanha National Park came into being. Since then, a series of stringent conservation programmes for the protection of the park's flora & fauna has given Kanha its deserved reputation for being one of the finest & best administered National Parks in Asia, an irresistible attraction for all wildlife lovers & a true haven for its animals and avian population. What to see-Forest Department guides accompany visitors around the park on mapped-out circuits which enables viewers to see a good cross section of Kanha's wildlife. The best areas are the meadows around Kanha, where black-buck, chital & barasingha can be seen throughout the day. Bamni Dadar Known as Sunset Point, this is one of the most beautiful areas of the park, from where a spectacular sunset can be watched.The dense luxuriance of Kanha's forests can best be seen from here.

Kanha Call of the Wild

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Animals that can be sighted around this point are typical of the mixed forest zone including sambar, barking deer, gaur and the four-horned antelope. Mammalian Species- Kanha has some 22 species of mammals. Those most easily spotted are the striped palm squirrel, common langur, jackal, wild pig, chital or spotted deer, barasingha or swamp deer, and black buck.Less commonly seen species are- Tiger, Indian hare, dhole or Indian wild dog, barking deer and Indian bison or gaur. Patient watching should reward the visitor with a sight of Indian fox, sloth bear, striped hyena , jungle cat,leopard,mouse, deer, chausingha or four horned antelope, nilgai, ratel & porcupine.Very rarely seen species are-Wolf, which lives in the far east of the park, chinkara to be found outside the park's northern boundary, Indian pangolin, the smooth Indian otter and the small Indian civet.Avian species Kanha has some 200 species of birds. Watchers should station themselves in the hills, where the mixed and bamboo forests harbour many species, in the grassy forest clearings.Water birds can be seen near the park's many rivulets and at Sarvantal, a pool that is frequented by water birds and the area in front of the museum. The sal forests do not normally yield a sight of Kanha's avifauna. Early mornings & late

afternoons are best for bird watching, binoculars are an invaluable aid to the watcher.Jeep & Elephant Hire - MPSTDC jeeps are available on hire for touring the park. Elephants are used for tiger tracking and should a tiger be located, the elephants can take the visitors to the site. For jeep hire, contact the MPSTDC Manager at Baghira Log huts, Kisli & Kanha Safari Lodge at Mukki. Booking for a morning run should be made a day before. Please bear in mind that jeeps

are not always available during peak visiting periods.Commonly seen species include- Cattle egret, pond heron, black ibis, common peafowl, crested serpent, racket-tailed drongo, hawk eagle & red wattled lapwing, various species of fly catcher, woodpecker, pigeon, dove, parakeet,babbler and mynah, Indian roller,white breasted kingfisher & grey hornbill. Best Season: February to June, although the cool season is much more comfortable and still very good for wildlife. (The park is closed from July 1 to Sept 30 because of the monsoon) For those planning a visit, a stay for at least 3 nights is recommended in order to have a good chance of seeing the more elusive animals-though, a brief visit is also interesting. What to wear : Cottons but bring wollens as well, as early mornings can be chilly, especially in a moving jeep and in the cool season. Food : Kisli has a restaurant and a canteen. The restaurant serves both Indian & western food. The canteen is cheaper, serving reasonably priced meals & snacks. Mukki also has a multi cuisine restaurant.THERE IS NO FACILITY FOR ENCASHING TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES How to reach – Khatia(3kms) and Mukki are the two main entry points to the Kanha National Park. From Jabalpur, Kisli is 165 km via Chiraidongri, and Mukki is 203 km via Motinala and Garhi. For travellers from Bilaspur(182km), Raipur(213km) and Balaghat(83 km), Mukki on State Highway No-26 is more convenient. From Nagpur, Kisli is 259 km via Nainpur and Chiraidongri, and Mukki is 289km via Balaghat.By Air- Nearest airports are at Jabalpur(160km), Raipur(240km) and Nagpur(335km)By Rail- Most convenient railheads are at Jabalpur and Bilaspur. By Road- There is a daily bus service available for Kisli and Mukki to and from Jabalpur. Taxis are available for hire from Jabalpur, Bilaspur and Raipur. It is advisable to reach Kisli before sunset as vehicle are not permitted within the park after dark. For assistance at Jabalpur, contact MPSTDC's Tourist Office at the railway station or Kalchuri residency. Best Season- Mid-October to June. The Park is closed from 1 July to 15 Oct due to rains. Your Host- Madhya Pradesh Tourism's: Baghira Log Huts-Kisli, Tourist Hostel-Kisli, Kanha Safari Lodge-Mukki - 07636-290715, 07637-296029

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Nestled in the southern slopes of the Satpura ranges of Central India, Pench Tiger Reserve(757.90sq kms) lies in southern Madhya Pradesh, bordering Maharastra. The Pench National Park which constitutes the core of the Tiger Reserve was notified in 1983. The Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park and the Mowgli Pench Sanctuary, Pench was brought under Project Tiger in 1992.Pench National Park gets its name from the Pench river that flows through it, dividing it into western Chhindwara block (141.61 sq kms ) & the Eastern Seoni Block (145.24 sqkms).The undulating topography of the Park supports a mosaic of vegetation ranging from moist valleys to open, dry deciduous forests. Over 1200 species of plants have been recorded in the area including several rare & endangered plants as well as plants of ethno-botanical importance. Pench National Park is the original setting of Rudyard Kipling's famous work, the Jungle Book. A visit to Pench, with its rich flora & fauna, actually brings alive

the setting & characters of this tale. The character, Mowgli, was inspired by Sir William Henry Sleeman's pamphlet, 'An Account of Wolves Nurturing Children in their Dens', which describes jungle boy captured in Seoni district , near the village of Sant Baori in 1831. Many of the places described in the Jungle book are actual locations in Seoni district like the Waingunga river with its gorge where Sher Khan was killed. The Jungle Book became a perennial best seller and inspired the Disney animated film, Mowgli.Forest & Wildlife - Pench is prime Tiger country. With just a little bit of luck you might see a family of tigers. The area has always been rich in wildlife. The heterogeneous forests, shrubs & grasslands here creates a favourable condition which harbours a dense population of cheetal & sambar , the key prey species of tiger & leopard. Pench Tiger Reserve has the highest density of herbivores in India, 90.3 animals per square kilometre. The area is especially famous for its huge population of gaur (Indian Bison) which might be sighted unusually close to the road, apart from cheetal, sambar, neelgai, wild dog & wild pig. Cheetal, the beautiful spotted deer are very common and their males sport an impressive spread of antlers during the rutting season. The key predators here are the tiger followed by the leopard, wild dog & wolf. Other animals found in the park include the sloth bear, chousingha, chinkara, barking deer, jackal, fox, palm civet, small Indian civet, jungle cat, hyena & porcupine. Pench Tiger Reserve is also among the best areas for bird watching.

Pench Land of 'The Jungle Book'

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Over 285 species of resident & migratory birds including Malabar pied hornbill, Indian pitta, osprey, grey headed fishing eagle, white eyed buzzard are found here. Four species of the endangered vulture, white rumped, long billed, white scavenger & king vulture can be seen in good numbers in these forests. In winter thousands of migratory water fowls including the brahmini ducks, pochards, bar headed geese & coots come to the Pench reservoir & the tanks within the park.The best time to visit Pench is summer as animals come out in search of water. Waterholes in the Park provide good opportunities to view some of its residents.There is an enthralling forest museum in Pench, it gives fascinating and graphically illustrated information about the National Park. Visitors should see it before their first round to the Park, then again after experiencing the forest to know more about what they have seen. Elephant Rides- The Park has elephants that are used to track & show tigers to the tourists. An elephant ride into the forests is an enchanting experience.

Park Attractions- Jungle Safari- Jungle safaris are a major attraction of the Park. A dawn safari, when animals are out in the open looking for food & water, is an unforgettable experience. Tigers & leopards can be seen near water bodies and even on the roads in summer. Cheetal, sambar & nilgai are found grazing in the forest & banks of the

river. Large herds of gaur are often spotted in the bamboo patches. Jackals, wild dogs & rhesus monkeys can be seen foraging for food in the densely wooded jungles. Boating The large Pench reservoir within the Park with its numerous islands provides a magical setting for boating. Motorboats, paddleboats & row boats are available for tourists. River Rafting Rafting can be done in the Pench river outside the Park between 1 Sept to 15 October. The forested banks of the river and its rocky stretches, locally called kassa, enhance the adventure Park timings: The Park remains open from 1 Oct to 30 June. Entry is allowed between 6 AM and 11 AM and then from 3 PM to 6 PM. Petrol vehicles and 5 year old diesel vehicles are allowed in the Park with fixed entry fees & trained guides. Detailed information on Park entry fees, wildlife viewing on elephant-back, photography and gu ides cha rges , e t c i s ava i l ab le on www.mponline.gov.inHow to reach The park has two main gates. The main entrance is from Turia in the east and another lesser used entrance is at Karmajhiri in the north.

By Air- The nearest airport is at Nagpur, only 92 kms away, which takes about two hours by road. It is 80 kms along National Highway-7 kms to Khawasa and then 12 kms to Turia gate. The airport in Jabalpur is 200 kms from Pench.By Rail- Nagpur junction is the nearest railway station from Pench.It is well connected to the rest of India. Jabalpur which is another 4-5 hours drive is the other major railhead. It is 165 kms along National Highway 7 to Sukhtara village via Seoni and then 30 kms to Karmajhiri.By Road- Situated on the Nagpur- Jabalpur highway, Pench is easily accessible by local taxis. If you take a bus from Nagpur, get off at

Khawasa which is 12 kms from Turia gate. Chhindwara is 120 kms and Seoni is 60 kms from the Park.Your Hosts- Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Kipling Court (at Turia Gate, Khawasa) Ph-07695-232830 At Rookhad (21 kms from Khawasa): Highway Treat Ph.-07560-285296

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The town of Amarkantak, is known as Teerthraj, or the 'King of pilgrimages'.Situated at an altitude of 1000 meter in Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh, Amarkantak lies at the meeting point of the three Central Indian hill ranges-Vindhyas, Satpuras & Maikal. This small town with its innumerable temples & holy ponds, bordered with lofty hills & dense forests, is a sought after destination, both by spiritually inclined as well as nature lovers. The two great rivers of India, the Narmada & the Sone, arise in Amarkantak. While the Narmada flows westwards, the Sone flows to the east. Legend has it that once Narmada & Son were to be married, but Son repulsed Narmada & married another. The distraught Narmada changed course & turned westwards. Amarkantak is green with forests, gentled with soft wetlands & streams & serene with temples & shrines. This place is curiously free from the hustle & bustle generally associated with piligrim towns. Even the mighty Narmada, that roars & fumes in the great Dhuandhar Falls in the distant Bhedaghat, is a tiny trickle of water in a white shrine in the most important temple in Amarkantak, the Narmada Udgam.Tourist Attractions of Amarkantak-Narmada Udgam-This is, in fact, a walled complex of white shrines sparkling in the sunlight, grouped around two tanks. The Narmada is born in the basement of a single celled temple. The life giving river has been personified as a beautiful female deity, the Narmada Devi. This

temple is also a Shakti peeth. The water from one of the tanks is finally poured out through the traditional Gao Mukh ( Cow's Mouth) spout in to the largest tank served by the steps of a ghat. Here the piligrims take a holy dip in the Narmada to cleanse their souls from the worldly sins. From there the Narmada flows for 1300 kms & enters the Arabian Sea Gulf of Cambay through a 27 kms broad estuary below Broach. Gayatri Sarovar : This was built by the state's Tourism Department and when a favourable monsoon fills it, visitors could be offered relaxing boat rides. Karna Math Mandir- Aka Mahameru Shri Yantra Mandir of Tripur Sundari-Its gate is crowned by four enormous faces of the Mother Goddess. Statues of 64 yoginis, varied aspects of the Mother Goddess, embellish the walls. The spire of the temple rises in the form of a stylized Mount Meru. Some distance away from the temple there is a tiny shrine under a mango tree. This is called the Sone Bhadra Maharaj.Mai ka Bagicha – This Garden of the Mother has two small shrines: one with a small idol of the Goddess Narmada; the other with the idols of both Narmada and Parvati.There is also a belief that the Narmada actually starts in this small marsh, disappears under ground and reappears in the Narmada Udgam. ASI Protected TemplesThese monuments are no longer living temples and are under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India. The oldest group of temples , on the left of the entrance to the complex, was built in the 10th century by the Kalachuri dynasty (6 Cent AD to 1240 AD ). This complex houses a temple as young as 200 years old. Kapil Dhara & Dugdh Dhara –Kapil Dhara is associated with the legendary sage, Kapila. Mythology has it that the legendary sage spent 12 years here immersed in meditative austerities. Here, the young Narmada pours down the escarpment in a gushing waterfall & the depressions in the water-worn rocks, before the cascade, are said to be the footprints of that powerful seer. It is a spectacular sight as the small stream of the Narmada plunges down a 24 m high vertical cliff to a gorge, transforming into a large river.

