Madhya Pradesh at a Glance :

Capital : Bhopal

Area : 443,446 sq km

Population : 65,380,000 (2001)

Principal Language : Hindi

Literacy Ratio : 43%

No. of Districts : 45

Cities : Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Raipur, Ujjain, Pachmarchi, Satna, Chitrakoot, Bandhavgarh, Mandu, Sanchi, Orcha.

Airports : Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Khajuraho, Raipur.

About Madhya Pradesh :

Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, forts and palaces peppered all over the land, reminding one of emperors and kings, warriors and builders, poets and musicians, saints and philosophers--this is the mystic land of Madhya Pradesh, the geographical heartland of India. The state is the second largest state of India, but after Chhattisgarh’s coming into existence, its area is no longer as large as it used to be. Home to a number of aboriginal tribes like the Bhils, the Baigas, Maria and the Murias, Madhya Pradesh constitutes 40% of India's aboriginal population--the Adivasis. It is primarily the land of Kings and primitive people, of rugged mountains.

History of Madhya Pradesh :

Emperor Ashok had first of all ruled over Ujjain. A sizeable portion of Central India was part of the Gupta empire (300-500AD). The Muslims came into Central India in the beginning of the 11th century. First of all Mahmud of Ghazni came over here and then Mohammad Gauri who incorporated some parts of Central India into his ruling territory of Delhi. Central India was also part of the Mughal empire. During the period between the beginning of the influence of the Marathas and the death of Madhoji Scindia in 1794, Marathas were on the rise in Central India but later on the small States started coming into existence which helped the perpetuation of British power in the country. Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, the Gaud Maharani Kamala Devi and Queen Durgawati were some women rulers whose names have been written in an indelible ink in the Indian history for their outstanding rule. After independence Madhya Pradesh came into being in November 1956. Madhya Pradesh has the largest population of scheduled tribes of all States and a high proportion of Schedule Castes, together they constitute nearly one third of the population.

Places to See at Madhya Pradesh :

Bhopal : The capital city of the state boasts of an archaeological wealth. Old palaces and mosques and the teeming bazaars promises sheer romance. It would also remind you of one of the world's worst industrial disaster.

Khajuraho : The place is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh, where religion is married to eroticism. Erotic fantasies are sculpted in stone in the temples facades. The sculptures keep changing their hues with the pace of sun in a day.

Gwalior : A glorious chapter of Indian history comes alive in the rugged forts and palaces of Gwalior. The city is witness to many decisive battles, blood and death.

Orchha : Once the capital of the Bundellas, the city houses the famed Orchha Fort, which is an architectural wonder.

Bandhavgarh : Perched in the heart of the Vindhya Mountain Range in Central India, Bandhavgarh National Park boasts of the highest population of tigers in India. One can do elephant safari here.

Kanha : Kanha Tiger Reserve was made famous by Rudyard Kipling. Being one of the finest and best-administered National Parks in Asia, it is an irresistible attraction to the true wild life enthusiasts.

How to Reach at Madhya Pradesh :

By Air : A number of airports are located within the state. Gwalior, Khajuraho, Indore, Jabalpur including capital Bhopal, the state are major airports in Madhya Pradesh. All public and private airlines operate regular flights to these airports.

By Rail : Bhopal is the main key railway station in the state, which is served by important trains connecting it to the rest of the country.

By Road : A strategic network of National Highways and State Highways interlink the cities of Madhya Pradesh to the other cities of India. The tourist destinations within the state located at convenient distance from Bhopal.