Madhya pradesh

HISTORICAL Archaeological Museum (Khajuraho) Khajuraho, once capital of the Chandela dynasty, is today recognized for its superb temples. Archaeological Museum (Gwalior) The Archaeological Museum was established in 1922. On view are archaeological antiquities similar to sculpture, inscriptions, copper plates, inscribed seals, stone pillars and capitals, sati stones, metal images, terracotta and coins excavated from very old sites like Pawaya (Padmavati), Besvagar (Vidisha). Ujjain (Ujjayini) and Maheshwar. Archaeological Museum (Sanchi) Like most site Museums in India, this one also owes its genesis to an English general accidentally stumbling upon some ancient ruins around 1818. Bharat Bhavan In February 1982, a unique cultural complex called Bharat Bhavan opened in Bhopal. Built and designed by the well known architecture Charles Correa, the complex is set in a number of the number of low building set around the banks of the lake. Central Museum (Indore) The Central Museum, established in 1929, was conceived as a purely district institution. Consequently it displays antiquities from the western Malwa area of Madhya Pradesh. On sight are paintings, sculpture, bronzes, terracotta, coins and architectural relics. Central Museum (Bhopal) The Central Museum at Bhopal was recognized in 1949. On sight are paintings, coins, porcelain object, metal and ivory toys and artefact, woodcarvings and a number of miscellaneous items like needle-works and local handicrafts. Chanderi Fort Deogarh or Fort of the Gods and Chanderi Fort: These forts are on the either side of the Betwa River on the main route to the Deccan. Datia Fort The fortress palace at Datia is one of a superb architectural work. The fort is an exemplary mixture of the Rajput and Mughal architecture. Four Gateway (Sanchi) The Four gateways make in 35 BC are the best from of Buddhist expression one can find any where in the world. Gateways or Torans as they are called are covered with explicit carving which depict scenes from the life Buddha and the the Jatakas, the stories relating to Buddha and his earlier births. Gwalior Fort The Fort of Gwalior has slumbered for long in silence. Now every night, famous incidents are re-enacted in a sound and light show. The Sound and Light show at the Man Mandir Palace of Gwalior Fort gives you a glimpse into the glorious past. H H Maharaja Jiwaji Rao Scindia Museum Situated in the Jai Vilas Place, the Scindia Museum has a variety of objects ranging from sculptures, bronze weapon's miniature paintings, manuscripts and coins. Jahangir Mahal Built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17 th century. Its strong lines are counterbalanced by delicate chhatris and trellis work, the whole conveying an effect of extraordinary richness. Jahaz Mahal  The Jahaz Mahal was constructed by Ghiyath Shah. This beautiful and exclusive piece of architecture was constructed on a narrow strip of land located in between two water tanks. The rooftop terrace of this ancient monument is decorated with domed pavilions. Jehan Numa Palace Jehan Numa Palace, nestled on the slopes of Shamla Hill, Bhopal, set in five acres of lush green grass, trees and splashes of colourful Bougainvilla, is a delightful and charming get-away. Jhansi Fort The fort of Maharani Jhansi has strategic importance since the earliest of times. It was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo (1606-27) of Orchha on a rocky hill called Bangra in the town of Balwantnagar (presently known as Jhansi). Khajuraho Temples The Temples: The architectural way of the Khajuraho temples is extremely dissimilar from the temple prototype of that period. Each stands, instead of within the customary enclosure, on a high masonry platform. Lal Baag Palace Lal Baag palace lies on the south-west of the city, bounded by gardens. It was built between 1886 and 1921. Currently this is the residence of Usha Raje, direct descendent of the Holkars, whose ancestral fort it used to be. Noor-Us-Sabah Palace The land of Bastar is identified for the Chait Parah and the Dhankul songs. The previous is of the seasonal category while the latter is connected with the invocation to the goddess Danteshwari. Rai Praveen Mahal Built in circa 1618 by Maharaja Indrajit Singh, the three-storeyed fort is also variously recognized as the Anand Mandal Bagh and the Rai Praveen Manika Bhavan. Raja Mahal Work on the Raja Mahal was started by Raja Rudra Pratap, but he died in 1531, leaving the construction incomplete. His son, Bharti Chand, completed the front and the main portion of the palace, but could not complete the building during his lifetime. Sanchi Stupa Sanchi has been well-known for the Stupas which were built on the peak of a hill. The purpose of these stupas was mostly religious. The most likely use of the stupas has been said to keep the relics. State Museum As museum devoted to archeology, the State Museum exhibit antiquity like coins, sculptures, terracotta excavated from all the significant sites of the region. Also on the view are paintings and handicrafts, especially those made by the tribal communities of the Baster. LAKES Kapildhara Waterfalls At a distance of 8 Kms.from the origin of river Narmada, the river falls from a height of 100 feet creating a waterfall known as Kapildhara. Kapur Talao In the Dhar District of Madhya Pradesh, there is a Lake named Kapur Talao. Kapur Talao is an artificial lake at Mandu. This lake is a natural beauty in Mandu. Lilahi Waterfall Surrounded by mountain rocks and colorful nature, this waterfall is in the down stream of Kanhan River. It is located at Lilahi on the Mohkhed- Pandhurna route. Moti Sarovar Situated near the Kavada Bhairav Mandir in Shajapur District of Madhya Pradesh, Moti Sarovar is a pond which was constructed by Charan Abhayram Banjara in 1052. Patal Pani Waterfall Located at a distance of 36 kilometres from Indore, Patal Pani is especially famous for the 150 feet high waterfall. The water falls to an approximate depth of 200-300 feet. Pawa Waterfalls Located in Pohri, about 40 km from Shivpuri, Pawa Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall. Here is grand statue of lord Shiva. Raneh Falls Famous for their rock formations, Raneh Falls on the Ken River is around 20 km from the historic town of Khajuraho. The main attraction is a 5 km long Ranguan Lake Located about 20 km from Khajuraho in Chhatarpur District of Madhya Pradesh, Ranguan Lake is an ideal spot for picnic. Rangwan Dam Sakhya Sagar Lake Created on Manier River in 1918, Sakhya Sagar lake is situated on the edge of forests of Madhav National Park in Shivpuri District, Madhya Pradesh. Sultan Garh Waterfall Located about 50 km from Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh, Sultan Garh Waterfall is a natural fall of Parvati River. Upper Lake Flows into the Kolans River, Upper Lake spreads southeastwards up to Sehore District. Upper Lake is the oldest man-made lake in India.

