Travel to Madhya Pradesh Archives - Page 3 of 6

7 Interesting Facts About Pachmarhi Tour That You Must Know

Situated in the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is a precious gem of the state for many reasons. It is also called “Queen of Satpura”( Satpura ki Rani) and is believed to have an old association with the epic, ‘Mahabharatha’. The word ‘Pachmarhi’ can be divided into ‘panch’(five) & ‘mari’(caves) which recalls the legend … Continue reading “7 Interesting Facts About Pachmarhi Tour That You Must Know”

Situated in the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is a precious gem of the state for many reasons. It is also called “Queen of Satpura”( Satpura ki Rani) and is believed to have an old association with the epic, ‘Mahabharatha’. The word ‘Pachmarhi’ can be divided into ‘panch’(five) & ‘mari’(caves) which recalls the legend that these caves were built by the Pandava brothers of Mahabharatha during their thirteen years of exile. In 2009, Pachmarhi was declared as a part of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve as it is a home to various species of flora & fauna.

Pachmarhi has a lot of tourist attractions; if you are planning to visit this wonderful place, select the Pachmarhi tour package from your reliable travel agency and set out!

Let us look at some of the interesting facts about Pachmarhi that you should know:

1. Climate- The climate in Pachmarhi is very comfortable as it is generally warm and temperate. The summer months have much more rainfall when compared to winter. May is the hottest month with an average temperature of 30-degree Celsius while December is the coldest month with an average temperature of 15-degree Celsius.

2. Dhupgarh– Pachmarhi is popular for its sunrise and sunset viewpoints and the exact location from where you can view these is Dhupgarh, the highest point of Satpura
ranges at 1352m. You can reach this place by road or by trekking. At daytime, the place offers mesmerizing beauty with its lush green fields while at night, you can
see the lights of the neighbouring towns, twinkling like stars.

3. Chauragarh- This place is basically known as a pilgrimage site and also has Lord Shiva’s temple at the top. It is also the third highest peak and has a Chauragarh fort built by one of the kings of the Gond dynasty.

4. Bee hills and Bee fall- This is one of the most enigmatic waterfalls in Pachmarhi. The name is such because the waterfall sounds like a bee when heard from a distance. Here the water of a perennial stream tumble down 35 meters 7 is surely a spectacular view for all those who are nature lovers. When the water falls from a great height, the Fall looks like melting silver.

5. Duchess fall- Apart from the Bee falls, the Duchess fall is also a spectacular waterfall that you must see if you visit Pachmarhi. Although the road to reach this waterfall is very steep, it is worth taking the pains to reach here. It is also known as Jalawataran and lies in the lap of the grand Satpura range. You can call this place a paradise when you witness the water gushing down the hills and birds chirping away throughout the day.

6. Jatashankar and Mahadev caves- These are actually mountain caves with water dripping from them naturally. One can actually see the origin of a river, how the mountains feed the streams with fresh water and the water the mountain absorb during Autumn.

7. Apsara Vihar- Being a mountain stream, it creates a beautiful natural water pool. Gradually it descends down in a majestic way to form a spectacular waterfall in its course.

Conclusion- Pachmarhi does have numerous interesting facts that can attract you to visit this place at the earliest. Apart from these 7 facts, there are many more places in
Pachmarhi that will amaze you with its natural beauty.

6 Features that Make the Best Travel Agency in Jabalpur

If you are planning for a trip to Jabalpur, and you will be travelling to this place for the first time, all you need is to find out the most reliable travel agency in Jabalpur. Finding out a reliable travel agency is sometimes a seemingly daunting process; you tend to question the authenticity of the … Continue reading “6 Features that Make the Best Travel Agency in Jabalpur”

If you are planning for a trip to Jabalpur, and you will be travelling to this place for the first time, all you need is to find out the most reliable travel agency in Jabalpur. Finding out a reliable travel agency is sometimes a seemingly daunting process; you tend to question the authenticity of the websites, airlines and restaurants that the travel agent advises choosing. So that you may not have a negative experience by trusting a travel agency for the first time, you need to check out the qualities that make a good travel agency.

