Madhya Pradesh the center of India is a state with large area under forest cover. It is hence referred as a tiger state with highest tiger population in India. But not withstanding forests it is an ancient hub of civilization with interesting and colorful history. Substantial revenue is generated from tourism industry.
The state faced conquests and wars from within and from brute overpowering forces of Mughals and ruling British. The state was under tribal domination for centuries but migrant war lords and ruling class from other states changed history. The tribal domination is very well mirrored in rule of the Raj Gonds like Rani Durgawati in Mandla & Jabalpur.
During the Mughal conquest lot of upheaval took place with constant struggle against their forces. There was lot of plunder and loot during that period. Ancient Hindu architecture - temples, forts palaces where ruthlessly plundered and destroyed partially or wholly. The domination continued in form of chieftains who ruled on behalf of the Mughal Sultanate. From Mughals the Marathas took over followed by the Raj and eventually freedom.
The migrating Baghels from Gujarat settled in parts of Madhya Pradesh and carved out their own kingdoms. There were many dynasties like Maurya, Satvahanas, Saka, Culchuri, Baghel, Chandels and many more. The ancient or contemporary dynasties struggled through internecine wars to take their piece of cake. By the time the country got independent the state was divided in number of kingdoms, small and big, of rulers of various denomination,clans, descendants, chieftain who became rulers and what not. Every human endeavor left its tell tale mark.
The union of Indian ended years of rule of pleasure seeking bigots, idolaters and many just rulers. But with independence democracy came to rule and the past slipped into annals of history - scarred and weather beaten.
The historical ruins lie more as plundered and neglected than in a state of preservation. Nevertheless re -instituted and preserved monuments, places of worship, forts and palaces stand erect in modern Madhya Pradesh. These are some of the most interesting sightseeing elements in the state that withstood a hundred thousand tempest to make MP the most important tourism destination. They are a living testimony to a past ravaged by feudal lords and kings and queens of yesteryear. They exhibit on the other side colorful culture, ancient architecture and arts & crafts of a burgeoning civilization.
In the historical eras the state became a pot pourii of cultures which is more evident in its urban hubs. The rural MP is more of tribal communities inter mixed with migrants.
The most important monuments of the state are:
Gwalior:
Fort & Palaces
Temples
Chhatris
Indore
Rajwada Palace - Holkars
Temples
Bhopal
Shaukat Mahal
Mosques & Temples
Ujjain
Mahakaleshwar Temple - Jyotir Linga
Kalideh Palace
Vedhashala Observatory
Jabalpur
Madan Mahal - Gonds
Temples
Gwarighat Temples
Shankar Shah Temple
Gurudwara Gwarighat Saheb
Chausath Yogini - Nr. Marbel Rocks
Rani Durgawati Museum - Ancient artifacts.
Shivpuri
Madhav Vilas Palace
George Castle - Madhav National Park confines
Chand Patha lake monuments
Marble cenotaphs
Chanderi
Kirti Durga Fort
Koshak Mahal
Deogarh Fort
Jama Masjid
Badal Mahal
Mandu
Jahaz Mahal
Hindola Mahal
Hosang Shah Tomb
Ashrafi Mahal
Chitrakoot
Ram Ghat
Kadam Giri
Sati Anushya
Janki Dhara
Hanuman Koop
Sanchi
Supas - Buddhist
Nilkantheshwar Temple
Orchha
Raj Mandir
Jehangir Mahal
Chaturbhuj Temple
Sawan Bhado Mahal
Chhatris
Lakshmi Temple
Khajuraho Temples
Other places of historical interest are Bandhavgarh, Pachmarhi, Maihar, Rewa, Maheshwar, Omkareshwar Bhojpur and Panna. There are lot of ancient temples venerated by locals hidden from the tourist eye. While traveling through the state it is worth inquiring about local tourism places.
Other places of historical interest are Bandhavgarh, Pachmarhi, Maihar, Rewa, Maheshwar, Omkareshwar Bhojpur and Panna. There are lot of ancient temples venerated by locals hidden from the tourist eye. While traveling through the state it is worth inquiring about local tourism places.
There are many more monumental jewels in Madhya Pradesh in deep recess of the state. The state is mostly unexplored and scattered palaces, temples and forts go unheard. There is much more to the state than wildlife safaris and birding. The best means of travel is on package tours in MP by tour companies in the state. Tourism in the state is picking up for historical and spiritual travel. The infrastructure is sound with safe roads, hotels and lodges for accommodation and rail and road transportation. Flights operate in major towns mostly connected to Delhi, Nagpur and Mumbai.
There are many tour operators in Madhya Pradesh for affordable package travel. The best season is winters as summers are hot. Monsoon travel is not possible due to inundating rains. Tourism in the state peaks during X'mas and Diwali holidays.
The language spoken is Hindi but English is quiet popular. There are many travel services and tourism information guides that disseminate information about travel and places of interest.
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