Amarkantak Source of the Holy Narmada

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The sacred Kapileshwar Temple is situated nearby. A little downstream from Kapildhara, the Narmada creates another waterfall, Dugdhdhara, literally meaning , 'the milky stream'.Bhrigu Ka Mandal- One of the greatest sages, chose Amarkantak as his place of meditation. Bhrigu ka Mandal, as the spot is now known, can be reached after a difficult, three-hour long trek that passes through dense forests. Kabir Chabutra A small tank near which the saint Kabir (1440-1518 AD) is said to have meditated, known as Kabir Chabutra, is now a sacred site for the Kabirpanthis. Jwaleshwar Temple This temple houses an ancient shivlinga. Mythology has it that, when Lord Shiva destroyed Tripura (the three mythical cities) by fire, some of the ashes accidentally split over Amarkantak, which led to the birth of crores of shivlingas. Jwaleshwar Temple, which is situated 8 kms from Amarkantak, enshrines one of those shivlingas.

How to reach By Air- The nearest airports are at Jabalpur (228kms) and Raipur, in Chhatisgarh(230kms). There is a permanent helipad at Amarkantak. Helicopters can be charted from Jabalpur, Bhopal or Raipur.By Rail -The nearest railway station is at Pendra Road (42kms), in Chhatisgarh. By Road- It is 71 kms from Anuppur, the district headquaters. Direct buses are available for Amarkantak from Rewa, Allahabad, Mandla, Seoni,Raipur, Bilaspur, Shahdol, Katni and Jabalpur. Your host- Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Holiday Homes Ph. 07629-269416

The long streams of pilgrims who pour into Maihar every day, their eyes fixed fervently on the white shrine atop a wooded hill, are driven by a single desire. They want to have a darshan, a merit enhancing sight, of the sacred idol of Sharda Mata. Cars are parked in a lot outside the main shopping area at the foot of the hill. An exception is made for those who have reservations in the Surbahar hotel by MPSTDC. It has parking space in its walled grounds beyond the traffic barrier. From here, there are two ways of getting up to the temple. One can either walk up 1152 steps: or one can hire one of the shuttle – service taxis run by the temple authorities.The tarred motor road starts from one side of the pedestrian complex fronting the gateway, and winds up the hill. At the upper end of this soaring road, a flight of 194 canopied steps with protective railings zig-zags up to the temple.The sanctum glitters with embossed silver. The idol is in the centre of the silver sanctum and is covered in garlands so that only her face and silver crown are visible. There are also idols of Hanuman, Kali Ma and Narsingh in the shrine. How to reach Maihar has its own railway station. It is well connected with Satna, Rewa, Jabalpur and Panna with regular bus services. Your host- Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Hotel Surbahar Tel : 07674-233362

Maihar

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Bhopal Region

Bhopal A Many-Splendoured City

Bhopal most probably derived its name from 'Bhoj Tala' or the lake of Bhopal. Bhoja was a great ruler, from the Parmar dynasty, who had a dynamic personality. He has been credited with creating two major water bodies in the area-one of which is outside Bhopal. After the Parmars, the rulers of the land changed

thfrequently and by the 18 century, the martial Gond tribes controlled Bhopal from the hill fort of Ginnorgarh. Beautiful queen Kamlawati was a Gond ruler. When her husband was murdered by an ambitious relative, the queen asked the Afghan adventurer and warrior Dost Mohd Khan , to help her. He did so but, when the Rani died, he seized her fortress and, later took possession of Bhopal. Dost Mohd Khan is credited with laying the foundations of present day Bhopal, erecting its protective wall and setting up the dynasty of Nawabs. For over two centuries , the descendants of Dost Mohd Khan (including the 107 year reign of 5 Begums) ruled Bhopal and they left their lasting imprint on the town. Today when the old city is seen from across the lake, it conjures up an impression of Turkey's Istanbul where pinnacles soar and domes rise. The city is divided into old and new. The Chowk - The life of the 200 year old city swirls around the central heart. Buildings with Islamic arches, turrets and balconies surround it . The markets also give a feel of the bygone era. The shops in its narrow alleys are treasure troves of traditional Bhopali crafts like silver jewellery, exquisitely fashioned beadwork, embroidered and sequined velvet fashioned purses and cushions.

Taj-ul-Masajid : Said to be the largest mosque in the country, the construction of this towering edifice was started by Shahjehan Begum but could not be completed during her lifetime. The great queen, who was the eighth ruler of Bhopal, left many monuments in the city and to her goes the credit for Bhopal's postal system, railways and waterworks. After her death, lack of funds prevented thecompletion of the m a s a j i d a n d c o n s t r u c t i o n w a s resumed only in 1971. The most striking features of the mosque are the impressive main hall with its inter-arched roof, broad facade, spacious courtyard and smooth marble floors.Jama Masjid : Gold spikes crown the minarets of this beautiful mosque, built in 1837 by Qudsia Begum.Moti Masjid : Architecturally akin to Delhi's Jama Masjid, this imposing mosque was built by Sikander Jehan, daughter of Qudsia Begum, in 1860.It is accessed by a flight of external steps from the roads. which lead to a courtyard that has an obligatory pool in the centre, an a r c h e d a n d pillared corridor on three sides and the beautiful white mosque in front. On a still day, the reflections of the mosque in the pool are exquisite. Moti Mahal : It was built by Sikander Jehan Begum. The projected, windows are a common architectural feature and one of their functions was to capture even the slightest breeze. To the right of the Moti Mahal, Shauqat Mahal is situated. It was built by Qudsia Begum in 1830, it is a mixture of styles in Islamic and French style of architecture. Nearby is the elegant and once –opulent Sadar Manzil, Hall of public audience of the former rulers of Bhopal. Gohar Mahal : It is interesting from an architectural point of view. Situated behind Shaukat Mahal on the banks of the Upper Lake is Gohar Mahal, which is an architectural gem dating to the times of Qudsia Begum, also known as Gohar Begum, who built this sprawling palace

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in 1820. The Mahal is a magnificent expression of the fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture. This spacious palace is now used as a handicraft market. Though the Gohar mahal was the first palace to be built by the Nawabs in Bhopal, it does not dominate the old town.Taj Mahal : It is not like its famous namesake in Agra, but it is beautiful in its own way. Dome balconies thrust out on both sides of the scalloped arch of its high gate. Beyond them are spread slim pillared arches. A row of corbels stretch below the arched windows in the next floor. It was built by Shah Jehan Begum. The work was started in 1871 and completed in 1884. The building is under restoration after years of being shuttered and neglected . Bharat Bhawan : One of the most unique national institutes in India, Bharat Bhawan is a centre for the performing and visual arts. Designed by the renowned architect, Charles Correa, the contours of Bharat Bhawan merge in exquisite harmony with the landscape creating a visual impact of spacious and natural elegance. The centre houses an art museum , an art gallery, a workshop for fine arts, a repertory theatre, indoor and outdoor auditorium, rehearsal room, and libraries of Indian poetry, classical and folk music. It is open from 2 pm to 8 pm every day except Mondays.I n d i r a G a n d h i R a s h t r i y a M a n a v Sangrahalaya : Situated in 200 acres of picturesque site at Shamla Hills and overlooking the Upper Lake, the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya is the largest open-air anthropological museum in India. Established in 1977, this Museum depicts the story of humankind in time and space through its Open Air and Indoor Exhibitions, consisting of Tribal Habitat, Coastal Village, Desert Villa, Himalayan Village, Mythological Trail and Traditional Technology, constructed by the concerned ethnic groups using raw materials brought from their respective localities. The Veethi Sankul, the Indoor museum depicts topics related to the human biological and cultural evolution.Periodical exhibitions, performing art presentations, artist workshops and education programs are also a regular part of this Museum. The museum is open every day except on Monday and national holidays.] [March to August 11:00 to 18:30 and September to February 10:00 to 17:30)State Museum : Situated on the picturesque

Shamla Hills in a beautiful new building, the State Museum houses the best of art and culture of Madhya Pradesh. It has 16 different theme galleries, showcasing the State's sculptural masterpieces, pre-historic articles and fossils, excavated objects, epigraphs, manuscripts, paintings and royal collection, documents, postal stamps, autographs, miniature paintings, coins, arms and weapons, and articles associated with India's freedom struggle.Laxminarayan Temple and Museum : This beautiful temple on the Arera Hills is a modern temple built in traditional style. It is also known as the Birla temple after the well known family of industrialists who built it. It has a museum attached to it which houses a collection of sculptures from Raisen, Sehore, Mandsaur and Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh. The Museum is open from 9 am to 5 on all days except Mondays.Van Vihar : The safari-park is located on a hill adjacent to the Upper Lake, with an area of 445 hectares. In these natural surroundings, wildlife watchers can view a variety of herbivorous and carnivorous species. It is actually a large zoo with open and landscaped enclosures. A motor road winds through it along the bank of the Upper Lake. These is also a stretch of wetland in Van Vihar which is populated by quacking water birds. Open everyday, except on Friday, from 7 to 11 am and 3to5.30pm.The Boat Club : The Upper Lake also holds the Boat Club. From the club, visitors can go out in the water in the Cruise Boat which is an imitation of a Mexican pirate ship. Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Boat Club on the Upper lake provides facilities for exciting trips by cruise, sail, paddle and motor boats.

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It is a place to freak out with family & friends through out the day with the fast food outlet Lehar Fast providing fresh snacks. You can take a boat ride, walk along the lake or simply sit back & relax in the Wind & Waves restaurant which is aptly situated to catch the beauty of the lake. The Cruise Boat in the Upper Lake is another place of recreation for the family. The round in the Lake would give you a true picture of Bhopal as you can awe at the green surroundings & the old buildings. The round of the lake around the sunset time could be a memorable experience. Regional Science Centre : Basically a science museum, located on the picturesque Shamla Hills, Regional Science Centre houses about 300 participatory exhibits distributed equally in 'Invention' & 'Fun Science' galleries, and a 'Taramandal' (Planetarium). The museum remains open from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm on all days except on Monday.Sair Sapata, Bhopal : Madhya Pradesh tourism has created a fun zone, Sair Sapata at Sevania Gond, near Bhadbhada Bridge, at Vanvihar Road, comprising of an adventure zone, food zone, toy train, musical fountain, a bar, jungle trail, a long pedestrian bridge and few view points. It received tremendous response from all the fun lovers.

It was a challenging project when the foot suspension cable stay bridge was taking shape. First of its kind in Asia, this bridge is almost 10 feet broad and 500 feet long. The children play zone gives ample scope for children to play around, while the adventure zone is apt for the daring teenagers. The nature trail is full of serenity. One gets the feel of getting lost in jungle.

The food zone will definitely satisfy the foodies. The boating at the venue, is a treat for the families. A unique sight for the visitors, the bar, is exclusively made of glass. The floor top is made up of glass, below which one can experience water flowing through!

