Travel to Madhya Pradesh

Travel to Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh Tourism

Madhya Pradesh is the largest state in India, covering an area of nearly 120,000 sq. km. Because of its an extensive forest area, Madhya Pradesh is not as densely populated as some of the other major states of India. The total population is a notch above 60,000, and Hindi is the most widely spoken language in the state.

Madhya Pradesh travel provides the visitors to experience the very quintessence of India's natural splendor, and rich artistic and cultural heritage. The state of Madhya Pradesh in the central region of India is an absolutely dream-come-true for traveling enthusiasts. There are a number of fabulous wildlife sanctuaries that house some of the rarest and the most sought after specimens of flora and fauna found in the Indian subcontinent. Madhya Pradesh is also the home to the breathtaking Khajuraho temples and has a number of old and historic cities. The wide range of handicrafts produced by the tribal population of the state make shopping in Madhya Pradesh a highly delightful activity.

The state of Madhya Pradesh lies in the central part of India for what it is often referred to as the heart of the country. Until the end of 2000, when Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh, it was the largest state in India.

Madhya Pradesh has a rich history dating back to the period of the Maurya dynasty. But even earlier than that, Paleolithic men had painted the caves of Bhimbetka (near Bhopal) in prehistoric times.

The city of Ujjain, the capital of the Guptas, reached the peak of its glory in its heydays and its fame spread all over the world.

Many empires ruled over the region and left their sign of glory and wealth in the shape of forts, temples and palaces dotted all over Madhya Pradesh. As you travel to Madhya Pradesh, the land would invariably bowl you over with its archaeological splendour. You may end up romancing the crumbling stones where master craftsmen etched the moments of valor and passion.

Location	Central part of India Borderd by  States like. Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujrat And Rajasthan
Latitude	23.17° North
Longitude	77.21° East
Area	308,000Sqkms
Climate	Summer - hot Winter - mildly cold
Max Temperature	37°C
Min Temperature	10°C
Average Annual Rainfall	118 cm
Capital	Bhopal
Population	6,03,85,118
Languages	Hindi, English
Religion	Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity and others
Best Time to Visit	September to February
Clothing	Summer - Cottons Winter - Woolens

How to Reach Madhya Pradesh

Owing to the strategic location, Madhya Pradesh has an easy access with the rest of the country. You can approach Madhya Pradesh from any city in India by any means of conveyance- air, rail or road.

How to Reach Madhya Pradesh helps you with information to reach the state with convenience.

By Air :

Several airports are located within the state of Madhya Pradesh. Gwalior, Khajuraho, Indore, Jabalpur and Bhopal are some of the cities that have airports. All public and private airlines operate regular flights to these airports.

By Train :

Bhopal is the key railway station in Madhya Pradesh, which is served by important trains connecting it to the rest of the country.

By Road :

A strategic network of National Highways and State Highways interlink the cities of Madhya Pradesh to several other cities and states of India. NH 3, NH 7, NH 12, NH 12 A, NH 25, NH 26, NH 26 A, NH 27, NH 59, NH 69, NH 75, NH 76, NH 78, NH 79, NH 86, NH 92 connect the state of Madhya Pradesh with other Indian cities and states.

Shopping in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh promises a wonderful shopping experience.

In fact as you travel to Madhya Pradesh, you can't return without doing a little bit shopping in Madhya Pradesh so much is the attraction of its traditional handicrafts.

Madhya Pradesh is renowned for its textile products. Once upon a time the craftsmen of Madhya Pradesh used to weave the finest muslins. The tradition still seems to be alive in exquisite Chanderi and Maheshwari saris. Zari work of Madhya Pradesh is also quite famous.

Apart from that, there are few more specialty handicrafts of Madhya Pradesh, which may arrest your eyes while shopping in Madhya Pradesh. Travel.mapsofindia lists up only a few you can check out:

You may know the handicrafts of Bastar are acclaimed globally. Now the region is in Chhattisgarh but once, it was a part of Madhya Pradesh. So it is quite common to spot in Madhya Pradesh the crafts sourced from Bastar.
A large number of government Emporia, which are named as Mriganayani are available throughout Madhya Pradesh. You can also head for the bustling Galis or Chowks for shopping in Madhya Pradesh. They still retain a sort of medieval ambience and shopping would be quite an experience.

Cities in Madhya Pradesh

• Ujjain
• Mandu
• Bhimbetka
• Bhopal
• Khajuraho
• Gwalior
• Orchha
• Kanha
• Sanchi
• Indore
• Shivpuri
• Maheshwar

Places to visit in Madhya Pradesh

• Ujjain
• Mandu
• Bhimbetka
• Shivpuri
• Sunder Mahal
• Phool Bagh
• Chaturbhuj Temple
• Sanchi Stupa
• Scindia Museum
• Bhimbetka Caves
• Upper Lake
• Lower Lake
• Wildlife Sancturies
• Birla Museum

Travel to  Bhopal

Bhopal Tourism

A travel to Bhopal will be a charming trip which will surely transport you to the splendor and glory of the Nawab era. The history of Bhopal dates back to the 11th century AD, when the legendary King Bhoja built it. However, the founding of the existing city was by an Afghan soldier, Dost Mohammed, who fleeing from delhi in the chaotic period that followed Aurangzeb's death met the Gond queen Kamlapati, who sought his aid after the murder of her consort. A charming legend relates how the queen would recline in a lotus barge that, on moonlights, would drift across the lake. The two lakes of Bhopal still dominate the city and the city has also earned the name the 'city of lakes'.

