Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh – Literally meaning the central State, Madhya Pradesh straddles India’s heartland to divide north from south and east from west. The State has great geographical diversity with its forest clad hills, plateaus and plains cut deep by swift rivers and barren desolate ravines. Surrounded by the mighty Vindhya and Satpura hill rages, a third of India’s forest are located hare. These forests are rich in some of the finest hardwoods in the world – teak, sal, Indian ebony and rosewood. Some of the richest mineral deposits in the world are founded here. Bandhavgarh and its sister sanctuary Kanha are an irresistible attraction for all wildlife lovers. Kanha is considered one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Asia, with rich forests, rolling grasslands and meandering streams. Tiger, panther, bear, wildcat, deer, gaur, wild pig are among the many animals that call these forests their home. The marble rocks, near Jabalpur are famous for their glistening splendor a marvel such as only nature could create. Here the Narmada flows between towering, glistening white rocks of marble for over 3 km before cascading down in a fascinating waterfall. The State is incredibly rich in Hindu and Buddhist architecture, sculpture and places of worship. A rich and historical legacy, formidable forts that echo battle sounds and tales of rare heroism. Gorgeous palaces that evoke opulence, style and royal ambience. Some of the most impressive architecture anywhere in India is to be found in Khajuraho, Orchha, Shivpuri and Gwalior. The khajuraho temple wee built in an inspired burst of creativity in the 10th and centuries. Of the original 85 temples, 22 survive today, enthralling visitors from all over the world. Life in every form and mood has been captured here in stone. Khajuraho is India’s unique gift to the world.
Tourist Places in Madhya Pradesh
Bhopal – state capital, founded by the 11th century ruler Bhoj who was fond of building dams to form beautiful lakes or ‘ pals’ India’s premier centre for the cultivation of arts, Bharat Bhavan is here. Bhojeswer temple in nearby Bhojpur is incomplete but impressive. About 40 km away, at Bhimbetka are over 500 rock cut caves with startling rock painting going back to the palaeolithic ages. Airport: Bhopal.

Sanchi- the Buddhist stupa is close by Airport: Bhopal.

Indore: Palaces, temples Museum. Airport: Indore.

Ujjain – Kumbh mela held here every 12 years. An ancient city that predates the Buddha.

Omkateshwar near Indore, Mahakaleswar at Ujjain – Iyotirlinga temples.

Maheshwar – hallowed by memories of queen Ahilyabai, this is a small weavers’ village on the banks of the Narmada, where the famous Maheshwari sarees are woven.

Mandu – Ruins of the largest fortified city in the world. Full if lakes, palaces, gardens, mosques, temples. Perched at an altitude of 610 m in the Vindhya hills, Manduwas once ruled over by the sultans of Malwa and the Mughals.

Kanha, Bandhavarh, Madhav, Panna – national parks and wildlife sanctuaries Kanha, one of the original project tiger reserves, Bandhavgarh, the habitat of Several species of deer and tigers . Madhav and Panna are home to many species of flora and fauna.

Pachmarhi – hill resort.

Orchha – in the heart of Bundelkhand hallowed by centuries of turbulent history, it was once the capital of Bundela kings. Palaces, forts and temples in excellent state of preservation.

Shivpuri – Sumer capital of Scindia rulers of Gwalior, situated in the midst of wooded hills. Nearby Madhav National park hosts many migratory birds and wild animals.

Gwalior – famous for its hilltop fort with Raja Mansigh palace, temples. Tansen Music Festival is held here. Airport: Gwalior.

Khajuraho- 85 Chandela temple of exquisite craftsmanship of which 22 are still there. An annual dance festival is held here where the doyens of Indian classical dance perform in Khandariya Mahadev temple. Airport: Khajuraho.

Chitrakoot – Rama, sita and Lakshmana, the legendary figures of the Ramayana spent much of their 14 year exile here.

Bastar District – very rich in tribal life and culture where the Bhils, Gonds, Oraons and other tribes have still retainedmuch of their original lifestyle. Chitrakoot falls.

List of Districts and their headquarters in Madhya Pradesh state of India.

District	Headquarters	Area (km?)	Official website
Alirajpur	Alirajpur		www.alirajpur.nic.in/
Anuppur	Anuppur	3,701	www.anuppur.nic.in/
Ashok Nagar	Ashok Nagar	4,673.94	www.ashoknagar.nic.in/
Balaghat	Balaghat	9,229	www.balaghat.nic.in/
Barwani	Barwani	5,432	www.barwani.nic.in/
Betul	Betul	10,043	www.betul.nic.in/
Bhind	Bhind	4,459	www.bhind.nic.in/
Bhopal	Bhopal	2,772	www.bhopal.nic.in/
Burhanpur	Burhanpur		www.burhanpur.nic.in/
Chhatarpur	Chhatarpur	8,687	www.chhatarpur.nic.in/
Chhindwara	Chhindwara	11,815	www.chhindwara.nic.in/
Damoh	Damoh	7,306	www.damoh.nic.in/
Datia	Datia	2,694	www.datia.nic.in/
Dewas	Dewas	7,020	www.dewas.nic.in/
Dhar	Dhar	8,153	www.dhar.nic.in/
Dindori	Dindori	7,427	www.dindori.nic.in/
Guna	Guna	6,485	www.guna.nic.in/
Gwalior	Gwalior	5,465	www.gwalior.nic.in/
Harda	Harda	3,339	www.harda.nic.in/
Hoshangabad	Hoshangabad	6,698	www.hoshangabad.nic.in/
Indore	Indore	3,898	www.www.indore.nic.in/
Jabalpur	Jabalpur	5,210	www.jabalpur.nic.in/
Jhabua	Jhabua	6,782	www.jhabua.nic.in/
Katni	Katni	4,947	www.katni.nic.in/
Khandwa (East Nimar)	Khandwa	10,779	www.khandwa.nic.in/
Khargone (West Nimar)	Khargone	8,010	www.khargone.nic.in/
Mandla	Mandla	5,805	www.mandla.nic.in/
Mandsaur	Mandsaur	5,530	www.mandsaur.nic.in/
Morena	Morena	4,991	www.morena.nic.in/
Narsinghpur	Narsinghpur	5,133	www.narsinghpur.nic.in/
Neemuch	Neemuch	4,267	www.neemuch.nic.in/
Panna	Panna	7,135	www.panna.nic.in/
Rewa	Rewa	6,314	www.rewa.nic.in/
Rajgarh	Rajgarh	6,143	www.rajgarh.nic.in/
Ratlam	Ratlam	4,861	www.ratlam.nic.in/
Raisen	Raisen	8,466	www.raisen.nic.in/
Sagar	Sagar	10,252	www.sagar.nic.in/
Satna	Satna	7,502	www.satna.nic.in/
Sehore	Sehore	6,578	www.sehore.nic.in/
Seoni	Seoni	8,758	www.seoni.nic.in/
Shahdol	Shahdol	9,954	www.shahdol.nic.in/
Shajapur	Shajapur	6,196	www.shajapur.nic.in/
Sheopur	Sheopur	6,585	www.sheopur.nic.in/
Shivpuri	Shivpuri	10,290	www.shivpuri.nic.in/
Sidhi	Sidhi	10,520	www.sidhi.nic.in/
Singrauli	Waidhan	5,672	www.singrauli.nic.in/
Tikamgarh	Tikamgarh	5,055	www.tikamgarh.nic.in/
Ujjain	Ujjain	6,091	www.ujjain.nic.in/
Umaria	Umaria	4,062	www.umaria.nic.in/
Vidisha	Vidisha	7,362	www.vidisha.nic.in/