The star attraction is the toy train, running across the park for children. The ten- minute ride is quite entertaining as it goes around the entire fun zone. Another innovative feature of Sair Sapata is the musical fountain- dancing to the tunes of music and illuminated with colourful lights. This is a point of special attraction for everyone as the plethora of colours rising out of the fountain presents a brilliant sight. How to reach By Air- Regular flights connect Bhopal with Delhi, Indore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Raipur.By Rail – Bhopal is on the main Delhi-Chennai main line. Major trains going from Mumbai to Delhi via Itarsi and Jhansi also go through Bhopal.By Road- Regular bus services connect Bhopal with Indore(186km), Mandu(285km),Ujjain(188km), Khajuraho(383km),Pachmarhi(195km), Gwalior (423km),Sanchi(46km), Jabalpur (295km) and Shivpuri (311km).Best season –July to March Your host –Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Palash Residency, Hotel Lake View Ashok (ITDC/MPT)

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46 kms north of Bhopal, a hill about 90 m in height is crowned by a group of stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars, which has been named Sanchi. Sanchi's Stupas, monasteries, temples and

rd thpillars dating from the 3 century BC to the 12 Century AD have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The most famous of these monuments, Stupa 1, known as the great Stupa, was originally built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, the then governor of Ujjayini, whose wife Devi was the daughter of a merchant from the adjacent town of Vidisha. Emperor Ashoka, though he won the battle of Kalinga, was very upset having slain over 150000 people and the misery which the war inflicted. Filled with remorse and with a sudden change of heart, the great Emperor renounced the path of violence and embraced Buddhism. He spearheaded the counsel of Buddhism through rock edicts and sent his emissaries to other parts of the world. Originally Stupas were erected over the relics of the Buddha or at sites related to his life. Emperor Ashoka is said to have erected 84000 such stupas and renovated many more during his reign. Of the

m o n u m e n t s h e commissioned, Sanchi is the

most well preserved. The Sanchi hill goes

up in the shelves with Stupa 2 s i t u a t e d o n lower shelf, while Stupa-1,

thStupa 3 , the 5 century Gupta temple No-17

t ha n d t h e 7 century temple

No-18 are on the intermediate shelf

w h i l e a l a t e r monastery is on

the crowning s h e l f . T h e b a l u s t r a d e surrounding S t u p a 2 , carved with a n i c o n i c

representations of the Buddha, was added in the ndlate 2 Century BC under the Shungas, while the

four gateways of Stupa 1 were built in the 1st Century BC under the Satavahanas.

Great Stupa No.1- Scholars believe that this was the first monument to be erected in Sanchi in the third century BC. The original stupa constructed by emperor Ashoka was enlarged in the Shunga period. In the first century BC , the Satvahanas contributed the elaborately carved torans. The Stupa stands 36.5 m in diameter and 16.5 m in height with a massive hemispherical dome. The dome is toped by triple chhatraveli (umbrella) that stands for the 3 jewels of Buddhism, namely the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. The medhi (circular terrace) meant for the circumambulation is approached by a stairway on the south. A paved path encircles the stupa and there are four entrances through finely carved torans (gateways). The gateways contain carved depiction of the legends and myths about the life of Buddha . They show, in detail, scenes from the second century BC. The North Gateway crowned by a wheel of law depicts the miracles associated with the Buddha as told in the Jatakas. The Jataka tales center around the previous births of Gautam Buddha , as Bodhisatva. The East Gate depicts the young prince Gautam, leaving his fathers's palace on his journey towards enlightenment and the dream of Maya, the mother of Gautama. The South Gate, oldest of the four gateways reveals the birth of Gautama in a series of dramatically rich carvings and also events from Ashoka's life as a Buddhist. Just to the right of the South gate is the stump of the pillar erected by Emperor Ashok

rdin the 3 Century BC. The Western Gateway portrays the seven incarnations of the Buddha.

SanchiMasterpieces of Buddhist Art

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Stupa No. 2- stands on the Western Slope, at the very edge of the hill. A stone balustrade is seen around it which has 4 L shaped entrances at the ground level. Facing the Western gate of Stupa 1 is the imposing Monastery 51.Stupa No. 3- Standing north-east of the Great Stupa, it has only one gateway and is believed to be constructed soon after the completion of the

ndGreat Stupa in the 2 Century BC. It is also similar in design to the Stupa No-1 though smaller in size. The relics of Sariputra and Maudgalayana , two of the Buddha's earliest disciples, are found in its innermost chamber. The Vihara – The remains of an ancient Vihara can be seen in Sanchi. Here, the individual cells for the monks open onto a central unroofed courtyard. It had been built using timber frames and brick walls, simple as befits a monastic establishment. The Chaityas -Since the Stupa was, in those days, the only symbol that Buddhists were permitted to venerate, and the monks could not hold all of their religious ceremonies at the Great Stupa, they built smaller stupas and enclosed them at the end of rectangular halls. These halls had the typical barrel vaulted roof of timber, timber pillars and brick walls which have collapsed over the centuries. All that is left of the oldest chaitya, are ruins identified as Temple No-40.The second

th thChaitya hall is Temple No-18 which has a 7 or 8 century terracotta figure of Lord Buddha. Temple No 17, near Temple No-9 is unique. Temple and Monastery 45- It stands on the

eastern extremity of the Sanchi complex, gazing over the carved and fallen blocks of its monastery. This temple was built in two phases. The earlier

th thone was raised in the 7 -8 century; the second th thone was built in 9 -10 century AD. Behind the

mesh screen of the locked gate is a seated statue of the Buddha. Some carved slabs showing the Brahminical deities Vishnu, Ganesh and the

thGoddess Mahishasurmardini, from the 13 century were excavated from Sanchi. These have been exhibited in the Site Museum. Site Museum- It stands at the bottom of the Sanchi campus, fenced in and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India . In its lobby is the capital of an Ashokan pillar considering of four lions facing the four cardinal directions. The museum is a home to many other interesting excavated images and artifacts from 2nd Century BC to 10th Century AD. How to reach By Air- Nearest airport is at Bhopal (46km via Diwanganj and 78 km via Raisen)By Rail – Sanchi lies on the Jhansi- Itarsi section of the Central Railways. However, the most convenient railheads are at Vidisha (10km) and Bhopal (46km)By Road- Good, motorable roads connect Sanchi with Bhopal, Indore, Sagar, Gwalior, Vidisha and Raisen besides other places.Best season –July to March

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Bhimbetka A World Heritage Site

Surrounded by the northern fringe of the Vindhyan ranges, Bhimbetka lies 46 km south of Bhopal. In this rocky terrain of dense forest and craggy cliffs, over 600 rock shelters belonging to the Neolithic age were recently discovered. Here, in vivid panoramic details paintings in over 500 caves depict the life of the prehistoric cave-dwellers, making the Bhimbetka group an archaeological treasure and an invaluable chronicle in the history of man.Executed mainly in red and white with the occasional use of green and yellow, with themes taken from the every day events of aeons ago, the scenes usually depict hunting, dancing, music, horse and elephant riders, animals fighting, honey collection, decoration of bodies, disguises, masking and household scenes. Animals such as bisons, tigers, lions, wild boars, elephants, antelopes, dogs, lizards, crocodiles etc. have been abundantly depicted in some caves. Popular religious and ritual symbols also occur frequently. The superimposition of paintings shows that the same canvas was used by different people at different times. The drawings and paintings can be classified under seven different periods: Period I - (Upper Paleolithic): These are linear representations, in green and dark red, of huge figures of animals such as bisons, tigers, and rhinoceroses.Period II (Mesolithic): Comparatively small in size, the stylised figures in this group show linear decoration on the body. In addition to animals, there are human figures and hunting scenes,

giving a clear picture of the weapons they used : barbed spears, pointed sticks, bows and arrows. The depiction of communal dances, birds, musical instruments, mother and child, pregnant women, men carrying dead animals, drinking and burials appear in rhythmic movement. Period III - (Chalcolithic): Similar to the paintings of Chalcolithic pottery, these drawings reveal that during the period the cave dwellers of this area had come in contact with the agricultural communities. The colours of the paintings have remained intact for many centuriesBhimbetka, a natural amphitheatre, has been recognised as a World Heritage Site.

Period IV & V (Early Historic): The figures of this group have a schematic and decorative style, and are painted mainly in red, white and yellow. The association is of riders, depiction of religious symbols, tunic-like dresses and the existence of scripts of different periods. The religious beliefs are represented by figures of yakshas, tree gods and magical sky chariots.Period VI & VII (Medieval): These paintings are geometric, linear and more schematic, but they show degeneration and crudeness in their artistic style.The colours used by the cave dwellers were prepared combining manganese, haematite, soft red stone and wooden coal. Sometimes the fat of animals and extracts of leaves were also used in the mixture. The colours have remained intact for many centuries due to the chemical reaction resulting from the oxide present on the surface of the rocks.

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Bhojpur A Heritage of Great Civilisations

Lakhajwar & S-Belt Paintings belonging to upper paleolithic period to Medieval period are also seen in the surrounding areas of Bhimbetka. Looking straight ahead, down the line of the path that arrows through the trees, one sees huge masses of rocks towering above the forest.They look rather like a natural fortress which is probably why our ancestors chose this site. 980 Centuries ago, Bhimbetka stood in dense, wet forest with lakes and green swamps glistening through the tropical trees.It was then the home of herds of elephants, Indian bisons and rhinoceros, possibly tigers and leopards. Early man needed a place from where he could spot the movements of wildlife and watch out for other, possibly hostile tribes. This great outcrop of rocks provide an excellent vantage point for him.These caves were discovered in 1957-58.Out of the 750 Rock Shelters, 500 are adorned with paintings. This was the centre of human activity right from Lower Paleolithic times upto the Medieval period comprising linear depiction of human figures , hunting, riding and other day to day activities of ancient man. Mineral colours used are green, red, ochre and white. The cup marks made on the rocks date to 100000 BCE. This pushes back the date of the cognitive development of man at Bhimbetka to many thousand years earlier than similar sites in various parts of the world making it the earliest cognitive human evolution. (As described by the Archaeologicl Survey of India). Indian Archaeologists generally accept that the Lower Palaeolithic age in our land extended from 500000 BCE to 100000 BCE when humans preferred to live near water and used pebbles found on the shores as weapons and implements.How to reach By Air- Bhopal (28 km from Bhojpur, and 46 km from Bhimbetka) is the nearest airport.By Rail –Bhopal, on the Delhi- Chennai and Delhi-Mumbai mainline is the most convenient rail-head.By Road- Both Bhojpur and Bhimbetka are connected by bus with Bhopal.Best season –July to March Your host – Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Highway Treat.

Founded by the legendary Parmar king of Dhar, Raja Bhoj (1010-'53), and named after him, Bhojpur, 28 km from Bhopal, is renowned for the remains of its magnificent Shiva Temple and Cyclopean dam. The temple, which has earned the nomenclature of the 'Somnath of the East', is known as the Bhojeshwar Temple. In plan, a simple square with an exterior dimension of 66 feet, devoid of the re-entrant angles are usual in such buildings. The richly carved dome, though incomplete, has a magnificent, soaring strength of line and is supported by four pillars. These, like the dome, have been conceived on a massive scale, yet retain a remarkable elegance because of their tapering form. Divided into three sections, the lowest is an octagon with facets of 2.12 feet, from which springs a 24-faced section. Richly carved above, the doorway is plain below, throwing into sharp relief the two exquisitely sculpted figures that stand on either side. On the other three sides of the structure are balconies, each supported by massive brackets and four intricately carved pillars. The lingam in the sanctum rises to an awe-inspiring height of 7.5 feet with a circumference of 17.8 feet. Set upon a massive platform 21.5 feet square, and composed of three superimposed limestone blocks, the architectural harmony of the lingam and the platform creates a superb synthesis of solidity and lightness. The temple was never completed, and the earthern ramp used to raise it to dome-level still stands. Had it been completed, it would have had very few rivals. As it is, even with the ravages of time, it remains one of the best examples of temple architecture of the 12th and 13th centuries.

