Madhya Pradesh, the ancient land of Khajuraho, is called as the "Heart of India" not only due to its location in the centre of India, but also as the centre of the cultural heritage of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Madhya Pradesh the second largest Indian state, after Rajasthan is situated in an area of 308,000square Kms. The state came into existence on 1st November, 1956 and was divided on 1st November 2000 to create a new state Chhatisgarh. Madhya Pradesh has 48 districts, grouped into eight divisions such as Bhopal,Chambal, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Ujjain. The Narmada river runs east- west, between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. The state is surrounded on the west by Gujarat, on the north-east by Uttar Pradesh, onthe north-west by Rajasthan, on the east by Chhattisgarh and on the south by Maharashtra. Madhya Pradesh comprises several culturally and linguistically distinct regions, including Malwa , Nimar, Bundelkhand, Baghelkhand and Mahakoshal. It is assumed that Madhya Pradesh occupies the oldest part of the Indian subcontinent. The pre-historic caves at Bhimbetka near Bhopal, preserve around 500 superb paintings of Paleolithic era. Several historic monuments, beautifully carved ancient temples, stupas, forts and palaces,are the major attractions of the state. The natural beauty of Madhya Pradeshis added by the spectacular mountain ranges, rivers and dense forests.
Attractions of Madhya Pradesh :
» Festivals - The festivals are celebrated indifferent ways, at different places of the state. Bastar is famous for Dussehra, Ujjain is famous for Simhastha and Chitrakoot. is famous for Ramnaumi. Khajuraho is famous for annual dance festival. ( Space after fullstop)
» Ancient Monuments - The history of empires and kingdoms, warriors and builders, saint and philosophers can be seen in the light and shadow of stones. A magnificent fort at Gwalior, reminds the memories of ancient period. The temples and forts at Orchha provides a touch of medieval era. The crafted stone at Mandu recalls the arrival of Afghans.At Khajuraho the poetry carved in stone, reminds the warrior race of Chandella Rajputs. The Buddhist shrines at Sanchi, reflect the serenity and pride of Ashokan period. Moreover the monuments provide a chance to have the glimpse of different periods.
» The Holy Places - 
The temples, mosques and holy shrines of Madhya Pradesh, attracts pilgrims from all corners of the world. Ujjain, Omkareshwar and Maheshwar are famous pilgrimage centre for Hindus. The big mosques at Bhopal attracts Muslims.Chitrakoot - the birth place of Brahama, Vishnu, Mahesh is another popular place.
» Wildlife Sanctuaries - The lush green forests of Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Shivpuri and Panna, is the home of almost all kinds of wildlife and hundreds of species of birds. The Tigers, Barasingha, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar and Gaur etc. move freely in the Bamboo and Sal forests.
» Handicrafts - Craftsmen has kept alive a varied tradition, dated back many hundred years. Handwoven brocades of Chanderi and Maheshwar are popular. Kosa silk of Raigarh, leather toys, wrought bell-metal makes Madhya Pradesh, an island of handicrafts.
» Natural Surroundings - Madhya Pradesh is blessed with many natural jewels like Pachmarhi, Amarkantak, Chitrakoot and MarbleRocks of Bhedaghat. Azure waterfalls, forests, rocks and cliffs depictblissful solitude of nature.
Accessiblity to Madhya Pradesh :
»Air - The Airports of Bhopal, Indore, Khajuraho and Gwalior are linked with Delhi, Bombay, Varanasi and Nagpur. Other airports are Satna, Rewa,Gunaand Jabalpur.
» Road - Capital Bhopal is connected with Delhi-728Kms, Bombay-789 Kms, Aurangabad-588 Kms, Ahmedabad-571 Kms, Agra-523 Kms,Gwalior-422 Kms, Indore-187 Kms, Ujjain-189 Kms, Sanchi-46 Kms,Khajuraho-387 Kms, Mandu-290 Kms and Pachmarhi-210 Kms etc.
» Railway - The main Rail route of India passes through the stations like Bhopal, Gwalior, Bina, Indore, Itarsi, Jabalpur,Katni, Ratlam, Ujjain and Khandwa.
Accommodation :
The main hotels ranging from Heritage, 5 star to 2 Star offer a comfortable stay to tourists. The hotels in all the major cities and tourist destinations, stand as symbols of royalty and hospitality. The main hotels ranging from in the state are:
Best Time to Visit :
The best time to visit the state is the Winter Season from November-February when the temperature remains comfortable.You can visit the state during the Monsoon season, as the places like Panchmarhi and Mandu appear more attractive.