Let us look at the qualities that you should look for before trusting any travel agency in Jabalpur

1. Transparency- Gaining trust and keeping it is a very important criterion for any profession. Honesty and transparency are the keys to building the right relationship between you and your travel agent. If your travel agent is willing to show you the computer screen, mention his/her fee and charges, tell you the terms and conditions of your holiday, you can be rest assured to ask for the number. It is important to note that most travel agencies will charge both for change & cancellation fees so you should be aware of the costs before booking your trip.

2. Saves your time- Your trusted travel agency will be able to save your time by directly pointing out the must-visit places in Jabalpur, the best hotel rooms to stay, the delicious foods to taste over there and of course, he/she should mention the cost of each accordingly. Make sure you don’t have to ask for the specialities of Jabalpur and if you have to, better not trust the agency.

3. Instant response- The travel agency that you choose should reply you within 24 hours or earlier; if you get such a prompt reply, be sure enough to treasure the travel agency for future reference. After all, who wants to wait around for more than 3 days for a simple confirmation of your long-yearned trip? Your travel agent should be prompt with their response and should be easily reachable.

4. Destination knowledge- It might be that your travel agent did not visit the place himself. But that should not be a barrier in knowing Jabalpur. The travel agent must possess expert knowledge about the place; he/she must know the best hotels to stay, where to get the best food, the best restaurant to hang out, historical places to visit and the list continues. Besides, the travel agent must also tell you the places that are not worth visiting or the things that are not much popular in Jabalpur. For example, the travel agent should tell you the must-have delicacy in Jabalpur instead of saying that you can have your favourite dish as much as you want, anywhere any time in Jabalpur.

5. Go for local- The greatest advantage of choosing a local agency is getting the opportunity to meet the agent directly. Since it involves a transaction where the consumer will allow a stranger to make decisions for him/her, it is better to have a direct discussion that can build a healthy customer-business relationship.

6. Certifications- If the travel agency meets the academic and professional standards, authoritative bodies will certify such agents. Make sure your travel agent for Jabalpur has one or few certifications from professional organizations. When you see the travel agent is certified by the certain organization, research the organization to ascertain that they are an authoritative body.

Conclusion- If you are planning for a trip to Jabalpur, it is advisable to contact a reliable travel agency after checking for the above-mentioned qualities.

5 Reasons that Make Madhya Pradesh a Must-Visit Place

Madhya Pradesh is also known as the second largest state in India. Popularly, it is also called “The Heart of Incredible India” due to its geographical location. The state abundantly thrives in the tourism sector, with people from diverse cultures & countries, visiting the state all throughout the year. The state is blessed with a … Continue reading “5 Reasons that Make Madhya Pradesh a Must-Visit Place”

Madhya Pradesh is also known as the second largest state in India. Popularly, it is also called “The Heart of Incredible India” due to its geographical location. The state abundantly thrives in the tourism sector, with people from diverse cultures & countries, visiting the state all throughout the year. The state is blessed with a plethora of flora & fauna as well as a rich history that is expressed in terms of historical monuments & architecture. The tourists are exposed to wildlife, heritage, spiritual & also leisure dimensions.

On visiting Madhya Pradesh, you can feel your adrenaline rushing at the moment when the tiger comes & stands in front of you when you are on a wild safari trip or you can sense the panic when you hear the alarm calls of spotted deer & monkeys. On the other hand, you can relive the glorious past when you witness the glory & magnificence of Khajuraho & Orchha & there many more reasons to plan for a trip to this beautiful state by selecting the appropriate Madhya Pradesh tourism packages.

Let us look into some of the popular reasons why Madhya Pradesh is a must-visit state in India:

1. A land of tigers- Madhya Pradesh is undoubtedly known for its numerous national parks that house all kinds of endangered species, starting from tigers. If you plan for a safari trip in the Satpura Tiger Reserve, you can see these mighty creatures in abundance, roaming here & there. Here you can find more than 40 tigers but unfortunately, not always can you see them. The Tigers come out into the open mostly during the summer months when they love to stay in close contact with water. Tiger sighting is definitely the number one reason to visit the state.

