Madhya Pradesh 
Bhopal | Sanchi | Gwalior | Orchha | Khajuraho | Indore | Ujjain | Kanha National Park
| Bandavgarh National Park
In Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior is the state’s northernmost city and a convenient entry point. Gwalior’s landmark is its hilltop fort which contains a fine museum and an ancient temple, among, other monuments. 120 km from Gwalior is the medieval city of Orchha with exquisite palaces and cenotaphs. Built by an 11th century king of the Bundela dynasty, Orchha is now a ghost city containing the remains of what must have been once spectacularly lovely monuments, and which combine Hindu and Muslim architectural. traditions. Shivpuri, atop a plateau, contains two picturesque lakes and a national park that abounds in species of deer and antelope. Khajuraho, an obscure village, no more than a clearing in the jungle, now captures world attention for its 22 temples built by rulers of the Chandela dynasty. Each temple, built of stone, is distinguished by carved spires and walls, where the subjects range from aesthetic depictions of major and minor deities and celestial beings to a variety of erotic sculptures.
Bhopal, the capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh, has grown around a large lake, the ornamental newer part of the city being roughly opposite the labyrinthine lanes of the old town. Craft – notably velvet handbags studded with stones, and lacy silverwork – is practised in narrow alleyways that lead off from domed mosques in the old city. Bharat Bhavan is a showcase of Indian art, folk traditions, sculpture and a centre for the performing arts as well.
Bhimbetka, a few hours drive from Bhopal, is the site for spectacular cave paintings.
Udaygiri, another excursion from Bhopal, has notable cave sculptures of religious themes.
Sanchi is an unmatched repository of Buddhist art and architecture. Located on a secluded hill crowned by a group of stupas and gateways, it occupies a unique position in the history of Buddhism. Its stupas, chaityas, temples, monasteries and gateways are embellished by the most delicate carvings that depict various incidents in the Buddha’s life as well as important teachings. Good guide services, an essential part of sightseeing in Sanchi, are available here.
A 90 km drive from Indore takes one across a narrow gorge, after the horizon widens abruptly, to reveal the deserted city of Mandu. Built as a testament of love by a Muslim ruler for his Hindu queen, Mandu’s air of, serenity and spaciousness offsets to perfection its palaces, temple and mosque which lie scattered over the 75 km of Mandu’s fortified area. Most interesting of all is the imaginative use that has been made of the surroundings. Thus Jahaz Mahal or Ship Palace is actually built in a pond on which it appears to float, and Hindola Mahal or Swing Palace gives every appearance of living up to its name.
Altitude: 572 metres
Temperature (°C):
Summer: Max 47.7, Min 24.9
Winter: Max 24.5, Min 9.1
Best Season: October to March
How to get there
Air: Indian Airlines connect Bhopal with Bombay,Delhi,Gwalior,Indore & Raipur
Rail: Bhopal on the main line is connected by rail to major cities in India.
Road: Good motorable roads connect Bhopal to Bombay-789 km, Aurangabad-588 km, Ahmedabad-571 km, Agra-523 km, Delhi-728 km, Gwalior-422 km, Indore-187 km, Ujjain-189 km, Sanchi-46 km, Khajuraho-387 km, Mandu-290 km, Pachmarhi-210 km etc.
Local Transport: Regular bus services connect Bhopal with Sanchi, Indore, Ujjain, Mandu and Pachmarhi.
Places of Interest
- Taj-ul-Masjid (3 kms)
- Juma Masjid (5.5 kms)
- Moti Masjid (4.5 kms)
- Shaukat Mahal (4 kms)
- Bharat Bhawan and Roopankar
- Shamla and Idgah Hills
- Chowk, Upper and Lower Lake (5.5 kms)
- Gandhi Bhavan, Van Vihar
Excursions
- Bhimbetka (40 kms)
- Bhojpur (28 kms)
- Chiklod (45 kms)
- Dhelwadi (62 kms)
- Islamnagar (11 kms)
- Neori (6 kms)
- Raisen (47 kms)
- Sanchi (46 kms)
- Vidisha (56 kms)
- Ginnorgarh Fort (61 kms)
Museums
Birla Museum 0900 - 1700 Hrs. Closed on Mondays.
