MP Tourism - On Spiritual Quest

Though more popular for tiger safaris, Madhya Pradesh  is an emerging center for religious tourism in Central India. Diverse religious facets have left their impact on the state. Ancient Hindu Temples, Mosques, Jain Derasar, Churches, Buddhist Stupas, sacred rivers and ashrams are spread all over the state. The monuments date way back into history while some are of recent origin.

The centers of  pilgrimage are visited not only by the pious but the modern traveler as well.  Peripatetic travelers from foreign lands in search of spirituality and exploration visit Central India in large number.       

A spiritual journey in MP is influenced by one's inclination and purpose. Some of the prime destinations are:

Jabalpur: The cosmopolitan city lies in the center of India. Virgin River Narmada originates at Amarkantak Hills and traverse a long distance to reach city. The stepped embankments of Gwarighat and Lametaghat are the hubs of Hindu rites and rituals and abode of many temples and ashrams of the mystics and saints. A holy dip in the Narmada cleanses all sins away, it is one of the five holiest rivers in India. Must visit destinations are Dhuandhar Falls and Marble Rocks. 

Major places of worship at Jabalpur:

Tripuri Sundari                    

Bajnamath

Radhakrishana Temple  

Gopalpur Temple

Pisan Hari Ki Madhyia Jain Temple

Badshah Halwai Mandir

Gauri Shankar Mandir

Church of England

Gurdwara Gwarighat Saheb

Bare Ganeshji Mandir

Mala Devi Mandir

Roopnath Temple

Well connected by rail and road Jabalpur is linked by Air with New Delhi!

Ujjain: About fifty km from Indore, the town lies on the banks of Shipra River. It is in this river the drops of precious nectar fell whence Gods and Daemons scramble for the vessel. The nectar was supposed to accord immortality on consumption. Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years to commemorate the battle for the nectar (amrit).

On the banks of Shipra lies the abode of the Lord Shiva Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga - one of the 12 in India. Hindu pilgrims visit the Shiva Temple on 13th night of the new moon during the month of Maagh. Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir is a temple devoted to Lord Ganesha situated in Ujjain. 

Omkareshwar: Situated on the banks of River Narmada is a Hindu Temple devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated on island called Mandata or Shivpuri in Narmada River. Being one of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Shiva it is an important pace of worship in Madhya Pradesh in India. There are two important temples dedicated to the Lord here.

Maheshwar: The name refers to Lord Shiva, the town is situated on Narmada Banks in Kharogne District of MP. The place is also called Maheshwari. It is famous spiritual destination as well center for Maheshwari Sari  made of cotton and silk. Maha Shivratri and many Hindu festivals are celebrated with aplomb at Maheswar along with gathering of many pilgrims. Mahamritujaya Yatra is organized every in the town  a day preceding Makar Shankranti for the welfare of the people.       

Chanderi: is a small town in Ashok Nagar District of MP. Many Jain and Hindu temples make it a significant religious town. Chanderi is more popularly for its weaving industry making hand woven sarees named Chanderi Saris after the town. Nearby places of religious significance belonging to Jain denomination are Gurilagiri Bhiyadant Bhamon, Khandargiri, Aamanachar, Bithala and Thuvanji.        

Chitrakoot: is town of religious and historical importance. Tourists on spiritual and religious quest arrive here

during Ram Navmi, Amavasya, Som Vati Amavasya, Diwali, Sharad Poornima and Makarshankrati.

Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman stayed here for more than eleven years during their exile. Bharat Milap took place at Chitrakut whence Bharat came to meet Ram and requested him to return to Ayodhaya. Tulsidas, Rahim and many other Seers and Saints stayed here to meditate. The holy place is situated in Satna district and is 195 km from Khajuraho Temples. There are many ashrams and religious spots that one can visit with the help of a guide.

Sanchi: Famous destination for Buddhist Stupa containing relics of Lord Buddha lies in Raisen District of MP. Temples of Sanchi display Buddha's journey to salvation. Built during Emperor Ashoka's rule the stupas went through torturous periods of vandalism and loot. Three stupas and many temples remain at the site in Sanchi. Few km from Sanchi is Satdhara Stupa which contains relics in a glass container. Many Buddhist monks stay here and pursue religious studies.