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Also incomplete, and with a similar stone-raising ramp, is a Jain shrine that stands close to the Bhojeshwar temple. Three figures of the tirthankaras are contained within, one being a colossal statue of Mahavira 20 feet high, and the other two of Parsvanath. Rectangular in plan, this temple probably belongs to the same period as the Bhojeshwar. ExcursionAshapuri: It is near Bhojpur, at a distance of 40Kms. The ruins here indicate that a large group of temples existed here on the bank of a large pond, the remains of which are still visible. Presently, the remnants of temples (the Ashadevi temple, the Bhootnath temple, the Bilauta temple and Satmasia temple) can be seen.How to reach By Air- Bhopal (28 km from Bhojpur,) is the nearest airport By Rail –Bhopal, on the Delhi- Chennai and Delhi-Mumbai mainline is the most convenient rail-head.By Road- Bhojpur is connected by bus with Bhopal.Best season –July to March

Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh, is the ideal centre for discovering the rich historical and cultural legacy of the state. Close to the city and easily accessible by road and rail are ancient sites of great dynasties, forts, monuments and cave sculptures, some of the finest examples of Indian art and architecture, chronicled in stone, of the state's unique heritage of fine antiques.What to SeeVidisha : Vidisha Or Besnagar as it is called in the Pali sculptures, once the prosperous capital of the western dominions of the Sungas, contains some remarkable antiquities that throw light on the considerable architectural development of the period. Situated in the fork of the Betwa and Bes rivers, Vidisha, 10km from Sanchi, occupies an important place amongst the ancient cities in India. In the 6th and 5th centuries BC, it rose to become an important trade centre and a bustling city under the Sungas, Nagas, Satvahanas and Guptas. The Emperor Ashoka was the governor of Vidisha and it finds mention in Kalidasa's immortal Meghdoot. Deserted after the 6th century AD, it came into prominence again as Bhilsa during the medieval period (9th to 12th centuries AD). It later passed on to the Malwa Sultans, the Mughals, and the Scindias. Vidisha museum has a superb collection of Besnagar's earliest antiquities, dating from the Sunga period; 9th century sculptures, and terracotta objects, representing the art that flourished under Parmara patronage, are also well represented here. Highlights of the collection from Besnagar are the Surya and Chamundi figures, the Yakshi and the Ramagupta inscriptions. The Lohangi Rock, Gumbaz-ka-Maqbara and Bijamandal Mosque, standing on the foundations of a temple, are also worth a visit.Close to the ruins are the remains of votive pillars with palm-leaf capitals; the only one that still stands is the Heliodorus Pillar, also known as Khambha Baba. A monolithic, free-standing column, the Pillar bears an inscription which states that it was a Garuda Pillar, raised in honour of Vasudeva by Heliodorus, a resident of Taxila, who had been sent to the court of Bhagabhadra as

Vidisha, Udaygiri Caves, Gyaraspur, Udaypur A Rich Historical Legacy

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an envoy of the Indo-Bactrian monarch, Antialcidas. This inscription is a particularly valuable historical record, revealing both the relations that existed between the region and the Greek kingdoms of Punjab, and the remarkable fact that a Greek had become a follower of the Hindu god Vishnu. The inclusion of the name of Antialcidas dates the approximated erection of the pillar to 140 BC. Architecturally, the Pillar, with its bell capital carrying a figured super-structure, resembles the Ashoka Pillar, but is much smaller in size with more slender proportions. The lower portion of the shaft is octagonal, the upper, sixteen-sided, with a panel above of thirty-two facets. The carvings have Buddhist motifs such as a border with geese in pairs as well as Hellenic ones such as the honeysuckle and the bead-moulding. Vidisha District Museum – It is a small museum with striking exhibits, some displayed in the garden. They testify to the continual cultural

th thwealth of the area. From 9 -10 century is Bhairavnath the Hunter with his dog.From the same century comes a panel of Jain Tirthankars. A century later, the artists of this affluent place created a superb reclining Vishnu, the Brahminical God of Preservation. At the entrance of the Museum is a towering Yaksha, one of the protectors of the God of Wealth, Kubera. This is from the second century BC. The museum

nd th exhibits artefacts from 2 Century BC to 11Century AD.B i j a M a n d a l -Today it is a very i m p r e s s i v e platform, richly c a r v e d . T h i s , apparently, was the base of a soaring B r a h m i n i c a l temple dedicated to t h e G o d d e s s Charchika a lso known as Vijaya. It has been attributed to Parmara king Naravarman. H e l i o d o r u s ' Pillar- Heliodorus was most likely a nobleman in the court of Greek king

Antialcidas of Taxila. The king sent Heliodorus as his personal ambassador to the Sunga court at Vidisha .Here Heliodorus became a devotee of the Brahminical God, Vishnu, whose vahan, or vehicle, is the eagle Garuda. Heliodorus erected a pillar crowned by a Garuda in honour of his devotion. This is now a protected monument in its own walled grounds. It has inscriptions in Brahmi and Prakrit characters. There is one more place of considerable interest in the old Vidisha, which is Udaygiri. Udaygiri Caves : 13 km from Sanchi and 4 km from Vidisha, are group of rock-cut cave sanctuaries, carved into a sandstone hill that stands, sentinel like, on the horizon. An inscription on one of these states, that it was produced during the reign of Chandragupta II (382-402 AD), thus dating these caves to 4-5 AD. The cave possess all the distinctive features that gave Gupta art its unique vitality, vigour and

richness of expression, the beautifully moulded capitals, the treatment of the intercolomination, the design of the entranceway and the system of continuing the architrave as a string course round the structure. The first cave that the visitor encounters , driving into Udaygiri is Cave-19. This is known as Amrit Cave after the carving around the entrance . It shows the churning of the ocean by gods and demons , out of which emerged a number of precious things like the Nectar of Immortality, or Amrit .

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This cave has a pillared portico built in front of its mouth. Inside there is a Shivling, emblem of Lord Shiva, and Shiva's vehicle, the bull Nandi. The caves have been numbered probably according to the sequence in which they were excavated, beginning with Cave 1, which has a frontage adapted out of a natural ledge of rock, thus forming both the roof of the cellar and its portico. The row of four pillars bear the Vase and foliage pattern of which the eminent art historian, Percy Brown, so eloquently says, "the Gupta capital typifies a renewal of faith, the water nourishing the plant trailing from its brim, an allegory which has produced the vase and flower motif, one of the most graceful forms in Indian architecture". Characterised by richly carved facades and doorways, the shrines are progressively more spacious and more ornate. Architecturally, Cave No-1 is of considerable interest as it represents the earliest phase in the development of temple architecture in India planned as it is with a small shrine and a simple porch in front. Cave No. 9 is remarkable for its large cellar and massive 8 feet high pillars, a long portico and a pillared hall. Throughout there is evidence that the master craftsmen of Besnagar practised their art with skill and artistry under the Guptas, four centuries later. Cave No. 5 is awe-inspiring in the sheer magnificence of the vision of its builders:here, a massive carving depicts Vishnu, in his Varaha (Boar) incarnation, holding the earth goddess Prithvi aloft upon one tusk. Yet another stupendous sculpture is of the reclining Vishnu. Taken as a whole, this stupendous group is a rich representation of the vitality and strength of Gupta art and architecture. Cave No 7 has a lotus carved on the ceiling and was made on the orders of a minister of Chandragupta. The majority of these caves have been dated to the Gupta dynasty.Cave No. 3 has a standing figure of lord Kartik, the warrior son of Shiva. Back on the rock –cut steps, and after a short ascent , lies the rock-shelter Cave No. 13 with a large carving of the Preserver Vishnu reclining on the coils of the serpent, Sheshshayi. GYARASPUR: 41 km north-east of Sanchi, Gyaraspur was a place of considerable importance in the medieval period. Here, in the ruins called Athakhambe (Eight Pillars) and Chaukhambe (Four Pillars) are what remains of the columned halls of two temples belonging to the 9th and 10th centuries AD. The faceted shafts

of Athakhambe with their extreme delicacy of carving testify to the high degree of craftsmanship during the period. Other monuments of note at Gyaraspur are of the early 10th century which comprises Bajra Math and the Mala Devi Temple, the latter distinguished by its carved pillars with foliated motifs, representatives of the richest post-Gupta style. Bajramath Temple - It is certainly very accessible, standing, as it does, adjacent to the town's playing field. It is clearly a Brahminical temple standing on a high plinth with three shrines, or cells, placed abreast: which is rather unusual. The carvings on the doorways, and above them, are particularly attractive. Hindola Torana - This is, literally, the Swing Entrance because the most elaborately carved pillars resemble the trestles on which swings hang. This was, once the entrance to a large temple dedicated either to Vishnu or to the Trimurti- the Brahminical trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Maladevi Temple- In front of the temple, a descriptive board reads- This is a Jain temple,a richly carved magnificient edifice comprising an entrance porch, a hall and a sanctum which is partly rock-cut and is surrounded by an ambulatory and crowned by a

thlofty shikhara. It is assignable to about 9 Century AD. Although the name Maladevi sounds Brahminical, it contains Jain images.UDAYPUR is 90 km from Bhopal via Vidisha and Ganj Basoda. The colossal Neelkantheshwara temple here is an outstanding example of Parmara art and architecture of the llth century AD. The crowning beauty of this temple lies in its well proportioned and gracefully designed spire of shikhar, and delicately carved medallions adorning its sides. The fascinating spire is perhaps unrivalled in beauty in the whole array of Indian temples. Built of find red sandstone and standing on a lofty platform, the temple consists of a garbha-griha (shrine room), a sabha mandap (hall) and three pravesha mandaps (entrance porches). Pisanhari-ka-Mandir It is a single celled temple with a tower and a flat roofed porch. Inside is a black shivling, a small idol of Parvati and Nandi in the portico. Shahi Mosque- Reputedly commenced in the reign of Jehangir and completed in that of Shah Jehan in 1632, it is a simple, long, pillared structure, simple in architecture, like the early Mughal architecture. Barakhambi- It is a pillared hall standing alone in a scrub covered wilderness:

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thall that remains of a large temple built in the 11 Century. Bijamandal, Shahi Masjid and Mahal, Sher Khan-ki-Masjid are some of the other monuments in Udaypur.

How to reach By Air- The nearest airport is at Bhopal (60 km) from Vidisha. By Rail -Bhopal, on the Delhi- Chennai main line is the nearest major railhead, but Sanchi, on the Jhansi-Itarsi section of the Central Railway, and Vidisha , 10km from Sanchi are more convenient.By Road- Regular bus services connect Vidisha, Udaypur, Gyaraspur, Sanchi with Bhopal.Best season –July to March.

Delawadi & Ginnorgarh fort - 62 km from Bhopal, Delawadi (in Sehore district) is a picturesque picnic spot rich in scenic splendor and natural beauty. It is also a gateway to Ratapani Sanctuary. 3 kms (on foot) from Delawadi stands the historical hill fort of Ginnorgarh . The fort was once a stronghold of Gond , but fell to Dost Mohd Khan of Bhopal. Lying in a state of ruin , the Ginnorgarh Fort is about 1127m long and 266 m broad. MPT runs a tented accommodation unit here.Hoshangabad - 75 km from Bhopal, Hoshangabad was founded by Sultan Hoshang Shah of Malwa in the early 15th Century. The beautiful Sethani Ghat on the banks of river Narmada is considered holy and thousands gather here to take a holy dip especially on the occasions of Mahashivratri, Makarsankranti and new moon nights. Tawa Dam – This is situated in Hoshangabad district between the western boundary of Satpura National Park and Bori Wildlife sanctuary. Tawa lies midway on the Pipariya- Bhopal route(75km from each). Madhya Pradesh Tourism has a property, called Tawa Resort, which overlooks the dam. Madhya Pradesh Tourism also provides cruising facility in the Tawa Dam. Biaora It is in Rajgarh district, about 120 kms from Bhopal, located on the junction of NH3 and NH 12 junction. Biaora is a popular stopover on NH-3 (Ujjain- Shivpuri route). Biaora is famous for 700 years old Chaturbhujnath Temple and 400 years old Raghunath Temple. MPT runs a Tourist Motel here which provides rooms and restaurant.Raisen- About 45 km from Bhopal , Raisen has a 6th century fort perched on a hill. It was once surrounded by 84 lakes and ponds, out of which only 15 survive today. The fort once the stronghold of Raja Rai Puran Mal also remained under the Afghan rulers and Mughal. It was then taken over by the Maratha and finally was gifted to the princely state of Bhopal by the British after 1857. Halali dam -47 kilometres from Bhopal on road to Sanchi, Halali dam is located both in Vidisha and Raisen district. It is an ideal place to view avifauna and see the beauty of nature. Madhya Pradesh Tourism has a property here, Halali Retreat which has a restaurant and six rooms.

