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

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.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Taj-ul-Masjid (3 km), Juma Masjid (5.5 km), Moti Masjid (4.5 km), Shaukat Mahal (4 km), Bharat Bhawan and Roopankar, Shamla and Idgah Hills. Chowk, Upper and Lower Lake (5.5 km), Gandhi Bhavan, Van Vihar.

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.

EXCURSIONS :

Bhimbetka (40 km), Bhojpur (28 km), Chiklod (45 km), Dhelwadi (62 km), Islamnagar (11 km), Neori (6 km), Raisen (47 km), Sanchi (46 km), Vidisha (56 kms), Ginnorgarh Fort (61 km).

Tourist Information Centre:

Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd., 4th floor, Gangotri, T.T.Nagar, Bhopal-462003. Tel: 554340/43

GENERAL INFORMATION

Altitude: 572 metres.
Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max 47.7, Min 24.9; Winter- Max 24.5, Min 9.1.
Best Season: October to March.

SANCHI

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.

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 km), Besnagar (12 km), Gyaraspur (41 km), Raisen Fort (23 km), Sonari and Satdhara (10 km), Udaigiri (13 km).

INFORMATION CENTRE

• 1. Manager, M.P.S.T.D.C., Travellers Lodge, Sanchi. Tel : 223.
• 2. The Superintendent, Archaeological Survey of India, Sanchi. Tel : 227.
• 3. Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd., 4th Floor, Gangotri, T.T.Nagar, Bhopal-462003, Tel : 554340-3
• 4. Madhya Pradesh state Tourism Development Corporation Ltd., 74, World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade, Colaba, Bombay-400005. Tel : 2187603, 2184860.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Altitude: 427 metres.

Temparature (deg C): Summer- Max 45, Min 25; Winter- Max 22.5, Min 10.

Best season: October to March.

GWALIOR

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.

PLACES OF INTEREST

The Cenotaphs, 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 km), Pawaya (68 km), Datia (68 km), Orchha (120 km), Shivpuri (112 km), Chanderi (209 km).
NARWAR : Narwar 128 km from Gwalior and 56 km 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 bungalow, Chhip Mahal, Makardwaj Tal, Kacheri mahal, Sikandar Lodi's Mosque, Jail Kambha.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area : 82 sq. km.
Altitude : 212 mts.
Temparature : Max Min
Summer : 46 Deg. 21 Deg.
Winter : 22 Deg. 6 Deg.
Season : October to March.

ORCHHA

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.

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.

KHAJURAHO

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.

PLACES OF INTEREST

The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three geographical groups viz, Western, Eastern, and Southern groups.

• 1. Western Group of Temples
  Chausath Yogini Temple, Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, Devi Jagdamba Temple, Chitragupta Temple,Vishwanath Temple, Parvati Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Matangeshwara Temple.
• 2. Eastern Group of Temples
  Brahma Temple, Vamana Temple, Parsvanath Temple, Ghantai Temple.
• 3. Southern Group of Temples
  Dulhadeo Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple.
• 4. Archaeological Museum
  The museum has a collection of sculpture, inscriptions and architectural objects.
  
  Timings: 1000-1700 hrs. Closed on Fridays.

EXCURSIONS

Dhubela Museum : 64 km. 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 km; Panna Diamond Mines 56 km; Panna National Park 60 km; Pandav Falls 35 km; Raigarh Palace 25 km; Raneh Falls 20 km; Ranguan Lake 25 km; Ajaygarh Fort 80 km; Kalingar Fort 125 km; Nachana 100 km.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Temparature Max. Min.
Summer 47 Deg. C. 21 Deg. C.
Winter 32 Deg. C. 4 Deg. C.
Rainfall 114 cm. (July-September)
Best Season October to March.

INDORE

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 are lavishly inlaid with glass and mother of pearl. Palaces and cenotaphs of the former rulers are other attractions.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Chhatri Bagh (3.5 km), Gita Bhavan (4.5 km), Lalbaug Palace, Bada Ganapati, Juna Rajwada (1 km), Kanchi Mandir or Hukumchands Temple (2.5 km), Annapurna Temple, Kendriya Sangrahalaya (Museum and Art Gallery) Timings: 1000-1700 hrs. Closed on Fridays

EXCURSIONS

Bagh Caves (153 km) : 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 km) : Mandu has many historical monuments like Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Jama Masjid, Asharfi Mahal, Baz Bahadur 's Palace & Rani Rupmati's Pavilion.

Maheshwar (90 km) : 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 km) : 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.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Temperature (deg C) : Summer Max- 40.5, Min- 27; Winter Max- 30.4, Min- 15.
Rainfall : 110 cms (July to September).
Best Season : September to March.

UJJAIN

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.

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. Timings: 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.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES

1. Shipra Hotel (MPSTDC), University Road, Tel: 25448, 25237.
2. Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Limited, 4th Floor, Gangotri, T.T. Nagar, Bhopal- 462 003. Tel: 554340-3.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Altitude : 492 mts.
Climate (deg C): Summer- Max. 40, Min. 20; Winter- Max. 28, Min. 10.
Rainfall : 101 cms (July to September).
Best Season : September to March.

KANHA NATIONAL PARK

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.

PLACES OF INTEREST

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.

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. Entry Fee: Rs.2/- Adult Rs.1/- Child Vehicle Entry Fee: Mini bus & Van Rs.15/- Light motor vehicles Rs.10/- Car, Jeep Rs.10/- Photography Fee: Still camera : Free 8 mm movie : Rs.10/- 16 mm movie : Rs.50/- 35 mm movie : Rs.200/- Guide charges: Rs.3/- per light motor vehicle Rs.5/- per vehicle carrying more than 8 persons. Elephant charges: For 4 person Rs.20/- hour Tiger viewing on Elephant: Rs.5/- per adult Rs.2.50/- per child

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area : 1,945 sq.kms.
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)

BANDAVGARH-NATIONAL 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.

PLACES OF INTEREST

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.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area : 280 sq. kms.
Altitude : 400 to 810 metres.
Climate (deg 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.