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Bhopal
Set around a picture sque
lake, Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, with its scenic beauty
and architectural attractions, was built by Dost Mohammad Khan
in the first half of the 18th century. The original city of Bhopal
is said to have been founded by legendary Raja Bhoj in the 11th
century and the present one stands on the site of the 01(1 city.
Its prominent monuments from the tourist point of view are ‘Taj-ul
Masjid’ one of the biggest mosques of India and the Jama
Masjid built by Begum Qudasia in 1837. The most outstanding feature
of Bhopal is its two fabulous lakes. The upper lake, a larger
expanse of water measuring over 2 sq.km. in area is separated
by the lower and lesser lake by an over bridge. Boating in the
lakes at night, when the myriad lights of the city are reflected
in the placid-lake waters is an unforgettable experience. Shamla
Hills and Idgah Hills provide a fascinating view of the city below.
Among the modern monuments the most noteworthy is Bharat Bhawan,
believed to be the cultural centre of the country.
Bhopal is very well connected by air, road and rail links with
most of the major cities of the country. Being the capital of
the Province it has very many nice places of stay.
Ujjain
One of the holiest Indian
cities and the seat of Sinhasth Kumbha fair, Ujjain have been
in existence from times immemorial. Situated on the banks of the
holy river Shipra, Ujjain has been a cradle of Indian ethos. It
had been a great centre of art and learning, being associated
with the legendary Sanskrit poet Kalidas.
Ujjain has many temples, of which the Mahakaal Temple dedicated
to Lord Shiva is of great antiquity. Another temple is Gopal Mandir,
famous for its fine image of Lord Krishna in silver, Jantar Mantar,
an observatory built by Raja Jai Singh of Jaipur, is towards the
outskirts of the city, but not so well preserved as the Jaipur
and New Delhi Jantar-Mantars.
Indore is the nearest airport (53 km.). Ujjain is a railway station
on the Bhopal-Nagda section of the Western Railway. Ujjain is
well connected by regular bus service with Indore, Bhopa Ratlam,
Gwalior and other places. M.P Tourism has good hotels there as
well a those that are run by the private bodies.
Indore
Founded by Rani Ahalya Bai,
the Maratha Queen, this erstwhile princely seat of administration
is today a rich city with its textile industry. It has been named
after Indrashwar Temple built here in the 18th century. The spots
of tourist attraction are: The Old Palace. Lal Bagh Palace, The
Jain Kanch Mandir or Seth Hukum Chand’ s Temple near Rajwada.
The Kendriya Sangrahalayaor the Museum, near GPO has also rich
collection of sculptures, paintings, natural history specimens,
coins and other antiques will also delight the art lovers.
Indore is very well connected by train and air routes with Delhi
and by road and train routes with Bhopal. There are many budget
class hotels, motels. rest houses and even Dharamshalas in Indore
to suit every budget and preferences.
Maheshwar (91 km. from Indore). Omkareshwar
(a picturesque island in Narmada river; near Indore) are famous
religious places which can be covered easily with the base being
Indore.
Dhar
Dhar, the ancient capital
of Malwa prior even to Mandu, is 64 km. from Indore. It was founded
by the legendary Raja Bhoja of Paninar Dynasty. The monuments
of interest here include the fort, Bhoj Shala, Lal Masjid and
lakes Dhar is very well connected with Indore by bus and taxi
services.
Mandu
Mandu, once the “City
of Joy” and of royal romance, is now a ghost city, but its
architectural and archaeological splendors still live on, in its
palaces, canals, ornamental baths, pavilions. shrines, tanks,
terraces, legends and ballads. Mandu, the fort-capital of many
Hindu and Muslim kings and princes, represents the best of Afghan
architectural wealth in India. The gems of Mandu proved a great
source of inspiration to the master builders of the Taj Mahal
centuries later. The chief source of tourist attraction here are:
The Village Group, Jami Masjid, Asharfi Minar, Victory Tower.
The Royal Enclave, Jahaj Mahal, Hindola Mahal. Baj Bahadur’s
Pleasure Resort; Roopmati’ s Pavilion. The love-lorn tale
of Baj Bahadur and Roopmati haunts the region.
Indore is the nearest (99 km.) airport,
as also the nearest railhead. From Ratlam, Mhow and Indore there
are direct bus connection with Mandu. There are Tourist Bungalows,
Travelers’ lodge, and Tourist Huts, and Dharamshalas.
Jabalpur
Jabalpur, the second largest
town of Madhya Pradesh, was once the pleasure resort of the Gond
Kings. During the British Raj it became an important town. The
town itself doesn’t have much for tourists but excursion
to Bheda Ghat Marble Rocks (23 km. away) Dhuandar (23 km. away)
and Chausath Yogini Temple are places worth visiting. The first
two are on the banks of Narmada a mile long gorge of marble through
which the Narmada flows. The Vayudoot flight and the Indian Air-lines
connect Jabalpur with Delhi. It is also connected by train service
with Delhi and Bhopal and has many hotels for comfortable stay.
Kanha National Park
One of the finest Parks of
India. Kanha is a home of large variety of wildlife such as panther,
tiger, sambar, cheetal, gour, black buck, barking deer, barasingha,
and many others. There are dense forests with bamboos on the mountain
slopes and the stately sal groves interspersed with rolling meadows
in the valleys.
The nearest airport are Jabalpur (173 kms.) and Nagpur (266 kms.).
Jabalpur is also the nearest and the most convenient rail-head.
There are also regular buses for Kanha from Jabalpur. Taxis are
also available. Log huts, Youth hostel and Tourist Bungalows are
available for visitors’ stay. Nearby is Bandhavgarh National
Park with lots of natural caves and of course, wild life. Both
sanctuaries remain closed from July 1 to October 31 because of
monsoon.
Amarkantak
Set amidst sylvan surroundings,
Amarkantak is a great Hindu pilgrimage centre, being the source
of the rivers Narmada and Son. There are lots of temples built
in and around 11th century and noted for their grandeur and simplicity.
Around Amarkantak there are many holy spots like, Bhrigu, Kamandal,
Dhuni Pani (hot springs) and Dugdhadhara water falls. One can
easily reach here from Jabalpur (246 km.) by bus and trains via
Katni. There are quite a number of Dharamshalas and a Circuit
House for pilgrims’ stay.
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