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Pachmarhi Region

PachmarhiVerdant Jewel of the Satpuras

The valley, ravines and maze of gorges, sculpted in red sandstone by the wind & weather -Pachmarhi is Madhya Pradesh's most verdant jewel, a place where nature has found exquisite expression in myriad enchanting ways. Green shades embrace the mountains, and everywhere is heard the gentle murmur of flowing water. Bridle paths lead into tranquil forest glades, groves of wild bamboo and jamun, dense sal forests and delicate bamboo thickets.

Complementing the magnificence of nature are the works of man; Pachmarhi is also an archaeological treasure-house. In cave shelters, in the Mahadeo Hills, is an astonishing richness in rock paintings. Most of these have been placed in

the period 500-800 AD. The year was 1857 when Captain James Forsyth of the Bengal Lancers was galloping hard up the Satpura ranges, he chanced upon this saucer -shaped valley.

Churches and cemeteries bring back memories of the colonial past of Pachmarhi which has managed to escape reckless plunder suffered by other hill stations.

What to see-

Priyadarshini- (Forsyth Point)- This vintage viewing point marks the place from where Pachmarhi was discovered by Captain Forsyth in 1857. It offers wide screen views of the surrounding hills and wooded valleys.

Jamuna Prapat- (Bee Fall) A spectacular fall in the stream which provides drinking water to Pachmarhi . The bathing pools are very popular with tourists. An interesting trail through forests and scrubland, across a cascading stream is a delightful spot to have picnic. These are among the most photographed sights of Pachmarhi. Water foams & roars, frothing & frisking. Visitors bathing in the falls often compare its cold , tingling, spray to the stings of bees.

Handi Khoh - Pachmarhi's most impressive ravine has a 30 feet high precipice and dramatically steep sides. This is a deep, forested gorge almost a hundred metres to the bottom. It derived its name from its shape, called handi, which is a cooking vessel.

Apsara Vihar( Fairy pool)- This pool is an ideal picnic spot for families with small children, since the pool is shallow, deepening only towards the base of the fall. This apparently was the favourite picnic spot of the British and still attracts a lot of

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Rajat Prapat (Big Fall) Those seeking adventure will find it in a ten minute walk over rocks & boulders from Apsara Vihar to the top of Rajat Prapat .

Irene Pool- This pool was discovered by Irene Bose-wife of Justice Vivian Bose & named after her. The route upstream leads to a cave, through which the stream goes underground & then over a khud in a series of falls. The cliffs, rising all around, are towering, parts of them forested. They open far above to admit a shaft of sunlight to illuminate the pool. From a small cave, spot-lit by the beam of the sun, a stream of water gurgles out and spills over a miniature waterfall, into the pool. It is so crystal clear that the pebbles at the bottom are visible.

Duchess Fall-Jalawataran- The descent is steep & the trek strenuous for almost all of the 4 km to the base of the falls first cascade.

Sunder Kund ( Saunder's Pool)- Crossing the stream below Duchess Falls and following a foothpath about 2.5 km in a south westerly direction brings one to a huge rocky pool in the Jambu Dweep stream, an excellent place for swimming.

Mahadeo- Regarded as holy for countless generations, Mahadeo Hills has a shrine with an idol of Lord Shiva & an impressive Shivlinga. On the east side of the hill is an excellent cave shelter with paintings. This cave-shrine, at the other end of Pachmarhi is at the top of a flight of steps rising

up a wooded hill and running alongside a ravine with a gushing stream. Pilgrims walk along a parapet stretching into the cave shrine. Legend has it that it was the place where demon Bhasmasura was burnt to ashes in his attempt to slain Shiva.

Chhota Mahadeo-Revered as a sacred spot, this is a narrow point in the valley with rocks over hanging a stream and a small spring from which water cascades down.

Chauragarh- 4 kms from Mahadeo, the sacred summit crowned with emblems of Mahadeo worship, is one of Satpura's prominent landmarks.

Jata Shankar- It is a sacred cave under a mass of loose boulders, in which the Jambu Dweep stream has its source. A rocky formation of this place resembles the matted locks of Shiva. Visitors take off their shoes and walk bare footed to the cave. Natural geological forces and the action of water dripping over rocks have created a number of intriguing shapes.

Dhoopgarh- The highest point in Satpura range, 1350m above sea level, with a magnificent view of the surrounding ranges. A very popular spot for viewing the sunset. Here every evening, visitors assemble to sit on grassy slopes of this west facing point. The range of hills beyond is the backdrop of a vast amphitheatre. And it is on this mega screen that the sun plays out its pre-dusk drama, the spectacle of sunset over the hills of Pachmarhi.

Pandav Caves- Five ancient dwellings excavated in the sandstone rock in a low hill. Pachmarhi derives its name from these caves which, as the legend goes, once provided shelter to the Pandav brothers, the heroes of the Mahabharat, the world's longest epic.

Tridhara–Piccadily Circus - A popular picnic spot where two streams meet in a junction.

Vanshree- Vihar(Pansy Pool) - A beautiful spot in the Denwa Stream, cool & shady among trees & semi tropical vegetation.

Reechgarh - A wonderful natural amphitheatre in the rock , approached through a cave-like entrance on the south –side. The other end opens into a narrow canyon, scarred & striated by the action of ancient streams that must have gushed through Reechgarh at great speed.

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They sculpted & scoured, rounded, polished and etched the rocks leaving openings that vary from huge, irregular or more amazing shapes.

Sangam ( Fuller's Khud-Waters meet) -This is the lowest of the picnic spots on the Denwa and offers fairly good bathing pools both below & above the meeting of the waters.

Catholic Church—Built in 1892 by the British, The Catholic church is a blend of French & the Irish architecture. Some may find this Church replicating the architecture of the early English period (1200-1300AD), by its slim lancet windows, the flying buttresses & pointed arches. Its Belgian stained-glass windows add rare attraction & beauty to the building. Formally known as the Church of Our Lady, the Mother of Christ, and she is shown wearing an unusual, high silver crown, it is a beautiful, well maintained stone church. One of the most striking features of this church is the Baptismal Font-backed by a marble sculpture depicting Jesus being baptized in the Jordan by John, the Baptist.

The church has a cemetery attached to it & graves date from 1859 to World War I & II.

Christ Church- Built in 1875 by the British, the church is generally regarded as the most beautiful small Gothic church in Madhya Pradesh The Church's architecture is fascinating –it has a hemispherical dome on the top with its ribs ending with faces of angels. The stained glass panes adorning the walls and rear of the altar were imported from Europe. They present a gorgeous view as the sun rays pass through them. The nave

of the church does not contain even a single pillar for support. Time moves slowly in Pachmarhi. Just before leaving the church, do look up. There is a superb rose window high above the entrance emblazoned with regimental crests.

Satpura National Park- Set up in 1981, Satpura National Park is 524 sq. km in area. Its spread through a dense forest of evergreen sal, teak & bamboo. The high peaks of Dhoopgarh & Mahadeo, Bori's legendary teak & bamboo forests, Pachmarhi's fascinating natural beauty of deep valleys, high mountains, rivulets, water falls & Tawa's vast reservoir combine to give this park unique beauty and breath taking variety of attractions . The Park is home to the gaur, tiger, leopard, beer, four horned deer, blue bull & a variety of birds.

Bison Lodge-Constructed in 1862, the Bison Lodge is the oldest house in Pachmarhi. It now houses a small but interesting museum. As sightings of bison, leopards or tigers in the wild are unlikely during a short visit to this area, the dioramas of these animals in the museum should give visitors a fair idea what they have missed. A single entry in the museum brings alive all the attractions of the forest of Pachmarhi.

Other Tourist Attractions : Lanji Hill, Irene Pool, Astachal, Harper's Cave, Chieftain's Cave and Tamia.

How to reach By Air- The nearest airport is Bhopal (195km) By Rail –Pipariya (47km), on the Mumbai-Howrah mainline via Allahabad, is the most convenient railhead.By Road- Pachmarhi is connected by regular bus services with Bhopal, Hoshangabad, Nagpur, Pipariya and Chhindwara. Taxis are available at Pipariya. Best season –Throughout the year.Your Host- Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corpora t ion opera tes 9 accommodation units in Pachmarhi which cater to the requirements of all income groups. While Rock End Manor, Glen View, Satpura Retreat, Champak Bungalow and Hilltop Bungalow offer luxury, Amaltas and Panchvati offer good comfort. Hotel Highlands and Woodland Bungalow are for those on budget.

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Tucked away in the serenity of Satpura mountain

ranges, Satpura National Park rests in the

Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh. Set up

in 1981, the park borrows its name from the

Satpura hill ranges (Mahadeo Hills). An

important wildlife sanctuary of India, the park

shelters a rich biodiversity amidst its terrains. The

panorama of the place, coupled with its

herbaceous surroundings, makes it an ideal abode

of many wildlife species of the country. The park

has a jutted landscape, embedded with plain

lands, and the altitude of the place ranges from

352 m to 1352 m.

Landscape and Flora

The landscape of Satpura Park is a veritable haven

reflecting aspects of natural splendor, with rocky

sandstone peaks complemented by deep and

dramatic ravines. The dense forest undulate with

all its verdure and remains interspersed with some

rare bryophytes and pteridophytes. Central Indian

mixed deciduous vegetation is common in most of

the areas. There are abundant Sal, Teak, Tendu,

Aonla, Mahua, Bel and Bamboo trees that add to

the wealth of flora in the park. Grasses and plants

with therapeutic and medicinal properties are also

found in abundance.

Fauna & Avifauna

The Satpura National Park is a rare and exciting

jungle treat. Its fauna comprises of animals like

Tiger, Leopard, Sambar, Chital, Bhedki, Nilgai,

Four-horned Antelope, Rhesus Monkey,

Chinkara, Bison, Wild Boar, Wild Dog, Bear,

Tawa - Madhai A wildlife river safari in the spectacular Satpura National Park

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Black Buck, Fox, Porcupine, Flying Squirrel,

Mouse Deer and Indian Joint Squirrel, to name a

few. There is also a huge collection of bird of

about 254 species.

Birds like Malabar Pied Hornbills, Crested

Serpent Eagles, Crested Hawk Eagles, Honey

Buzzards, Paradise Flycatchers, Thrushes,

Peafowl and Pheasants contribute to the varied

avifauna of the park.

Tawa Reservoir

Tawa Reservoir is a large reservoir on the Tawa

River in Central India. Located in Hoshangabad

district of Madhya Pradesh state, the reservoir was

formed by the construction of the Tawa Dam,

which began in 1958 and was completed in 1978.

The dam provides water for irrigation to several

thousand hectares of farming land in

Hoshangabad and Harda districts. Hoshangabad

lies mid-way on the Pipariya - Bhopal route (75

kms from each). Tawa Reservoir is also a big

tourist attraction during the monsoon months.

Your Host : Tawa Resort ( MPT)

Accommodation: 2 House Boats, 6 AC rooms.

Facilities: Restaurant, Open garden area. A cruise

boat service has been started by the M.P. Tourism

for the visitors.

Tawa Reservoir is visited as ex-Bhopal getaway

and part of an itinerary covering Pachmarhi,

Bhopal and Satpura ranges.

Tawa - Madhai (Mini cruise)

Madhai is gateway to Satpura Tiger Reserve and

can be reached by road from Itarsi, which is at a

distance of 79 km. M.P. Tourism, in

collaboration with M.P. Ecotourism Development

Board is offering for the first time in India, a river

wildlife safari for tourists travelling from Tawa to

Madhai, through a river passage. Enroute, one can

view the wildlife and nature's most beautiful

panoramic landscape. The Satpura Tiger Reserve

is rich with flora and fauna in addition to the

exotic migratory birds.