Central museum 1030 - 1700 Hrs. Closed on Sundays.
State museum 1000 - 1700 Hrs. Closed on Mondays.
Tribal Research & Development Institute 1030 - 1700 Hrs. Closed on Sundays & Second Saturdays.
Sanchi has the singular distinction of having specimens of almost all kinds of Buddhist architectural forms, stupas, chaityas, temples and monasteries - the finest examples of Buddhist creative art and sculpture in the country. The architectural pieces and sculptures displayed here include the Ashoka pillar and images of Buddha and Kushan.
Altitude: 427 metres
Temparature (deg C):
Summer: Max 45, Min 25
Winter: Max 22.5, Min 10
Best season: October to March
How to get there
Air: Nearest airport is Bhopal (46 kms).
Rail: Sanchi lies on the Jhansi-Itarsi section of the Central Railway. First class passengers on mail and express trains can request for a halt at Sanchi. However Bhopal is convenient railhead.
Road: Good motorable roads connect Sanchi to Bhopal (46 kms), Vidisha (10 kms) Indore (232 kms) etc.
Local Transport: Taxis, Tongas & bicycles are available for local sightseeing and excursion.
Places of Interest
- Great Stupa No.1
- Toranas or Gateways
- Stupa No. 2
- Stupa No. 3
- Ashoka Pillar
- Buddhist Vihara
- Monasteries
- Timing for the above monuments : 0900 - 1700 Hrs.
- Archaeological Survey of India Museum.
- Timing : 0900 - 1700 Hrs.
Excursions
- Andhara and Pipalilya (17.7 and 12 kms)
- Besnagar (12 kms)
- Gyaraspur (41 kms)
- Raisen Fort (23 kms)
- Sonari and Satdhara (10 kms)
- Udaigiri (13 kms)
Gwalior is named after a legendary Saint Gwalipa of 8th Century A.D. It is also sacred to the memory of the heroic queen Rani of Jhansi and Tatya Tope.
Area: 82 km²
Altitude: 212 mts.
Temparature (°C):
Summer: Max 46, Min 21
Winter: Max 22, Min 6
Season: October to March
How to get there
Air: Regular Indian Airlines Services connect Gwalior with Delhi, Bhopal, Indore, Bombay.
Rail: Gwalior is connected to all major cities in India.
Road: Gwalior is well connected by good roads. Certain important road distances are Agra 118 km, Bhopal 420 km, Delhi 318 km, Khajuraho 280 km, Sanchi 344 km, Shivpuri 112 km, Indore 486 km, Mumbai 1086 km.
Local Transport: City buses, Autorickshaws, tongas, taxis.
Places of Interest
- The Cenotraphs
- Man Singh Palace
- Man Mandir Palace
- Gujari Mahal
- Suraj Kund
- Teli ka Mandir
- Sas Bahu ka Mandir
- Rani Jhansi Memorial
- Tombs of Tansen and Ghaus Mohammad
- Jai Vilas Palace
- Gandhi Park
- Zoo Municipal Corporation Museum
- Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum
Excursions
- Tigra's Dam (23 kms)
- Pawaya (68 kms)
- Datia (68 kms)
- Orchha (120 kms)
- Shivpuri (112 kms)
- Chanderi (209 kms)
NARWAR: Narwar 128 kms from Gwalior and 56 kms from Shivpuri. is the traditional capital of Raja Nala. The place is mentioned as Nalpura (Nala's town) in a number of medieval sanskrit inscriptions. The Narwar Fort is 500 feet above the surrounding country. Though it is now in a dilapidated condition, yet judging from the remains it seems likely that in the flourishing days it might have been second to the Gwalior Fort in magnificence. The architecture of the remains is Rajput in style with flat ceilings, fluted columns and arches. Near the fort are the Jai Stambha, Sati monument, Ladu ungalow, Chhip Mahal, Makardwaj Tal, Kacheri mahal, Sikandar Lodi's Mosque, Jail Kambha.
Orchha had the distribution of being the capital of one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms of Central India. It was founded in the 16th Century by the Bundela cheiftan Rudra Pratap. Dotting the landscape are numerous shrines, memorials and palaces each contributing to the legend that is Orchha.
