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Central India Travel Tips Travel Trends

Monsoon Getaways from Delhi

As monsoon approaches the horizon of North India, everyone wants to escape the frantic lifestyle of a metro city and rejuvenate in the monsoon showers. This is the best time to get away from the hustle of Delhi and rejoice in the rain with your loved ones. To revive the worn out souls of Delhi, here are some magnificent getaways for everyone-

Fagu, Himachal Pradesh

Nearly 23kms i.e. about 45 minutes away from Shimla, Fagu is an endearing little town situated at an altitude of 2450 m. Encircled by the exuberant greenery and the snow-capped Himalayas it identifies itself as one the most desirable place for a nature lover. The rows of apple orchard trees and the beautiful view of the blooming flowers is definitely a treat for your eyes.  This place definitely offers it all, from the idyllic scenic beauty to mouth watering home cooked Pahari meals which are a must try.

 

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Despite the scorching heat during summertime, the Desert city of Jaisalmer is one of the finest places to enjoy the monsoon season. The gorgeous green pastures and the freshly bathed palaces are a sight to behold.

Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

This is the hidden gem in the lands of Madhya Pradesh and what better than to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the place than under the splendour of tiny drops of rains. The place also has a few places of historical importance and boasts of luxurious accommodation options. The Ram Raja Temple, the Jahangir Mahal, the Uth Khana, the Chaturbhujh Temple are a must visit while in Orchha.

Lansdowne, Uttarakhand

A small hill station located in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal area, Lansdowne is famous for being one of India’s most peaceful hill stations. To walk amid the extremely delightful flora and fauna gives you the experience to be cherished for your lifetime.  The locals are quite hospitable and you will most likely feel homely in this place away from home.

Morni Hills, Haryana

Located at a distance of about 272 km from Delhi, Morni is Haryana’s only hill station. It is a splendid place to visit during monsoons because of the fact that it offers Himalayan panorama as well as a serene green environment away from the hustle bustle of the metro cities. The place has alluring resorts and opportunities for boating at the lakes which make it all the more attractive.

Bundi, Rajasthan

When you visit the Bundi village in Rajasthan during monsoons, you might be surprised with the amount of greenery that is present there.  The major attraction of the place is the Bhimlat Falls that is a treat to the eyes during the monsoon season. The entire city can be looked at from the Taragarh Fort here. Antique miniature paintings and step wells found here too are not to be missed. On the way to Bundi, a brief halt at Samode can be taken, which is famous for its forts.

So this monsoon, be ready to pack your bags and head to one of these destinations!

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Central India Corporate Outings Culture Festival Rejuvenate

Postcards from Jalmahotsav 2016

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is famous for its creative ideas to promote tourism. Be it their TVCs or the place in itself, one shall never be disappointed by the place. In the series to promote tourism, the board came out with a fantastic initiative call “Jal Mahotsav” in Hanuwantiya island in Khandwa district. This year it is happening from 15th Dec to 15th Jan 2017 and is a perfect place to experience tranquility and rejuvenate over any weekend.

How to Reach Jal Mahotsav:

Nearest airport to reach Jalmahotsav is Indore, from where island is just 3 hrs drive away. Thanks to great infrastructure, drive is amazing. In case you coming from train, you would like to get down at Khandwa. Team is available for pick-up and drop to make your life easy. It is an idyllic getaway for a day or a weekend.

Where to Stay

Luxurious tents area available in 3 clusters, all named on the jungles of Madhya Pradesh. These tents are well organised and have all basic amenities including AC. Bed is cosy enough to give you a good night sleep. Toilets are clean with toiletries.

You may also opt for staying in a houseboat. All details available at www.mptourism.com

What to eat

Though there is a special dining arrangements for guests opting for tent, wherein buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner is available. But still, you can go to the food zone to satiate your hunger pangs.

Activities to Indulge in

Most of the activities, you would like to indulge in, are waiting for you at Jal Mahotsav to keep yourself busy. If you are water lover, do not miss the chance to get yourself soaked in water. Banana Boat ride, Jetski, Speed boat ride, Water Zorbing awaits you. If you looking for more adventure, go for water parasailing.

When it comes to Air activities, you can opt for paramotoring, Land parasailing, and hot air balloon.

Well, in case all you want is the luxury, and no adventure then, go to the club house and enjoy pool or sunbath yourself.

Relive your childhood, as you fly kites and go for a bullock cart ride. For Sky gazers, in the night you can enjoy the clear sky and capture some wonderful shots.

Evenings are happening with the culture performances.

Needless to say, the place has everything for all age groups. Do not miss the chance to visit the heart of India.