The time taken to travel across the passage is

approximately 3 to 4 hours on "Jalpari" (A mini

cruise boat) which can hold upto10 persons.

Complimentary one time snack and mineral water

are served onboard during the travel. Lunch can

be provided on prior request.

How to reach :

By Air : The nearest airport is at Bhopal (195 km)

By Rail : Itarsi (20 km), on the Mumbai-Howrah

mainline via Allahabad, is the most convenient

railhead.

By Road : Tawa is connected by regular bus

services with Bhopal, Hoshangabad, Itarsi,

Nagpur, Pipariya and Chindwara, Taxis are

available at Itarsi.

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In the temple architecture of India, the Khajuraho complex

remains unique. One thousand years ago, under the generous

and artistic patronage of the Chandela Rajput kings of Central

India, 85 temples, magnificent in form and richly carved, came

up on one site, near the village of Khajuraho. The amazingly

short span of 100 years, from 950 AD - 1050 AD, saw the

completion of all the temples, in an inspired burst of creativity.

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. This fascinating Son-et-Lumière spectacle

evokes the life and times of the great Chandela Kings

and traces the story of the unique temples during

10th and 11th centuries. Mounted in the

complex of the Western Group of

temples, the 50-minute show runs in

Hindi and in English every

evening. Amitabh Bachchan, the

Indian film icon, narrates the

story of Khajuraho in his

mesmerizing

voice.

Son-et-Lumière

The Sound & Light Show at Orchha is a thrilling experience

through pages of history. It narrates the discovery of Orchha by

a king on hunt and the rise & fall of the mighty kings, great

battles, saucy romances & feats of valour. The narration will

take you through the exciting tales of defiance, loyalty &

ambition and stories of saintly queens. The show also gives

you an interesting insight into the architecture, wall paintings

& culture of Bundelkhand. Many episodes are well depicted in

the Sound & Light show. The journey of Queen Ganesh

Kunwari from Ayodhya to Orchha establishing her faith in

Lord Rama and the legend of Rai Praveen, returning with grace

from the court of Emperor Akbar, are worth to be watched.

Further, the poignant death of Lala Hardaul, the legendary

character of Bundelkhand folk lore, moves a many.

GwaliorA�Living�Heritage�of�Heroism�

For many decades now, the Fort of Gwalior has slumbered in

silence, broken now and then by the patter of curious feet and

awed tones. Come sundown, the deserted Fort is once again

left with only memories for company. But now it comes alive

every night. Well remembered incidents, and well loved voices

once more echo through its lonely corridors and its dark and

sad facade now glows with the colours of life. Red-gold, blue-

green lights illuminate every nook and cranny of the superbly

tiled 'Man Mandir'. The Gwalior Son-et-Lumière has begun!

The Sound and Light show at the Man Mandir Palace of

Gwalior Fort gives you a glimpse into its glorious past. A

citadel which guided the destiny of Hindustan, it was described

by Babur as a “pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind.”

The story of this 'pearl' begins with the sonorous and eloquent

narration by Amitabh Bachchan as Gopachal, the sutradhar

(narrator).

For a brief period in history, Gwalior stood witness to Turkish

invasions and tragic Rajput defeats. Sieges by Mehmood

Ghaznavi and others have been realistically created by the

Son-et-Lumière and 'Jauhar' scenes where Rajput women

immolate themselves. They are lighting marvels, so life-like

they seem to cast a spell on the kings who rode out for their last

battle.

The exquisite 'Man Mandir', Palace of Dreams, was built

during the reign of Man Singh, the Tomar king, and then began

the most romantic epoch of the Gwalior Fort. Man Singh, a

popular and just ruler married to a courageous Gujari village

belle, Mrignayani, and the tale of their meeting has been

beautifully played out in the Son-et-Lumière.

Pt. Jasraj, Bhimsen Joshi and Kumar Gandharva recreate the

spiritual grandeur of the Dhrupad tradition as sung by Baiju, an

illustrious son of Gwalior and Tansen, one of Akbar's nine

jewels. The Son-et Lumière vividly reconstructs Mughal rule,

depicting the time when the fort had become a royal prison.

The release of Guru Har Gobind Singh has also been

graphically described as has been the incredible story attached

to it.

KhajurahoEternal�Expressions�of�Love�

OrchhaMedieval�Legacy�in�Stone�

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Caravan Tourism

'Holiday on Wheels', is an innovative venture of M.P. Tourism which will tempt you into buying our packages.

Caravan is not just a vehicle - it is an experience. It offers AC Luxury drive in total privacy . It is the first of its kind in the country to take the adventurous tourist to any desired spot. MPT becomes the first State in the country to introduce Caravan Tourism. It was an instant hit among the adventure seekers as no one could think of such a facility available at such an affordable price. The vehicle has a microwave, a fridge a LCD and is fully air conditioned. The Caravan is meant for 2 adults & 2 children below 12 years. You can park the vehicle at the parking bays of MP Tourism units. Packages do not include meals, sightseeing/ entry/ guide charges. Taxes would be extra.

For bookings contact : Tel : 0755-2775572, 2778383E- mail : info@mptourism.com

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Tour name Originating Duration Major Places Visited

Sylvan Retreat Ahmedabad & Rajkot 7N / 8D Bhopal, Bhojpur, Bhimbetka, Pachmarhi, Jabalpur, Kanha

Call of the Wild Ahmedabad & Rajkot 6N / 7D Jabalpur, Bhedaghat, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Katni

Magical Mandu Ahmedabad & Rajkot 4N / 5D Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandu, Indore

Kipling Country Ahmedabad & Rajkot 7N / 8D Bhopal, Pipariya, Pachmarhi, Kanha, Marble Rocks-Bhedaghat (Jabalpur)

Satpura Queen Ahmedabad & Rajkot 3N / 4D Bhopal, Bhojpur, Bhimbetka, Pachmarhi

World Heritage Ahmedabad & Rajkot 2N / 3D Bhopal, Bhimbetka, Bhojpur, Sanchi

Pachmarhi Adventure Bhopal 3N / 4D Bhopal, Bhimbetka, Tawa Safari Madhai, Pachmarhi

Medieval Splendour Delhi 2N / 3D Jhansi, Khajuraho, Orchha

Down Memory Lane Delhi 3N / 4D Gwalior, Shivpuri, Khajuraho, Orchha, Jhansi

Khajuraho Dance Delhi 4N / 5D Jhansi, Khajuraho, Panna Festival Orchha

Khajuraho Calling Delhi 2N / 3D Jhansi, Khajuraho, Panna

Satpura Queen Delhi 3N / 4D Bhopal, Bhojpur, Bhimbetka, Pachmarhi

Satpura Queen Delhi 3N / 4D Pachmarhi, Pipariya

Magical Mandu Delhi 4N / 5D Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandu, Indore

Tiger Tracks Delhi 2N / 3D Jabalpur, Kanha (kisli), Kanha (mukki), Bandhavgarh

Chambal Safari Gwalior Day Tour Gwalior, Chambal River, Deori

World Heritage Hyderabad 3N / 4D Bhopal, Sanchi, Bhojpur

Bhimbetka, Jhansi, Orchha

Khajuraho

Tiger Tracks Hyderabad 2N / 3D Nagpur, Kanha

Temptations At A Glance M.P. Tourism's immensely popular package tours Temptations, offers a totally carefree holiday with every detail taken care of.

Temptations - 15 dream vacations in the very heart of India.

Tour name Originating Duration Major Places Visited

Tiger Tracks Hyderabad 2N / 3D Katni, Bandhavgarh

Satpura Queen Hyderabad 3N / 4D Itarsi, Pachmarhi

Jyotirlinga Darshan Hyderabad 3N / 4D Ujjain, Omkareshwar

Maheshwar, Indore

Khajuraho Dance Hyderabad 4N / 5D Jhansi, Khajuraho, Orchha

Festival

Mowgli's Trail Hyderabad 4N / 5D Nagpur, Pench, Pachmarhi

Highland Glory Kolkata 8N / 9D Pipariya, Pachmarhi,

Bhedaghat, Kanha (Mukki)

Heritage Unlimited Kolkata 8N / 9D Gwalior, Shivpuri, Orchha

Khajuraho, Madla, Satna

Call of the Wild Kolkata 6N / 7D Satna, Bandhavgarh, Kanha

Bhedaghat, Jabalpur

Temples & Tigers Kolkata 6N / 7D Chitrakoot, Satna, Bandhavgarh,

Amarkantak, Jabalpur, Bhedaghat

Temples & Tigers Kolkata 7N / 8D Katni, Bandhavgarh, Amarkantak,

Bhedaghat, Jabalpur

Journey to Jyotirlingas Kolkata 7N / 8D Bhopal, Sanchi, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandu Ujjain

Khajuraho Dance Kolkata 4N / 5D Satna, Panna, Khajuraho

Festival

Nature's Treasure Kolkata 6N / 7D Pipariya, Pachmarhi, Pench

Bhedaghat, Jabalpur

Call of the Wild Lucknow 2N / 3D Jabalpur, Bhedaghat, Bargi

Bandhavgarh, Katni

Call of the Wild Lucknow 2N / 3D Bargi, Bhedaghat, Kanha (Kisli), Kanha(Mukki), Jabalpur,

Temples & Tigers Lucknow 3N / 4D Katni, Bandhavgarh, Amarkantak, Bhedaghat, Jabalpur

Magical Mandu Lucknow 4N / 5D Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandu, Indore

Khajuraho Dance Lucknow 3N / 4D Satna, Madla, Khajuraho, Festival Orchha, Jhansi

Call of the Wild Mumbai 5N / 6D Katni, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Jabalpur, Bargi, Bhedaghat

117 118

Tour name Originating Duration Major Places Visited

Kipling Country Mumbai 6N / 7D Pipariya, Pachmarhi, Kanha, Jabalpur, Marble Rocks, Bargi

Magical Mandu Mumbai 4N / 5D Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandu, Indore

Mowgli's Trail Mumbai 2N / 3D Nagpur, Pench

Satpura Queen Mumbai 3N / 4D Pipariya, Pachmarhi

Tiger Tracks Nagpur 2N / 3D Bargi, Nagpur, Pench, Bhedaghat

Satpura Queen Nagpur 3N / 4D Nagpur, Pachmarhi, Pench

Mowgli Calling Nagpur 2N / 3D Nagpur, Pench, Kanha

Kipling Country Pune 5N / 6D Pipariya, Pachmarhi, Kanha, Bhedaghat, Jabalpur

Jyotirling Tour Pune 2N / 3D Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Indore

Romantic Mandu Pune 2N / 3D Indore, Mandu

Magical Mandu Pune 4N / 5D Ujjain, Maheshwar, Mandu, Indore

Jungle Book Pune 2N/3D Nagpur, Pench, Tiger Trail Kanha (Mukki)

Temples & Tigers Pune 7N / 8D Jabalpur, Bhedaghat, Bandhavgarh, Khajuraho, Orchha, Shivpuri, Gwalior

Temples & Tigers Raipur 4N / 5D Amarkantak, Kanha (Mukki) Bargi, Bhedaghat

Nature's Glory Raipur 6N / 7D Raipur, Kanha, Pench, Pachmarhi, Bhedaghat

Weekend Delight Raipur 2N / 3D Raipur, Amarkantak

Weekend Delight Raipur 2N / 3D Raipur, Kanha, (Mukki)

Sylvan Retreat Surat 7N / 8D Bhopal, Pachmarhi, Jabalpur, Kanha

Call of the Wild Surat 6N / 7D Katni, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Bhedaghat

Magical Mandu Surat 4N / 5D Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandu, Indore

Kipling Country Surat 7N / 8D Bhopal, Pachmarhi, Kanha, Jabalpur

Call of the Wild Varanasi 2N / 3D Jabalpur, Bhedaghat, Bargi, Bandhavgarh

Temples & Tigers Varanasi 3N / 4D Bandhavgarh, Amarkantak, Bhedaghat, Bargi

119 120

S. UNIT CATEGORY NO.OF FACILITIES

No. ROOMS Rest. Bar Tpt. Conf. Swimming Gym Pool

Accommodation Guide

White Tiger Forest Lodge

Motel Marble Rocks

Tapti Retreat

Palash Residency

Choral Resort

Tana Bana

AMARKANTAK 01. Holiday Homes Tel : (07629) 269416, 9301262310 Aircooled 04 E-mail: 4 Bed Family Room 02 hhamarkantak@mptourism.com (Aircooled)