How to Reach Bhopal

Bhopal, also called the city of lakes, is the capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh.Tourists can reach Bhopal by air, rail and road.

By Air

Bhopal airport is 12 km from the Old City. Regular flights connect Bhopal with Delhi, Gwalior, Indore and Mumbai.

By Train

Bhopal is on one of the two main Delhi to Mumbai railway lines. The railway station is near Hamidia road. Major trains going from Bombay to Delhi via Itarsi and Jhansi also go through Bhopal.

By Road

There are numerous daily buses to Sanchi (46 km), Vidisha, Indore (186 km), Ujjain (188 km) and Jabalpur (295 km).

Distance to Bhopal

• From delhi - 744 KM
• From hyderabad - 839 KM
• From kolkata - 1356 KM
• From bhubaneswar - 1192 KM
• From chennai - 1435 KM
• From guwahati - 1855 KM
• From mumbai - 779 KM
• From ahmedabad - 568 KM
• From patna - 911 KM
• From indore - 186 KM
• From nagpur - 352 KM
• From ranchi - 1069 KM
• From kanpur - 601 KM

 
Shopping in Bhopal

Shopping in Bhopal is quite a fascinating experience .The markets in Bhopal have a picturesque ambience lined by old havelis and mosques. The two main markets in Bhopal are the Chowk and New Market.

Mrignayani Emporium and Handicrafts Emporium are two good places for souvenirs hunting and they also stock a good collection of local handicrafts. Women's Co-op Zari Centre, Pir Gate sells bags with some exquisite zari work (rich embroidery done with gold and silver thread) and chiffon sarees.

Bhopal is known for its tussar silks, a combination of cotton and silk which is very flimsy. It is said that Emperor Aurangzeb insisted that his daughter wear seven layers of it! MP State Emporium, GTB Complex, TT Nagar, specializes in chanderi saris and fabrics as well as tussar and other raw silks

Tourist Places in Bhopal

• Gauhar Mahal
• Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
• Taj-ul-Masajid
• Birla Museum
• Bhojeshwar Temple
• Taj Mahal PalaceRavindra Bhavan
• Ravindra Bhavan
• Lower Lake
• Upper Lake
• Moti Masjid

Travel to Gwalior

Gwalior Tourism

Gwalior in the state of Madhya Pradesh is known for its royal lineage. Gwalior has the perfect blending of the tradition and modernity. It is one of the most developed cities of India with many renowned educational institutions and industries like cotton, ceramics and chemicals.

The history of Gwalior is interesting. Legend has it that the name 'Gwalior' comes from a great sage, Gwalipa who cured Suraj Sen, the chief of the Kachwaha clan suffering from leprosy in the 8th century. Gwalior has seen many dynasties, which patronized the artists and the musicians who in turn popularized the princely state through their songs and writings. Gwalior city was the capital of the princely state of Gwalior until 1948 to 1956 when Madhya Pradesh merged with the Indian union.

How to Reach Gwalior

The city of Gwalior is popular as the city of forts is a popular tourist destination. A large number of tourists make their way to the city every year. We bring to you complete information on how to reach Gwalior by air, rail or road.

By Air

Gwalior City has its own international airport called Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia Air Terminal.

Flights from all the major Indian cities connect the city to other parts of the country.

By Rail

Gwalior railway station is conveniently located on the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai rail link. Among major trains, the Taj and Shatabdi Express connect Gwalior with Delhi and Agra.

By Road

Gwalior is well connected by a good road network connecting all the major places in Madhya Pradesh and the surrounding areas. Gwalior is well linked with Agra (118 km), Jaipur (350 km), Delhi (321 km), Lucknow, Bhopal (423 km), Chanderi (239 km), Indore (486 km), Jhansi (101 km), Khajuraho (275 km), Ujjain (455 km), and Shivpuri (114 km).

Distance to Gwalior

• From delhi - 321 KM
• From mumbai - 1086 KM
• From ahmedabad - 858 KM
• From kolkata - 1248 KM
• From kanpur - 276 KM
• From jaipur - 350 KM

Shopping in Gwalior

Shopping in Gwalior is going to be a fabulous experience for the tourists who would like to carry home authentic items

with a royal splendour. The Gwalior bazaars are perhaps the oldest in Madhya Pradesh.The shops in Gwalior have a lineage of centuries and were once patronized by the royalty in Gwalior.

If you are looking for souvenirs with a traditional touch, you will find them in the shops near Rajwara, Laskar and Patankar Bazaar. You can choose from a range of art and craft items like lacquer ware, dolls, handwoven carpets, wall hangings and jewelery which make good gifts to carry home. Gwalior is famous for its Chanderi sarees and if you wish to buy them you should go to the Chowk at Bara.You can also check out the state government run emporiums which has a fascinating collection of arts and crafts of Madhya Pradesh from dokra figurines and tribal jewelery to hand-woven sarees and fabrics.

Places to Visit in Gwalior

• Gwalior Fort
• Man Mandir Palace
• Gujari Mahal and Archaeological Museum
• Sas-Bahu Temples
• Memorial of Tansen
• Suraj Kund
• Sarod Ghar
• Scindia Museum

Travel to Indore

Indore Tourism

Indore travel is a must visit part of the Madhya Pradesh tour. Presenting a charming blend of historicity and modernness, the city of Indore is one of the most popular tourism destinations of the state. Much of the glorious history of Indore owes to Malhar Rao Holkar - the founder of the Holkar dynasty. The city rose to great heights under the Holkar Kings.

