Madhya Pradesh Travel Guide
The name “Madhya Pradesh” means “Central Region” , Etymology : Madhya ( meaning “central ) and Pradesh ( meaning ‘province or territory’). It is also Nicknamed “Heat of India” due to its geographical location .
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Sightseeing in Madhya Pradesh
Gwalior
Gwalior is prominent part of Madhya Pradesh and is known for its richness in art, culture, and history. The city showcases a ideal combine of architectural wonders and historical milestones. The most popular tourist attraction of the city – Gwalior Fort – is ranked among the best forts in India.Key attractions:
- Gwalior Fort
- Mansingh Palace
- Tansen Tomb
- Tiger Dam
- Gopachal Parvat
- Sun Temple
- Sas Bahu Temples
- Jai Vilas Palace
- Scindia Museum
- and Madhav National Park
Orchha
Orchha, a charming town is the former capital of the Rajputs of Bundela. It has some amazing forts & temples that reflect the immaculate Rajputana architecture.Key attractions:
- Orchha Fort
- Raja Ram Temple
- Raja Mahal
- Chaturbhuj Temple
- Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary
- Palki Mahal
- and Dinman Hardaul’s Palace
Sanchi
Sanchi is historical & spiritual places of Madhya Pradesh. This former educational and Buddhist pilgrimage centre is known for the famous Stupa, which is also a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.
Key attractions:
- Sanchi Stupa
- Toranas
- Monasteries
- Ashoka Pillars
- Buddhist Vihara
- Gupta Temple and
- Sanchi Museum
Khajuraho
Khajuraho is recognized for a spectacular display of Indian art & architecture.. Its impeccable sculptures, intricate carvings, and fine art specimens have earned it a spot among the Seven Wonders of India.
Key attractions:
- Ajaigarh Fort
- Panna National Park
- Beni Sagar Dam
- Archeological Museum and
- Temples of Kandariya Mahadev
- Parsvanath
- Visvanath
- Devi Jagadamba
- Vamana
- Duladeo
- Chitragupta and
- Bijamandala
Bhopal
Bhopal as famously known as - the city of lakes. One will find many lakes, unbelievable museums, wildlife reserves, and historical palaces which make Bhopal a must-visit destination.
Indore
Indore is one of the largest cities of Madhya Pradesh and it also enjoys the privilege of being the Financial capital of Madhya Pradesh. Indore is by the bank of River Saraswati, and has lot to offer ,this city boasts of its rich heritage, historical monuments, and their incredible architecture.
- Lal Bagh Palace
- Central Museum
- Patalpani Waterfall
- Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary
- Tincha Waterfall and
- Indore White Church
Jabalpur
Jabalpur –Located by the river Narmada this city has a overload of natural splendours. From marvellous waterfalls to marble rocky outcrops and from majestic forts to dams Jabalpur has all of it.
Key attractions:
- Dhuandhar Waterfall
- Bhedaghat
- Marble Rocks
- Bargi Dam
- Madan Mahal Fort
- Dumna Nature Reserve
- Rani Durgavati Memorial & Museum and
- Pisan Hari Jain Temple.
Mandu
Floating on a cliff, Mandu- is a heaven for the history enthusiasts. Exploring some amazing architectural splendours- from grandiose temples to discovering the flawless artwork of ancient temples, are some of the must-do things here.
Key attractions:
- Ship Palace
- Hindola Mahal
- Rupmati’s Pavilion
- Nilkanth’s Palace
- Rewa Kund
- Bagh Caves
- Hoshang Shah’s Tomb and
- Rupayan Museum
Chanderi
Chanderi is one of the admired chronological traveller spots in Madhya Pradesh. The remnants of forts & palaces and historical sites reveal that its connection to the Gurjara-Pratihara kingdom.
Key attractions:
- Kati Ghati Gateway
- Koshak Mahal
- Purana Madrasa
- Shehzadi Ka Rauza
- Idgah
- Bada Mahal Darwaza
- Jama Masjid, and
- Chandraprabh Temple
Ujjain
Ujjain, the most known Hindu pilgrimage is located by the Shipra River,and is famous for hosting the immensely popular kumbha mela. It is rightly known as the‘temple town of Madhya Pradesh’. The place has astonishing temples depicting Bundela art and architecture.
Key attractions:
- Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple
- Ram Ghat
- Kal Bhairav Temple
- Jantar Mantar
- Kalideh Palace and
- Vikram Kirti Mandir Museum
Omkareshwar
Omkareshwar got its name due to its landscape that comprises of two hillocks and a valley in between, resembling the Hindu symbol of OM. The ancient temples here reflect serenity and peace. Omkareshwar is a perfect place to spend some lone time and immerse in in-depth sanctity.