BANDHAVGARH 02. White Tiger Forest Lodge AC 26 Telefax : (07627) 265406, 265366 Aircooled 12 9300297841, E-mail : wtfl@mptourism.com

BARGI03. Maikal Resort (CP) AC 06 Tel : (0761) 2903184, 9425324211 E-mail : mrbargi@mptourism.com

BHEDAGHAT 04. Motel Marble Rocks***(CP) AC 11 Tel : (0761) 2830424, 2903854 AC Dlx Tent 5 E-mail : mmr@mptourism.com

. BHIMBETKA05. Highway Treat AC 03 Tel : (07480) 281558 E-mail : bhimbetka@mptourism.com

BURHANPUR06. Tapti Retreat AC 07 Tel : (07325) 242244 Aircooled 04 E-mail : tapti@mptourism.com

BHOPAL 07. Palash Residency***(CP) AC Suite 06 Tel : (0755) 2553006 AC 54 2553066, 2553076, 4297373 Telefax : (0755) 2577441 E-mail : palash@mptourism.com

Hotel Lake View Ashoke***(CP) Standard AC 39 Tel : (0755)2660090-93 Suite AC 04 E-mail : hlvashok@sancharnet.in

BIAORA08. Tourist Motel (CP) AC 12 Tel : (07374) 234333, 9425422282 E-mail : biaora@mptourism.com

CHANDERI 09. Tana Bana (CP) AC Dlx 01 Tel : (07547) 252222, 07725896140 AC 04 E-mail : chanderi@mptourism.com Aircooled 05

CHITRAKOOT 10. Tourist Bungalow AC Dlx 05 Tel : (07670) 265326,9713548525 AC 08 E-mail: chitrakoot@mptourism.com Aircooled 08 Dormitory Beds 26 4 Bed Family Room (AC) 01 CHORAL 11. AC Dlx Choral Resort (CP) 12

Tel : 8349994778-79 E-mail : choral@mptourism.com

121 122

123 124

12. AC Dlx 04 Tourist Motel (CP) Tel : (07522) 238125, 07724902555 AC 04 E-mail : datia@mptourism.com

AC Room/Swiss Cott. 07 Mob. 09424796859 4 Bed Cott. (AC) 01 E-mail : delawadi@mptourism.com

DUMNA14. AC 02 Kalchuri Huts (CP)

Tel : (0761) 2678491/92 E-mail : dumna@mptourism.com

15. Tansen Residency***(CP) AC Dlx Suite 12 Telefax : (0751) 2340370 AC 24 3249000, 4010666 E-mail : tansen@mptourism.com

HALALI16. Halali Retreat (CP) AC 04 Tel : 09302192848 Aircooled 02 E-mail : halali@mptourism.com

17. Kalchuri Residency***(CP) AC Dlx 20 Tel : (0761) 2678491/92 AC 10 E-mail : kalchuri@mptourism.com

18. Tourist Motel AC Dlx 04 Tel : (07392) 244668 AC 08 E-mail : jhabua@mptourism.com

19. Baghira Log Huts, Kisli AC Dlx 04 Telefax : (07649) 277227, 277211 AC 12 9329362099, E-mail : blh@mptourism.com

20. Tourist Hostel, Kisli Dormitory Beds 24 Tel : (07649) 277310 E-mail:thk@mptourism.com

21. Kanha Safari Lodge, Mukki AC 12 Tel : (07636) 290715 (07637) 296029, 9329908054 E-mail : ksl@mptourism.com

KATNI

22. Tourist Motel (CP) AC Suite 03 Tel : (07622) 262281-82, 207794 AC Dlx 03 E-mail : katni@mptourism.com AC 14

23. Hotel Jhankar (CP) AC 19 Tel : (07686) 274063, 274194 9685477567, E-mail : jhankar@mptourism.com

24. Hotel Payal (CP) AC 14 Tel : (07686) 274064, 274076 Aircooled 11 8889849703, E-mail : payal@mptourism.com

25. Tourist Village (CP) AC 11 Te.: (07686) 274062, E-mail : tvkhj@mptourism.com

S. UNIT CATEGORY NO.OF FACILITIES

No. ROOMS Rest. Bar Tpt. Conf. Swimming Pool Gym

Tansen Residency

Kalchuri Residency

Baghira Log Huts, Kisli

Tourist Motel

Hotel Jhankar

Jungle Camp (CP)

KHALGHAT 26. Tourist Motel AC 04 Tel : (07291) 263564, 9301310999 AC Dlx 08 E-mail : tmkhalghat@gmail.com Non AC 02

27. Jungle Camp (CP) AC Swiss Cottages 09 Tel : (07732) 275275, 9827749975 9589139797, E-mail :jcmadla@mptourism.com

MAHESHWAR28 Narmada Retreat (CP) Dlx AC Room 04 Tel : (07283) 273455 Dlx Swiss Cott. (Tent) 07 8349994784, E-mail: AC Cott. Room 06 maheshwar@mptourism.com AC Swiss Cott. (Tent) 07 AC Room 06 Aircooled (4 Bedded Family Room) 03

MAIHAR 29. Hotel Surbahar Tel : (07674) 233362, 9424319381 AC 07 E-mail : maihar@mptourism.com Aircooled 03 Dormitory Beds 41

30. Tourist Motel (CP) AC 05 Tel : (07642) 260599 Aircooled 07 E-mail : mandla@mptourism.com

31. Yashodharman AC 15

Highway Treat (CP) Tel :8349994780-81 E-mail : mandsaur@mptourism.com

MANDU32. Malwa Resort (CP) Dlx Swiss Cottages 04 Tel : (07292) 263235, 8349994782 AC 10 E-mail : mresortm@mptourism.com Aircooled 10

33. Malwa Retreat (CP) AC 02 Tel : (07292) 263221, 8349994783 Aircooled 06 E-mail : mretreatm@mptourism.com AC Swiss Cottages 03 Dormitory Beds 30

34. Tourist Motel (CP) AC 06 Telefax : (07423) 280080, 230980 8349994791, E-mail : neemuch@mptourism.com

NOWGAON35. Highway Treat (CP) Aircooled 02 Tel : (07685) 256425, 7509631110 Email: nowgaon@mptourism.com

OMKARESHWAR36. Narmada Resort (CP) AC Dlx 03 Tel : (07280) 271455, 8349994785 AC 08 E-mail:omkareshwar@mptourism.com Aircooled (Budget) 08

37. Betwa Retreat*** (CP) Heritage Suite (AC) 01 Tel : (07680) 252618, 252402 AC Room 14 8349102398, Swiss Cottages 15 E-mail : betwa@mptourism.com 38. Sheesh Mahal "Heritage Hotel" (CP) Telefax: (07680) 252624, 9179487076 Maharaja Suite(AC) 01 E-mail: Maharani Suite (AC) 01 smorchha@mptourism.com AC 05 AC Single 01

125 126

S. UNIT CATEGORY NO.OF FACILITIES

No. ROOMS Rest. Bar Tpt. Conf. Swimming Pool Gym

Narmada Retreat

Malwa Resort

Yashodharman Highway Treat

Narmada Resort

Betwa Retreat

Sheesh Mahal

127 128

39. Amaltas (CP) Tel : (07578) 252098 AC 05 E-mail : amaltas@mptourism.com

40. Champak Bungalow (CP) AC Dlx 07 Tel : (07578) 285315, 285316 AC Room 07 252034, 252587 Swiss Cott. 05 E-mail : champak@mptourism.com

41. Glen View*** AC Dlx 06 Tel: (07578) 252533, 252445 AC Room 15 E-mail : gview@mptourism.com Swiss Cott. (Tent) 04

42. Hilltop Bungalow (CP) Tel: (07578) 252846 AC 05 E-mail:hilltop@mptourism.com

43.� Hotel Highlands (CP) AC 20 Tel/Fax: (07578) 252099, 252399 Aircooled 20 E-mail:highland@mptourism.com

44. Panchvati (CP) Aircooled (Cott.) 05 Tel:(07578) 252096 AC (Huts) 05 E-mail: panchvati@mptourism.com

45. Rock-End Manor "Heritage Hotel" Tel: (07578) 252079 E-mail:rem@mptourism.com

46. Satpura Retreat "Heritage Hotel" (CP) AC Dlx 02 Tel: (07578) 252097 AC Standard 04 E-mail:satpura@mptourism.com 47. Woodland Bungalow (DIB) (CP) Aircooled 06 Tel : (07578) 252272 E-mail: woodlands@mptourism.com

48. AC 11 Kipling's Court AC Dlx 04 Tel : (07695) 232830,232850

Aircooled 05 9300327575 Dormitory Beds 12E-mail: kcpench@mptourism.com

PIPARIYA49. AC 04 Tourist Motel (CP) Tel: (07576) 222299 E-mail: pipariya@mptourism.com

ROOKHAD50. Aircooled 04 Highway Treat

Tel: (07695) 290130, 290631 E-mail: rookhad@mptourism.com

SANCHI51. AC Dlx 12 Gateway Retreat*** (CP) AC 06

Tel: (07482) 266723 Aircooled 02 E-mail: grsanchi@mptourism.com

SATNA52. Hotel Bharhut (CP) AC 23

Tel: (07672) 226071, 223223 E-mail: hbsatna@mptourism.com

SHIVPURI Tourist Village (CP)53. AC Dlx Suite 02

Tel: (07492) 223760, 221297 AC Suite 02 9977073318 AC 17 E-mail: tvshivpuri@mptourism.com

54. Tourist Motel (CP) AC 04 Tel : (07149) 272300 E-mail : tamia@mptourism.com

S. UNIT CATEGORY NO.OF FACILITIES

No. ROOMS Rest. Bar Tpt. Conf. Swimming Pool Gym

Champak Bungalow

Glen View

Rock-End Manor

Kipling's Court

Gateway Retreat

Tourist Village

129 130

TAWA55. Tawa Resort AC Dlx 06

Tel.:(07572)273017 AC 04 E-mail:tawa@mptourism.com

UJJAIN 56. Shipra Residency***(CP) AC Suite 04

Tel: (0734) 2551495-96 AC Dlx 03 3269000, 2552402 AC 21 E-mail: shipra@mptourism.com

57. Hotel Avantika (Yatri Niwas) AC 04 Tel: (0734) 2511398, 8349994790 Aircooled 02

E-mail: 4-Bed (Aircooled) 06 avantika@mptourism.com Dorm Beds 32

S. UNIT CATEGORY NO.OF FACILITIES

No. ROOMS Rest. Bar Tpt. Conf. Swimming Pool Gym

RESTAURANTS, CAMPS, CAFETERIAS

& WAY-SIDE AMENITIES

The Tariff are likely to be hiked by 20% in peak season.

Bhopal : Shan-E- Bhopal Tel: 0755 - 2660802 Wind & Waves Tel: 0755 - 2661523 Lahar Fast Tel: 0755 - 3294481 Boat Club Tel: 0755 - 3295043 piknik@bhopal (Kerwa) Tel: 0755- 2806355 Rainbow Treat Tel: 0755- 2429829 Sair Sapata Tel: 0755-2900881 2779605

Dodi : Highway Treat Tel: 07560 - 285296

Pachmarhi : Woodlands Adventure Camp Tel: 07578 - 252272

Tigra : Wind & Waves (Gwalior) Tel: 0751 - 2577300

Shan-E-Bhopal, Bhopal

Wind & Waves, Bhopal

piknik@Bhopal (Kerwa)

Highway Treat, Dodi

Opening Shortly

Tawa Resort

Shipra Residency

Wildlife Guide

131 132

National Parks

National Parks Area Fauna (Sq.km.)

Kanha (Mandla) 939.94 Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Chinkara, Barking Deer, Barasingha, Wild Boar.

Bandhavgarh (Umaria) 442.48 Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Chital, Sam- bar, Nilgai, Chinkara, Barking Deer, Wild Boar.