2. Rich in natural beauty- Madhya Pradesh has many natural attractions that are simply spectacular. The Pachmarhi reserve is listed as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, only because of its rich flora & fauna. After Panchmarhi, there are the Rajat Prapat waterfalls that are also known as one of the highest waterfalls in India. From Dhoopgarh, you can view the surrounding Satpura & Maikal ranges that will surely be a treat for your eyes; and last but not the least, the sunrise at Madhai, is simply amazing. You can see the sun rising above the forest & painting the sky with bright colours gradually.

3. The sculptures of Khajuraho- In Khajuraho, this group of temples that were built during the Chandela dynasty is bound to make you appreciate the fantastic sculpture work. This place is also called the epitome of Indian art, it consists of 22 temples made up of intricate carvings & fine erotic sculpture art. The temples are further categorised into western, southern & eastern groups. Popular tourist attractions over here include Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Lakshman Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Parsvanath Temple & many more.

4. Orchha- If there is anything that can enhance the beauty of Madhya Pradesh, it is Orchha, a royal town in the state. It is a miniature & beautiful town with intricate structures & reminds of the Bundela era. The town is also far away from the hubbub of the city as it is less populated. Some of the popular tourist attractions here are Orchha Fort, Jahangir Mahal, Chaturbhuj Temple, Raja Ram Temple, Raja Mahal & many more.

5. Kanha National Park- One of the major tourist attractions, this wildlife reserve houses rich flora & fauna. It mainly preserves Barasingas(Swamp Deer) from becoming extinct. Also, you can frequently sight tigers, Black bucks & peacocks.

Conclusion- Visiting Madhya Pradesh is surely a dream come true for any individual & truly defines India as the land of wonders.

Want to Enjoy Monsoon? Then Head to These Places in Madhya Pradesh

After months of scorching heat, the first drops of rain is like a blessing in Madhya Pradesh. A state that is known for its panoramic beauty, a state that prides on its picturesque setting becomes all the more amazing during monsoons. The rain-soaked grounds and the luscious greenery is nothing short of imitating a scene right out of the dreams. While wildlife parks all around the state close down, there are still places to visit in Madhya Pradesh that will put you in awe. These destinations are beautiful all year long, but the charm increases tenfold during the rainy season. Want to know more about these places?

These have been summarized here. Scroll down to learn more.

Mandu

Have you ever been impressed by the fairytale love stories narrated by your grandparents? The one that you read about true love in the old fable books? Well, coming to Mandu is like experiencing the love first-hand. No, there is nothing crazy here. Mandu is the city that celebrates love, joy and life through stones. Mandu is the “City of Joy” that narrates the euphoric love story of Rani Roopmati and Baz Bahadur. As the story goes, Mandu was the capital of the Parmar of Malwa. The Sultans of Malwa came to power during the 13th century and renamed the city Shadiabad. Mandu is known for its gaiety and love. With exquisite tourist destinations like Jahaz Mahal, Jami Masjid, Hoshang Shah’s tomb and Hindola Mahal along with ornamental baths, pavilions and canals, you will be lost in time. A beautiful one indeed!

Pachmarhi

Known as “Satpura ki Rani”, Pachmarhi is nature at its best. The hilly region was discovered in the year 1857 by Captain James Forsyth. If you want complete tranquility as the rain tappers on the roof, this is the one destination you absolutely should visit. Strolling in the region will take you along a track of wild bamboo, dense jamoon groves and Sal forests. Sitting atop a mountain at the height of 1100 metres above the sea level, the man-made land complements the splendour of nature like no other. UNESCO has recognized Pachmarhi as a Biosphere Reserve for the huge range of flora and fauna that one finds here. The Mahadev Hills host several hills which showcase paintings that date back to 500 to 800 AD. The oldest paintings are believed to date back to 10,000 years. The Rajat Falls, which makes a massive drop of 351 feet looks extraordinary during the rainy season. If you follow Indian mythology closely, you will come across stories that narrate and identify Pachmarhi as one of the exile places for the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata.