Indore is located in the western parts of Madhya Pradesh. The city is well linked by all means of transportations. The Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport at Indore has regular flights operating to and from major Indian cities and foreign countries. Indore is also extremely well connected with the rest of the country by rail and road networks. The rail services to Indore from Mumbai, Delhi,Kolkata make it quite cheap to reach Indore. The daily bus services from Mumbai, Gwalior, Jaipur through the National Highway3 are also availed by many tourists to travel Indore.

Indore is better known as the industrial and financial capital of Madhya Pradesh.However a travel to Indore will reveal the fact that the city of Indore abounds in tourist attractions - palaces, monuments and temples which speaks of the historic past of the city.

How to Reach Indore

By Air

The tourists may travel to the city of Indore by air. The airport of the city is situated a few kilometers away from the center of the city. The air routes connect the city of Indore to the cities of Mumbai, Delhi and Bhopal.

Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport Indore is the airport situated in the city. Jet airways and Indian Airlines are the two airlines cater to the needs of air traffic in the city of Indore. The Indian Airlines flies regular flights to the city of Mumbai, Delhi, Bhopal, Gwalior and Chennai. Regular flights depart for the cities of Mumbai and Bhopal. The Jet Airways flies flights only to the city of Delhi and Mumbai. Sahara Airlines also provides cheap flights to the cities of Bangalore, Mumbai and Bhopal. Cheap flights are provided by private airlines like Spicejet, Indigo and Paramount Airways. The international airways like Silk Air, Indian Airlines and Air Arabia fly international flights regularly from the city of Indore.

The presence of an airport in the city has facilitated the people who travel regularly to the city of Indore. People prefer to travel to the city of Indore by air as the journey is more comfortable and less time consuming.

By Train

It is most convenient to travel to the city of Indore by train. Several trains run along the broad gauge and the meter gauge tracks connecting the city of Indore to the rest of the country. Traveling by train to the city of Indore is less time consuming and easily affordable.

Some of the trains that arrive and depart from the city of Indore are listed below:

• Kshipra Express
• Avantika Express
• Ahilya Express
• Dehradun Express
• Nizamuddin Express
• Intercity Express
• Narmada Express
• Jaipur Express
• Malwa Express

The Malwa Express plies regularly between Indore and Delhi through the cities of Ujjain, Bhopal, Jhansi, Gwalior and Agra. The Intercity Express connects the city of Indore to Bhopal. The train travels a distance of 5 and half hours between the two cities. The Avantika Express travels to the city of Mumbai regularly from Indore. Jaipur Express traverses the route in the meter gauge.

Reaching Indore is more convenient due to the presence of the railways. The western railways cater to the railway requirement of the city.

By Road

The tourists may travel to the city of Indore by road. The city is well connected by a network of roads to some of the major cities of the country. Buses ply regularly on the routes to Indore from the neighboring cities.

Regular bus service is available from the city of Ujjain that lies at a distance of 55 kilometers from Indore. The buses traverse 1 and a half hours to reach Indore from Ujjain. Buses also ply from the city of Bhopal to Indore. The capital city of the state of Madhya Pradesh lies at a distance of 186 kilometers from Indore. Buses travel for five hours to reach the city. Inter state and intra state buses connect Indore to Mumbai, Maheshwar, Aurangabad, Sanchi, Ahmedabad, Gwalior, Mandu, Omkareshwar and Vidisha.

Reaching Indore has become convenient owing t the presence of the roadways that travel from the various cities of central India to Indore.

Distance to Indore

• From nasik - 3045 KM
• From bhubaneswar - 1967 KM
• From nagpur - 2367 KM
• From kolkata - 1565 KM
• From jamshedpur - 1687 KM
• From hyderabad - 2854 KM

Shopping in Indore

Indore is an interesting shopping destination in Madhya Pradesh. While shopping in Indore, be on the look out for the typical bangles and jewelry, wood-carved products and the beautiful Chanderi and Maheshwari silks.

Indore has a number of interesting markets where you can roam around and shop for things .The oldest market in Indore is the Maharaja Tukuganj Cloth Market, popularly known as MT market which can transform you into a princess with its dazzling array of of brocades and zari work in brilliant designs. The traditional Maheshwari and Chanderi sarees with their distinctive borders will make good gifts to take home from Indore.

For handicrafts, you should go to Jail Road and Top Khana where you can choose from items ranging from tribal mementos and paper mache articles to terracotta and woodcarved objects. Rajwara is the place to shop for traditional fabrics while in Bara Sarafa and Chotta Sarafa you will find an impressive collection of jewelery. For the different handcrafted curios and souvenirs of Madhya Pradesh, you can check out the Government State Emporium on M G Road.

Places to See in Indore

·         Rajwada

·         Chattri Bagh

·         Kanch Mandir

·         Lalbagh Palace

·         Bada Ganapati

Travel to Jabalpur

Jabalpur Tourism

Situated at the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur is known as one of the ancient cities of Central India. Located on the shores of the river Narmada, it is approximately 308 km from the capital city of Bhopal. Having a 4,000 year old history, Jabalpur is the centre for tourism in the state, apart from being a cultural, industrial and business centre for Madhya Pradesh. One of the major cities of MP, it was earlier known as 'Jubbulpore.'

From natural reserves to a fossil reserve, from historical monuments to beautiful waterfalls, and many awe-inspiring tourist destinations, Jabalpur has an astonishing variety. Not to forget that Jabalpur is situated at a few hundred kilometres of the famous caves of Khajuraho, a UNESCO world heritage site.