How to get there
Air: Nearest airport is Gwalior (120 kms).
Rail: Nearest railhead is Jhansi (19 kms).
Road: Orchha lies on the Jhansi - Khajuraho road, Regular bus services connect Orchha with Jhansi.
Places of Interest
- Jehangir Mahal
- Raj Mahal
- Raj Praveen Mahal
- Ram Raja Temple
- Chaturbhuj Temple
- Laxmi Narayan Temple
- Phool Bagh
- Dinman Hardaul's Palace
- Sunder Mahal
- Cenotraphs
- Shahid Smarak
The capital of the Chandela Kings, Khajuraho is famous for its magnificent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras. These temples are built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. The temples of Khajuraho represent some of the most exquisite specimens in medieval India, only 22 temples out of 85 now survive.
Temparature (°C):
Summer: Max 47, Min 21
Winter: Max 32, Min 4
Rainfall: 114 cm (July-September)
Best Season: October to March.
How to get there
Air: Indian Airlines services connect Khajuraho with Delhi.
Rail: Jhansi (175 Km.) and Satna (117 Km.) are the two convinient railheads to visit Khajuraho from Bombay, Delhi & Madras. However Harpalpur (110 Km,) is the nearest railhead to visit Khajuraho.
Road: Khajuraho is connected with major tourist centres by good motorable roads. Some important distances from Khajuraho are: Agra (395 km), Allahabad (285 km), Bandhavgarh (237 km), Bhopal (372 km) Chitrakoot (176 km), Delhi (590 km), Jabalpur (296 km) Lucknow (267 km) and Varanasi (415 km).
Local Transport: Direct bus services connect Khajuraho with Panna, Satna, Rewa, Jabalpur, Jhansi, Harpalpur, Mahoba, Bhopal, Indore and Agra.
Places of Interest
The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three geographical groups viz, Western, Eastern, and Southern groups
Western Group of Temples
- Chausath Yogini Temple
- Kandariya Mahadeo Temple
- Devi Jagdamba Temple
- Chitragupta Temple
- Vishwanath Temple
- Parvati Temple
- Lakshmana Temple
- Matangeshwara Temple
- Eastern Group of Temples
- Brahma Temple
- Vamana Temple
- Parsvanath Temple
- Ghantai Temple
- Southern Group of Temples
- Dulhadeo Temple
- Chaturbhuj Temple
- Archaeological Museum
The museum has a collection of sculpture, inscriptions and architectural objects
Timings: 1000-1700 hrs. Closed on Fridays
Excursions
- Dhubela Museum: 64 kms. Located on the bank of the lake, the museum houses a wide variety of Shakti Cult Sculpture. There are different sections on garments, weapons and paintings.Timings : 1000 -1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays and Gazetted holidays.
- Beni Sagar (11 kms)
- Panna Diamond Mines (56 kms)
- Panna National Park (60 kms)
- Pandav Falls (35 kms)
- Raigarh Palace (25 kms)
- Raneh Falls (20 kms)
- Ranguan Lake (25 kms)
- Ajaygarh Fort (80 kms)
- Kalingar Fort (125 kms)
- Nachana (100 kms)
Situated on the banks of the river Saraswati and Khan. Indore was planned and founded by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar and derives its name from the 18th century Indreshwar Temple. Indore is a flourishing industrial city with a proud past. Chief attraction is the Kanch Mandir or Glass Temple of the Digamber Jains the walls, floor and ceiling of which are lavishly inlaid with glass and mother of pearl. Palaces and cenotaphs of the former rulers are other attractions.
Temperature (°C):
Summer: Max 40.5, Min 27
Winter: Max 30.4, Min 15
Rainfall: 110 cms (July to September)
Best Season: September to March
How to get there
Air: Indore is linked directly with Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Bombay, Delhi, Gwalior by Indian Airlines. Vayudoot connects Indore to Mumbai (Bombay) & Pune. Continental Airlines operates flights from Indore to Bhopal, Mumbai (Bombay) and Raipur.
Rail: Indore is on Western Railway and is connected to major cities of India.