Serenity and peace seem to join in holy matrimony here. Other attractions in Panchmarhi include Pandava Caves, Lanjee Giri, Duchess Fall, Irene Pool and Handi Kho to name a few. Madhya Pradesh during the monsoon is beauty personified. Plan the places to visit in Madhya Pradesh and experience the state in its true charm.

Khajuraho: The Land of Temples, Heritage and Unparalleled Beauty

Once you step foot in Khajuraho, you will be mesmerized by the stunning beauty of this old city. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Khajuraho has become one of the tourist hotspots not only in the state of Madhya Pradesh but also in the entire world. Recognized for its unparalleled beauty and a serene setting, this … Continue reading “Khajuraho: The Land of Temples, Heritage and Unparalleled Beauty”

Once you step foot in Khajuraho, you will be mesmerized by the stunning beauty of this old city. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Khajuraho has become one of the tourist hotspots not only in the state of Madhya Pradesh but also in the entire world. Recognized for its unparalleled beauty and a serene setting, this town seems to be stuck in time, radiating the old world magnificence through its finest depiction of art and culture.

The soul-stirring exploration one undergoes in Khajuraho can hardly be expressed in words. Be it the temple complexes or the forts, Khajuraho has a mix of a wide range of attractions. If you are planning to visit the town to soak in in its wonder, then there are certain places you must absolutely visit. These have been summarized here for your reference.

The Western Temples

The fascinating collection of temples in the western part of the city is amongst the most-visited in Khajuraho. The temple complexes reflect the fine architecture and showcase impressive sculptures. Kandariya Mahadeo, Matangeshwar Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Chausath Yogini Temple, Varaha Temple, Jagadambi Temple, Chitragupta Temple and Vishwanath Temple are some of the magnificent structures in the western group of temples. The intricate detailing as carved on the temple walls showcases the brilliance of the artisans. Each of the temples is dedicated to different Hindu deities, rendering these an ideal destination for pilgrims.

The Eastern Temples

Smaller than the western complex, the eastern side of the town showcases another set of stunning temples. Beautiful and adorned with delicate structures, the eastern group of temples include Adinath Temple, Parsvanath Temple, Hanuman Temple, Vamana Temple, Ghantai Temple, Brahma Temple and Javari Temple. The artwork on these temples is complex yet alluring, mesmerizing the visitors beyond words. If you want to admire true medieval architecture that showcases the brilliance of the Indian craftsmen, these temples stand testimony to it.

Panna National Park

Located just 40 minutes away from the main town of Khajuraho, Panna National Park is a tiger reserve and a must-visit for all nature enthusiasts. From leopards to wolves, hyena to other exotic species, the Panna National Park is beautiful with its serene setting. To add to its enigmatic appeal, River Ken flows through the park, where you can go for a boat safari. You can go on a safari in the park and witness wildlife like never before.

Ken Gharial Sanctuary

Another tourist attraction that appeals to the nature lovers is the Ken Gharial Sanctuary. 5 km from Raneh Falls, this hotspot has a collection of the endangered species, gharial. Due to its close proximity with the Panna National Park, there is a similarity in the landscape. Walking through the park, you will come across tigers, wild boars, spotted deer, a large variety of birds and also the Shaheen Falcon. The pristine setting of the sanctuary provides a great place to explore nature and wildlife.

Raneh Falls

If you want to uplift your spirit with the sheer appeal of nature, then Raneh Falls is the place to be. Situated just 30 minutes from Khajuraho, the waterfall is the most stunning during the monsoon. The water gushes down in its full force, rendering a mind-blowing sight. To add to the charm of the falling water, the granite landscape makes a perfect background. The rocks imitate the shape of crystal towers due to the fine edges they have. When at Raneh Falls, you will rediscover nature in its most raw and rare form.