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Central India Itinerary

48 Hrs in the Capital City Bhopal

Often regarded as the city of lakes, Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, also known as the heart of India. It was founded in the 11th century by the King Bhoja who ruled the city from the then capital Dhar. The capital city was named after the King Bhoja and a damn, which in Bhopal is referred to as Pal. Bhopal is one of the greenest cities in India and hosts a string of attractions of historical significance.

How to Reach

Being the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal is well connected to other major cities in India. If traveling via Delhi, Bhopal Express from Nizamuddin is a good and economical option.

Places to Visit

Sanchi

The Sanchi Stupa is believed to be one of the oldest and the most wonderful structures of ancient India, constructed under the support of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C. Located at about 46 km north-east of Bhopal, the Sanchi Stupa edifices the Buddhist architecture and sculpture beginning from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D.

The carvings on the four archways at the Great Stupa of Sanchi present an overwhelming sight of Brahmi script inscriptions and carvings. These carvings are  a perfect confluence of life events from Lord Buddha’s life and the Jataka Tales.

Bhimbteka

At 46 km away from Bhopal, you can find the  which are also a  UNESCO World Heritage site. These caves date back to the period from the Upper Paleolithic to the Medieval and are evidence to the rich lives of prehistoric humans, their clothes and adornments were worn, art and music, weapons used and animal life. The cave walls rich with paintings reveal interesting details about the everyday lives and lifestyle of the early man. They are regarded as the most exceptional specimens of prehistoric paintings discovered in India.

Lakes
The Bhojtal, also known as the Upper Lake is the largest in Bhopal and among India’s oldest man-made lakes, which is said to have been built by the Parmarah around the 11th century AD. The Upper Lake and the Lower Lake are separated by an over-bridge and the Lower Lake is situated in the old part of the city. This lake is a prime sightseeing attraction of Bhopal.


Birla Museum

The museum that showcases the cultural heritage of the capital city was launched in the year 1971. It is famous for its collection of artefacts and other remnants of historical significance.

Gohar Mahal

Gohar is right behind the famous Shaukat Mahal in Bhopal. It is situated on the edge of the famous Upper Lake. This beautiful Mahal was made in the memory of Gohar Begum, the first female ruler of Bhopal.

Museum of Mankind

The museum has been dedicated to the tribal communities of the country. The museum covers an area of two hundred acres and showcases collections from the pre-historic era.

Bharat Bhavan

Bharat Bhavan is the center of visual arts right in the heart of Bhopal city. It is one of the most visited places in the capital city. Bharat Bhavan has a large collection of visual, performing, and vocal arts.

Sadar Manzil

Bhopal is the center of architectural wonders of India and Sadar Manzil is one such architecture that is also historically significant. It is situated next to Royal Enclaves that once served as the courtroom for the rulers of the capital city.

Laxmi Narayan Temple

Laxmi Narayan Temple is one the most visited places in Bhopal city. It is situated on the top of Arera Hills. This temple is also known as the famous Birla Mandir. As the name suggests, this temple has been dedicated to the Goddess of wealth—Laxmi.

Things to Do

Boating

Bhopal is the city of lakes and the best way to explore its lakes is by taking a boat ride. A boat ride lets you enjoy the real beauty of the capital city.

Shopping

Apart from sightseeing, there are loads of things that you can shop in Bhopal. You can go shopping and splurge on silver jewelry, hand embroidered clothes, chanderi, and Maheshwari Sarees.

Restaurants and Food

Bhopal is not only famous for its architectural heritage but also for its delicious food. Some of the best places to eat in Bhopal are:Greek Food Beyond La Kuchina and Za-aiqa. You can enjoy the best Mughlai and Peshawari cuisine here.

Places to Stay

Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. Hence, it has a variety of hotels, guest houses, resorts, and lodges for people from all walks of life. You can get any accommodation of choice depending on your requirements and budget. Some of the best options to stay are Kinara, 10 Downing Street, The Kasbah, MoMo Café, La Kuchina, Greek Food and Beyond, Neelam Chat and Restaurant and Café Craft.Split by a pair of lakes, Bhopal enamours  you in its own way and vie. The old ancient structures, prehistoric paintings, and the oldest man-made lakes bring your trip to life.

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Adventure Central India Corporate Outings Travel Trends

Adventure Sports in India, that will make you high!!

With the commencement of many adventure activities in India, the country is becoming a popular site for such sports in the world. It offers many options for exciting recreations because of the diverse landscape across its stretch. Following is a list of some of the thrilling tasks that an adrenaline junkie must undertake in India.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a kind of underwater diving in which the diver uses an apparatus called scuba to breathe underwater.

