We traveled through Madhya Pradesh mostly by car, and visited a new place every year. We would spend five to seven days at every place, savoring every bit of the place and enjoying the trip thoroughly.

The many beautiful, interesting places in M.P. that I liked and would recommend to travel lovers are-

1) Jabalpur-

Jabalpur is a nice cosmopolitan city. The main  attractions of Jabalpur are the Marble Rocks and the Dhuandhar

waterfall. Boating through the Marble rocks is truly amazing. The river winds through huge(100 ft.high) marble rocks of various shape and sizes, towering on both sides. At places the river is so narrow, you can touch the rocks on the side. The experience is both beautiful as well as intimidating. Many old hindi movies have been shot at the marble rocks of Jabalpur.

Dhuandhar waterfall gives a glimpse of nature’s force, fury and immense energy.

The water falls from a steep (almost straight) high rock into the river with immense force, creating foam that rises like smoke. Hence the name ‘Dhuan-dhar’.

2) Maheshwar and Onkareshwar-

Maheshwar is an ancient Temple town on the bank of the holy river Narmada. It was renovated by the Holkar queen Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore, who was a devout ‘Shiv Bhakta’.

Narmada flows with all her beauty through Maheshwar and Onkareshwar. Ghats were made by Devi Ahilyabai Holkar all along the river which has many beautiful ancient temples, mostly that of Lord Shiva. Some other attractions of Maheshwar are the Rajwada, Ahilya Fort and the Maheshwar Dam.

Maheshwar is famous for its handloom – the fine Maheshwari sarees.

3)Panchmari-

Panchmari is the only hill station of M.P. The Satpura hills spreads its natural beauty in and around Panchmari. Green Panchmari has many waterfalls and natural caves, with Shivalingas. The Pandava caves in Panchmari is said to be the place where the pandavas stayed during exile. Panchmari actually got its name from the panch pandavas.

Trekking through the hills and forests to places like Jata Shankar, Chota Mahadev, Bada Mahadev, Gupta Mahadev, etc. is quite interesting. As you climb, small animals like rabbits, even snakes may cross your path. The entry to Gupt Mahadev is so narrow, one has to move sideways, standing straight. It is difficult for the obese people . In some caves we found water dripping  and icicles hanging from the cave tops. It is all so natural, right from the time we started climbing, we felt as if we were some hermits going to a cave through forests on hills. It was a beautiful experience. I simply loved it.

4) Mandu-

Mandu is a plac of historical significance.There are beautiful (relics of) mahals, aaramgahs and tombs of the Mogul era. The atmosphere is very relaxed and romantic, as the relics all around you, transport you to a bygone era. Mandu essentially has a romantic feel in the air, because it was basically a relaxing place, sort of resort, for the moguls. It is unlike other historical places which were meant for war purposes. Mandu had nothing to do with war and enemies. It was a place for relaxation, beauty and love.

5) National Parks ( Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Shivpuri, Panna and Satpura National Parks)-

Of all the National Parks of M.P., Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks are the most visited by tourists. Kanha has a higher tiger population, as it is spread on a larger area and has more dense forest cover. Chances of spotting tigers is higher at Kanha than Bandhavgarh (though we were lucky to sight tigers in both places). Deers roam freely in the forest area. They can even be seen near the guest house in the early morning hours.

But if you want to relax and enjoy the calm and peace of a jungle, then in my opinion Bandhavgarh is a good choice. This is because, the tourist traffic is comparatively less here. You can relax in the small Bandhavgarh town (rather village) and stroll along the forest border. Of course, never venture near the jungle after dark!

6) Chitrakoot-

Chitrakoot, the famous jungle of the Ramayan, is partly in M.P. and partly in U.P. Nearest city in M.P. is Satna. The drive to Chitrakoot from Satna is through dense teak forests in the Chambal valley, famous for the dacoits. It was a bit scarry. We were advised by the locals not to travel at night.

Chitrakoot has places connected with Ramayan. Besides temples, there are spots where Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman stayed, cooked, sat by the river, during their 14 years exile.

7) Bagh Caves-

Bagh caves are located 50 kms. west of Mandu in Dhar district. These caves can be termed as the forgotten brethren of the more famous Ajanta, Ellora or Elephanta caves. Situated on the banks of a river, some beautiful Buddhist paintings are still visible in the caves.

8) Ujjain-

Ujjain has the famous Mahakaal Temple, one of the Jyotirlingas. Ujjain or Ujjayini, as it was known in ancient India became famous during the reign of King Vikramaditya.

9) Khajuraho-

Khajuraho is world famous for its Temple architechture, built by the Chandela kings.The awe-inspiring art and architechture in each and every part of the ancient temples attracts large number of tourists from all over the world. The classical dance festival with the temples as background showcases India’s beautiful art and culture in all its glory.

10) Sanchi Stupa-

The Buddhist Stupa in Sanchi is another amazing piece of architecture. Emporer Ashoka spent considerable time in Sanchi to spread the message of Buddha. The many stupas and pillars of historical importance were mostly built during Ashoka’s reign.

Besides the above mentioned places the Gwalior Fort in Gwalior and Mosque in Bhopal are also famous.

So, don’t miss M.P. This simple state has many wonderful attractions. After all it’s the beautiful heart of our beautiful country.

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