The above places are most traveled destinations in quest for spiritual awakening. The pious on religious journeys in MP travel in groups in packages organized by tour operators. Such travel is  safer, affordable and comfortable.

All major towns like Gwalior, Bhopal, Indore have sacred Hindu shrines worth visiting. Smaller places like Pachmarhi, Hoshangabad, Orchha, Mandu, Shivpuri and many more have religious importance as well. They are more popular as holiday destinations.  

Tourism Madhya Pradesh - Wild Heritage

Madhya Pradesh or Central India is one of the finest tourism destination in India. Ensconced in the center of the country and land locked the large state has impressive forest cover. Known as tiger state of India, the state has much more to offer than tiger safaris. 

Green, beautiful and serene this is how the state appears to the tourists thanks to the forests that cover a large part of the state.  There has been a rapid development in road infrastructure and accommodation making tourism more viable. The state boasts of finest National Parks, wildlife sanctuaries, hill retreats, pilgrimage centers and monuments temples, forts and places. 

The state is rich in ancient history and tell tale monuments with an architecture that bedazzles the visitor. The country's most sacred river Narmada originates in MP and Ujjain, Maheshwar and Jabalpur are most visited  pilgrimage centers. Earlier the state had a forest driven economy and relied heavily on minor forest produce for income. MP is now well industrialized with main commercial hub being Indore, Bhopal and Jabalpur.    

Tourist Safari Destinations

Pachmarhi Hill Retreat: The rugged hilly terrain is in stark contrasts to the plain below. Undisturbed, unscathed and inviolate it is the post pristine eco belt in India. Rabid urbanization and expanding humanity has not affected the retreat. Pachmarhi is among few hill stations that have not been  taken over by marauding colonizers. This is where Capt James Forsyth set foot and went on pen down his experiences in his book on Highlands of Central India.        

Dazzling waterfalls, esoteric springs, serene pools; densely forested hills and valleys, ancient caves, and temples are enchanting ingredients of this picturesque hill retreat. Pachmarhi is a sanctuary to rare wildlife and amazing birds.

Satpura Tiger Reserve: On climb up the Matkuli Ghat resides Satpura Tiger Reserve a large National Parks home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and Central Indian mammals. Less seen, less known Satpura National Park along with Pachmarhi and Bori sanctuary holds lot of surprises. The wildlife and birds have yet to be properly check listed in this inaccessible and unexplored paradise.       

Kanha Tiger Reserve: Well known and popular tiger heaven the National Park is home to rare swamp deer adopted for hard ground survival. Best place to see the tiger in the wild there resides large number of deer, carnivores and herbivores. The park is populated by impressive number of bird species and reptiles. 

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve: Picturesque and enchanting this tiger haven surpasses all in terms of tiger sightings in the wilderness. The undulating terrain is dotted with a number of hillocks that accord Bandhavgarh with characteristic grace and charm. On park safari history unfolds ancient civilizations that found relief in the deep confines of Vindhya Hills. Tiger rules over the forests, hills and valleys, marshy grasslands and riverside habitats. The majestic Bandhavgarh Fort though in ruins glorifies the little paradise. Shesh Shaiyya is fairy tale abode of Lord Vishnu. The scattered remains, temples, caves, stables and zoomorphic idols of Lord Vishnu enthrall tourists on wild safaris. 

Pench Tiger Reserve: Kipling Country land of the tiger and Mowgli the wolf child. The enchanting characters  in this famous intrigue are right in their homes at Pench. Sher Khan, Baloo, Kaa, Bagheera, Colonel Haathi and the wolf pack now are targeted sightings for tourists on wildlife safaris in the preserve. Pench offers exciting sightings of Indian wolf, leopard, wild dog, bison and sloth bear besides the Bengal Tigers. Bird Life at Pench is worth a trip.

