MADHYAPRADESH | TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN MADHYA PRADESH

The capital of the state is Bhopal and other large cities are Jabalpur, Gwalior, and Indore. Nicknamed the "heart of India" due to its geographical location, Madhya Pradesh is the second-largest state in the country by area. Madhya Pradesh was awarded the Best Tourism State Award in 2012.

1) Bhimbekta, Raisen
The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site of the Paleolithic, exhibiting the earliest traces of human life on the Indian Subcontinent, and thus the beginning of the Indian Stone Age. It is located in the Raisen District. At least some of the shelters were inhabited by Homo erectus over 100,000 years ago. Some of the Stone Age rock paintings found among the Bhimbetka rock shelters are some 30,000 years old. The caves also deliver early evidence of dance. They were declared a World Heritage Site in 2003.

2) Omkareshwar, Khandwa
Omkareshwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to God Shiva. It is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is on an island called Mandhata or Shivapuri in the Narmada river; the shape of the island is said to be like the Hindu 'OM' symbol. The jyotirlinga is the supreme partless reality, out of which Shiva partly appears.

3) Khajuraho Temples, Chhatarpur
It is one of the most popular tourist spots in Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for its ancient temples that depict some of the finest art in the world. Built between 950-1050 AD by the Chandela Dynasty, these temples depict various forms like meditation, spiritual teachings, kinship, wrestling, royalty and most significantly, erotic art. The temples consist of stunning displays of fine sculptures and exceptional architectural skill, making them one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

4) Dhuandhar Waterfalls, Jabalpur
The Dhuandhar Falls are located on Narmada River in Bhedaghat and are 30 meters high. The best time to visit Dhuandhar falls is during in Sharad Purnima, when Narmada Mahotsava get celebrated. The white marbles appears spectacular when the moon light falls on it and give it a silver appearance. One can access the Dhuandhar waterfall from the east bank as well as from the west bank of Narmada River.

5) Gwalior Fort, Gwalior
It is an 8th-century hill fort near Gwalior. he fort consists of a defensive structure and two main palaces, Gujari Mahal and Man Mandir, built by Man Singh Tomar. The fort has been controlled by a number of different rulers in its history.The oldest record of "zero" in the world was found in a small temple, which is located on the way to the top.

6) Sanchi stupa, Raisen
It is a Buddhist complex, famous for its Great Stupa, on a hilltop at Sanchi Town in Raisen District. The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structure in India. and was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. Its nucleus was a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha.

7) Bandhavgarh National Park, Umaria
It is one of the popular national parks in India located in the Umaria district.is spread over the forest divisions of Umaria and Katni and totals 820 km2. The park derives its name from the most prominent hillock of the area, which was said to be given by Hindu Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana to keep a watch on Lanka (Ceylon).

8) Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain
It is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingams, which are supposed to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. It is located in the ancient city of Ujjain. The temple is situated on the side of the Rudra Sagar lake. The presiding deity, Lord Shiva in the lingam form is believed to be Swayambhu, deriving currents of power (Shakti) from within itself as against the other images and lingams that are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti.

9) Rajwada, Indore
This seven storied structure is located near the Chhatris and serves today as a fine example of royal grandeur and architectural skills. Rajwada palace exhibits a blend of Maratha styles, the palatial structure is sure to leave you spellbound. The entrance itself is beautiful with lofty archway and a giant wooden door covered with iron studs.

10) Bagh Caves, Dhar
It a group of nine rock-cut monuments, situated among the southern slopes of the Vindhyas in Bagh town of Dhar district. The Bagh caves, like those at Ajanta, were excavated by master craftsmen on perpendicular sandstone rock face of a hill on the far bank of a seasonal stream, the Baghani. Buddhist in inspiration, of the nine caves, only five have survived. All of them are 'viharas' or resting places of monks monasteries having quadrangular plan.