Located in the heart of the Indian subcontinent, Madhya Pradesh is a fascinating land with a seemingly endless supply of cultural variety tucked on a plateau between the Himalayan Mountains. And, it's the central focus of all four Indian religions - Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam.
The state is characterized by a central plateau surrounded by mountain peaks and is one of the oldest spots in India. Anyone interested in history and archeology would love this place! It has some of the oldest artifacts of human civilization dating back to the Paleolithic era (25,000 B.C.), and is the home of nearly 40% of India's aboriginal tribes.
There's a world of things to do and see here. Social events are plentiful and sparked with excitement as numerous festivals are sprinkled throughout the region adding color, music and dance to each corner of the state. The intricate designs of the antiquated temples, the skilled handicrafts of modern-day artisans, and the ancient paintings of prehistoric man are both beautiful and inspirational.
For those who prefer the wonders of nature, the magnificent bamboo forests await with a whole new world of exotic fauna and flora. There are 9 national forests and 21 wildlife sanctuaries open to the public. Everything from leopards and tigers to crocs, turtles, and migratory birds live within their borders. Naturalists are in for front-seat viewing of some of the world's most exotic creatures. And, there are countless bridal paths in the state that run past waterfalls, forests, rocks, cliffs, and glades, offering an unforgettable glimpse of paradise.
Madhya Pradesh is a world where art and nature unite to burn the fires of romance with a backdrop of antiquated beauty. From the artful masterpieces of Bharat Bhavan to the romantic stone structures of Mandu, and the soft beams of moonlight on the marble cliffs of Jabalpur, Madyha Pradesh is a land of love and beauty.
Bhopal
In 1956, Bhopal became the official capital of Madhya Pradesh.. Its main source of economic strength today is cotton fabrics and jewelry and is the home of India's largest mosque, the Taj-ul-Masjid.
Bhopal is a focal point for Indian art and culture, the home of theatrical productions and colorful art work, and the hangout of the literary crowd. It is a well-planned community that appeals to the active masses with festivals, dances, and artistic pursuits.
Sleeps in the area range from budget to plus-plus luxury. One of the best hotels for the average Joe is Hotel Residency, a government-approved 4-star hotel with a health club, pool and sauna, 24-hour room service, and a doctor on call. In addition to the recreational amenities, this 47-room hotel offers business travelers the comforts of internet access, as well as secretarial and foreign money exchange services. And best of all, it has a restaurant with a wide variety of cuisines and spirits.
Although there are many different restaurants in town with menus ranging from Indo-Chinese to an inter-cultural mix (as found in the locally-lauded GENERATIONEXT), it is wise to follow the traveler's rule of thumb: the safest places to dine are in a 3-star or better hotel.
Shopping is an exciting sport here, especially for tourists. Bargain jewelry made of filigree silver is one of the many souvenirs available. Leather products and bean handbags can be added to the list, as well.
Points of Interest: Taj-ul-Masjid; Jama Majid; Moti Majid; Bharat Rhavan; The Tribal Habitat (Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya); Upper Lake; Lower Lake; Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Indore: Located in the Narmada river valley, Indore is the commercial heart of the state and its largest city. It has a number of temples and monuments and provides the perfect getaway for adventurer-seekers looking to escape the humdrum of the city and to head out on a tiger safari to catch the big cat on film.
A cluster of mini malls keeps the shoppers smiling, and a popular tourist site is The Indore Museum with its excellent selection of medieval and pre-medieval artifacts. The art and cultural displays found in the Town Hall (Ghandi Hall) are also worth seeing.
Indore is well connected to other Indian cities by air, road, and rail. And, there is a selection of accommodations in town ranging from budget stays to luxury-end hotels. Taj Residency Hotel, Indore's 5-star hotel, offers travelers a swimming pool and fitness center, a bakery, barbershop, and even babysitting services. It also has three on-site restaurants.
Points of Interest
Kanch Mandir; Rajwada; Bada Ganpati Temple; Lal Bagh
Gwalior is famous for its rock fortress that has guarded North India for centuries. Within its staunch boundaries lies the old town where the seeds of the Jain religion took root and ancient palaces flaunt their intricate designs. The city is also famous for its carpet industry.
