Kanha National Park Important information

Kanha National Park 

The park lies right in the heart of Kipling country, near the Wainganga river, of which Kipling wrote so vividly in his Jungle Book. It was constituted into a National Park in 1955 and a Tiger Reserve was created in 1974. Kanha has been nominated as the 'Best Maintained Tourist Friendly National Park'. It covers an area of 1208 sq. kms. comprising of grasslands, sal groves and bamboo forests and is inhabited by 22 species of animals and 250 species of birds. This haven of tiger is also the only habitat of the rare hardground barasingha. Other animals seen here are panther, sambar chital, gaur, black buck etc. Best Season -February to June.

REACHING THERE

Airport: Jabalpur (173 kms.).

Railhead: Jabalpur and Bilaspur.

Road: Buses available for Kisli and from Jabalpur.

Pachmarhi Important information

Pachmarhi

Picturesque Pachmarhi, the peaceful hill resort amidst Satpura ranges is noted for its natural beauty and salubrious climate. It is said to be named after the ancient rock cut caves, where the five Pahdava brothers, the heroes of Mahabharta, are said to have taken refuge. However, the lovely hill station was discovered and developed by Cap. Forsyth, in 1857. Pachmarhi offers, park like woods and glades for quiet walks, shady bridle paths that ribbon through the wooded landscape and lead to breathtaking views at the edge of the plateau, a profusion of streams and waterfalls that collect into cool pools for bathing, the challenge of rugged hills for rock climbing. Another special attraction is the splendour of the red sandstone scarp that reflects fantastic shades of mauve and violet at dusk. The tranquil hill station also provides comfortable inexpensive accommodation and facilities that ItarsiontheMumbai.Haoraline includes a golf course, a recreation centre with a skating rink and a school of Oriental music

REACHING THERE

Airport.-Bhopal (210kms.).

Road . Connected with Bhopal, Nagpur and Hoshangabad etc.

Railheads: Pipanya (53 kms.)

Around Khajuraho Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around  Khajuraho

• Panna National Park 

The jungles spread along river Ken amidst Vindhya ranges are home to some of the best wildlife species in India. The Panna National Reserve was created in 1981 and declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1994. Its most famous inhabitants are wild cats as well as deers and antelopes. Other animals seen here are - wild dog, hyena, sloth bear, crocodile etc. Best season - November to February.

RE ACHING THERE

Airport : Linked by air with Delhi,

Railheads  : Harpalpur (99 kms.)

Road: Well connected by road.

Sanchi Important information

Sanchi

Spectacular Sanchi is recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its archaeological and historical value. The Sanchi   hill   teems   with   stupas, monastries, temples and pillars and is the largest site of Buddhist remains in India.  
However,   it   is   not   directly The Great stupa connected with the life of Lord Buddha as other Buddhist pilgrim centres. The history of Sanchi dates back to Emperor Asoka's r eign in the 3rd century BC and continues upto the llth century AD. It is one of the most revered centres of Buddhist art in the world. Its architectural forms and sculpture display the Jataka tales in cinematographic continuity.

Tourist Acctration in Sanchi

• The Great Stupa ( No. 1)
• Toranas or gateways
• Stupa No. 2
• Stupa No. 3
• Asoka Pillar
• Site Museum 

The Great Stupa (No. 1) : The world renowned stupa was originally built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka and is an icon of India's cultural heritage. The present stupa is a superstructure over the original brick stupa and comprises a hemispherical dome. It measures 36.5 mts. in diameter and 16.4 mts. inheight.

Toranas or gateways : The reliefs on the toranas depict the Jataka tales of Buddha's incarnations and the main events associated with his life.

Stupa No. 2: The 2nd century BC. stupa lies on the edge of the Sanchi hill.

Stupa No. 3 : This stupa was built during 150 - 140 BC. The relics of Sariputta and Mahamogallan, two of Buddhas chief disciples were found in this stupa. These relics are at present housed in the Sri Lankan Vihara here.

Asoka Pillar: The fragments of the Asokan Pillar dating back to the 3rd century BC lie near Stupa 1. The Chunar sandstone pillar is known for its polished surface and carries emperor Asoka's edicts to his people.

Site Museum : This must visit site exhibits the antiquities recovered from excavations of Sanchi hill and few sculptures from Gyaraspur.

