It has been home to the cultural heritage of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces are dotted all over the State.

The natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh is equally varied. Consisting largely of a plateau, the State has everything. Spectacular mountain ranges, meandering rivers and miles and miles of dense forests. In fact, one third of the State is forested, offering a unique and exciting panorama of wildlife in sylvan surroundings.

Khajuraho
Khajuraho - the religious and political capital of the Chandela Rulers, who built 85 temples to the glory of God, out of which only 22 remain today. The period 950 - 1050 A.D. - a mere 100 years, saw a flowering of architecture in Khajuraho, which has no parallel. These temples are designed to lead one's eyes from ground level ever upwards to the ultimate heaven - "Kailash". They are ornately carved, with each frieze and sculpture depicting the genius of the sculptor who carved it and the king who inspired them.

The sculptures in totality, depict the everyday life of the people and the court of the 10th and 11th centuries. The temples can be divided into 3 main geographical groups:


Gwalior
The ancient capital of Gwalior is steeped in the splendour of its past. A multitude of reigning dynasties, of the great Rajput clans of the Pratiharas, Kachwahas and Tomars have left indelible etchings of their rule in this city of palaces, temples and monuments. The magnificent mementos of a glorious past have been preserved with care, giving Gwalior an unique and timeless, appeal.

Bhopal
The capital of the State of Madhya Pradesh was founded by Raja Bhooja in the 11th century. The city and its surroundings are a good example of the co-existence of the old and the new. Bhopal is the base from which you visit Bhimbetka, Sanchi & Ujjain than for what the city itself can offer the tourist. The picturesque lakes, Jama Masjid, Taj-ul-Masjid, Birla Mandir and Archaeological Museum, Laxmi Narayan Temple, a museum of modern, urban and rural arts situated on Lake View road are some of the main tourist spots within Bhopal.




Kanha National Park
Set in the state of Madhya Pradesh in the heart of India, Kanha National Park spreads over 1945 square kms of dense sal forest interspersed with extensive meadows and clumps of wild bamboo. Its meadows have some of the largest congregations of spotted deer. This area, "Kipling country", is where the jungle books of Rudyard Kipling were conceived.

( Nagpur 270 kms.) Season: November to April

Kanha's topography and geography give it a wide diversity in habitat. Much of the observation and viewing of wildlife is done on elephant back. It is also the last refuge of the dhole or the wild dog. It was in this park that the first ever scientific study of the tiger was undertaken by the famous zoologist Geirge Schaller. Primarily known for its tigers, Kanha also has the gaur within its borders and is also the exclusive preserve for the barasingha deer, so named after its twelve pointed antlers. This species is one of the jewels of Kanha.


Bandhavgarh
5 hours drive from Kanha is the Bandhavgarh National Park named after an ancient rock fortress in its centre. Till recently it spanned an area of 104 square Kms and had about 25 tigers, one of the highest concentrations of tigers in relation to the area.

The area has 32 hills and cliffs and the cliffs of the fort are 800m high. Bandhavgarh's history goes back to 2000 years. The area has hundreds of old caves with Brahmi inscriptions dating from the 1st Century B.C. This is where the famous white tiger of Rewa comes from. Bandhavgarh is a small fragile forest area but special like Ranthambore, because it is where history and nature meet.

A verities of animals like the nilgai, chausingha, wild boar, jackal, gaur, sambar, muntjac, jungle cat, hyena, porcupine and ratel are found here. The bird life is diverse. Green pigeon, Jerdon's leaf bird, minivet and the steppe eagle are attracted by flowering and fruit bearing trees. The ramparts of the of attract Vulture, blue rock thrush and crag martin.


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