Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh is the place to visit if you want to spot the big cat. India's finest dwelling for wildlife, it has the highest density of Royal Bengal tigers in the world along with 37 other species of mammals, 250 species of birds, and 80 species of butterflies. Bandhavgarh National Park is the first in India to launch the hot air balloon safari for tourists.
Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh was founded by Raja Bhoj in the 11th century. The city is adorned by beautiful lakes and striking landscapes. Towards the north, you'll be welcomed by the old city that encompasses fascinating mosques, serpentine alleys, amazing food corners and buzzing chowks. On the other side of the upper lake is the new Bhopal. It is modern, with wide roads, shopping complexes, plush hotels and restaurants. Both contrast flanks are well-connected and offer something for every taste!
A city brimming with great history and melodious music, Gwalior holds an important place in the heart of incredible India. Gwalior is best known for its imposing hilltop fort, which was famously described as 'The pearl amongst fortresses in India'. The major attractions of the city are Jaivilas Palace, Sun Temple, Gujari Mahal etc. The city was also home to the legendary musicians Tansen and Baiju Bawara.
Built between 950-1050 AD by the Chandela Dynasty, the UNESCO World Heritage site of 'Khajuraho Group of Monuments' is famous for its Nagara-Style architecture and graceful sculptures of nayikas (Hindu Mythological female protagonists) and deities. These temples represent various forms of meditation, spiritual teachings and relationships through stimulating art.
The temple town on the banks of the river Narmada, Maheshwar appeals to the pilgrims because of its beautiful temples. Maheshwar has been mentioned in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. It remained famous as the center of handloom weaving since the 5th century, producing the exquisite Maheshwari sarees and fabric. Maheshwar was a glorious city at the dawn of Indian civilization when it was Mahishmati, the capital of King Kartivarjun.
Mandu is a celebration in stone, of life and joy, and the love of poet-prince Baz Bahadur for his beautiful consort, Rani Roopmati. There are myriads of places to see in Mandu which include forts, palaces, gateways, and temples. Mandu is a city adorned with breathtaking architectural jewels and a walk through the gallery of these monuments can leave you spell-bound.
Each of Mandu's structures is an architectural gem, like the massive Jami Masjid and Hoshang Shah's Tomb, which is believed to be the inspiration for the master builders of the Taj Mahal.
At the confluence of the rivers Narmada and Kaveri, the devout gather and kneel before the Jyotirlinga (one of the twelve throughout India) at the temple of Shri Omkar Mandhata. It can only be termed as a blessing by the lords and mother nature, that Omkareshwar, the sacred island, is shaped like Om - the holiest symbol of Hinduism.
Also worth visiting in the holy town are Govindeshwar Caves where Adi Shankaracharya is said to have received enlightenment and the other one is Gurudwara Omkareshwar Sahib where Guru Nanak stayed during his visit to the city.
The historic town of Orchha, nestled on the banks of river Betwa, was founded in the 16 th century by the Bundela Rajput Chief, Rudra Pratap.
The ancient town is home to several fascinating temples and palaces, retaining their original grandeur even to this day. Town’s center of attraction, Ram Raja temple, is the only place where Lord Rama is worshiped as a king.
The town of Sanchi is synonymous with Buddhist Stupas - hemispherical structures constructed on the orders of Emperor Ashoka to preserve and spread Buddhist philosophy. There are several hidden Buddha sites situated within the radius of 30 km of Sanchi, while the Mahastupa holds the status of ‘World Heritage Site’ by UNESCO. While visiting the Sanchi Stupa you can also see the Buddha Jambudweep, a 17-acre theme park situated right in front of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Considered to be the Greenwich of India, Ujjain is a major attraction in the heart of Incredible India. It houses one of the 12 jyotirlingas, the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and several other temples dedicated to Shiva, Ganpati, and Goddess Durga. The world’s largest religious gathering, Simhastha or Kumbh Mela is also held in this town once every 12 years.
