Know as the Heart of India because of its central position this state grew in prosperity and popularity during the Mughal rule and has continued to be popular into modern times. There are amazing opportunities for scenic beauty, a number of reserves and sanctuaries to visit including the Satpura Tiger Reserve and a lot to see and do. From hill stations to forts, temples to parks, here is a small sampling of what you might check out should you visit.
The Amareshwar and Omkareshwar temples
Omkareshwar is found in the Khandwa district on Shivapuri island. It is a very important site for Hindus and is named for the Hindu symbol of OM. It is the meeting point of the rivers Kaveri and Narmada and two temples can be found there, the soft stone temple of Sri Omkareshwar Mahadeo built in the style of Nagara and the other is the Amareshwar or Siddnath Temple in the style of Brahminic architecture. It is a place of nature, spirituality, acrchitecture and more.
The natural beauty of Pachmarhi
This is a popular hill station found in the Narmadapuram district and sits at 1067m. Known as Satpura ki Rani (Queen of Satpura), it is a lush place to visit with amazing views. Green meadows, waterfalls, caves and streams, it is an amazing place to trek, a paradise popular with explorers, nature lovers and even honeymooners. It is part of the Satpura Biosphere Reserve where you can also get to Satpura National Park.
Visit one of the seven wonders of India in Khajuraho
This is a popular town with several Jain and Hindu temples famous for their outer sandstone walls that have erotic sculptures. These are one of the seven wonders of India and are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also enjoy light and sound shows in the temple complex every evening that runs for about an hour and is presented in both Hindi and English.
Check out Gwalior Fort
If you love old buildings and forts, India is going to be an amazing experience for you. One of the largest first in India is in Madhya Pradesh called Gwalior fort. It has been around since at least the 10th century and possibly even earlier to the 6th century!
Visit Kanha National Park
This national park stretches across two districts, the Kalaghat and the Mandala covering over 940sq km. it contains the popular Kanha Tiger Reserve as well as being a place that many other forms of wildlife and plant life call home. It was declared a reserve forest in 1879 and then made a wildlife sanctuary in 1933 and then a national park in 1955. It has a magnificent combination of bamboo forests, luch green meadows, crystal streams and dense jungle. This is where Rudyard Kipling was inspired for the famous ‘The Jungle Book’!
Look for tigers in Satpura National Park
Also called Satpura Tiger Reserve you can head to the Hoshangabad district now called Narmadapuram to enjoy tours, wildlife, adventure, nature and the possibility of a tiger sighting. Covering 524sq km the park has two other adjoining sanctuaries, Bori and Pachmarhi. It is a rugged park made up of forests, gorges, sandstone peaks and ravines. Altitudes run from 300m up to 1352m. It is a very biodiverse place to visit and the nearest town is Pachmarhi.
