Revisit The Spiritual Past That Khajuraho Has To Offer

Khajuraho, recognised far and wide as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a land where art merges with history seamlessly. Located in the Chhatarpur district, the place has been the home of Chandela Rajput kings who are instrumental in building a total of 85 temples of breathtaking beauty around a thousand years ago. The Heart … Continue reading “Revisit The Spiritual Past That Khajuraho Has To Offer”

Khajuraho, recognised far and wide as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a land where art merges with history seamlessly. Located in the Chhatarpur district, the place has been the home of Chandela Rajput kings who are instrumental in building a total of 85 temples of breathtaking beauty around a thousand years ago.

The Heart of Incredible India has much to offer in terms of vast stretches of lush green grasslands which make for a safe haven for the wildlife, historical sites that are sure to take you back to a revered past, temple towns and much more. There indeed is a colourful vibrancy in the air of the state of Madhya Pradesh that makes it all the more endearing for travellers from all over the world.

Khajuraho is one such offering of MP that display the grandeur of glorious centuries along with the necessities of the modern period. The intricately carved and brilliantly constructed temples that have stood the ravages of time are a testament to the incredible craftsmanship. The temples are a backdrop to the beautiful carvings and are the reasons that attract a multitude of travellers. These temples are segregated into three wings, the Eastern, Western and Southern, of which the western group stands out the most.

Kandariya Mahadev Temple

Built in the years 1025 and 1050, it is the largest amongst the Western group of temples. With 872 statues, each a metre high, this Shiva Temple presents the perfect picture of grandiose.

Devi Jagadambe Temple

Located north of the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The intricate designs of the erotic carvings and paintings are a sight to behold for globe trotters.

Chaunsat Yogini

Surrounded by an open courtyard along the banks of Shivsagar Lake, the granite temple houses the 64 manifestations of the Mother Goddess.

Chitragupta Temple

The temple is a place for offering prayers to the Sun God and Lord Vishnu. The pieces of work that stand out apart from the carvings depicting dances and hunts are the ten-headed Vishu idol and a huge chariot of the Sun God.

The Light And Sound Show

Another popular tourist attraction of Khajuraho is undeniably The Light And Sound Show. The show is amongst one of the many efforts taken by Madhya Pradesh tourism to promote the legendary tales of the royal dynasty that the lands were once a home to. The show which is a spectacle of light and sound, spans 55 minutes and takes place every day on the gardens of the Western Wing. What makes this show about the historical instances of the state’s past and the events that led to the construction of the temples, the most sought after amongst the tourists is the narrator of the show, veteran actor, Amitabh Bachhan.

Places To Visit Near Khajuraho

Orchha

While you are on your way to the hallowed town of Khajuraho, do stop by and pay a visit to Orchha. The place too has its share of exquisite temples and monuments, among which the Phool Bagh, Raj Mahal, Chhatris (cenotaphs), Raj Parveen Mahal, Dinman Hardaul’s Palace are some of the most eminent sites that demand a visit.

Panna And Bandhavgarh National Park

There is no dearth of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in and around Madhya Pradesh. One of the reasons that the Madhya Pradesh tourism is such a booming industry is due to the abundance of these reserves. These provide for a safe and sustainable environments for tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer, Asiatic jackals, numerous species of birds to roam around freely. Appoint a day to spend amongst the creatures of Nature and from the safe confines of a Safari Jeep.

Reach The Place With Considerable Ease

Khajuraho is well connected and can be reached with ease no matter the mode of transport. The Khajuraho Airport is nearly a couple kilometres away from the main city square and is well connected to all the metropolitan cities. The nearest railway stations are Jhansi and Satna while it can also be reached by road from Jhansi, Orchha, Jabalpur, Panna And Satna.

The trains that can be availed are Khajuraho-Kanpur Passenger, Khajuraho-Jhansi Passenger, Khajuraho-Udaipur Passenger, Khajuraho-Bhopal Passenger, Khajuraho-Mahoba Passenger amongst the many others.

Jet Airways and Air India are amongst the popular airlines that provide flights at frequent intervals to reach Khajuraho and these are HJR-AGR(Agra), HJR-AMD(Ahmedabad), HJR-LKO(Lucknow), HJR-VNS(Varanasi), HJR-DEL(Delhi).

Inspired to get moving? Get flight, train and bus tickets, hotel bookings and a tailor made travel itinerary along with pick-ups and drop-offs through the exclusive services provided by i4uTravels.