Location of Jabalpur

Jabalpur is located at 23 degree 10'N latitude and 79 degree 57' E longitude, at an altitude of 393 meters mean sea level.

How to Reach?

Being one of the hot tourist spots of the country, Jabalpur is well connected to all major cities of India through air, road as well as train.

By Air

Daily flights run by almost all domestic airlines are available from most metro cities to Jabalpur Airport or Dumna Airport.


By Train

Jabalpur is connected with trains from almost all major cities of India such as Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bhopal, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chennai, Patna, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Goa, Vadodara, Nagpur, New Delhi and Varanasi. The Jabalpur Railway Station serves as the main station of the city, while the Madan Mahal Station is used for transport in the internal parts of the city.

By Road

National Highways (NH7 and NH12) pass through the city of Jabalpur, connecting it to all nearest cities by road. Regular bus and established taxi services provide a regular to and fro service between nearby cities.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Jabalpur is during September to March. Jabalpur is known to have a humid climate most time of the year. Hence, summers should definitely be avoided for travel purposes. Winters being pleasant in the city, make it a favourable time for tourists to enjoy travel.

The temperatures vary from a maximum up to 41°C during summers, which may drop down to a minimum of 8°C, during the peak of winters

Places to Visit

Each popular tourist spot in Jabalpur exudes culture, heritage and history. Besides historical significance, the tourist sites in Jabalpur have wonderful sculptures and art works. Some of the must-visit places in Jabalpur are:

• Pench National Forest
• Dhuandhar
• Bhedaghat (Marble Rocka)
• Chausat Yogini Temple
• Balancing Rock
• Hanumantal Jain Temple
• Rani Durgavati Memorial and Museum
• Kanha Kisli National Park
• Bandhavgarh National Park
• Madan Mahal Fort
• Sangram Sagar
• Tilwara Ghat
• Gwari Ghat
• Pisanhari ki Madiya (A Jain Temple)
• Tripur Sundari Temple

Travel Tips

It is necessary to follow a few of the following handy tips while travelling to Jabalpur:

• Refrain from travelling after it gets dark; hence plan your day accordingly.
• Ensure you consume bottled water, as you would need to drink a lot of water due to the high levels of humidity in the city, especially in summers.

Cost of Travel

The cost of travelling in Jabalpur may vary depending on the number of days to be spent and the number of destinations to be covered in your holidays. You can contact the MP Tourism department for attractive packages. Avoid falling for unknown travel agents, in return of false packages. However, a minimum four to five days are needed to see the major tourist destinations of the city.

You can book a Cruise package starting from Rs 990 per person through the official tourism website. You can also book the Caravan tour for packages from Rs 5,500 for a day tour to Rs 14,500 for two nights and three days.

How many days are enough to Travel?

Along with tourist spots in Jabalpur, the city is also surrounded by various famous spots in a few hours journey, which are also worth checking out. So, plan your stay as per the destinations you intend to cover during your stay. Approximately, a five-day tour to cover the major tourist spots would be enough.

Don't miss while in Jabalpur

There is so much to see in and around Jabalpur that there will always be a yearning to see more. Your visit to Jabalpur would be incomplete without the following few:

• Narmada River Cruise Tour
• Bargi Dam Cruise Ride
• Chanderi Sarees
• Osho Tree, the Maulshree Tree under which Osho achieved enlightenment
• Rock Paintings of Katni - painted rocks which date back to 10000 BC to 4000 BC
• Amarkantak - a religious town, the birthplace of the holy River Narmada
• Dumna Nature Reserve
• Pachmarhi - a breathtaking hill station near Jabalpur
• Caravan Tourism, promoted by MPSTDC
• Bhanwar Tal Garden, a famous picnic spot in Jabalpur
• Khandaari Jalashay Waterworks

Hotels and Accommodation Options

The city has budget hotels to five-star hotels, hence you can get a good bargain for yourself from the wide variety of accommodation options.

Eating out

Jabalpur will offer you a choice between traditional cuisine, continental, as well as fast food. From a large number of restaurants to road-side shops, the city has many options for a foodie.

Some of the eateries that you can check out are, Indian Coffee House, Traffic Jam, Hotel Samdareeya, and Hotel Roopali Inn. You can try out some Chinese cuisine with an Indian touch at the Clock Tower and Kamling.

Some of the famous food and dessert items, which are a must to be tried, include: Lassi, Rabri, Kebabs; Bhutte ki kees; Mawa-bati; Khoprapak; Malpua and Khoye ki Jalebi.

Shopping

Holiday and shopping go hand in hand. You must check out the markets of Jabalpur at Bada Fawwara, along with the old markets and wholesale markets, all in nearby areas to get a good bargain.

You can also check out Mrignayani, an emporium run by the Madhya Pradesh Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation, working under the Department of Rural Industries.

Jabalpur offers a wide variety of places to shop from. Some such places in the city are:

• South Avenue Mall at Narmada Road
• Sadar Bazar, a shopping place earlier, but now is more of a eating out zone
• City Kotwali Bazar, one of Jabalpur's oldest markets
• Andherdeo, a wholesale market
• Ganjipura, a market for garments
• Kamania Gate

Some of the popular products that can be bought are:

• Marble stone statues and souvenirs
• Chanderi sarees
• Maheshwari sarees
• Zardosi embroidery garments
• Bell metal craft
• Gudi mudi Khadi
• Jute handicrafts
• Silver and Brass ware

Travel to Khajuraho

Khajuraho Tourism

Do you think sex has always been regarded as a taboo in India? Eroticism, that too on temples? Just unthinkable ! Wait, you have to change your perception in Khajuraho.

