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.

Travelers to Gwalior should be prepared for extreme weather variations. Winters here are bitter and the summers fiery hot. The best time to visit is between October and March. One of the favorite pastimes is attending classical music performances. Each year around November or December, the city holds a classical music festival that brings in the country's best musicians and performers.

Two of the best accommodations in town offer guests the royal treatment: Usha Kiran Palace Hotel, recipient of the National Award for Excellence, has 30 air-conditioned rooms and suites with luxurious art-deco furnishings; and The Hotel Shelter, a castle with banquet facilities, 68 luxurious rooms, a relaxing pool in a tropical setting, and the savory selections of its Multi Cuisine Restaurant

Located about 321 km from Delhi, the city has good air, rail, and road connections. Bus service running between Gwalior and other major cities is also good.

Points of Interest

The Fort; Jai Vilas Palace; Mausoleum of Ghaus Mohammed; Sun Temple; Tomb of Tansen

Jabalpur, nicknamed “the city of the rocks,” is perched along the banks of the holy river Narmada in the heart of the state. Famous for its marble ledges along the holy river, Jabalpur is one of the largest cities in Madhya Pradesh and is a popular tourist site. Many travelers stay in Jabalpur en route to the numerous wildlife sanctuaries within the state or come here to marvel at the famous gorge along the holy River.

Kanha National Park, located about 160 km from Jabalpur, is a popular off-shoot of a Jabalpur vacation. Famous for its wildlife safaris and bird-watching activities, the Park is home to a myriad of exotic species, including the barasingha (deer), gaur (an Indian bison),chital, and the sambhar.

There are all levels of accommodations in town from budget to high-end hotels. Most budget accommodations are located near the bus station, while the luxury hotels are strewn along Station Road. One of the best sleeps in town is the 5-star Samdariya Hotel, a full-service hotel with luxurious rooms, restaurant for fine dining, a gymnasium, sauna room, and rooftop pool. Vatika, the hotel's swanky restaurant, offers the perfect remedy for stress: a dish of Indian (or continental) delicacies and a glass of bubbly..

Point of Interest

The Marble Rocks; Kanha National Park; Bandhavgarh National Park

Ujjain is located about 56 km from Indore and is considered one of India's most holy cities among Hindus. The city has a tropical climate and is steamy in summer and nippy in winter There are many temples to visit here, two of the most interesting of which are Bhaironath (the liquor drinking deity) temple and the Mangalnath temple which, supposedly, sits on the line of the earth's first meridian.

Ujjain is also home to many palaces and ancient buildings that remind us of India's once-upon-a-time princely regime. Kalideh Palace, a magnificent display of ancient architecture, is a popular tourist site on the outskirts of town. Another interesting exhibit of Indian history is The Observatory which has numerous ancient astronomical instruments on display.

Fairs and festivals are common in this city, especially during the Hindu religious holidays. One such festival is the Maha Shivratri, when thousands of Hindus make a pilgrimage to the Mahakal temple to pay homage to Lord Shiva.

There are two main government-approved hotels in Ujjain with a total of 64 rooms between them: Hotel Ashray, rated two stars, offers an air-conditioned restaurant that serves Indian, Chinese, and continental specials; and Hotel Shapira.

Points of Interest

Mahakaleshwara Temple; Bhartrihari Caves; Chintamani Ganesh; Bhartrihari Caves; Harsiddhi Temple; Kal Bhairava; Observatory; Vikram Kirti Mandir; Gopal Mandir; Navagraha Mandir