Madhya Pradesh

Country

India

Continent

Asia

Best Cities to Visit

Mandu
Khajuraho
Gwallior
Indore
Ujjain

Size

308,245 KM²

Population

73,300,000

Spending Budget

$40 - $188

Famous For

The Historic City of Gwalior
The sculptures of Khajuraho
The Caves of Bhimbetka
Wildlife at Bandhavgarh
The Hills of Pachmarhi
The Ancient Temples at Ujjain
The Chhatris at Orchha

Best Time to Visit

January
February
March
October
November
December

History

One of the earliest kingdoms known to have existed in the region was Avanti, with its capital at Ujjain. Located in the western part of present-day Madhya Pradesh, this state was part of the Mauryan empire (4th–3rd century BCE) and was later known as Malwa. Attracted by the region\’s fertile black soils, settlers from different parts of India migrated to Malwa via three important migratory routes—from the western coast, from the Deccan plateau, and from the ancient city of Shravasti and its surrounding territory in the north. Among the various dynasties that ruled part or all of Madhya Pradesh between the 2nd century BCE and the end of the 10th century CE were the Shungas (c. 185–c. 73 BCE), who ruled in eastern Malwa, the Satavahanas (1st or 3rd century BCE–3rd century CE), the Shakas (2nd–4th century CE), and the Nagas (2nd–4th century CE). The whole of Madhya Pradesh lying north of the Narmada River formed part of the Gupta empire (4th–5th century CE) and was the scene of a power struggle against the nomadic Hephthalites (Hunas) and the Kalachuris, the latter of whom occupied part of Malwa but only for a brief period. Yashodharman was the Malwan king who defeated the Hephthalites in the 6th century. During the first part of the 7th century, Malwa was annexed by the emperor of northern India, Harsha (Harahavardhana). By the 10th century the Kalachuris had risen again to occupy eastern Madhya Pradesh, including the Narmada valley; their contemporaries were the Paramaras of Dhar in what is now the western region, the Kachwahas of Gwalior in the north, and the Chandelas of Khajuraho, about 100 miles (160 km) southeast of Jhansi. Later the Tomaras ruled at Gwalior, and the tribal Gonds ruled over several districts. When India became independent in 1947, the new states of Madhya Bharat and Vindhya Pradesh were carved out of the old Central India Agency. Three years later, in 1950, the Central Provinces and Berar was renamed Madhya Pradesh. With the States Reorganization Act of 1956, Madhya Pradesh was redistributed along linguistic lines. The act transferred the southern Marathi-speaking districts of Madhya Pradesh to the Bombay state (now in Maharashtra) and merged several Hindi-speaking areas—the states of Bhopal and Vindhya Pradesh, as well as most of Madhya Bharat—with Madhya Pradesh. In 2000 its eastern provinces became the state of Chhattisgarh.

Present Day

Madhya Pradesh's gross state domestic product (nominal GDP) for 2013–14 was ₹ 4,509 billion (approximately US$ 72,726,000,000). The per-capita figure was US$ 871.45 in 2013–14, the sixth-lowest in the country. Between 1999 and 2008, the annualised growth rate of the state was very low: 3.5%. Subsequently, the state's GDP growth rate has improved significantly, rising to 8% during 2010–11 and 12% during 2011–12. Madhya Pradesh won the 10th National Award for excellent work in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005. The state's tourism industry is growing, fuelled by wildlife tourism and a number of places of historical and religious significance. Sanchi and Khajuraho are frequented by external tourists. Besides the major cities, Bhedaghat, Jabalpur, Bhimbetka, Bhojpur, Maheshwar, Mandu, Orchha, Pachmarhi, Kanha, Amarkantak and Ujjain, Tumen Vindhyavasini temple ancient temple. This south facing Ashok Nagar district located in Tuman (Tumvn).

Future

Agriculture, the major economic activity in Madhya Pradesh, recorded an average 10 per cent plus growth rate in the past decade, justifying the most improved state award in the category. A variety of factors contributed to agriculture growing at a higher rate in the state. A large part of the cultivated area that had hitherto not been irrigated has now been covered. The extension of canal networks and completion of dam projects means about 45 per cent of the 25 million hectares of total cultivable area is now being irrigated. Also, with ample power available for the farm sector, ground water is being tapped. So, farmers are now free to choose high-yielding varieties of seed that has led to enhanced production. The extension of credit at zero per cent interest has also had a role in pushing up farm incomes. Selection of new crop types, such as Basmati paddy has also enhanced incomes. State agriculture department data says some 2.46 million hectares is under paddy cultivation this year, of which an estimated 300,000 hectares in the districts of Raisen, Bhopal, Harda, Hoshangabad, Sehore and Narsinghpur is under Basmati cultivation. A part of the Basmati crop is also exported, helping farmers fetch a better price for their produce.