Full-bodied feminine forms in erotic postures, stone friezes of gods and goddesses, kings and queens heroes, courtesans in carnal embrace adorn the temple facade. Khajuraho is a celebration of human passion in its purest form. Without inhibition.

A travel to Khajuraho, in Madhya Pradesh would take you to the land where eroticism meets religion. Built between 950 and 1050 AD, by the Chandela kings, Khajuraho remained forgotten for long. Only in 1838 a young British officer, while passing by the place, heard about the temples from the locals and could not resist the temptation to visit the site. Since then Khajuraho has continued to lure the travelers across the world.

Beautiful stone friezes of gods, goddesses, kings and heroes, courtesans, couples in carnal embrace would greet you as you travel to Khajuraho. Although the sculptures depict the human passion with utmost details, a distinct aesthetic appeal marks the sculptures in Khajuraho.

How to Reach Khajuraho

Khajuraho is a renowned destination in Madhya Pradesh. The erotic sculptures on the temples are a big lure for tourists from all corners of the world. The sculptures represent some of the most exquisite specimens of art and architecture in medieval India. Huge numbers of tourists come to Khajuraho every year. The strategic location had made Khajuraho easy to reach Khajuraho from any part of the country.

By Air

The airport in Khajuraho is well connected to many cities in India. During tourist season, the Flights frequency is often increased. From the airport the town is quite close by and can be reached by a tourist coach, bus or taxi.

By Rail

Khajuraho has its own Railway Station which is just around 5 km from the main town. At present only a few trains from selected destinations arrive at this station. The nearest major railway station is the Mahoba Junction situated 75 km away. Trains from major cities in India stop at the Mahoba station. From here one can hire a taxi or bus to reach Khajuraho.

By Road

Khajuraho is well connected with many cities in and around Madhya Pradesh by road. The road to Khajuraho is connected to National Highway Number 75 and is easily accessible from all across the country. Both state transport and private operators provide ordinary, semi-deluxe and deluxe buses for traveling to Khajuraho. Private taxis and coaches are also available to reach here.

Shopping in Khajuraho

Khajuraho is a prime destination in India, which draws a huge number of tourists every year from across the world.

Shopping in Khajuraho would turn out to be a pleasant experience if you know what to buy and where. The ace craftsmen of Khajuraho have over the years developed a tradition of handicrafts and handlooms. Textile weaving is a major craft in Khajuraho. You may pick up from the variety of saris and other Indian wear while shopping in Khajuraho. Miniature stone-carved replicas of erotic sculptures are hot favourite items for shopping in Khajuraho. They display great flexibility and imagination! If you are looking for souvenirs to take back, these are of course the best bet.

Shopping Places in Khajuraho

The city is small and the shopping areas are few.

• The major one being in opposite the temple complex near the Gole Market.
• Also hang out at Oswal Complex and City Center for shopping in Khajuraho. Both are located close to the city center.
• Apart form the government emporia, numerous private outlets where you would also find usual assortment of various crafts from all parts of Madhya Pradesh.

Most of the premium hotels have big-small shopping arcades where you would get a variety of items for shopping.

Places to Visit in Khajuraho

• Western group of Temples
• Eastern group of Temples
• Jain group of Temples
• Panna National Park
• Rane Falls

Travel to Mandu

Mandu Tourism

Mandu is the ultimate tribute of love, life, and joy of two beautiful people - Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopomati, immortalized by the marvelous structures, monuments, and palaces made up of stone. You can still listen to their euphoric romance from the balladeers of Malwa.

The first thing that will really amaze you is the series of exquisite palaces and monuments built by the rulers of Malwa. Some of the most renowned ones include Hindola Mahal and Jahaz Mahal, Hoshang Shah's tomb, and Jami Masjid (Damascus's great mosque was the inspiration behind its architecture). In fact, these are the structures that inspired Shahjahan to build one of the Seven Wonders of the World – Taj Mahal centuries later.

You should not miss the 12 gateways, present on the parapets of the wall. The most renowned of them all is the Delhi Darwaza. Other main gateways are Tarapur Gate, Jehangir Gate, and Rampol Darwaza. While visiting Mandu, the historic place, you should also have a look at the architectural brilliance such as Baz Bahadur's Palace and Rewa Kund. The latter is actually a water reservoir, built by Baz Bahadur for his paramour Roopmati, to ensure adequate availability of water in her palace.

Roopmati's Pavilion is one of the greatest buildings of this place. Rani Roopmati used to stay in the two pavilions, from where she could watch her lover's palace while the lonely Narmada River flows far below through the Nimar plains.

In Mandu, you can visit many grand monuments and some of the most important ones are Nilkanth Mahal, Hathi Mahal, Jali Mahal, Malik Mughis Mosque, Dai ka Mahal, Darya Khan's Tomb, and Dai ki Chhotti Behan Ka Mahal. Other must-visit places include Lohani Caves, Temple Ruins, and 'Delphic Oracle'.

Best Time to Visit

You can visit Mandu any time of the year. However, winter is the most suited time for a leisurely visit here. During this time you can explore the place without suffering from the pangs of heat. Try to visit Mandu between November and February. From the month of March, the weather starts to warm up, even before the usual summer months of April and May. You can find a different Madhya Pradesh, if you visit here in the month of June, usually when the monsoon starts. Please avoid visiting here during summer because of extreme heat and scorching sun, which will surely dehydrate you.