Madhav (Shivpuri) 375.22 Panther, Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Chinkara, Black Buck, Chausingha, Wild Boar.

Sanjay (Sidhi) 466.88 Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai.

Van Vihar (Bhopal) 4.45 Zoological Park.

Panna (Panna) 542.67 Panther, Wild Boar, Chital, Tiger, Deer, Sambar.

Satpura (Hoshangabad) 528.72 Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Gaur, Bear.

Fossil (Dindori) 0.27 Plant-Fossils.

Pench (Sivni) 292.85 Tiger, Panther, Chital, Gaur, Sambar, Wild Boar, Muntjac, Nilgai, wildlife Sanctuaries

Sanctuaries Kheoni (Dewas) 134.77 Panther, Bear, Chital, Sambar, Nilgai.

Narsinghgarh (Rajgarh) 57.19 Panther, Chital, Sambar, Wild Boar, Peacock, Grey Horn Bill.

Gandhisagar (Mandsaur) 368.62 Panther, Chital, Chinkara, Bark- ing Deer, Nilgai, Water Birds.

Bori (Hoshangabad) 485.72 Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Chital, Gaur, Bear, Wild Boar.

Pachmarhi (Hoshangabad) 491.63 Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Chital , Gaur, Chinkara, Bear, Nilgai.

Sanjay-Dubri (Sidhi) 364.59 Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Chital , Gaur, Chinkara, Nilgai, Muntjac

Sanctuaries Area Fauna (Sq.km.)

Ratapani (Raisen-Sehore) 823.84 Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Chital ,Nilgai, Chinkara.

Singhori (Raisen) 287.91 Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Black Buck.

Noradehi (Sagar) 1194.67 Tiger, Panther, Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Wild Dog, Black Buck, Chinkara.

National Chambal 435.00 Gharial, Crocodile, Turtle, (Morena) Dolphin, Otter, Migratory Birds.

Ken Gharial 45.20 Gharial, Crocodile.(Panna-Chhatarpur)

Sone Gharial 83.68 Gharial, Crocodile, Turtle, (Sidhi-Shahdol) Migratory Birds.

Kuno-Palpur (Sheopur) 344.68 Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, Black Buck.

Karera (Shivpuri) 202.21 Black Buck, Sambar, Chital, Chinkara, Great Indian Bustard.

Ghatigaon (Gwalior) 510.00 Chinkara, Nilgai, Sambar, Great Indian Bustard.

Bagdara (Sidhi) 478.00 Tiger, Panther, Chital, Sambar, Wild Buffalo.

Fen-Fensatallite (Mandla) 110.74 Tiger, Panther, Chital, Sambar, Muntjac.

Panpatha (Umaria) 245.84 Tiger, Panther, Chital, Sambar, Muntjac, Nilgai, Chousingha, Bear.

Sardarpur (Dhar) 348.12 Kharmor.

Sailana (Ratlam) 12.96 Kharmaor

Gangau (Panna) 78.53 Nilgai, Sambar

Orchha (Tikamgarh) 44.91 Nilgai

Ralamandal (Indore) 2.34 Chital, Sambar

Veerangana Durgavati 23.97 Nilgai, Chital(Damoh)

Museum Guide

133 134

Chaunsath Yogini Temple Bhedaghat Site museum of A.S.I

State ArchaeologicalMuseum Shivpuri Jaina Tirthankar Sculptures (11th-12th century A.D.) from Narwar and Adjacent sites.

State Archaelogical Panna Museum A.S.I. Khajuraho Chandela, Gupta, Kalchuri ArtMuseum ( both mainand Jardin Site Museums)State Museum of Khajuraho A fine collection of master Tribal and Folk Arts Chandela pieces of tribal and folk arts Cultural Complex

The State Department of Archaeology and Museums also maintains site museums at Ashapuri, Bhanpura, Damoh, Kundeshwar and Chanderi, Also worth seeing are the museums at Rajgarh, Shahdol, Panna, Mandla and Bilaspur, The Archaeological Survey of India also maintains collections of sculptures at Chanderi, Badoh-Pathari, Gyaraspur, Thruvanji, Mandhata, Nachna, Bijamandal (Vidisha), Barsur, etc.

Archaeological TreasuresThe Museums of Madhya Pradesh Contain many of the choicest and earliest specimens of Indian art and civilisation.

Museum Place Treasures

Tulsi Museum , Ramvan Satna Earliest and finest sculptures from Bharhut (2nd century B.C.) Khoh (5th centrury B.C.) and Nachnakuthara (5th century B.C.)

Archaeological Survey Sanchi Portions of the Lion or Bull of India (Raisen) capitals from the Maurya period (3rd centrury B.C.), Yaksha and Yakshi images from shunga period (2nd to 1st century B.C.), Sculpted panels from sanchi stupa gateway.

State Museum Vidisha (2nd to 1 st century B.C.) and inscribed Jaina sculptures from the Gupta period (5th century A.D.)

Gujari Mahal Gwalior Most of the Shunga period sculptures from Vidisha region, Indian art in general, and Pratihara art in particular. The world renowned Gyaraspur Shalabhanjika (c.10th century A.D.) is housed here.Central Museum Indore Paramar period art (9th-11th centrury A.D.) or early Site Museum, Bhanpura Mandsaur sculptures from Maurya, Gupta,and Mandsaur Museums Aulikara Pratihara or PratiharaJaisimhapura & Vikram days. Kirti Mandir Museums Ujjain Rajgarh Museum Rajgarh

State Archaeological Bhopal Parampara art, uniqueMuseum, Tribal Arts sculptures, coins fromMuseum & Birla different parts of Madhya Museum Pradesh, Dhar Parmara bronzes, textiles and decorative art pieces from the erstwhile Edward Museum collection of the Bhopal Nawabs.

University Museums Jabalpur Further developments of State Archaeological Sagar Kalachuri art (7th-13th centuryMuseums Damoh A.D.) Dhubela Rewa Shahdol Jabalpur

MPSTDC Offices

135 136

MADHYA PRADESH STATE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LTD. REGIONAL/TOURIST OFFICES

Bhopal - Palash Residency, Near 45 Bungalows, T.T. Nagar, Bhopal Tel:0755-2553006/66/76, 2766750, Fax: 0755-2577441, E-mail: bhopal@mptourism.com,

City Booking Office: Palash Residency Tel: 0755-2550588 E-mail: ctobhopal@mptourism.com,

Airport Counter Bhopal Tel: 0755-2646667, E-mail: bhojairport@mptourism.com, Tourist Office: Railway Station, Bhopal, Tel: 0755-2746827,E-mail: tobhopal@mptourism.com, Tourist Office: Rainbow Treat, Near Shahpura Lake, Bhopal,

Tel: 0755-2429829, E-mail: rainbowtreat@mptourism.com, Tourist Office: Gate No. 1, Mantralaya (Vallabh Bhawan), Bhopal, Tel: 0755-2559860

Gwalior - Tansen Residency, 6, Gandhi Road, Gwalior Tel: 0751-2234557, 4056726, Fax: 0751-2340371, E-mail: gwalior@mptourism.com, Tourist Office: Railway Station, Gwalior. Tel: 0751-4040777, E-mail:togwalior@mptourism.com, Tourist Office, Deori, Mob. : 09329170105Indore - 42, Residency Area, Opp. Saint Paul H. S. School, Indore, Tel: 0731-2499566, 2499466, Telefax: 0731-2491345, E-mail: indore@mptourism.com, Airport Counter, Indore, Tel: 0731-2620404, E-mail: Indoreairport@mptourism.com Jabalpur - Rani Durgavati "Paryatan Bhawan" Paryatan Tiraha, Near Collectorate North Civil Lines,Jabalpur, Tel: 0761-2677290, Telefax: 0761-2677590, E-mail: jabalpur@mptourism.com Tourist Information Counter: Railway Station Building, Jabalpur, Tel: 0761-2677690, Tourist Information Counter: Khatia (Kanha National Park) Tel: 07649-277242, E-mail: khatia@mptourism.comJhansi - Railway Station, Jhansi. Tel: 0510-2442622, E-mail: tojhansi@mptourism.comKhajuraho - Tourist Interpretation & Facilitation Centre, Near Circuit House, Khajuraho Tel: 07686- 274051, Fax: 07686- 272330, E-mail: khajuraho@mptourism.com Airport Counter, Khajuraho, Tel: 07686-274648, Tourist Information Counter, Railway Station, Khajuraho Pachmarhi - Amaltas Complex, Near Tehsil, Pachmarhi, Tel: 07578-252100, Fax: 07578-252102, E-mail: pachmarhi@mptourism.com, Tourist Office : Bus Stand, Pachmarhi, Tel : 07578-252029, Tourist Office: Railway Station, Pipariya, Tel: 07576-223499, E-mail: topipariya@mptourism.comSatna - Tourist Office : Railway Station, Satna, Tel : 07672- 225471, E-mail: tosatna@mptourism.com

HEAD OFFICE-BHOPAL Marketing Division - Paryatan Bhawan, Bhadbhada Road,

Bhopal - 462 003 Tel: 0755-2774340/42/44, 2778383, 4027100, Fax: 0755-2779476, 2774289,

Tourist Helpline (Toll Free) : 1800 233 7777, E-mail: info@mptourism.comMARKETING OFFICESAHMEDABAD - 219, 'Supermall' 2nd Floor, Near Lal

Bungalow, C.G. Road, Ahmedabad - 380 006,Tel: 079 - 26462977, 32939000, Telefax: 079-26462978, E-mail: ahmedabad@mptourism.com

HYDERABAD - Ground Floor, Balyogi Paryatak Bhavan, Opp. ITC Kakatiya Hotel, Begumpet Main Road,

Hyderabad - 500 016 Tel: 040-40034319, Telefax: 040-23407785, E-mail: hyderabad@mptourism.com

KOLKATA - 'Chitrakoot', Room No. 67, 6th Floor, 230-A, A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata - 700 020, Tel: 033-22833526, 32979000, Telefax: 033 - 22875855, E-mail: kolkata@mptourism.com

LUCKNOW - Rajarishi Purshottam Das Tandon Paryatan Bhawan, 1st Floor, C-13, Vipin Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow - 226 010, Tel: 0522-2391003 E-mail: lucknow@mptourism.com

MUMBAI - 45, World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade, Colaba, Mumbai - 400 005, Tel: 022-22187603, 32539000, Telefax: 022-22160614, E-mail: mumbai@mptourism.com

NAGPUR - 407-A, 4th Floor, Lokmat Bhawan, Wardha Road, Nagpur - 440 012, Tel: 0712 - 2442378, 3259000, Telefax: 0712-2423374, E-mail: nagpur@mptourism.com

NEW DELHI - Room No.12, Hotel Janpath, Janpath Road, New Delhi - 110 001 Tel: 011-23366528, 32599000, 23341185/86/87, Telefax: 011-23347264, E-mail: delhi@mptourism.com

PUNE - Shop No. 6, 1st Floor, Bhosle Shinde Arcade, J.M. Road, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune - 411004, Telefax: 020-25536616,E-mail: pune@mptourism.com

RAIPUR - MIG 2nd/44, Housing Board, Avanti Vihar Main Road, Near Anmol Flats, Raipur-492007, Tel: 0771-4048810, Telefax : 0771-4049115, E-mail: raipur@mptourism.com

RAJKOT - 122, First Floor, Cosmo Complex, Near Mahila College Chowk, Kalawad Road, Rajkot-360001. Tel: 0281-2927966, Mob. : 09429197990,

E-mail: rajkot@mptourism.comSURAT - C/O Gujarat Tourism, Jilla Seva Sadan-2, Block-A,

Ground Floor, Athhava Road, Surat, Tel: 0261-2918688, Mob.: 09978794098, E-mail: surat@mptourism.com

VARANASI - 52, Patel Nagar, Mint House, Nadesar, Varanasi (UP) - 221 002, Mobile No. 09235402180, Email : varanasi@mptourism.com

MPSTDC Midway/Restaurant Facility

GUJARAT UTTAR PRADESH

CHHATTISGARH