REACHING THERE 

Airport: Bhopal (46 kms.).

Rail: Sanchi lies on the Jhansi -Itarsi rail section.

Road: Well connected by road.

Around Indor Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Indor

• Bawangajav
• Dhar
• Maheshwar
• Omkareshwar
• Ujjain
• Mahakaleshwar Temple
• Bade  Ganeshji ka  Mandir 
• Harsiddhi  Temple
• Gopal Mandir
• Chintaman Ganesh Temple
• Vedh Shala (Observatory)
• Kaltadesh Palace

Bawangajav (175 kms.)

Important Jain pilgrim centre with temples dating back to the early 15th century.

Dhar (47 kms.)

It was the glorious capital of Paramara kings, of whom Raja Bhoj is the best known.' city came under the Muslim influence with the rule of Delhi Sultanate and exhibits a fit blend of Hindu, Afghan and Mughal architectural styles.

Maheshwar (90 kms.)

An ancient pilgrim site on the banks of river Narmada, finds mention in epics Ramayana and Mahabharta. Its glory was revived by Rani Ahilya Bai, who built and renovated a number of shrines here. The main attractions are Rajgaddi and Rajwada, the ghats and the temples of Kaleshwara, Rajarajeshwara, Vithaleshwara and Ahileshwar. Rani Ahilya Bai also introduced the famous Maheshwari sarees well known for its unique weave, patterns and colours.

Omkareshwar (77 kms.)

This holy island shaped like the sacred Hindu symbol 'OM' is set amidst sceninc surroundings on the confluence of the rivers Narmada and Kaveri. Shri Omkar Mandhata temple of Lord Shiva is the main attraction here. It enshrines one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Other sites worth visiting are - Siddhnath Temple, 24 Avatars (a group of Hindu and Jain temples), Satmatrika Temple and Kajal Rani Cave.

Ujjain (55 kms.)

Ujjain, one of the oldest and holiest of the Indian cities lies on the banks of river Shipra. This ancient centre of learning is sanctified with the memories of Sandipani, Kalidasa, Asoka and Vikramaditya. It is also the venue of mammoth Kumbh Mela, held once in twelve years.

Mahakaleshwar Temple : The famous shrine of Lord Shiva enshrines one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in the country. It was destroyed by Altamish of Delhi in 1235 and was restored in 19th century by the Scindias.

Bade  Ganeshji ka  Mandir  :  It is located near the Mahakaleshwar temple and is known for the large ornate statue ofLordGanesh.

Harsiddhi  Temple :   It  houses  the famous image of the goddess Annapurna.

Gopal Mandir : The 1 9th century shrine was built by the queen of Maharaja Daulat Rao Scindia. The silver plated doors of the sanctum were originally taken from the temple at Somnath to Ghazni in Afghanistan and then to Lahore. The gates were rescued by Mahadji Scindia and installed mme temple.

Chintaman Ganesh Temple : This ancient temple on the opposite bank of the river Shipra has artistically carved pillars in the assembly hall.

Vedh Shala (Observatory) : It was built by Raja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in 1 730, when he *as the Governor of Malwa under the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah. Ujjain has °een India's Greenwich since the 4th century BC., as it stands on the first meridian of °ngitude for Hindu astronomers, who believed that the Tropic of Cancer also passed through the site.

Kaltadesh Palace : This 'Water Palace' of the Mandu Sultans was built in 1458, on an and in the Shipra river. Its central dome is a fine example of Persian architecture.

Indor Important information

Indor

Indore, the seat of Holkars is set on the banks of river Saraswati and Khan in the heart of picturesque Malwa plateau. It was planned and built by Rani Ahilya Bai and named after the   18th century Indreshwar temple. Formerly a major textile trading centre the city has emerged as a throbbing mini metropolis with a cosmopolitan culture.

RACHING THERE

Airport: Indore.

Rail : well connected.

Road : Well connected.