Local Transport

All kinds of transports are available locally. To move locally, railways and road transports are best suited. Facility of hiring taxis or cabs are also available for tourists. This facility will help you to book them in advance to go around the different popular destinations of the city. You can choose a reputed cab hiring agency and book one in advance for the designated days. Local buses can also be availed if you have a limited budget for traveling. Both public transports as well as private transport services are available in Mandu.

Hotels

You will find all kinds of accommodation facilities in Mandu, right from boutique hotels to economic or budget ones. However, the total number of accommodations here is limited. Most of the hotels can be found near five popular destinations of this place and they are Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Dai Ka Mahal, Darya Khan's Tomb, and Rewa Kund.

You will find most of the luxurious hotels in the outskirts of Mandu. Most of these boutique hotels provide palatial rooms, air conditioned lobbies, swimming pools, multiple cuisines, and night bars. The average cost of stay here can be anything between Rs. 2,500 and Rs. 4,000. Within the district, you will find mid-range staying places, which come with restaurant facilities too. A stay at these hotels will cost you anything from Rs. 800 and Rs. 1,500. The price differential depends on the availability of air-conditioned and non air-conditioned rooms. In Mandu, you can also get budget hotels too. They will cost you around Rs. 500 per night.

Some of the most renowned hotels in Mandu are Malwa Resort, Hotel Maharaja, and Malwa Retreat.

Food

Like any other place in India, you will find all kinds of cuisines and delicacies in Mandu. Multi-cuisine restaurants can be found here. You can have Tandoori, Chinese, Continental, and all other delicacies of the world in the restaurants of this place. You should try the local delicacies to enjoy the taste of the place literally. Whether it is Kebabs, Khoprapak, Bhutte ki Kees, Malpua, or Mawa-bati, you can't afford to miss the local delicacies of Mandu.

Shopping

Besides usual shopping complexes and shopping arcades, having the latest and happening brands, you will find unique handicrafts in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. These handicrafts bear traditional and cultural touch of this place. You will be amazed by witnessing the mystical and inspired craftsmanship. Many of these art forms were on the brink of extinction. This is when Madhya Pradesh Hastshilp Evam Hathkargha Vikas Nigam Ltd. chipped in to protect this art form from extinction. You can collect the local art forms not only as a souvenir but also to decorate the interior of your house. Visit one of the several Craft Development Centers and purchase the ones that attract your fancy.

Some of the local art forms you cannot miss are Chanderi, Block Print, Silk Chiffon Hand Woven Sarees, Zardosi, Maheshwari, Padana and Mandsaur (Handwoven Cotton Bedspreads), Batik, Gudi-Mudi Khadi, Leather Craft, Woollen Panja Dari, Dabu Prints, Tussar Silk Weaving, Bell Metal Craft, Bagh Prints, Tribal Saree Collection, Woollen Carpet, Cotton Panja Dari, and Wood Block Printing. You will be spoiled for choice while visiting the handicraft centers in Mandu for shopping.

Popular Things

• You can visit different notable destinations of Mandu. Some of the most popular ones here are Jahaz Mahal or Ship Palace, Hoshang Shah's Tomb, Jami Masjid, Nahar Jharokha, Rani Roopmati Pavalion, Echo Point, Rewa Kund, Shri Mandavgarh Teerth, Hathi Mahal, Hindola Mahal or Swinging Palace, and many more.
• One of the most happening celebrations of Mandu is the birthday of the elephant god, Ganesh. It is a 10 day affair, celebrated during September-October months. You can time your visit to Mandu during this part of the year to have a taste of the celebratory mood.

Travel Tips

• You can also get around the place on bicycles. Bicycles can be hired locally. Just ask your travel agent or the hotel that you are staying in for the same. They will help you out in finding one. For an intensive exploration of the place or a leisurely stay, it will take you anything from 3 to 4 days.
• You can also look at hiring motorbikes. The availability of these bikes is not as much as bicycles. So, ask your travel agent to arrange one for you.

Distance of some popular destinations from the main bazaar of Mandu are given below:

1. Rani Roopmati Pavilion - Around 6 kms away
2. Bagh Caves - around 50 kms away

• To reach Mandu from Indore, you can take State Transport Buses, which are available from 6 am to 4 pm. It will take you around 3 hours on bus.
• The different destinations of Mandu are separated into 3 different groups and they are Rewa Kund Group, Village Group, and Royal Enclave. You have to purchase tickets to enter each of these group areas. For an Indian it will cost Rs. 5. Foreigners have to shell out Rs. 100 for buying each group ticket.

Cost to Travel

The closest big city to Mandu is Indore. One-way charge between Indore and Mandu on a MP Tourism AC bus is Rs. 150 per person. You can also hire private cars here to visit different places in and around this historically significant place. The fare varies depending upon the car type along with available facilities (Luxury/Economical/AC/Non-AC). Your cost per kilometer will vary from Rs. 8 to Rs. 29.50, depending on the type of car you choose along with the associated luxury.

How many Days are enough to Travel?

1 night and 2 days are enough for visiting the different places of Mandu.