Come, have yourself a trip of a lifetime.

An Overview Into The Exclusive Escapades Of Jal Mahotsav

Spent blissful, luxurious times creating havocs at water parks? Or are you more into admiring the forces of water from afar, cocooned within the comforts of canopied boats? Whatever might be your preference, the thrill of Jal Mahotsav is sure to get to you. Initiated during the month of February in the year 2016, Jal … Continue reading “An Overview Into The Exclusive Escapades Of Jal Mahotsav”

Spent blissful, luxurious times creating havocs at water parks? Or are you more into admiring the forces of water from afar, cocooned within the comforts of canopied boats? Whatever might be your preference, the thrill of Jal Mahotsav is sure to get to you.

Initiated during the month of February in the year 2016, Jal Mahostsav has become quite a phenomenon. Jal Mahotsav, started as Honourable Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s vision who aimed to establish Madhya Pradesh as the epicentre of the biggest water sports carnival the country has ever seen. Spanning days, the festival is every adventure enthusiast’s dream come true. Needless to mention, “Jal Mahotsav” was felicitated with the “Most Innovative and Unique Tourism Award” in the recently concluded National Tourism Awards 2015 – 2016.

The stage has been set to welcome the festival back this year on the 15th of October which would be culminating on the 2nd of January of the coming year. It is estimated that the second year would garner a higher footfall from every parts of the country as well as would see a greater presence of the global clientele. The festival is largely appreciated and backed by the government of Madhya Pradesh as it is an endeavour to promote the thrilling activities that the heart of India has to offer.

The central state of India is renowned for its national parks that offer a safe abode for some of the most exotic species of flora and fauna. Jungle safari rides, resorts amidst the lush forests, historical sites that are sure to transport the visitors to a glorious era of the past, spiritual rejuvenation or sites which offer utter tranquillity, there is no dearth of places to visit in Madhya Pradesh. Travellers from all over the world make a beeline for the state to revel in the colourful brilliance that the place has to offer. Jal Mahotsav upholds the cultural melting pot that is Madhya Pradesh through its various enthralling events and attempts to bring people together under a single roof.

MP Tourism is sure to scale newer heights through this innovative venture that not only promotes business all around but also provides ample opportunities to showcase the expansive beauty of the place. Travel packages are exclusively designed for travellers to partake in the adventure. These packages offer a safe, hassle-free and a cost effective way to enjoy the festival to the fullest.

Convinced already? Well, take a look below and see which of the following activities will surely seal the deal for you:

Island Camping

Yes, you read that right. The festival offers opportunities for you to literally spend your days amidst the bountiful nature. Sprawled under the vast, starry sky with only a thin tent roof acting as a barrier, feel yourself be one with nature. These tents though not as luxurious as the suites you are used to, are sure to provide a novel experience without compromising on any of the basic comforts.

Air Activities

In addition to river rafting, boating, dining on mini cruises and speeding through the waters on speed boats, Jal Mahotsav also offers the opportunities to soar through the skies. Hot air balloons and paragliding are amongst the hottest sports at every sporting venue and Jal Mahotsav is no different. Indulge in a sudden adrenaline rush by strapping on your harness and explore the world from a bird’s eye view.

Health Centres

Amidst all that Jal Mahotsav has to offer, health and spa centres too draw a fair amount of loyalists who swear by their health. After a hectic day embroiled in activities that test your nerves and stamina a restful massage, aromatherapy and even yoga sessions are a welcome treat. Steal a few moments and reinvigorate yourself in anticipation for the next few days.

Craft Market

Get a glimpse of the exclusive craftsmanship that is one of the highlights of MP tourism and be assured to be swept by the sheer creativity and innovations of the artisans. From clothes, accessories, paintings, artefacts to decorate your homes with, the place promises to bedazzle with its quality products. The craft markets are organised to pay a tribute to the spirit of the artists from the districts of Madhya Pradesh. Do visit. You sure won’t be able to return empty-handed.

Food

Food is undoubtedly one of the most sought after attractions at the venue. With a plethora of options displayed at every nook and corner representing the multitude of cuisines that MP has to offer, travellers would be hard pressed to try only some of them. The food items presented at the festival is also a conglomeration celebrating the predominant reign of the Mughals, the Rajputs as well as that of the contemporary times.

i4u Travels offer exclusively customised packages that incorporate your needs and requirements guaranteeing you with some of the most memorable experiences.