Road: Indore is connected by good motorable roads. Some important distances are:- Agra 605 kms, Ahmedabad 456 kms, Bhopal 187 kms, Mumbai (Bombay) 602 kms, Delhi 809 kms, Gwalior 486 kms, Khajuraho 574 kms, Maheshwar 90 kms, Mandu 105 kms, Ujjain 53 kms etc.
Local Transport: Regular bus services connect Indore with Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bhopal, Bombay, Gwalior, Mandu, Maheshwar, Sanchi, Ujjain etc.
Places of Interest
- Chhatri Bagh (3.5 kms)
- Gita Bhavan (4.5 kms)
- Lalbaug Palace, Bada Ganapati
- Juna Rajwada (1 km)
- Kanchi Mandir or Hukumchands Temple (2.5 kms)
- Annapurna Temple
- Kendriya Sangrahalaya (Museum and Art Gallery)
- Timings: 1000-1700 hrs. Closed on Fridays
Excursions
Bagh Caves (153 kms): There are 9 caves of which only 5 have survived, Cave No. 4 known as Rang Mahal is the most magnificent. Ujjain (53 km): One of the seven sacred cities of India. Situated on the banks of the river Kshipra. The Mahakal temple dedicated to Lord Shiva enshrining a Jyotirlinga is beleived to be of great antiquity.
Mandu (99 kms): Mandu has many historical monuments like Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Jama Masjid, Asharfi Mahal, Baz Bahadur 's Palace & Rani Rupmati's Pavilion.
Maheshwar (90 kms): Situated on the banks of river Narmada, This town was arlier known as Maheshmati. It gained importance under Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar who constructed many temples and ghats on the banks of the Narmada.
Omkareshwar (77 kms): It has numerous medieval temples. Perhaps the most important is the Shri Omkareshwar Mahadeo temple enshrining one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India. Accomodation Facility available at Indore.
One of the oldest and holiest of Indian cities, Ujjain is situated on the banks of river Shipra. It is one of the venues of the Kumbh Mela.
Altitude: 492 mts.
Temperature (°C):
Summer: Max 40, Min 20
Winter: Max 28, Min 10
Rainfall: 101 cms (July to September)
Best Season: September to March
How to get there
Air: Nearest Airport Indore (53 km) is connected to Mumbai (Bombay) by Indian Airlines Continental Airways also operates flights from Mumbai (Bombay) to Indore.
Rail: Ujjain is a railway station on the Western Railway.
Road: Good Motorable roads connect Ujjain with Ahmedabad (402 kms), Bhopal (183 kms), Mumbai (Bombay) (655 kms), Delhi (774 kms), Gwalior (451 kms), Indore (53 kms) and Khajuraho (570 kms) etc.
Local Transport: Regular bus services connect Ujjain with Indore, Bhopal, Ratlam, Gwalior, Mandu, Dhar, Kota and Omkareshwar etc.
Places of Interest
Bharatahari Cave
Gopal Mandir, Jantar Mantar, Kailadah Palace, Mahakali Temple, Sandipani Ashram, Shipra Ghats.
Vikram University Museum: The museum has a large collection of sculptures, inscriptions & coins. Timings: 1100 to 1700 hours.
Dist. Archaeological Museum: The museum has a collection of sculptures and inscriptions. Timmings: 0800-1100 hours and 1400-1700 hours.
Excursions
- Agar (66 kms): An ancient archaeological site.
- Devas (37 kms): Temple of Devji.
- Maksi (39 kms): Famous for Jain Temples.
- Nagada (60 kms): An industrial town with ancient temples.
Kanha National Park in the Mandla District spreads over 1,945 sq.km of dense sal forests, interspersed with extensive meadows and trees and clumps of wild bamboo. This area known as Kipling Country' is where all the jungle books of Rudyard Kipling were conceived.
Area: 1945 km²
Altitude: 600-900 metres
Temperature (deg C):
Summer: Max 40.6, Min 23.9
Winter: Max 23.9, Min 1.1
Rainfall: 152 cms
Best Season: April to June and November to January
(The park is closed from July to Mid November during monsoon)
How to get there
Air: Nagpur (266 kms) is the nearest Airport to visit Kanha National Park connected by Indian Airlines flights with Bombay.