The best places for Scuba Diving in India include the Andaman Islands, Netrani and Lakshadweep Islands. While Netrani is an ideal choice for those diving for the first time, the waters of Andaman and Lakshadweep Islands are worth exploring for their exquisite coral topography.

 

Paragliding

Paragliding is a competitive and recreational adventure sport of flying paragliders which are free-floating, lightweight, glider aircraft launched by foot with no definite primary structure.

Bir- Billing in Himachal Pradesh is the best Paragliding site in Asia and the second best in the world. Other sites in India include Solang, Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh; BedniBugyal, DayaraBugyal, Naukutchiyatal and Dhanolti Ridge in Uttarakhand; Bikaner, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur in Rajasthan; Mahabaleshwar, Deolali, and Matheran in Maharashtra.

Skiing

Skiing too is a recreational as well as competitive activity. It is a transport mode in which the partaker uses skis to drift on snow.

Gulmarg in Kashmir, Auli in Garhwal region, Kufri and Manali in Himachal Pradesh are some of the best places for skiing in India.

Sky Diving

This adventure sport gives one a chance to fly with birds, therefore, it takes a lot of courage to skydive. A part of it involves a free fall till the time the parachute of the diver opens up.

Dhana in Madhya Pradesh, Deesa in Gujrat, Aamby Valley in Maharashtra and Mysore in Karnataka are the places to visit in India if one wants to take part in this sport.

River Rafting

River Rafting is one of India’s most famous adventure sports because of the numerous rivers flowing down from the mighty Himalayas. It uses a blown up raft to traverse across a river and requires team- work to sail through.

Rishikesh, Zanskar, Manali, Kolad, Coorg and Brahmaputra are some of the best river rafting sites in India.

Bungee Jumping

This activity involves jumping from a height while being connected to an elastic rope. The adrenaline rush comes from the free- fall and recoil.

In India, Rishikesh has the highest spot of 83 metres for bungee jumping. Other sites comprise Lonavala, Bengaluru, Goa, and Jagdalpur.

Caving

Caving is an amusement activity of exploring wild and desolated cave systems. Probing in a cave gives another kind of a thrill which cannot be replaced by any other pastime.

Meghalaya in India offers many caving sites which are real gifts of nature. Mawsynram, Siju,  Syndai, and Mawsmai are some of the most famous caves here.

All the adventure lovers out there, time to cross these off your bucket list now!

Categories
Architectural Central India Historical

Orchha the capital of the lost kings

Located right in the center of the country, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Orchha is one jewel of a little town. A simple one and half an hour drive from the Jhansi Railway station will bring you to the place. It is full of devotional places for the Hindus thanks to the Bundela kings who ruled the place for a very long time. The man who established the town is known by so many names that people are unsure about his real name but there are folk tales about the man that makes him quite a legendary historical figure in the place. The legends say that he, in an attempt to save a cow from a lion, lost his own life. But he stayed alive in the folk songs of the locales.

Orchha means ‘hidden’ and there are many stories surrounded around the town about how it got its name. There are many different legends related to the city as well. It contains so much history in itself that it is impossible to ignore it. But that exactly is what that is happening. The town remains unknown on the map.

The first thing that grabs the eyeballs once you enter the beautiful town here is the countless number of the tombstones which are here since the 17th and 18th century. They serve more as the memorials of lost kings and queens of the bygone era than the actual tombs where they were buried. Nevertheless, they give out a great glimpse of the time and the way that those people lived and how they were so accomplished artists that it seems like just a dream that any architect today could even come close. The analogy can be made with the pyramids, which were made just to glorify the dead.

Some of the structures belong to the bygone Bundela dynasty, where the kings usually honored their comrades by erecting some structures in their memories. They had their own brand of rugged beauty and most of them are located beside the river Betwa. They are beautiful, if not pretty. The Bundela rulers were quite notorious among the population, but it seems like they did have some great eye for visual aesthetics. Among all those, there was one belonged to Vir Singh Deo which seems like a solid piece of art.

Moving on, there are basically two places that reek of the magnificent grandeur and elegance, the Raja Mahal and the Jahangir Mahal. These two palaces are located right next to each other and provide an eccentric display of the technical and artistic finesse of both the moguls and the Bundelas. On the inside, they even look more mysterious and enchanting. The several bed chambers, fountains and other usual trappings are all there. The walls depict the painting of the Hindu gods and Goddesses. The Jahangir Mahal is even more of a marvel than the Raja Mahal. Both these Mahals along with the Rai Parveen Mahal are collectively known as Orchha Fort.