Places to See in Mandu

• Hathi Mahal
• Jahaz Mahal
• Bagh Caves
• Hindola Mahal
• Rewa Kund
• Baz Bahadur's Palace
• Dilawar Khan's Mosque
• Nilkanth Mahal
• Chhappan Mahal Museum

Travel to Orchha

Orchha Tourism

Orchha travel offers detailed information on the important tourist destinations, dinning and accommodation facilities and means of transportation of the town. Orchha is a small town in the Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh, which is situated at a distance of 120 kilometers from Gwalior and 178 kilometers from Khajuraho. The best time to visit Orchha is between October and March.

Orchha was founded in 16th century by Rudra Pratap, a Bundela chieftain. The rich historical legacy of the town is preserved in the beautiful stone sculptors and the ancient forts and buildings of the town. The travel to Orchha provides the tourists with an opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the town. One must tour Orchha to discover the rich architectural splendor of the town.

A travel to Orchha would take you to a scenic destination where austere hills rise in striking contrast with the lush green surrounding along the limpid flowing river Betwa. Tourist attractions in Orchha still retain much of their pristine charm.

How to Reach Orchha

Orchha in Madhya Pradesh is an interesting destination. This medieval city with forts, palaces and temples retains the perfect old world charm. The destination has of late gained tremendous popularity with those who prefer to travel central India.

The rich history of the region has endowed the city with many tourist attractions in Orchha. Being close to Jhansi and Khajuraho communication network in Orchha is very convenient.

By Air

The nearest airport from Orchha is Khajuraho. Khajuraho being one of the main destinations in India is an important domestic airport. Several airlines connect it to other major cities like Delhi, Varanasi.

By Road

Orchha lies on the road between Jhansi (19 Km) and Khajuraho (178 Km). Gwalior, another important destination in Madhya Pradesh, is only 120kms away from Orchha by road.

By Train

The nearest railhead is Jhansi, which is also a key junction in central India. Several trains link connect Jhansi to the rest of the country.

Shopping in Orchha

Although Orchha is not a hip destination where you can shop till you drop. So typical touristy shopping in Orchha may not turn out to be a fulfilling experience.

As such, Orchha does not have any local specialty, which has attained perfection over the ages by the ace craftsmen. But for the passionate shopper Orchha offers metal artifacts, which is one of the traditional craft in Madhya Pradesh.

Bastar region although now is in Chhattisgarh, was once a part of Madhya Pradesh. The land has already earned a worldwide name for its exquisite artifacts. The crafts of Bastar often find their way into Orchha.

Dokra metal crafts and artifacts made of wrought iron are popular items for shopping in Orchha. These make for wonderful showpiece, souvenirs, gift or utility items. Do not forget to pick up a piece or two while shopping in Orchha.

Visit the colorful local bazaars that are replete in small and big shops. Do not mind a little bit of bargaining while shopping in Orchha.

You may also choose to do shopping in Khajuraho, which is a city lying nearby. Khajuraho is a prime tourist destination in India. Countless shopping outlets dot all over the city to offer you fantastic shopping in Khajuraho. Here you may find usual assortment of all kinds traditional artifacts of Madhya Pradesh.

Travel to Sanchi

Sanchi Tourism

Sanchi travel takes one through the age of genesis and development of the Buddhist religion. With a vast expanse of Buddhist temples, chaityas, stupas and monasteries, the town reflects the proverbial Mauryan culture. Traveling to Sanchi will always be a lifetime experience for visitors who are planning to visit this place for the first time.

Sanchi is associated with the evolution and propagation of the Buddhist faith. This Buddhist pilgrimage site is located in the district of Raisen in Madhya Pradesh. It is located at a distance of 46 kilometers from the city of Bhopal. The cities of Indore and Vidisha are located at a distance of 232 and 10 kilometers respectively from Sanchi. An extensive network of roads connects Sanchi to Bhopal, Indore and Vidisha. The nearest airport is located in the city of Bhopal. Domestic flights to the cities of Delhi and Mumbai are available from Bhopal. The railway station at Sanchi falls along two important railway lines: Delhi-Chennai line and Delhi-Mumbai line.

A visit to the Stupas heads the itinerary list on a tour to Sanchi. The main Stupa was consecrated by the Mauryan king, Asoka during his reign. The Chunar sandstone pillar stands beside the Sanchi Stupa. The four gateways that stand beside the main Stupa were constructed in the 1st century by the rulers of the Satavahana dynasty. The path for circumambulation along Sanchi Stupa is enclosed by a railing, constructed in the latter half of the 2nd century during the reign of the Shungas. The Stupa is dedicated to Lord Buddha who is symbolically represented by wheels, footprints and thrones. The temples at Sanchi, built in the 5th and the 7th century, display exceptional architectural lavishness.

The best time to travel to Sanchi is during the months of November and December since the summer months are too hot in this part of Madhya Pradesh. Tourists planning to stay at Sanchi may book their rooms at Jehan Numa Palace Hotel, The Residency Hotel, Hotel Sambodhi International Sanchi or at Noor-us-Sabah hotel. All these Sanchi hotels offer excellent state-of-the-art facilities at extremely affordable prices. There are not many hotels in Sanchi and as a result many tourists stay at Bhopal which is quite close to Sanchi.

How to Reach Sanchi

A little away from Bhopal, Sanchi is an important Buddhist pilgrimage. The area has a rich history, which dates back to 3rd century BC.

With its complete combination of Stupas, Chaityas, Temples and Monastries, Sanchi, Sanchi draws a large number of Buddhist tourists from all over the world.

By Air

The nearest airport is Bhopal the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. Bhopal is an important domestic airport in central India, which is served by several airlines. Regular flights connect Bhopal to key Indian cities like: Delhi, Mumbai and so on.