Panna National Park

About forty five km from Khajuraho Temples the park boasts of amazing Central Indian wildlife and fresh water crocodiles at Ken River Sanctuary nearby. It was once a good place to see tigers but the tigers have been poached to extinction. Tiger relocation program has been inducted and few tigers relocated from other reserves. Nevertheless Panna is good place for wildlife watching and birding in MP.      

Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary: The lesser known preserve differs with Kanha and Bandhavgarh in terms of habitat. Less seen animals of Central India are prominent in picture here. Indian wolf, chinkara, blue bull and common animals like sambar, spotted deer, wild boars and Hanuman Langurs can be seen in the sanctuary. Noradehi is the most promising  WLS in India for birding. Rare bird like Grey creeper make this sanctuary its home. Noradehi  offer both forest and wetland bird sightings. Find more information on Birding tour at Nauradehi  WLS.              

MP has large number of protected areas which are less visited and less known. Some of them are Sanjay National Park, Rani Durgavati, Sardarpur, Sailana, Ralamandal, Orchha, Gangau, Bagdara, Rata Pani, Panpatha, Karera, Phen, Ghatigaon, Gandhisagar, Karera, Ken Ghariyal, Kheoni, Narsinghgarh, Chambal, Kuno Palpur and Son Ghariyal.

The state can best be visited on MP tourism packages that are organized by many tour operators. Most of the packages cover popular wildlife tourism destinations besides sightseeing. Tour packages are also available for pilgrimages and monuments of Central India.    

Best season for touring Madhya Pradesh is winters. But journeys can be made during summers by those who can bear the heat. The month of November, December and January can be extremely cold.

Kerala: Cool and hospitable

In confines of true tropical greenery resides a state  -  Kerala one of the most popular holiday destination in India. The state possess proudly, lush greenery of dense tropical forests, azure blue of large stretch of backwater network and refreshing serene beaches on its impressive coast line. In addition holiday makers experience the warmth of Malayali hospitality, colorful culture, bizarre rites and  rituals. Come to taste the  gastronomic delights of Malayali chefs who specialize in mouth watering coastal cuisine. 

For an enthusiastic traveler ready to divulge in exotic adventurous journeys, Kerala is a unique place on Earth. Kerala enthralls the visitor, be it a cruise on backwaters, quiet walk on the beach or exciting heart throbbing safari in Periyar Tiger Reserve. 

The state has much more to offer. On tour visit the palaces, forts, temples and churches.  Marvel at South Indian architecture, influenced at places by foreigners who set foot as trader of spices.  Arabs, British, French, Portuguese all arrived lured by the tongue tingling exotic spices and left an indelible colorful marks.

Kerala excels in fine art be it Kathakali theatrical performance, vocal recitals, Carnatic instrumental or  classical film songs.  Remarkable the ritual arts of temples in praise of the holy deities and magnificent murals  are not to be missed. 

Partake in colorful fairs and festivities to experience in depth the cultural intrigue of the state. Interact with diverse array of humanity - simple, warm and enthusiastic hosts. Kerala is a never ending journey of delight. 

Best way to travel in Kerala is on tour operator affordable package tours. Travel bookings, accommodation and transport is all taken care of by the organizers. Customized tour package will offer you a choice of prime destinations. 

 The state is well connected by rail network and road transportation. Number of flights ply between metros and many other towns. English is quite popular all weather journey is exciting especially if you enjoy the monsoon rains.

More About Kerala

Boutique Resorts India

With tremendous growth in the country's economy there has come about a change in travel concept and how we celebrate. India is on upward swing with the fastest growing middle class and the jet set. The travel concepts are fast changing and evolving as per the current scenario.    

Luxury resorts are catching up with five star tourism. In India luxury resorts or boutique resorts as some call it are fully equipped properties. They are well equipped with paraphernalia of modern life. Boutique, spa, beauty saloon, ayurvedic massage, professional hair saloon all upscale amenities are essential elements of boutique resorts.     

The resorts provide spa  facilities for health, rejuvenation and a relaxing experience. They are integral part of business and family travel. Business travelers adapted to corporate lifestyle prefer an escape to distant accommodations that offer both business communication, organize conference and seminars etc. This is an ideal way of conducting business in salubrious climes for the industry big wigs. Top directors, Ceo and high er echelons of company management find the luxury resorts ideal. They prefer  deluxe resorts to urban hotels for corporate engagements and braking into big deal and contracts. 

