Madhya Pradesh: the Heartland of India

Book excerpt: Madhya Pradesh is in the center of India and is also called the heart of India. This state is famous for its culture, history, and nature. Madhya Pradesh is the second-largest Indian state by area bordered by the states of Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The book describes most of the worth seeing places like Indore, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Khandwa, Maheshwar, Mandu, Ashmadha Fossil park, Bagh Caves, Dhar, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Bhojeshwar Shiva Temple, Bhopal, Sanchi, Udaigiri, Pachmarhi, Jabalpur, Amarkantak, Kanha, Khajuraho, Orchha, and Gwalior through description and colour photographs. This has a chapter on budget travel in Madhya Pradesh. A little description of some of the places are given below: Indore is the most populous and the largest city of Madhya Pradesh and is famous for its culinary culture. Ujjain is a famous Hindu pilgrimage center with the Kumbh Mela held here every 12 years. Omkareshwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. The magnificent palace of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar in Maheshwar is also known as the Queen's fort. The sunset on Narmada was excellent here. Mandu is an outstanding historical and romantic destination and recently won the award for "Best Heritage City". Bagh caves are a group of nine rock-cut monuments, built by the kings of the Satavahana dynasty during the 5th to 7th century AD. The Bhojshala or "Hall of Raje Bhoj" is presently an archaeological site under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India. The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are five clusters of natural rock shelters, displaying paintings from the Mesolithic Period to the historical period. The Bhojeshwar Temple is an incomplete Hindu temple in Bhojpur village of Madhya Pradesh. Dedicated to Shiva, it houses a 7.5 feet high lingam in its sanctum. Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. It is known as the City of Lakes for its various natural and artificial lakes and for being one of the greenest cities in India. Sanchi Stupa is a Buddhist complex, famous for its Great Stupa. The Udayagiri Caves are twenty rock-cut caves near Vidisha and contain some of the oldest surviving Hindu temples. Pachmarhi is also known as Satpura ki Rani and is a hill station. Jabalpur is famous for Dhuandhar Waterfalls, Marble rocks, and marble artifacts. Amarkantak, also known as "Teerthraj", is a pilgrim town in Madhya Pradesh. Kanha national park is one of the finest wildlife areas in the world. Orchha Fort complex houses a large number of ancient monuments consisting of the fort, palaces, temples, and other monuments. Ujjain is a famous Hindu pilgrimage center with the Kumbh Mela held here every 12 years. Omkareshwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. Mandu is an outstanding historical and romantic destination and recently won the award for "Best Heritage City". Bagh caves are a group of nine rock-cut monuments, built by the kings of the Satavahana dynasty. The Bhojshala or "Hall of Raje Bhoj" is presently an archaeological site. The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are five clusters of natural rock shelters, displaying paintings from the Mesolithic Period to the historical period. Sanchi Stupa is a Buddhist complex, famous for its Great Stupa. Pachmarhi is also known as Satpura ki Rani and is a hill station. Jabalpur is famous for Dhuandhar Waterfalls, Marble rocks, and marble artifacts. Amarkantak, also known as "Teerthraj", is a pilgrim town in Madhya Pradesh. Kanha national park is one of the finest wildlife areas in the world. Orchha Fort complex houses a large number of ancient monuments consisting of the fort, palaces, temples, and other monuments.