Archaeological Museum

A perfect place to learn about the history of the city and the rich heritage it showcases, the archaeological museum in Khajuraho has held on to time. Originally built in the year 1910 and reconstructed in 2016, the archaeological museum seeks to preserve the exquisite antiques which are priceless. Bearing witness to a huge collection of architectural ruins, sculptures and galleries that narrate information on Chandela history. This is a must-stop destination for all visitors to Khajuraho.

So, are you ready to explore the temple town? You can visit Khajuraho with affordable MP tourism packages. Book your holiday today with leading travel agents. Visit Khajuraho and get lost in the pages of history!

The Top 10 Tourist Places in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, the leading travel destination in India, attracts travelers from all across the globe. The destination is perfect for history buffs, religious travelers, nature lovers and others. In terms of population, MP is 5^th largest place in India which has many a places of tourist attraction. You will find here scores of beautiful and natural places perfect for nature lovers. Travel to Bhopal to discover several places of tourist attraction. India is rich in culture, history and popular for glorious past. If at all you are planning to travel India, do not forget to visit Madhya Pradesh, the center of India. There are several tourist places in Madhya Pradesh acknowledged worldwide and here you will find the names of top 10 popular places.

The Great Appeal and Beauty of Khajuraho

Khajuraho in MP is a popular tourist destination. We can say that it is the most frequented travel destinations having a group of monuments and religious sites. The monuments are World Heritage Sites and the title is designated by UNESCO. Most of the Hindu Temples in Khajuraho among 21 temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Vamana and Parbati Devi. The design, the symmetry, the intricate carving has great aesthetic appeal. Temples are segregated into Southern, western and eastern temples. A visit to Panna National Park will make your trip even more memorable. The location is eclectic as one can enjoy bird watching and wildlife watching sessions.

A Visit to the Lower Lake in Bhopal

In the entire Madhya Pradesh, the most beautiful lake is Lower Lake in Bhopal. Among all the places of tourist attraction, Lower Lake is popular. It was built in the year 1794 and is also addressed as Chota Talab.

The Famous Laxmi Narayan Temple

Among so many tourist places in Madhya Pradesh, Laxmi Narayan Temple is a popular religious site. This temple is solely dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth, happiness and prosperity. Since this temple was built by Birla family, it is also addressed as Birla Temple. Besides Lakshmi and Narayana, Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva are also worshipped here.

The Famous Regional Science Center in Bhopal

Again, the Regional Science Center is a popular travel destination in Bhopal. The huge center is dedicated to promote science learning and technology among people. Situated in the Banganga Road, the Science Center is mainly flocked by youngsters.

The Beautiful and Appealing Rajwada Palace in Indore

In the entire Madhya Pradesh, Rajwada Palace is the oldest and the most popular palaces. Its construction was completed in the year 1766 but was destroyed by fire in 1984. You will find this 7-storey palace in the Chhatris, Indore.

Ujjain City: Perfect for Pilgrimage

If you are in Madhya Pradesh for a religious tour, you cannot leave out Ujjain. Here you will find Hindu Temples in large numbers. The popular temples are Radha Madan Mohan Temple, Mahakaleshwar Temple, Kal Bhairava Temple and many more.

A Visit to Jai Vilas Mahal

Jai Vilas Palace is the most royal palace in the entire globe. There are around 400 rooms in the palace and more than 40 of them are dedicated to Jiwaji Rao Scindia Museum.

Gwalior Fort: the Most Popular Travel Destination

This is an 8^th century old fort in Gwalior which was initially constructed for defense purpose. The popular sites in the fort are Man Mandir and Gurjari Mahal whereby the latter one is museum at present.

The Purwa Falls

Having the height of more than 70 meters, Purwa Falls is the natural waterfall in the Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh.

The Picturesque Town Mandu

If you want to visit beautiful, picturesque and small town, then Mandu is a suitable choice. It is popular for architectural wonders and is the paradise of every history lover.

So, pack your bags and travel to Madhya Pradesh. Apart from the above places of tourist attraction, there are several others.

