Madhya Pardesh

Bhopal

The capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal was built on the site of the 11th Century City of Bhojpal, founded by the Parmara King Bhoj (1000-1055). The city was originally known as Bhojpal, named after Bhoj and the dam ('pal') that he is said to have constructed to form the lakes surrounding Bhopal.

The peaceful rule of Begums led to the rise of a unique mixed culture in Bhopal. The Hindus were given important administrative positions in the state. This led to communal peace and a cosmopolitan culture took its roots. Even the Pathans, famous for their roughness and soldier-like nature, acquired a taste of culture and indulged in poetry, arts and literature.

Today, Bhopal remains a city of considerable beauty. The two lakes of Bhopal still dominate the city; bordered along their shores are the old city with its marketplaces, magnificent mosques and palaces, and the new city with its verdant, exquisitely laid out parks and gardens, broad avenues and streamlined modern buildings.

Places to See:

Taj-ul-Masjid , Juma Masjid , Moti Masjid, Shaukat Mahal , Bharat Bhawan and Roopankar, Shamla and Idgah Hills. Chowk, Upper and Lower Lake , Gandhi Bhavan, Van Vihar.

Gwalior

The strategically important fort at Gwalior dominates the city and for centuries it controlled one of the major routes between north and south India. Its history goes back to 2000 years, with rock inscriptions from the 5th century still to be found. From the 12th century, the control of the fort and surrounding area passed through a succession of Muslim, Tomar, Rajput, Afghan, Mughal and finally Maratha rulers. During the 12th century Qutb-ud-din Aibak was the first ruler to hold it but eventually the Tomars took possession. It was under Man Singh, who came to power in 1486 that many of the great battlements and interior palaces were built. After a short period of control by Lodhis, the first Mughal emperor took over the fort, and described it as a “Pearl among the fortresses of Hind”. During the collapse of Mughal empire, the Scindia line of Marathas conquered the area in 1754. The British took control of it during the Maratha wars and held it for 30 years after capturing the Rani of Jhansi within its walls in 1858.

Places to See:

The Cenotraphs, Man Singh Palace, Man Mandir Palace, Gujari Mahal, Suraj Kund, Teli ka Mandir, Sas Bahu ka Mandir, Rani Jhansi Memorial, Tombs of Tansen and Ghaus Mohammad, Jai Vilas Palace, Gandhi Park, Zoo Municipal Corporation Museum, Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum.

Orcha

Located at a distance of 16 km from Jhansi, Orchha rises out of the hills and the greens surrounding it. The historical monuments of Orchha still retain their pristine charm and narrate stories of war and peace, of love and destruction.

The word Orchha means 'hidden'. Situated on banks of the river Betwa, it used to be the capital of the region (Bundelkhand) but now is a small village. The palaces are of impressive size and there are pleasant views of the countryside from their upper levels. Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain Rudra Pratap who chose this stretch of land along the Betwa river as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatries. From here the view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular. Orchha is abandoned now but not forgotten. Complementing the noble proportions of their exteriors and interiors which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting.

Places to See:

Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Raj Praveen Mahal, Ram Raja Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Phool Bagh, Dinman Hardaul's Palace, Sunder Mahal, Cenotraphs, Shahid Smarak.

Khajuraho

Khajuraho is known for its magnificent temples which are among the most creative examples of the Indian architecture. Built between 950 and 1050 A.D, only 22 temples out of 85 now survive. Khajuraho sculpture is sublime and sensuous, the centre of new imagery in art. The popular theme is woman: reflective, playful amorous. The carving also depict Griffins, Nymphs, Beasts, Demons in revolt, Gods in cosmic evolution, fear, doubt, jealousy, ardent love and consummate passion. The temples of Khajuraho can be divided into three geographical groups - western, eastern and southern.

Places to See:

The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three geographical groups viz, Western, Eastern, and Southern groups.

Indore

Indore is situated on the Malwa plateau at an altitude of 553 m above sea level, on the banks of two small rivulets - the Saraswati and the Khan. They unite at the centre of the city where a small 18th century temple of Sangamnath or Indreshwar exists. The name Indore is due to this diety. It is the largest city in Madhya Pradesh state in central India. It is among the million+ population cities of India with a population of 1,086,673 (1991). It is the commercial capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh. Indore city presents a happy blend of historical past and promises of rapid future modernization.

Situated on one of India's oldest pilgrimage routes from Mahakaal at Ujjain on river Kshipra, to Omkareshwar on the river Narmada and onwards to Rameshwaram, Indore was a convinient resting place.

Places to See:

Chhatri Bagh, Gita Bhavan, Lalbaug Palace, Bada Ganapati, Juna Rajwada, Kanchi Mandir or Hukumchands Temple, Annapurna Temple, Kendriya Sangrahalaya.

Ujjain

Ujjain is situated on the right bank of River bank or River Shipra. It is a very holy city for the Hindus a site for the triennial Kumbh Mela. According to Hindu scriptures, it was originally called Avantika. There is an interesting tale behind the sanctity of the city. It's origin is ascribed to the mythological legend of Sagar Manbthan (churning of the primordial ocean to discover the pot of nectar). The story goes that after the nectar was discovered, there was a chase between the gods and the demons to have the nectar first and thus attain immortality. During this chase a drop of nectar spilled and fell on Ujjain, thus making the city sacred.

Apart from mythological legends, the city has a long and distinguished history. It was governed by the likes of Vikramaditya and Ashoka. Kalidas wrote his soul stirring poetry here.

Today, Ujjain represents an interesting blend of an age old legacy and the modern day lifestyle.

Places to See:

Bharatahari Cave, Gopal Mandir, Jantar Mantar, Kailadah Palace, Mahakali Temple, Sandipani Ashram, Shipra Ghats, Vikram University Museum.