The land of Madhya Pradesh is what travellers dream of far off places to look like. Step foot in the place for this magnificent festival and witness the rich heritage unfold.

National Tourism Awards 2015 – 2016 | Madhya Pradesh becomes the first state to win the “Hall of Fame” award three years consequtively

Madhya Pradesh is indeed “The Heart of Incredible India”

New Delhi | 27th Sept ‘2017

The Honorable President of India, Mr Ram Nathj Kovind presented the National Tourism Awards across various segments & categories of the travel, tourism & hospitality industry at a function organized by The Ministry of Tourism in New Delhi on World Tourism Day.

Speaking on this auspicious occasion, Mr K. J. Alphons, The Minister of State for Tourism, Government of India felicitated all achievers & committed to transform India into one of the most preferred destinations for travelers from around the world.

India, on the tourism vertical, has reasons to celebrate as it’s growth trajectory is rapid. India’s ranking in the Travel & Tourism Competitive Index 2017 ( TTCI ) of World Economic Forum moved from 65th to 52nd position in 2015 & is now ranked 40th.The last three years have seen India cumulatively improving it’s ranking by 25 places which is a significant achievement.

This was possible because of an open & tourist friendly policy of the Government & the active participation of all stake holders.

Tourism is in an enviable position with the inherent capacity to creat large scale employment,eradicate poverty,benefit local communities economically & socially and to generate awareness and support for conservation of the environment.

India’s Travel & Tourism sector ranks 7th in the world in terms of its total contribution to the country’s GDP, shows a new report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). According to the new data, Travel & Tourism generated INR 14.1 trillion (USD208.9 billion) in 2016, which is the world’s 7th largest in terms of absolute size, the sum is equivalent to 9.6% of India’s GDP. Additionally, the sector supported 40.3 million jobs in 2016, which ranks India 2nd in the world in terms of total employment supported by Travel & Tourism. The sector accounts for 9.3% of the country’s total jobs. India’s Travel & Tourism sector was also the fastest growing amongst the G20 countries, growing by 8.5% in 2016. A further 6.7% growth is forecast for 2017.

Visitor exports, money spent by foreign travellers in India, only represents 12% of tourism revenues and in 2016 totaled INR1.5 trillion (USD22.8bn). This is 5.4% of the country’s total exports, compared to a global average of 6.6%. Data from the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) shows that India received only 9 million international arrivals in 2016, placing it 40th in the world, and a tenth of those received by top-ranking France. However, there is a lot of potential for India to grow their visitor exports. Over the past few months India has already starting to address this gap and made significant changes to visa facilitation, which will help to boost international arrivals. WTTC data suggests that visitor exports will grow by 5.4% in 2017.

India is a tremendous Travel & Tourism economy with a rapidly growing GDP.However, these numbers could be even higher, and that the positive impact of this sector could be more wide-ranging. India has a huge potential to increase its international visitors and, in doing so, it can create more jobs and drive economic growth. The government should continue to adopt policies that encourage international travelers, such as the new visa regime, enable investment in vital infrastructure, and allow companies to do business. India is a beautiful and diverse tourism destination, with the right policies in place it will no doubt continue to grow towards ranking even higher in terms of its tourism economy.

Madhya Pradesh was in the limelight winning many coveted titles.

Madhya Pradesh was conferred with the mentioned awards :

1. Best state in comprehensive development of Tourism

The Government of Madhya Pradesh received this award. Tireless efforts by the Government authorities, development of infrastructures & tourist friendly policies were acknowledged.

 

2.Best civic management of tourist destination

Khargone in Madhya Pradesh won this award in category B.

With its tireless and incessant efforts towards the Swacch Bharat Mission,

Khargone is now among the top 20 cities under the Swachh Sarvekshan 2017.

The city has been targeting all the objectives of civic management, set up

under the mission.

Under the sanitation sector, the city has successfully transformed into an ODF

town. Under the Solid Waste Management Sector, the city has achieved 100%

door to door collection, segregation and transportation of waste. Moreover,

the idea of waste to compost is also being practised efficiently. With efforts of

awareness and infrastructural advancement, Khargone has transformed into

a city with an efficiently managed civic system.

 

3.Best tourist friendly railway station

Ujjain railway station, Madhya Pradesh won this award.