The picturesque setting, five star pomp and glitter, luxurious amenities, entertainment, fine dining all sum up well for a family holiday. Though not many can spend a holiday in such expensive mode nevertheless the number is rising in India. The upscale resorts are well known for their extravagance and lavish consumption.  Unlike eco-resorts in wilderness the luxury resorts are extension of urban hotel industry.        

The finest luxury resorts in India are are  akin to five star hotels. The difference is basically location, with resorts being set up in distant serene and picturesque settings. Apart from luxurious accommodation and spa the resort fit the concept of themed weddings. Caterings and event planning are inherent functionality of many resorts in India. 

The ambiance and grand architecture, state of art interior and fairy tale scenario are ideal for theme weddings.  Such weddings are also known as destination weddings in India and all over. The rich and jet set prefer theme wedding ceremonies as their preferred way organizing a marriage.        

The resorts contribute to the country's economy by increasing the tourism potential. They are instrumental in attracting inbound tourists who wish to enjoy and explore Indian diversity without sacrificing luxury.   

Tourism in Gujarat

Unlike other tourist destinations like Kerala, Rajasthan Eastern and Northern India and Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat is not very popular. The major places of attraction are Gir National Park famous for Lion Safaris, Dwarka, Girnar near Junagadh, Somnath Temple and Rann of Kutch.

The people of Gujarat are travel lovers. They travel to many destinations in India during holidays for wildlife safaris and sightseeing.

The state has many other lesser known places of interest forts, palaces, beach resorts and many wildlife and bird sanctuaries. Saputara is Gujarat's only hill station and sits on the last leg of Western Ghats. There are many beach resorts in the state most popular amongst them are Chorwad, Mandvi, Beyt Dwarka, Nargol and Dandi beaches in Surat and many more.

While Dwarka, Girnar and Somnath in Veraval are places of pilgrimage, Gir and Rann of Kutch are ecotourism destinations the latter for birding. Union territories Daman, Diu are quite popular for tourism.  In the state spiritual tours to pilgrimage centers are very popular. There are many temples and derasar in the state belonging to Jains and Hindus that are very popular religious destinations.  

Gujarat has unique wildlife: Asiatic Lion at Gir, Black Buck, Caracal, Indian Gazelle, Wild Ass, Leopard, Desert Foxes, Nilgai, Indian Wolf and many small mammals.   

At Narayan Sarovar all three endangered bustards are found along  Black Partridge. One can sight Hubara Bustard, Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican. Little Rann of Kutch is breeding grounds for greater and lesser Flamingos. One can see Flamingos, Pelican and  other  wetland birds at Nal Sarovar and Thol. Velavadar is home to Black Bucks while Indian wild ass lives in Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary.


Nal Sarovar, Thol and Little Rann of Kutch are finest birding destinations.  This region is being promoted for bird watching in Gujarat state in Western India. Many species of birds some of which are endemic are found in the state. 

There are many historical monuments scattered all across the state, besides parks and gardens. For recreation in Gujarat  there are many luxury spa resorts in natural heavens. These are situated near major towns like Ahmedabad. The resorts and spas are popular for holiday accommodation, business travel and conferences, weddings and spa facilities. Some of the resorts are super luxurious with five star amenities. 

The major towns are Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot. The state has finest roads and  well laid tourism infrastructure - hotels, resorts, airports, rail heads and road transport. The government is taking keen interest in developing tourism in the state.

Nainital Bird Heaven

From Kathgudam onwards the height appears striking. One can see steep rising hills with  tortuous winding road network. The climb up is steep and can be risky as the barriers on the side are missing at places. The driver of our bus drove with confidence and practiced fluency.  I held myself taught, not used to such heights and the plunging deep valleys. 

The place disappoints, we were going to Sat Tal which is some 14 km from Nainital. On my first visit I realized that Nainital was no more a tourist heaven it is more of a builders' paradise. Most of the hills have human dwellings - even flat systems. The sight is disappointing since few green patches remain. 