SPIRITUALS

Adinatha Temple (Khajuraho) (Built in late 11th century, during the reign of Kirtivarman) The Adinatha Temple, standing immediately to the north of the Parsvanath, is an important constituent of the Jain group of Khajuraho temples.

Brahma Temple On the bank of Khajur Sagar or Ninora Tal near the village stands the Brahma Temple. It is easy in plan and design with its body in granite stone and shikhare and made in sandstone.

Chaturbhuja Temple Three kilometers south of Khajuraho, in the village of Jatkari lie the two temples now in ruins. One of them is a Shiva temple enshrining a marble ligham.

Chausath Yogini Temple Standing beyond the tank, some distance from the other western group temples, this ruined temple is possibly the oldest at Khajuraho, dating from 900 AD or earlier.

Chitragupta Temple (Built in early 11th century) The Chitragapta Temple is situated at the extreme northern end of a row of four temples, extending from south to north.

Chowk (Shopping Place) Situated in the heart of the old city, the Chowk is lined with old mosques and havelis, reminders of bygone era.

Devi Jagadambi Temple The third temple on the common platform is slightly older than the Kandariya Mahadev and of a simpler, three-part design.

Duladeo Temple at Khajuraho (Built in circa AD 1100-1150) This Shaiva Temple, conventionally known as the temple of Duladeo or 'Kunwar Math', stands on the left or north bank of the Khurau Nala, about a kilometre south of the Khajuraho village.

Ghantai temple at Khajuraho This Jain temple has a frieze which depicts the 16 dreams of Mahavira's mother, and a jain deity on a winged Garuda. (Built in late 10th century).

Gohar Mahal Gohar Mahal also known as Gohar Begum is situated behind Shaukat Mahal on the banks of the Upper Lake. This palace, built in 1820 by Kudsia Begum is an architectural gem. The Mahal is a magnificent fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture.

Hanuman Temple One comes across the Hanuman temple while proceeding from the Western group towards the Khajuraho village. There is a massive statue of Hanuman. "The monkey God" about 8 ft high in the temple which is now in ruins.