4 Unconventional Activities To Partake In While In Jabalpur

Madhya Pradesh is called the Heartland of India for a reason. Situated smack in the middle of the country, the state is surrounded by hills, lands, waterbodies and dense forests from all sides. The state offers the perfect respite from the daily struggles and troubles that one finds himself embroiled in, providing a sense of calm that is longed for. The tourism industry of Madhya Pradesh has been thriving for years now thanks to the numerous attractions and sites that travelers find compelled to fill their itineraries with. Be it the pull of the greens that cover most of the land or the promise of exotic animals that inhabit the national parks and sanctuaries, rest assured knowing that the heart of Incredible India has something on offer for everyone.

One of the most popular cities in Madhya Pradesh is inarguably Jabalpur that has all the sights and sounds that you associate the state with. The place has strong religious affiliations as it finds a mention in the Hindu epic Ramayana. The famous city of Jabalpur has derived its name from Jabali after the wise sage who played a crucial role in the story of Ramayana. Jabalpur fell under the British rule and was called Jabalipuram after it was passed from the hands of the Mauryas, Satavahans, Guptas and the Marathas. The city is well connected through air and land with the Dumna Airport situated almost 20kms from the city and the NH 7 highway that runs throughout the city. Jabalpur tourism packages can be looked into and checked out through travel organisers to make the most of the trip while you are there. Have a look at the sites that you can treat your friends and family with during your days in Jabalpur:

1. Take A Dip To Wash Yourself Off Of Your Sins

You should consider yourself extremely lucky if you manage to partake in the Narmada Pushkaram festival that is stretched over 12 days and is celebrated every 12 years. Thousands of devotees make their way to the River Narmada during this time to take a dip in the holy waters of Narmada that promises to wash away the sins.

2. Ride Through The Marble Rocks

The marble rocks of Bhedaghat are undoubtedly one of the most famous sites to visit for almost every traveler. These marble rocks are naturally formed and a boat ride amidst these rocks makes for a surreal experience. And what’s more, you just might chance upon fossils if you look closely enough.

3. Lose Yourself In The Gwarighat Gurudwara

It is said that Guru Nanak who is the founder of Sikhism had made several stops here to deliver sermons. The Gwarighat has since then earned the status of an extremely important site for the Sikhs and had a Gurudwara ( a Sikh temple) built to mark his visit. Do not forget to witness the mesmerizing “Narmada Aarti” at “Gwarighat”, the bank of the Holy Narmada.

4. Experience The Wonders Inside The Madan Mahal Fort

The Madan Mahal Fort was conceptualised to be a military base with a watchtower in the 11 th Century by Madan Singh, a Gond ruler. It is situated at a height of 500 metres on upon a hill and travelers often find themselves lost amidst the secret passageways, reservoirs and rooms and remain in awe of the spectacular sculptures that serve as a call back to the glorious past.

Enlist the assistance of i4u Travels Services and sift through Jabalpur tourism packages that would suit your needs and be assured of having all your logding and conveyance worries put to rest.

Explore the Rich Heritage of The Buddhist Era At Sanchi

Madhya Pradesh can be said to be the microcosm of India, for the land reflects the glory of India in many ways. These can relate to the architectural grandeur of its palaces, temples and mosques, the natural beauty surrounding the Vindhyas and other regions, the prehistoric art at places like Bhimbetka, the pilgrimage centres of Amarkantak, Chitrakoot and others, and the adventure trail of the tiger sanctuaries to name a few. For those with a spiritual bent of mind and in the quest for peace and tranquillity, the land of Sanchi can be an added attraction in the Madhya Pradesh tourism circuit.

How to reach?

The religion of Buddhism started by Lord Buddha had led a trail in India with many centres reflecting the glory of the Lord and his teachings. The town of Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh is one such centre that is well connected by road, railroad and air. If one takes the road then Sanchi can be reached easily from important cities like Bhopal, Indore or Ujjain by buses or cars. The nearest railway station and airport happen to be in the capital city of Bhopal, about 50 kilometres from Sanchi. Located in the Raisen district of the state, the quaint town with an old world charm is known for its beautiful stupas, monuments, and monasteries.