By Road

Sanchi is located close to important cities in Madhya Pradesh. A good network of roads connects Sanchi to Bhopal (46kms), Vidisha (10kms), Indore (232kms).

By Train

The nearest Railhead from Sanchi is also located at Bhopal. A well-laid rail network links Bhopal to several Railway Stations in India. so you can reach Bhopal from any part of the country.

Shopping in Sanchi

The Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sanchi is a renowned destination in India. Lots of tourists who share interest in the origin and development of Buddhism in India find Sanchi a perfect destination.

But there is not much opportunity for shopping in Sanchi. In fact the little village that houses the remnants of ancient Stupas, Chaityas and Viharas, is not a typical shopping destination. Although the area draws a lot of tourists, very few go for shopping in Sanchi.

The nearest city from Sanchi is Bhopal, which is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh and a modern city. The region has a rich heritage of handicrafts that has earned worldwide renown.

The ace craftsmen of Bhopal weave some finest qualities of muslin, which are hot favorite with those who go for shopping in Bhopal. You may also choose to pick up the exquisite Zardozis, embroidered Indian garments, leather works and Jutis (shoes) while shopping in Bhopal.

There several numbers of shopping joints and bazaars in Bhopal that substitutes for the lack of shopping opportunity in Sanchi.

Some favorite shopping hotspots are the Chowk and the New market. There are numerous private shops as well as outlets of Mriganayani, the Government emporium.

Travel to Ujjain

Ujjain Tourism

Ujjain is an ancient city in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The city is also known as Ujjayini, Ujain, Avantikapuri, Avantika and Avanti. Ujjain forms a part of the Malwa plateau in the heart of India. Ujjain is regarded as a holy city and has got mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as Avantika. At present, the city serves as the administrative hub of the district of the same name and same division. The city is also nicknamed as the City of Temples.

Demographics State Madhya Pradesh District Ujjain Location 23.18°N 75.77°E Elevation 491 m Area 152 sq km Population 515,215 Languages Spoken Hindi, English Time Zone GMT/UTC + 05:30 hour Pin Code 456001 STD Code 0734

History and Cultural of Ujjain

Ujjain is one of the oldest cities in the country. People call the city in different names like Avantika, Bhagavati, Ujjayani, etc. There is a belief that the astronomers from the West called it as 'Arin'. During prehistoric periods, the city of Ujjain was known in the name of Ujjayini. According to the famous Hindu epic Mahabharata, the city served as the capital of the Avanti Empire. From the 4th century BCE, the city acted as the line of longitude for 0° for the Hindu geography scholars and experts.

Ujjain is also popular for hosting the Kumbh Mela, which is a well-known spiritual event organized after every 12 years. The city also ranks among the seven holy cities or Sapta Puri in India as well. In the later years, the city was ruled by famous emperors like Chandragupta II, also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya.

How to Reach Ujjain

By Air

The nearest airport to Ujjain is the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore. It is located around 56 km from Ujjain. From the airport, taxi services are available to Ujjain. Indore is connected to major cities in India. International travelers can get connecting flights to Indore from Delhi and Mumbai.

By Train

Ujjain has its own railway station which is well connected to major railway stations in India. Direct train services are available to Ujjain from Bhopal, Indore, Pune, Delhi and many other major cities.

By Road

The road network of the city has been improved and is well connected with different cities and towns of Madhya Pradesh. State Highway 18 and State Highway 27 link Ujjain with the city of Indore.

The major bus stands in the city are Nana Kheda bus stand (Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay bus stand) and Dewas Gate bus stand (Shaheed Raja Bhau Mahakal bus stand) along with Ujjain bus stand.

Distance to Ujjain

• From bhopal - 188 KM
• From delhi - 776 KM
• From bangalore - 1370 KM
• From mumbai - 648 KM
• From pune - 665 KM

Before you visit Ujjain be aware of the weather, summers are scorching hot and winters are cold.

Shopping in Ujjain

The most attractive feature of shopping in Ujjain is that you can buy products that solely belong to the state of Madhya Pradesh and are a symbol of the culture and tradition of the ethnic communities living in the state.

Ujjain is an ideal shopping area for those who are keen to buy ethnic handcrafted products. One can also purchase common items such as bed linen and apparels since they are available in more affordable prices than other parts of India. The quality of apparel is also quite good. One can also purchase ethnic ornaments, keepsakes, papier-mache products, bamboo goods and cloths from the regional markets. Besides these, Jain Namkeen and Noorjahan Mehandi are two must buys.

Treasure Bazaar, Devine Valley and Pakiza are some of the top shopping malls in Ujjain. They offer plenty of shopping opportunities. The Treasure Bazaar Mall is the biggest and oldest shopping mall in the city of Ujjain. It is closely situated to the Nanakheda bus terminus. You will find both national and international brands like Domino's, Peter England, Planet Fashion, John Players, and Funscapes in this mall.

The most popular shopping districts in Ujjain are Mahakaleshwar Marg, Free Ganj, Jawahar Marg, and Gopal Mandir Marg.

Tourist Places in Ujjain

• Mahakaleshwar
• Radha Madan Mohan Temple
• Kal Bhairava
• Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir
• Pir Matsyendranath
• Bhartrihari Caves
• Chintaman Ganesh
• Maa Wagheshvari
• Durgadas Ki Chhatri
• Kaliadeh Palace
• Vedha Shala
• Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Museum
• Vikram University