Mandu Important information

Mandu

Mandu, set picturesquely at the edge of the Vindhya range, overlooking the Narmada river was once known as Shadiabad, the 'Citadel of Joy'. It was the pleasure resort of the rulers of Malwa and echoes with love tales of poet prince Baz Bahadur and Rani Rupmati. jahaz Mahui

Tourist Acctration in Mandu

• Jahaz Mahal
• Hoshang Shah's Tomb
• Asharfi Mahal or the 'palace of gold coins'
• Rupmati's Pavilion
• Hindola Mahal

Jahaz Mahal : The 400 ft. long and 50 ft. wide double storey pleasure palace built between two lakes, resembles a ship. This remarkable edifice in stone is said to have been built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji for his large harem of 15,000 women.

Hoshang Shah's Tomb : The beautiful tomb is one of the finest specimes of Afghan architecture and the first marble structure of the country.

Jami Masjid : It is patterned on the great mosque of Damascus and is another great example of Afghan architecture in India.

Asharfi Mahal or the 'palace of gold coins' : It was built by Mahmud Shah Khilji and was conceived as an academic institution. In the same complex he built a seven storeyed victory tower to celebrate his victory over Rana Kumbha of Mewar.

Rupmati's Pavilion : It was built by Baz Bahadur for his queen Rupmati, on the southern crest of a hill, overlooking the Nimar valley. The pavilion commands a panoramic view of the meandering Narmada river, especially on full moon night.

Hindola Mahal : The 'swinging palace' gets the name from its leaning walls that resemble a swing. It combines immense proportions with a simplicity of design. Other attractions include, Jami Masjid, Rewa Kund, Baz Bahadur's Palace, Nilkantha etc.

REACHING THERE

Airport : Indore (100 kms.).

Railheads : Mhow (66 kms.), Indore and Ratlam (105 kms.).

Road: Well connected by road

Around Gwalior Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Gwalior

• Orchha
• c

Orchha (124 kms.)

The medieval town was founded by Rudra Pratap along Betwa river. It retains the rich legacy of Bundela rulers, who built fine palaces and temples during 16th - 17th centuries. The magnificent fort complex is dotted with spectacular palaces and temples. The important one's are Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Rai Praveen Mahal, Ram Raja Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Laxminarayan Temple etc. These are adorned with beautiful murals of the Bundela School. Nearest railhead is at Jhansi(19kms.).

Shivpuri (112 kms.)

Shivpuri, the summer capital of the Scindia rulers of Gwalior is set amidst thick wooded hills, which were once inhabited by tigers and elephants. The magnificent palaces, hunting lodges and cenotaphs reflects the grandeur of the bygone era.

Around Sanchi Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Sanchi

• Besnagar (Vidisha)
• Gyaraspur
• Udaigiri

Besnagar (Vidisha) (13 kms.)

The remains of ancient city of Vidisha are located 3 kms. from the modem township. The Ascription on Heliodorous Pillar (2nd century BC) refers to the conversion of a Greek ambassador to Vaishnavism. The Vidisha Museum is worth visting.

Gyaraspur (50 kms.)

It is known for the monuments dating back to medieval Hindu period. Notable among them are - Maladevi Temple, Vajra Matha, Atha Khamba and Hindola Torana etc.

Udaigiri (18kms.)

It is famous rock cut caves built during the 'Golden Age' of the Guptas between 4th - 5th Century A.D. are 4 kms. From Vidisha. The exquisite sculptures in the caves are noted for "leir unique vitality, vigour and richness of expression.

Gwalior Important information

Gwalior

Gwalior, the ancient capital city has been a cradle of great dynasties and a living   heritage   of  heroism.   Its antiquity dates back to 8th century, when Suraj Sen, a chieftain, founded the city and named it after Gwalipa, a legendary saint who cured him of a deadly disease. Gwalior, the city of palaces,   temples   and   monuments witnessed the rule of great Rajput clans like Pratiharas Kacchwahas and Tomars. Its tradition as a royal capital continued  until   the   formation   of independent India, with the Scindia's having their dynastic seat here.