A bit of history

The main attraction of the town is the Buddhist Stupa or a hemispherical dome housing the relics of Lord Buddha. The Stupa was built by Emperor Ashoka, the monarch who reigned during the period from 268 BC to 232 BC. One of the greatest monarchs the world has ever known, Emperor Ashoka had embraced Buddhism and decided to propagate the teachings of the lord after witnessing the wanton destruction wrought by the Kalinga war. As a part of that exercise he had set up many Buddhist monasteries, stupas and pilgrimage centres all across the country, and through his emissaries, even beyond the boundaries of India as well.

The beauty of the Great Stupa at Sanchi

Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the construction of the Stupa began in the third century BC. The 51 ft high Stupa (mound) or the hemispherical dome consists of a central chamber that contains the relics of Lord Buddha. The archaeological wonder is said to be the oldest stone structure in India built during the Mauryan era. The Stupa is surrounded by four ornately carved gateways or Toranas facing the four directions with each of them representing the eternal and subliminal qualities of love, trust, courage and peace.

The present Stupa is double the size of the original one built by Emperor Ashoka. The expansion of the Stupa was carried out during the Shunga dynasty lorded over by the General of the Mauryan Empire. It was during this period, a chatra or an umbrella measuring 37 meters in diameter and 16 meters tall was erected over the dome.

Other attractions

Interestingly, near the Sanchi Stupa is another important tourist attraction, the Udayagiri Caves.

The magnificence of Udayagiri Caves

These caves consist of an assemblage of twenty rock-cut caves near the ancient town of Vidisha, from the early years of the 5th century CE. These contain some of the oldest surviving Hindu temples and iconography in India. As one of India’s most important archaeological sites, the Udayagiri hills and its caves are protected monuments managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Udayagiri caves are notable for the ancient monumental relief sculpture of Vishnu in his incarnation as the man-boar Varaha, rescuing the earth symbolically represented by Bhudevi clinging to the boar’s tusk as described in Hindu mythology ( Cave No 5 ).

Besides the great Stupa and the magnificence of Udayagiri caves, Sanchi has other places of interest as well such as the famous Ashoka Pillar, a number of Viharas (places where Buddhist monks used to stay,) Gupta Temple and others.

If you want to see these architectural wonders of ancient India and other popular destinations in the Madhya Pradesh tourism circuit, engage the services of i4utravels.com.

Pave Your Way Through The Pristine Lands Of Panchmarhi

Located in the district of Hoshangabad, Panchmarhi is an exclusive gem of Madhya Pradesh that can be found tucked in the Satpura ranges. This pristine peace of land is also known as the the “Satpura Ki Rani” as it is the crowning jewel of the region. Expect to be bowled over by the beauty that the place exudes and be assured that a single visit would definitely not do the place any justice. Away from the chaotic everyday life and the constant bustle, the hills in Panchmarhi indeed offer a welcome respite from the daily struggles. The land is also considered a holy pilgrimmage site as it is believed that the Pandava brothers (from the epic tale of Mahabharata) had spent part of their years in exile here.

MP tourism packages stress on the importance of visiting these tranquil lands that are cut-off from the urban civilisation. The tourism department had undertaken painstaking methods to build tracks that carry visitors through the dense forests of bamboo and sal forests. The land of Panchmarhi that sits at a height of 1100 mts has been declared by the UNESCO a popular biosphere reserve for its rich flora and fauna. Indeed, you would be hard pressed to come out of these lands without being inspired and thankful for the bountiful nature that surrounds us.

Take a look at a few of the many offerings that Panchmarhi provides for the weary soul:

1. Chauragarh

It is located around 4kms away from the famous caves of Mahadev and is usually overshadowed by the might of the other touristy locations. The landmark is a beautiful place to be in and makes for quite an experience after a hectic day’s schedule.

2. Handi Kho

This is one of the many eye catching tourist locations that draw travellers from all over the world making them feast their eyes on the spectacle. Handi Kho is a gorge that is tapered that has extremely steep edges. It stands at a height of almost 300 feet and makes quite a sight for sore eyes.