Jama Masjid Gold spikes crown the tall dark minarets of this beautiful mosque, built in 1837 by Kudsia Begum, the devout wife of the ruler of Bhopal.

Kandariaya-Mahadeva Temple The first of the temples on the general platform at the back of the western enclosure is not only the biggest, it is also creatively and architecturally the most great. Built 1025-50, it represents Chandela art at its premium.

Lalshmana Temple The large Lakshmana Temple is dedicated to Vishnu, although in design it is similar to the Kandriya Mahadeva and Vishvanath temples.

Lalguan Mahadeva Temple A farther 500m west is the Lalguan Mahadev Temple, a small, ruined shrine, dedicated to the Shiva and constructed of granite and sandstone.

Matangesvara Temple at Khajuraho Standing next to the Lakshmana Temple, this temple is not within the fenced enclosure because it is still in everyday use, unlike all the other old Khajuraho temples.

Moti Masjid Architecturally akin to Delhi's Jama Masjid, Sikandar Jehan, daughter of Kudsia Begum, built this imposing mosque in 1860. It is a smaller mosque with two dark-red minarets crowned by golden spikes.

Omkareshwar Temple Another holy temple that you must pay a trip to during your temple tours to Madhya Pradesh is the Omkareshwar Temple situated at Indore in Madhya Pradesh, India. This ancient temple is located on an island on the River Narmada. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva.

Parsvanath Temple (Built in circa AD 954, during the early part of Dhangadeva's reign) of all the local Jain temples, the Parsvanath is the best conserved and in reality one of the premium temples of Khajuraho.

Shaukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil Shaukat Mahal is situated at the entrance to the Chowk area in the heart of the city. Its mixture of architectural styles in Occidental idioms sets it apart from the predominantly Islamic architecture of the area.

Taj-Ul-Masjid The most impressive structure in Bhopal is the Taj-ul-Masjid, one of the largest and most elegant Muslim mosques in India.

The Mahakala Temple The Mahakala Temple at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, India is an interesting temple site that you must visit during your temple tours to Madhya Pradesh, India. This ancient temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva.

The Sas Bahu Temple Contrasting with the predominant north Indian style of architecture is the Teli-ka-Mandir. This temple is believed to the oldest in the Fort, built in the ninth century and Dravidian in form. The sculptures are distinctly north Indian.

The Shiva Temple The Shiva Temple situated at Bhojpur in Madhya Pradesh in India is one more temple that you must trip during your temple tours to Madhya Pradesh in India. According to past records this temple was built a little bit in the 12th century.

Vamana Temple in Khajuraho (Built in This temple belongs to the eastern group of temples and is situated north of the Khajuraho village, about a furlong east of the Ninora Tal and almost the same distance north of the Javari Temple.

Varaha Temple Facing the large Lakshmana Temple are these two small shrines. The Varaha Temple, dedicated to Vishnu's boar incarnation or Varaha avataar, faces the Matangesvara Temple.

ADVENTURE & WILDLIFE

Bandhavgarh National Park The Bandhavgarh National Park lies in the very heart of Madhya Pradesh and nestles blissfully among the majestic Vindhya hills.

Chambal Bird Sanctuary National Chambal (Gharial) Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1978, under Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and biogeographical province 4.8.4 (Indus-Ganges Monsoon Forest).

Kanha National Park Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, the Kanha National Park is one of the very first wildlife sanctuaries to come under the Project Tiger programme.

Madhav National Park Madhav (Shivpuri) National Park 156 sq km in area, the park is open throughout the year. Biogeographical Provinces 4.8.4 (Indus-Ganges Monsoon Forest).

Panchmarhi National Park Panchmarhi in Madhya Pradesh is one of the most charming regions you can ever come across in the whole state. Lush greenery, cascading waterfalls and forested hills make up this magnificent area that can truly be called a preferred with nature.

Panna National Park Panna National Park is located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the best in the region. The river Ken passes through the park, adding to its scenic beauty. You can see tigers, sloth bear, march crocodile, cinkara, sambhar and chital.

Pench Tiger Reserve The Pench National Park is situated on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra and is known for the rich flora and fauna it abounds in. The park was named after the river that flows nearby and has been a protected area since 1983.