India is known for its places of cultural and natural beauty. Madhya Pradesh has also emerged as a desirable place for people to visit. The cultural diversity of this state ranges from the presence of wildlife to the fascinating history of various dynasties.
Known as the land of tigers and leopards and having the densest forest in the world, Madhya Pradesh is often known as the green heart of India.
Madhya Pradesh has a vast historical background and has been known for its dynasties. The presence of many national parks in the state is a testament to the existence of diverse flora and fauna. Madhya Pradesh is famous for its three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the coming paragraphs, we will try to cover many famous places in this beautiful state.
Khajuraho
At the top of the most popular MP tourist places lies the very famous Khajuraho Temples. UNESCO has declared the temples a World Heritage Site. The Khajuraho temples were built during the Chandel Dynasty between the 9th–13th centuries. The dynasty was known for its architectural excellence, and this clearly shows in the temple carvings. Over the years, the temple has proved to be an exciting tourist spot for people from around the globe. Only 20 out of 85 temples remain today, but they have still decently managed to become a crucial part in the state’s tourism.
Sanchi Stupa
The second World Heritage Site as declared by UNESCO in Madhya Pradesh is the Sanchi Stupa. These temples are situated in the northeast of the state and were built by Emperor Ashoka in 262 BCE after he started to follow Buddhism and adopted non-violence. The stupas are the oldest Buddhist monuments present in the country and consist of impressive gates with intricate rock carvings, small temples, and relics. Many Buddhists from around the world attach cultural importance to this place, making it one of the most visited tourist places in Madhya Pradesh.
Bhimbetka
The third UNESCO World Heritage Site is less touristy and more historical. The place is known to exist from the Palaeolithic and the Mesolithic periods. It exhibits evidence of the presence of early Stone Age humans. The rocks clearly depict the Stone Age humans as practising hunting and even agriculture. The wide knowledge provided by these rocks has made it an attractive site for both tourists and historians.
National parks
Madhya Pradesh is not only famous for its monuments but being one of the greenest states, it is also known for its national parks.
Kanha National Park is one of the most famous parks in the entire country. It was also Rudyard Kipling’s inspiration for ‘The Jungle Book’. The park is known for its saal wood, bamboo and other trees and is home to tigers and barasingha (Swamp deer). A huge variety of birds also finds its home in the thick forests. Buzzards, minivets, orioles, hornbills, cranes and many other bird species have turned Kanha into a birdwatcher’s paradise.
The second most famous national park in Madhya Pradesh is the Bandhavgarh National Park, also known for tigers. MP tourism welcomes travellers from around the globe to have a glimpse of its dense green valleys and undulating terrain. Bandhavgarh is home to animals like tigers, jackals, sloth bears, deer, leopards and many species of birds, which have added to the charm of this place.
Cities
Among the places in MP for tourism are its cities like Gwalior and Orchha. The forts in Gwalior have attracted a number of tourists in recent years. Gwalior is one of the largest cities in the state, and the monuments and forts present there stand testimony to the rich history and the larger-than-life dynasties in the state.
Orchha is situated on the banks of river Betwa. The place is home to many palaces and temples and offers a serene and captivating experience.
Conclusion
Madhya Pradesh has a lot to offer to its tourists. Its famous places are preserved well to attract the tourists and make the state a hot spot for tourism. Madhya Pradesh is well-connected with all the states in the country, given its central location. It has history, culture, natural beauty, adventure, archaeology, and something for everyone.