3. Jatashankar

The place is another one of the many sacred caves present in Panchmarhi and is can be found situated under a huge but loose stone. “Jata” is Hindi implies the tangles of hair and the cave of Jatashankar is thus named because it has an uncanny resemblance to the tangles and knots present in Lord Shiva’s hair.

4. Apsara Vihar

In the mood for a round of picnic? Apasara Vihar has got you covered. The pool can be accessed from Jai Stambh. Although the pool is a shallow one it makes for quite an experience when you reach the place with you friends and family.

5. Pandava Caves

The Pandava Caves are arguably one of the most popular sites to visit, thanks to the legend of the brave Pandava brothers making the place their home during their years of exile. The caves are naturally made of sandstone and are now considered sacred. The site has been conserved as part of the heritage culture and steps are taken to safeguard it.

Enlist the help of i4u Travels Services and have access to tailor made MP tourism packages. Rest assured knowing that you would have the perfect lodging and sight-seeing experience letting you create memories for a lifetime.

6 Exciting Places To Visit When You Are On Your Own In Indore

Travelling solo can be a cathartic experience for many a reason. Away from the daily humdrum and chaos, planning a trip with your own company is just what you might need to unwind. And what better way to do so than in the sprawling lands of Madhya Pradesh. The state known fondly as the Heartland of India and for all the right reasons is just the right place for travellers to go to. Yes, catching up with your friends and family can be quite an experience, however, time away from them too can amount to some cherishable moments that make for great memories.

Madhya Pradesh, renowned for its national parks in Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Panna, Satpura and Pench also has quite a few gems that travelers often miss out on in favour of the glitz and glamour of the more popular places. Indore, for instance is one of those cities in the state that is dotted with a lot of exciting sites that you can add to your itinerary if you are travelling solo. Known as the Gastronomic capital of India, not to mention, the delectable cuisines that you would get to taste, the colourful streets filled with fares of all kinds that you would get to discover on your own as well as the people you would surely meet when you venture out on your own, either while roaming around in the streets trying out new places or if you need an expert opinion from the natives. Take a look at a few of the many interesting places in and around Indore that you can visit if you are heading out on your own in the place:

1. Spend A Few Days In Bhopal

Bhopal is only about 200kms from Indore which takes approximately 3 hours to reach. Bhopal is renowned for the multitude of lakes. The Buddhist monuments, the Rock shelters, Tribal Museums, the Van Vihar National Park, Moti Masjid, the Lower Lake and many more can be frequented when you are in the vicinity.

2. A Getaway To Ujjain

Ujjain is yet another place where you can plan a getaway to if you are done touring Indore. Kumbh Mela is one of the most looked forward to event here in Ujjain and draws millions of devotees from all over the world. Visit the place to see what is it about the world’s largest religious gathering that make so people converge at the same time. The temples of Mahakali, Bade Ganeshji, Kal Bhairav Mandir, The Sun Dial at Ved Shala and more are some of the places that deserve special mention.

3. Make A Pit Stop At Hanumantiya

The island can be found around 170kms from Indore that is almost a 4 hours drive. Jal Mahotsav is one of the many water based festivals that you can indulge in once you are here and also stay behind to take a look at the other water sports that Hanumantiya is famous for.

4. A List Of The Three Water Bodies That Are 2 Hours From Indore:

a. Tincha Fall
b. Choral Dam
c. Patalpani Waterfall

From planning night outs to just covering each of these places over a span of a single weekend can be made possible if you arrange for the trip thoughtfully. The waterfalls make a surreal scenery, imbuing the place with an atmospheric feel. The ethereal beauty of these places is enough to draw in hundreds of visitors every year. Partake in the beauty of these lands and be prepared to be transfixed.

Enlist the assistance of i4u Travels Services, one of the established travel agencies who cater to all your requirements and have yourself a fruitful experience cruising through the Kanha national park or stopping by to be awed by the sheer brilliance of the Sanchi Stupa!

Category: Travel to Madhya Pradesh