The sacred city of Ujjain is flocked by millions of tourists and devotees every

year. The Ujjain Railway Station connects the city with all major parts of the

country. Gearing up for the holy event of Simhastha Mahakumbha and to

provide better facilities and conveniences, several infrastructural and service

related advancements have been created recently in the Ujjain Railway

Station. These facilities include, more number of retiring rooms, eco-friendly

bio-toilets, installation of energy saving systems, better facilities for differently

abled persons, coach guidance system, restaurants, easy ticket booking

arrangements, automatic ticket vending machines, water vending machines,

public assistance system and varied emergency services and assistance.

 

4.Best Heritage City

Chanderi of Madhya Pradesh was a joint winner.

Built in a narrow valley and located on the banks of Betwa river in Madhya

Pradesh, Chanderi is a best example of the Holistic Heritage Indian City.

Different cultures have harmoniously been co-existing to nurture a rich

heritage here.

With its magnificent heritage, Chanderi exhibits an important interchange of

human values recorded in the history over a span of 1200 years. Several efforts

have been made by the city to conserve and redevelop this ancient cultural

corridor by restoring its historical architecture, arts and culture. Known for

its world famous handcrafted Chanderi Sarees, some of Chanderi’s heritage

marvels include Chanderi Fort, Bada Madarsa, Jama Masjid, Koshak Mahal,

Nizammuddin’s Tomb etc..

 

5.Best Wildlife Guide

Mr Saeeb Khan of Satpura National Park, Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh won this award.

Saeeb Khan has been serving tourists in the Satpura Tiger Reserve,

Pachmarhi for the last 15 years. A passionate professional guide with keen

interest and vast knowledge about geography, flora and fauna, Saeeb has

successfully been guiding thousands of tourists. He has also mentored

several study tours. His untiring efforts have immensely helped tourists in

gaining more knowledge about the mystical Satpura range. Saeeb has been

recognized and feted by several tourism bodies and educational institutes for

his invaluable guidance.

 

6.Excellence in Publishing – Hindi

Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Board received this award for “ Singhasta 2016”.

The book published in Hindi by Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Board elaborating on “ Singhasta 2016” & it’s host city was widely appreciated.

 

7.Excellence in Publishing – English

This award was won by Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Board’s coffee table book “The Heart of Incredible India”.

India, is endowed with delightful forests, rich world heritage sites, and varied

art, crafts & culture. To give a glimpse of these nuggets, a Coffee Table Book

was designed. The book has a luxurious look with the regal Tiger on the cover.

The contents of the book with precise information on various subjects along

with attractive pictures have been compiled by renowned authors with great

passion. This painstaking exercise was done with the sole motive to give the

reader an enriched experience of the State.

 

8.Most Innovative & Unique Tourism Product

Hanuwantiya and Jal Mahotsav, Madhya Pradesh tourism  were felicitated with this award.

Utilising the backwaters created at the Indira Sagar Dam and the Omkareshwar

Dam, the Government of Madhya Pradesh has developed a backwater tourism

hub in the form of Hanuwantiya.

Hanuwantiya is an innovative project which offers the serenity of nature.

Applying a thought of innovation here, the Government of MP has been

organising Jal Mahotsav. This event blends adventure and tranquility together

in one single destination.

The fifteen day extravanganza manifests the cultural ethos of the region while

offering fun sports and adventure activities amid the beauty of nature.

 

9.Best Film Promotion Friendly State/ UT

Madhya Pradesh was again awarded with this title.

Madhya Pradesh offers a rich diversity in terms of culture and locations,

making it a great place for shooting and promoting films. There are nearly

500 picturesque locations in the heartland of India in the form of a sprawling

wildlife terrain, Heritage properties, Pilgrimages and leisure spots.

The State’s dedicated Film Office/Commission facilitates such projects through

a single window clearance with utmost ease and transparency. Madhya

Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation works as a nodal agency for

the same.

 

10.Best State for Adventure Tourism

Madhya Pradesh was judged the best state for adventure tourism.

Madhya Pradesh is home to diverse water bodies, landscapes, jungles, heritage

sites and mountainous terrains which make it a perfect place for Adventure

sports. In the last few years, efforts have been made by the State Government

to promote adventure tourism. Several tourist locations in the state now

offer thrilling adventure activities which include Water Sports, Parasailing,

Trekking, Rock Climbing, River Rafting, Hot Air Ballooning etc. Moreover, the

state with 10 national parks, 25 Wildlife sanctuaries, several rivers, lakes and

mighty mountains is also monitoring these activities for safety and regulations.

 

To know more about the awards, click here.