All the way through this part of Uttaranchal, I could see devastating effect of urbanization - unplanned and rampant. This was not what Jim Corbett had described in his books on man eating tigers and leopards. The urbanization certainly means end of the road for natural environment here. The lack of right policy regarding development in tourism zones  is apparent in this country.    

Sat Tal in Naini Tal district is a birders paradise still. The worst are the garbage  dumps - conspicuous by their absence. Whole surroundings are littered by plastic bags  - the quantity is astonishing. 

Kainchi Dham were we go for birding exhibits a rabid example of this, the rivulet is choked with plastic bags, litter and no one bothers. The tree line of the banks is receding and settlements are replacing them. The same devastation is apparent at Sat Tal township which is bustling with hotels, restaurants, colonization and private villas and what not. Thankfully Pachmarhi in MP has been saved from this scourge being a cantonment and a wildlife sanctuary that begins immediately.  

Naini Tal township is literary a Bhendi bazaar, a mad milieu of tourists creating chaos. During my birding tours we have avoided this township which reeks of stuffed houses, choked bazaars and settlements littered with garbage on roofs and everywhere. Once a nature's paradise no more now.    

Pangot at greater height is untouched by ravages of uncontrolled tourism. But the forest denudation at places is of concern. I have seen hillsides occupied by settlements that are completely devoid of vegetation. Pangot offers mesmerizing view of Himalayan Ranges and is home to unique species of animals and birds. 

Corbett Tiger Reserve retains much of its glory in the core areas and the surroundings. But expanding civilization and urbanity sounds a death knell for this beautiful tiger heaven. The reserve is home to large number of bird species and falls in popular birding circuit in India.         

Many tour operators conduct bird watching tours  in Northern India. On a bird watching trip one can checklist a very large number of avian species.  But forest denudation is slowly destroying the habitats of birds in our country.
 

Destination Kerala: Backwaters

Lying parallel to the Malabar Coast in Kerala is an interconnection of salty lagoons, canals, rivulets and lakes. This is what constitutes Kerala’s back water the famous tourist destination.  The canals are man made as well as natural.

The back waters are inundated by thirty eight rivers and run half the length of the state.   The formation of backwaters is due to low lying islands that act as barrier across the mouth of rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats.  

Most of the towns and the cities of Kerala are located amidst the backwaters. These towns act as starting or ending point for backwater cruise. Some cruise lengths exceed over 200 km. 

The ecosystem is unique due to merger of fresh water and saline water of Arabian Sea. At places there are patches of cool fresh water where saline water is prevented from flowing in.  Backwaters are hence habitat for unique and some endemic aquatic species, large number of water birds are dependent upon this system. The rows of coconut palms, verdant leafy bushes on the banks of backwater provide greenish hue to the landscape.

The overall composition of backwaters accords serenity and calm.  The romance of an enchanted boat ride along side picturesque landscape is the highlight feature of backwaters.   The Kettuvallams as house boats are known in the state are a major tourist attraction. The Kettuvallams are grain ferrying barges which have been converted into house boat accommodations.  The house boats offer luxurious amenities and modern facilities. They are well equipped with furnished sleeping rooms and modern toilets. The dining area and sit out is usually on the deck.

Except during heavy rains the season for house boat cruise is practically year around.   The house boat tours can be booked through tour operators in India. There are various tourism packages available to enjoy a holiday on boat at these stretches of serenity.

The state offers much more than backwater cruise on the waterways. Kerala it is home to fantastic wild animals and birds. There are large numbers of National Parks and tiger reserves in the state for wildlife watching. Sightseeing on tours is exciting. Ancient monuments, Hindu Temples embellished with bewildering designs and array of colors, forts and palaces enthrall the visitors. The architecture of the state has a unique style with admixture of foreign impression at places.      

The diversity of life, exotic culture, Malayali cuisine and warm hospitality makes Kerala the most visited state in India. It is God’s Own Country so pack your bags and fly.        

