Madhya Pradesh, India

Popularly known as the Heart of India, Madhya Pradesh is situated in central part of India. It is the second largest state in India circled by other neighboring region like by Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The state covers an area of about 3,08,000 sq. km and is blessed with a number of rivers, which enhance the agricultural aspect of the state. Bhopal is the capital of the state and the medium verbal communication is Hindi.
City Travel of Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh comprises of 50 districts and the pleasant beauty of the state offers a wonderful time to the sightseers. Some must-visit districts are:



Bhopal
The capital of the state was built in the 11th century and is one of the most historically rich and cultural lagoon of India.

Highlights: Moti Masjid, Taj Ul Masjid, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Rashtriya Manav Sanghralaya, Bharat Bhavan and Shaukat Mahal

Ujjain
This important heritage site located on the eastern banks of River Shipra in Malwa plateau.

Highlights: Jai Singh Observatory, Visit Mahakal Mandir, Chintamani Ganesh Temple, Harsiddhi Durga Temple, Kaal Bhairav temple and Kalideh Palace in Ujjain

Gwalior
The history of this city is full of the royal world and as such the place is flourished with exploring the palaces, forts and temples.

Highlights: Gwalior Fort, Man Mandir and the Sas-Bahu temples

Shivpuri
This district in Madhya Pradesh is filled with thick forests, palace and lakes.

Highlights: Madhav National Park, Madhav Vilas Palace, George Castle, Sakhya Sagar Lake

Jabalpur
Also known as "the city of the rocks." Jabalpur is located on the banks of the sacred Narmada River and surrounded by rocky hills. In addition to its great commercial area the district is also a popular tourist harbor.

Highlight: Madan Mahal Fort, Sangram Sagar, Rani Durgavati Museum, Tilwara Ghat, Mala Devi Temple, Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park.

Indore
Popularly called as the ' Mini Mumbai ' of India, this largest city in in the state is glorified with ancient beauty.

Highlights: Rajwada, Lal Bagh Palace, Kanch Mandir, Chattri Bagh, Bada Ganpati and Omkareshwar.

Amarkantak
This pilgrimage center for Hindus is situated in the Maikal Mountains. It is the meeting point of the Vindhyas and the Satpura Mountain Ranges and the source of Narmada river.

Highlights: Narmadakund and ancient temples, Kapildhara, Mai ki Bagiya and Mahadev temple

Khajuraho
Widely known as the 'Temple city of India', Khajuraho has the intricately carved temples which symbolize tales of Hindu art and culture.

Highlights: Hanuman Temple and Brahma Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Lakshmana Temple and Matangeswara Temple, Chattarbhuj Temple, Panna National Park and Ken Gharial Sanctuary, State Museum of Tribal and Folk Arts

Architectural Heritage of Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is dotted with outstanding temples, forts, palaces and monuments, all constructed during the period of Chandella rulers. Their excellent illustration depicts the Indo-Aryan style. The two ancient pilgrimage sites Ujjain and Omkareshwar is the perfect example to quote. The fine work outlined in Afghan architectural style speaks of the master mind of Mughal eras.

Madhya Pradesh Wildlife Destination
The state boasts of a natural beauty, diversified in nature. The spectacular mountain ranges, miles of dense forests acts as an unique abode for a variety of wild flora and fauna. There are 6 national park and 5 wild life sanctuary in the state, of which Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National and Panna National Park are the popular one.

Adventure travel in Madhya Pradesh
The rugged mountain and the turbulent rivers in the Madhya Pradesh offers the visitors a scope to make and adventure travel with sports like trekking, rock climbing, rafting, para sailing and hot air ballooning. Cruise boats are available in the Upper Lake at Bhopal and rafting can be practiced in the Betwa river at Orchha. Other adventure spots for water sports are Tighara in Gwalior and Benisagar Dam in Khajuraho. Beside this, one can also have the moment of pleasure with jungle safaris within the national park and wild life sanctuaries.

Cultural Highlights of Madhya Pradesh
Primarly known as the land of Kings, Madhya Pradesh consists about 40% of India's Tribal population.

A mix culture of tribal life style with glorious past of Mayura and Mughal empires exist in the region. The influential culture of the tribal community is endorsed with a number of festivals, folk dance and music. The popular celebration are the Holi and Dusshera. Cultural festival also include the Khajuraho Festival of Dances and the Tansen Music Festival in Gwalior. The popular folk song 'Relo' usually performed by children hit the aura with joy. The communication within the community takes place via Hindi and Marathi supplemented with some other tribal language like the Bhili and Gondi.

Famous Cuisines of Madhya Pradesh
Just as the state is divided into different regions so do the cuisines. The localities in the north and west mainly depends upon wheat-and-meat, while the south and east people are very much fond of rice and fish. Where Gwalior and Indore thrive for milk and milk-based dishes, Bhopal on the other hand abound for aromatic non-vegetarian dishes like the rogan josh, korma, keema, biryani and kababs . An yummy dish, bafla (wheat cakes) with rich ghee and daal (a pungent lentil broth) is the popular cuisine. Sweet ladoos and fruit juices also follow the diet list. Festive moods are often celebrated with lassi (butter milk) and local drink made of sugar cane, date palm toddy and sometime from the flowers of the Mahua tree.

Popular Shopping Center in Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is popular for its traditional handicrafts and highly designed sarees. The sparking Chanderi and Maheshwar saree falls into the must-have category. Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur and Ujjain is the ultimate shoppers destination. Also the Omkareshwar town is messed up with the many art and craft items like lacquer ware, dolls, hand-woven carpets, wall hangings and jewelry of fine intricacies.

Major Railway Station/Airport of Madhya Pradesh
The state claims to have a good network with other important cities of the world. The approachable routes are -

Major Airport

• Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport (Ahmedabad)
• Bhavnagar Airport (9 km from Bhavnagar)
• Jamnagar Airport (10 km from Jamnagar)
• Rajkot Airport (3 km from Porbandar)
• Rajkot Airport (4km from Rajkot)

Major Railway Station

• Ahmedabad Railway Station
• Godhra Railway Station
• Porbandar Railway Station
• Vadodara Railway Station
• Rajkot Railway Station Surat Railway Station