Madhya Pradesh at a Glance :

Capital : Bhopal

Area : 443,446 sq km

Population : 65,380,000 (2001)

Principal Language : Hindi

About Madhya Pradesh :

Madhya Pradesh is called the 'heart of India', not only because of its location in the centre of the country, but also because, it has been home to the cultural heritage of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, forts and palaces are peppered all over the state - glorious reminders of emperors and kings, warriors and builders, poets and musicians, saints and philosophers.

The natural beauty of the state is equally varied. Consisting largely of a plateau, the state has everything - awesome mountain ranges, meandering rivers, and miles and miles of dense forests. The rich folk culture and tribal traditions of this fascinating state, are manifested in the umpteen exuberant festivities, and Statue of Rani Jhansi, Gwalior fairs of its colourful people. One of the best parts about Madhya Pradesh is its accessibility. Bordered by seven states, it is equally close to major tourist destinations in the north, south, east and west. Whether you are in Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras) or Calcutta, you're never very far from Madhya Pradesh.

Madhya Pradesh Places of Interest :

Bandhavgarh :
This is a small National Park; compact, yet full of game. The density of the tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India. This is also white Tiger country. These have been found in the old state of Rewa for many years.

Bhopal :
Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is a fascinating amalgam of scenic beauty, historicity and modern urban planning. It is situated on the site of a 11th century city, Bhojapal, founded by Raja Bhoja.

Chitrakoot
Chitrakoot , 'the hill of many wonders,' nestles peacefully in the northern spurs of the Vindhyas, a place of tranquil forest glades and quiet rivers, and streams where clam and repose are all-pervading.

Kanha National Park
The Kanha National Park, in Madhya Pradesh, forms the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1974, under Project Tiger.

Khajoraho :
The temples of Khajuraho are India's unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy; perfect in execution and sublime in expression.

Madhya Pradesh Art & Craft :

In the heartland of India lies the State of Madhya Pradesh. Filled with lush forests, magnificent monuments, exuberant festivity and blissful solitude. In this land of wonderful and contrasting variety, handicrafts lend a touch of mystique - a charm unique to Madhya Pradesh. They radiate an aura, exhibit hereditary skills, whisper painstaking craftsmanship and evoke an urgent desire to learn more about the land and its colourful people.

A deftly woven silk or a cotton blended saree. Block printed fabrics, stuffed leather toys or floor coverings. Folk paintings, bamboo, cane or jute. Woodcraft, stonecraft, ironcraft. Metalcraft, terra-cotta, papier mache. Zari work (gold thread embroidery), ornaments, dolls... each hand-crafted product of Madhya Pradesh is charming enough to sweep you off your feet.

How to Reach at Madhya Pradesh :

By Air : A number of airports are located within the state. Gwalior, Khajuraho, Indore, Jabalpur including capital Bhopal, the state are major airports in Madhya Pradesh. All public and private airlines operate regular flights to these airports.

By Rail : Bhopal is the main key railway station in the state, 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 the other cities of India. The tourist destinations within the state located at convenient distance from Bhopal.