Somnath Temple

Somnath - Veraval - Saurashtra - Gujarat 

The sea in the background adds to the charismatic grace and grandeur of the towering structure. No wonder since centuries the temple has been a cynosure of millions of eyes. The 9th century temple is Lord Shiva's domain and that what matters. The treasure troves Gold and Diamonds have now faded as myth. 

The Jyotirling at  Somnath is amongst the twelve most sacred lingam of Lord Shiva. Somnath has been plundered six times by intolerant  marauders and plunderers It was the strong resilience of the people and Hindu rulers that the structure was rebuilt again and again. 

Somnath literary means protector of the moon since Lord Shiva delivered the moon from a curse. The pious pray here on auspicious day on pilgrimage. The original temple destroyed by the iconoclastic  barbarians stands as adjacent ruins. The original Shivling has said to appear in a King's dream which was than unearthed and a temple stand over the underground idol.  

The architecture reflects the skills of Sompuras Gujarat's wonder masons. The temple was built in Chalukya Hindu Temple style after India's independence. The temple is of great significance for religious tours in India to the Hindus.

Not only the temple architecture, the ambiance is stunning as well which I discovered on my visit to the Lord Almighty's abode couple of years back. The deliverance if four fold and the spirituality awakens on the way to doors of Lord Shiva's abode here. 

Somnath temple is a must visit pilgrimage center at Veraval for all religious Hindus.   

Jabalpur Sigtseeing

Jabalpur

Situated in center of India in Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur is a scenic town ideal for sightseeing and picnics. The city sits in a cradle of forested mountains. The forested hill slopes, large reservoirs, water bodies and rivers make the place highly enchanting.

The places of interest are:

Dumna Nature Reserve at Khandari Lake : A wildlife safari, birding and and tourism spot. DNS is good place for picnic, birding and wildlife watching. One can see spotted deer, small game and leopard with luck. Excellent place for water birds. In winter number of migratory ducks arrive in large numbers. 

Pariyat Lake: This scenic lake with pristine forests and mountains on the bank. One can see the fresh water crocodile with luck. Good place bird watching and picnic. 

Bargi Dam Resort: Good for water sport, short cruise and boating. MP Tourism hotels & restaurants manage the place most frequented by the visitors to Jabalpur.   

Madan Mahal Fortress: Gond Fort built in 11th Century AD by Madan Shah. He was  Son of Queen Durgavati who ruled over Jabalpur and Mandla districts. 

Marble Rocks: A gorge in River Narmada for boating amidst marble rocks with amazing color patterns on them.  It is also known as Bhedaghat. 

Dhuandhar Falls: Narmada descends down from here as a sparkling forceful gush of water into the Gorge knwn as Marble Rocks.

Chausath Yogini Temple Complex: In the center is Lord Shiva Temple surrounded by idols of 64 Yoginis of Goddess Durga.The complex was built by the Kalchuri dynasty. Most of the idols were plundered by Mughal invaders.

Rani Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary: Forty km from Jabalpur this small sanctuary is a good place to spend holiday’s wildlife watching and birding.

Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary: The forests are a habitat to tiger, leopard, marsh crocodiles, common otters and Indian Wolf. Chinkara deer and Nilgai are common sight and so are langur, wild boar and rhesus macaque. 

Rani Durgawati Muesum: Displays ancient idols, carvings and other artifacts of Gond and Kulchuri dynasties..  

Gwarighat on Narmada: Gwarighat is a stepped embankment on the banks of River Narmada. It is the hub of Hindu rituals and rites. One pilgrimage one can visit Hindu temples, Saints & enlightened Yogis and Gurudwara Gwarighat Sahib. Guru Nanak Dev visited river Narmada at Gwarighat.

Jabalpur is a transit point for tiger reserves - Satpura, Kanha, Pench and Bandhavgarh National Park  in Vindhyas.  Pachmarhi hill station is few hours of journey from Jabalpur.   

Jabalpur has many luxury hotels for stay in the city. Best way of enjoying here is on a spiritual tour package on river Narmada. Similar way is to go sightseeing on package tours where the tour operator makes all the arrangements.  

The city  is well connected by road and rail. Flight service operates between Jabalpur and New Delhi. 

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