Must Visit Places ------------

Khajuraho Erotic Temples

The Khajuraho erotic temples are one of the top historical destinations in India. If you want proof that the Kama Sutra originated in India, Khajuraho is the place to visit. There are over 20 temples abounding in erotic sculptures. However, more than that, they show a celebration of love, life, and worship.

Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks are among the top national parks in India. Bandhavgarh, while being relatively difficult to reach and costly to visit, is the best place to see tigers in the wild in India. The park features dense green valleys and rocky hill terrain, with an ancient fort. In addition to tigers, the park has a large array of wildlife including sloth bears, deer, leopards, jackals, and birds.

Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park has the honor of providing the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s classic novel, The Jungle Book. It’s rich in lush saal and bamboo forests, lakes, streams, and open grasslands. As well as tigers, the park abounds with barasingha (swamp deer) and an extensive variety of other animals and birds. Rather than offering one particular kind of animal, it provides an all-round nature experience. The park is well regarded for its research and conservation programs, and many endangered species have been saved there.

Gwalior

The great thing about Gwalior is that it's so accessible -- only two hours drive from Agra and the Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh. The main attraction the massive hilltop fort that towers over the city. Reputed to be one of the most invincible forts in India, its history stretches back over 1,000 years. Inside the fort walls are a number of palaces and temples, the highlight being the Man Mandir Palace. At the bottom of the fort is the Old Town of Gwalior, brimming with history and fine examples of Mughal architecture such as the Tomb of Tansen. The Tansen Music Festival is held at the tomb every December.

Orchha

Orchha is located on the banks of the Betwa River, a comfortable hour and a half south of Gwalior. It's another relatively peaceful place, full of well-preserved palaces and temples, with a distinctly medieval charm. Three main palaces are enclosed in Orccha's fortified walls. The Jahangir Mahal is the largest and most impressive, and its upper levels offer some arresting panoramic views. A stay inside the Jahangir Mahal, at the Hotel Sheesh Mahal, completes the experience. Being a government-run hotel, it's not luxurious but it is full of character.

Sanchi Stupa

Sanchi Stupa, northeast of Bhopal, is one of India's oldest Buddhist monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built by Emperor Ashoka in 262 BC after he embraced Buddhism and nonviolence, following his particularly horrific invasion of Kalinga (present-day Odisha). The complex is made up of a number of other stupas, temples, monasteries, pillars and relics. There's also an archeological museum. Sanchi can be visited on a day trip from Bhopal, but it's worth staying in the area as it's a convenient base for numerous other side trips.

Malwa Region Golden Triangle: Mandu, Ujjain, Omkareshwar

The Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh is situated in the southwest portion of the state), with Indore as the point of entry. Ujjain, Mandu and Omkareshwar popularly make up its "Golden Triangle". Ujjain is one of Hinduism's seven sacred cities, and one of the four locations of the Kumbh Mela. Most importantly, it's home to the Mahakaleshwar Temple, which has one of India’s 12 sacred Jyotirlingams. The abandoned city of Mandu was once the lavish home of the Mughals, who indulged themselves by its many lakes and palaces. Mandu's crumbling buildings, encircled by a long 45 kilometer (28 miles) stretch of wall with 12 gateways, still hint of its grandiose past.

Maheshwar

Maheshwar, the Varanasi of central India, is a small holy town dedicated to Lord Shiva. Set along the banks of the Narmada river, it's said that only Shiva is worshiped where the Narmada flows, as he's the only god with the inner peace to calm her.

Satpura National Park

You're unlikely to see a tiger at lesser-known Satpura National Park but it's an excellent place to spend time in nature without the crowds. Notably, Satpura is one of only a few protected forests in India that visitors are allowed to walk through. The Duchess Falls Trail is challenging but you'll be rewarded with a refreshing dip in the waterfall at the end. Other possible activities inside the park include cycling, jeep safaris, night safaris, and canoe safaris.

KHAJURAHO

Khajuraho temples are remarkable monument , world heritage site, built by Chandela rulers with in short span of 100 years between 950 ad to 1050. Out of 85 temples only 22 survived till today. They are divided into three groups the Western, Eastern