Rail: Jabalpur (169 kms) is the convenient rail head to visit Kanha.
Road: Kanha National Park is connected by road with Jabalpur 175 km, Khajuraho 445 km, Nagpur 266 km, Mukki 25 km, Raipur 219 km. Within the park: Koshi - Kanha (9 kms), Kishi - Katia (4 kms), Kishi - Mukki (32 kms). S.T.
Local Transport: Route Timings Jabalpur-Kanha 0700,1100 hrs Kanha-Jabalpur 0700,1100 hrs
The Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC) operates a Jeep Service for vistors to go around in the park. Booking can be made through the Manager, MPSTDC, Log huts, Kisli. Wild Chalet Resorts at village Mocha, Kanha can also arrange for local sightseeing.
What to see
Wild life in the park: The main attractions are Tiger, Bison, Gaur, Sambar, Chital, Barasingha, Barking Deer, Black Deer, Black Buck, Chousihgha, Nilgai, Mouse Deer, Sloth Bear, Jackal Fox, Porcupine, Hyaena, Jungle Cat, Python, Pea fowl, Hare, Monkey, Mongoose, Tiger, Leapord etc. can also be seen here.
Birds species in the park: Storks, Teals, Pintails, Pond Herons, Egrets, Peacock, Pea Fowl, Jungle Fowl, Spur Fowl, Patridges, Quails, Ring Doves, Spotted Parakeets, Green Pigeons, Rock Pigeons, Cuckoos, Papihas, Rollers, Bee Eater, Hoopes, Drongos, Warblers, King Fishers, Wood Peckers, Finches, Orioles, Owls, Fly Catchers.
Museum (closed on Wednesdays)
There is a museum at kanha depicting attributes and activities of the park and tribal culture.
TIMINGS FOR PARK EXCURSIONS
15 Nov to 15 Feb. Sunrise to 1200 and 1500 to Sunset
16 Feb to 30 Apr. Sunrise to 1200 and 1600 to Sunset
1 may to 30 June Sunrise to 1100 and 1700 to Sunset
Visitors are advised to reach the gate half an hour in advance to complete the formalities for entry into the park.
The Bandhavgarh National Park lies in the heart of the Vindhyan Mountain Range in central India. Besides its enchanting landscape formed by the Sal forest in the valleys and majestic tree clad hills in the back-drop. It is famous for a wide variety of wild-life and archaeological remains of the Kalchuri period.
The park area is hilly and is dominated by the majestic Bandhavgarh fort, built in 14th century. The fort and the adjacent hills have a large number of caves belonging to the pre-historic period.
Area: 280 km²
Altitude: 400 to 810 metres
Temperature (°C):
Summer: Max 41.4, Min 26
Winter: Max 21.1, Min 9.6
Rainfall: 1174 mms
Best Season: March to June
The park is closed from July to Mid-November
How to get there
Air: Khajurao (230 kms) is the most convenient airport connected by Indian Airlines flights with Agra, Delhi, Varansi.
Rail: The nearest railhead Umaria (30 kms) is on the Katni-Bilaspur section of South-Eastern Railway. Another convenient railhead Satna (117 kms) is on the Bombay-Howrah main line of the Central Railway. Road: Bandhavgarh National Park is situated on the Satna-Umaria & Rewa-Umaria highway. Some of the important road distances are: Khajuraho (via Satna) 230 kms, Varanasi (via Rewa) 340 kms, Katni 75 kms, Rewa 115 kms, Umaria 30 kms, Kanha 250 kms etc.
Local Transport: S.T. Bus Services are available from Rewa, Satna, Katni and Umaria.
What to see
Wildlife in the park: Tiger, Leopard, Bear, Bison, Chital, Sambhar, Nilgai,Chinkara,Chowsingha,Barking deer, Wild Pig, Hyaena, Porcupine.
Some of the bird species in the park: Peacock, Paradise fly catchers, Jungle Fowl, Golden and Black headed Orioles, Yellow Ioras, Red-vented Bulbuls, Blue Jays, Purple Sunbirds, Green Barbets and Mynahs.Fort Nani Daman