Tourist Acctration in Gwalior

• The Fort
• Man Mandir Palace
• Teli-ka-Mandir
• Sas Baku ka Mandir
• Gujari Mahal
• Scindia School
• Tansen 's Tomb
• Jai Vilas Palace
• Jai Vilas Museum
• Memorials
• Kala Vithika and Municipal Museum
• Sun Temple

The Fort : This magnificent fort atop Gopachal, a sandstone precipice 91 metres above the surrounding plain was built by Raja Mansingh Tomar. It dominates the city like great monolith and was described as the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind Mughal emperor Babur. The imposing outer walls still stand, two miles in length and 3f feet high. A steep road winds upwards to the fort, flanked by statues of the Jair tirthankaras, carved into the rock face. The fort is dotted with various monuments which  are marvels of medieval architecture. Some of them are - 

Man Mandir Palace : This most impressive building in the fort was built by Raja Mar Singh between 1486 and 1517. It witnessed many battles Jauhars and imprisonments.

Teli-ka-Mandir : The 9th century Pratihar Vishnu temple has a peculiar plan and design Its roof is in Dravidian style, while the decorations inside are in Indo-Aryan style.

Sas Baku ka Mandir : The 9th and 11th century 'Mother and Daughter-in-law' pair o temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Gujari Mahal: This elegant palace was built in 15th century by Raja Mansingh Toma for his'Gujar'queen, Mrignayani. Today, it houses an archaeological museum.

Scindia School : One of the finest schools in India.

Tansen 's Tomb: The tomb of Tansen, one of the nine gems at emperor Akbar's court, is i fine example of early Mughal architecture and a part of Gwalior's living cultura heritage. Annual music festival is held here on a national scale in Nov. - Dec.

Jai Vilas Palace: The palace designed on the plan of an Italian palazzo is a fine blend of the Italian, the Tuscan and the Corinthian styles.

Jai Vilas Museum : It offers an unparalleled glimpse    Mumbai Linked by air with Indore   and mto the rich culture and lifestyle of princely India.

Some of the rich treasures exhibited here are Napoleon's golden table (one of the three in the    Chennai lines. world); a carpet showing Rana Pratap on horseback a silver mini train with cut-glass wagons, which served guests as it chugged around on miniature rails on the table; a glass cradle from Italy used for baby Krishna on Janamashtami festival; silver dinner sets and swords of Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan.

Memorials : Gwalior is also dotted with memorials of the earliest freedom fighters like Tantya Tope, Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi and several Scindia princes.

Kala Vithika and Municipal Museum : Kala Vithika houses a treasure of arts, while the natural history section of Municipal museum is worth visiting.

Sun Temple : The newly constructed temple near the Residency at Morar is built on the lines of famous Sun Temple at Konark in Orissa.

REACHING THERE

Airport : Linked by air with Delhi Bhopal, indoor and Mumbai Channai linea

Road: Well connected by road.

Rail : Gwalior is lies on the main Delhi - Mumbai and Delhi -

Khajuraho temples Important information

Khajuraho

Khajuraho, the World Heritage Site is studded with ornately carved shrines built by the Chandelas. Over 85 temples were built between 950-1050 AD, in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Today, only 22 temples have survived, which constitute one of the world's great artistic wonders. Each shrine stands on a high, masonry platform, with a marked upward direction in the structure, further enhanced by vertical projections to create the effect of grace and lightness. The temple walls are embellished with exquisite stone carvings which portray every facet and mood of life, from the erotic to the divine, the commonplace to the subline. The temples are geographically divided into three groups -western, eastern and southern.

Tourist Acctration in Khajuraho

• Western Group
• Eastern Group
• Sound & Light Show
• State Museum of Tribal & Folk Art
• Khajuraho Dance Festival

Western Group :- Kandariya Mahadeo, The largest and most typical temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Chaunsath Yogini is the only granite temple and the oldest surviving shrine of the group. Other important shrines in the western group are Vishwanath, Lakshmana, Varah and Matangeswara etc.

Eastern Group : - Parsvanath Temple, Ghantai Temple, Adinath Temple. Southern Group: - Duladeo Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple etc.

Sound & Light Show : The spectacular show held at the western group of temples, narrates the life and times of Chandela kings.

State Museum of Tribal & Folk Art : A rich collection of tribal and folk arts and artefacts are exhibited at the Chandela Cultural Complex. The State Museum displays items of terracottas, metal craft, woodcraft, tribal artefacts etc.

Khajuraho Dance Festival : This festival of AgraandVaranasi. classical   dances   is   celebrated  in  Feb./Mar, Eminent dancers perform against the backdrop of Satna (120kms.) & Jhansi (175 kms.). floodlit temple.