Key attractions:
- Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga & Temple
- Mamleshwar Temple
- Kajal Rani Cave
- Siddhant Temple and
- Idols of 24 Avatars
Pachmarhi
Pachmarhi is charming unexplored hill stations in Madhya Pradesh is perfect place to unwind . The appealing lake, the alluring waterfalls, and the attractive cave art are things that draw the tourists here.
Key attractions:
- Dhupgarh
- Panar pani
- Chauragarh
- Sangam
- Jatashankar & Mahadeo Caves and
- Apsara Vihar
Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh is one of the popular places to visit in Madhya Pradesh, especially for adventure lovers and photography buffs. Spread over 450 sq km, this biodiversity reserve and national park is home to tigers, numerous birds, reptiles, and other mammals.
Key attractions:
- Tree House Hideaway Resort
- Jeep safari
- Elephant safari
Pench
Pench is a rich habitat of biodiversity, especially some rare and endangered species, spread over sprawling 758 sq km. The haven for the Royal Bengal Tigers, it is known to be the setting for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.
Key attractions:
- Baghvan Jungle Lodge and wild animals like bison
- Sambar deer
- Striped hyena
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- Leopard, & wild cat
Kanha
The Kanha National Park houses rare and nearly extinct animal species, such as Barasingha and Swamp deer. The forest area comprising of Sal & Mahua trees is known for spotting tigers, deer, and blackbuck. People who love thrill & adventure can head out for night safaris, stay in homestays, and try the local liquor – Mahua.
Key attractions:
- Jeep safari
- Wildlife resort and
- Night safari
Raneh falls
Located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, Raneh Falls is a waterfall on the river Ken. The magnificent flow got its name from King Rana Pratap, the former ruler of the region. The sight of water rushing through the marvelous rock formations that surround the fall is just amazing.
Key attractions:
- The unique rock formations around the waterfall
Shopping in Madhya Pradesh
Market Streets are full of fancy shoes, shiny purses, beautiful silver ornaments, leather products, and of course the famous Bhopal ‘Batua’ with colourful beadwork. One can also get classic Pithora paintings to keep memories of Bhopal fresh in your heart. Bhopal is famous for the hand-weaved sarees and dress materials. You can get a pastel shade of Chanderi, or a deep gold Kota silk. The beautiful Bagh print kurtas, designed using wooden blocks are a must-have. But, the handcrafted Maheshwari sarees simply steal the limelight with its zari work and elegant sheen.
- Bamboo and Cane Work
Bamboo and cane, a significant part of the rural life, is hugely used to manufacture utility articles like baskets, fishing traps, agricultural implements, hunting tools and many more.
- Carpets
Carpets -Gwalior is known for carpet weaving since Mughal era. Apart from being masters of carpet weaving, the craftsperson’s of these areas excel in dyeing. These designs are a blend of ancestral motifs and modern taste.
- Durries
Durries– This is a kind of thick floor covering made of cotton, which is mainly manufactured in Sironj, Jabalpur, Jhabua, Raigarh and Shahdol. Woolen durries are available though.
- Folk Paintings
This form of art of Madhya Pradesh has mainly gained its fame from the areas of, Bundelkhand, Chhattisgarh, Malwa, Gondwana and Nimar. These paintings reflect the socio-cultural life of the areas.
- Iron Craft
Craftsmen from the interiors of the state use iron to create inimitable forms of crafts.They prepare iron goods like candle stands, furniture, lattice, lamps and several other kinds of decorative items.
- Jute Works
Jute items like baskets, hanging lamps, flower vases, hammocks, swings, purses, footwear, table mats etc. are some of the major jute works of Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore and Raipur.
- Metal Craft
These metal crafts known as dhokra work are mostly hollow-cast. They are made by the lost-wax process. The blacksmiths of the southern Madhya Pradesh make a range of oil lamps, tools and statues that depict animals, birds and men.
- Ornaments
The ornaments made of silver are a delight to the people living in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Silver adornments are also exhibited during the festivals.
- Papier Mache
Paper mache is a peculiar craft practiced in Madhya Pradesh since very ancient times. The craft has manifested itself in various different forms.The age long expression of this craft of paper mache was in the making of the ornate objects like vases, figurines and icons. Ujjain is very famous for this kind of art.
- Stone Carving
Stone carving is one of the oldest form of art and crafts of Madhya Pradesh. Stone sculptures of Khajuraho, Vidisha’s rock-cut temples and the monuments in Gwalior and Orchha prove the prevalence of stone carvings during the historical times.
- Stuffed Toys
The toys are skillfully crafted with much experienced hands and an eye for perfection. These arts are usually practiced in a hereditary way.
- Terracotta
The terracotta pottery of Madhya Pradesh is marvelous in its style and representation. The potteries made by the tribal people of Bastar are really noteworthy.
- Textile Weaving
Madhya Pradesh, also known as the “heart of India”, is famous for its extensive history of textiles. The most famous textile products in Madhya Pradesh include the Chanderi and Maheshwari Sarees.
- Woodcraft
Woodcraft is a traditional art of India as also of Madhya Pradesh. They are adorned with nicely carved patterns. These excellent craftsmanship indicates the rich traditional heritage of this sphere of art in the central part of the country.
- Zari Embroidery
The art of zari work is centered around Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh which is known for its rich heritage of art and craft. The art is predominant here for the last 300 years. Apart from Bhopal, it is practiced widely in Gwalior and Indore. The zari work in Madhya Pradesh has come from the western part of the country.
Madhya Pradesh Cuisine
The culinary traditions of MP are largely influenced by the cuisines of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan – all states that share a border with it .The food palate of Madhya Pradesh has also got a strong influence from Mughal cuisines.
- Poha
Super light and super healthy cuisine which is fondly eaten in all the parts of our country is given to India by Madhya Pradesh. Poha is made with the flattened rice.
- Daal Bafla
Bafla is a delicious treat of the wheat balls well cooked in ghee. The dish is well complemented with a bowl of Dal. Bhopal serves the best Daal Bafla.
- Seekh Kebabs
Seekh Kebabs are being one of the most savoured non-vegetarian dishes of Madhya Pradesh. Well-minced meat is presented in a wrap and can make your taste buds going with its meat that melts in your mouth. This best one you will find in Bhopal.
- Bhutte Ka Kees
Another healthy and yet delicious delicacy of Madhya Pradesh is Bhutte Ka Kees, this dish mainly comprises of corns. Grated corns are well-cooked with spices and skimmed milk which adds a slightly sweet taste to the dish. The best Bhutte ke kees will be served in Indore.
- Bhopali Gosht Korma
Mutton being the main ingredient of the dish is complemented with the great Indian spices to obtain a delicious plate of Gosht Korma.The best Gosht Korma will be served to you in Bhopal.
- Palak Puri
Palak Puri is very fondly eaten as a breakfast meal and it is best served with aloo sabzi and raita for a perfect lunch meal. Palak Puri is prepared with wheat dough mixed with grind spinach leaves and some spices to get the best taste.The best Palak Puri can be found in Jabalpur.
- Chakki Ki Shak
Chakki ki Shak is a dish which has got its influence from Rajasthani cuisine. The dish is prepared with steamed dough which is later added to the gravy which is prepared with different kinds of Indian spices. Indore is widely famous for its Chakki ki Shak
- Malpua
Malpua is majorly prepared with flour, fried in ghee and then dipped in the sugar syrup to add the taste that will make you crave for the dish again and again. The best Malpura will be served in Jabalpur.
- Jalebi
The dish is prepared with wheat flour, fried and then soaked in sugar syrup. The crisp taste of this sweet dish will revitalize your love for the most popular dish of Madhya Pradesh.
- Mawa Bati
Mawa Bati is probably one dish that defines the sweet dish palate of Madhya Pradesh.Mawa Bati is one dish one should definitely try when in Madhya Praesh.
Interesting Facts of Madhya Pradesh
Three in one , present day Madhya Pradesh is a combination of State of Madhya Bharat,Vindhya Pradesh and Bhopal.
City of Diamonds , Madhya Pradesh has the largest Reserve of Diamonds in india.
State of the Wild , the state has a total of Nine National Parks .
Oldest of india, Th Narmada river s the oldest river in India and is the lonest river in Madhya Pradesh
The art of flexibility – Malkhamb , a traditional Indian sport was declared as the State sport in 2013.
The smoky waterfall, The fall at Bhedaghhat are called smoky because it appers as if smoke is coming out of the river.
The jungle in the book, The book “Jungle Book” by Rudyard Kipling drew ha its inspiration from the forests of the Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
The ancient dome of Sanchi , Sanchhi Stupa is a bhuddhist complex, lactated on a hilltop. It it the oldest stone structure in India, Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in 3rd century BCE.
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