How to reach Orchha

Here are the most convenient ways to reach Orchha. Instead of Orchha, you can board your flight to Gwalior Airport on the regular basis. The distance between Gwalior and Orchha is 120 km. You can take the train from Gwalior to Orchha, however, no regular trains are there from other major cities to Orchha. The nearest train station is Barwa Sagar. It is important to know that Orchha does not have a bus stand. The nearest option is Jhansi.

If you wish to reach this beautiful place, not a thing to worry as people can opt for airways as Gwalior airport is located 120 km away from the place. Numerous private and Government Transport bus services also provide the services to reach Orchha conveniently.

Travel Tip

The winter season is perhaps the best season to visit Orchha. October, November, December, January, February, and March are the ideal months to visit Orchha. The temperature remains comfortable for tourists and is apt for exploring the places of interest in Orchha. Also, try to arrive here in the spring. The place is at its best with the lustful trees and blossoming flowers all around.

There are many other attractions over here to keep the tourists entertained for a few weeks at least. The Jhansi Fort, the Orchha wildlife sanctuary, and the Laxmi Narayan temple are a few among many places that one can visit in Orchha.  

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Adventure Architectural Central India Itinerary wildlife

5 Days Itinerary to Madhya Pradesh

Located right in the centre of the country, Madhya Pradesh is quite an enigmatic state. Be it the religious places, places to eat or to grasp in the natural beauty, the place tends to offer everything to everyone. This is one of those places that never disappoint the tourists. One of the highest populated and largest Indian states, Madhya Pradesh, also known as MP is a tourist’s paradise. The people here are nice and the language that is spoken by the largest chunk of the population is Hindi, so there must be no trouble in communicating with the locals. The 5-day tour may not be enough to grasp the entire beauty of the place but enough to get most out of it. So, here is how a we divided our first ever trip to Madhya Pradesh.

Day 1

The first day starts with the arrival in the beautiful and historical city of Gwalior. The city reeks of royal splendor through every corner and there so many remains of the bygone era that will remind you about the glorious history the place once had. Rest for a while and then get out of the hotel in order to witness some monuments such as the Gwalior fort, Jai Vilas Palace and the museum. The remaining part of the day will be spent on the things you like. You could find a place to eat or a park to sit down and relax.

Day 2

Second day, we started early and reached Orccha and loved the famous temples there. Sunrise and sunsets are not to be missed.

Day 3

Day 3 was planned for the famous Khajuraho, where you can get a glimpse in the lives of ancient Indians and how they lived and survived in those deadly circumstances. At the Khajuraho temple complex, a show full of light and sound takes place is a good food for thought. One day a Khajuraho, we moved to Bhedaghat.

Bhedaghat is a town and a nagar panchayat in Jabalpur district in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India, situated by the side of river Narmada which has all the essentials to spellbind you. The place is famed for its splendid marble artefacts. As dusk descends, these marbles seem to glitter in the moonlight which is no less than a blessing to watch.

At Bhedaghat, you should visit the picturesque and spectacular Dhuandhar which is a famous attraction at Bhedaghat, 30 km away from Jabalpur. The white water knocks down to form a gorge known as the Marble Rocks. Localities visit this place as a popular picnic spot and it is also a popular destination surrounded by evergreen trees and shrubs.

Day 4

The lush greenery of the forested regions that are incredibly the natural home for a variant of wild species..that is what all Bandhavgarh National Park is about. A magnificent trip to Bandhavgarh will let you catch the amazing glimpses of the majestic creatures which is a simply incredible sight. With safari options in Bandhavgarh, you can enjoy your trip in a very organized way

Day 5

This was the last stop of our itinerary, and we planned to spend in the beautiful hills of Pachmarhi.

MP is one of the largest states in the country geographically and it may take months to completely understand everything the state has to offer. It still remains one of the golden crowns in the India historical and religious scenario. This is one state

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Architectural Central India

Experience the world of stupas, pillars, and temples at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh

Rediscovered by General Taylor in the year 1818, Sanchi is a small hill station in the heart of Madhya Pradesh where hundreds of Buddhist legends found salvation. It hosts temples, stupas, and pillars of historical significance that date back to over thousands of years. The ancient Buddhist pilgrimage has now become one of the most popular tourist attractions in India.

Here is the guide to some of the most important stupas and monuments in Sanchi.

Stupa no.1

Touted as one of the greatest stupas in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, Stupa no. 1 is also the oldest stone structure in India originally built by the Great Ashoka in his lifetime. It was later rebuilt by his followers in 3rd and 2nd centuries BC.

There are four gateways in the stupa: Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western. The Southern Gateway signifies the birth of the Lord Gautam Buddha. The Northern Gateway reflects the miracle of Buddha as told in Jataka tales. The Eastern Gateway highlights Gautam Buddha’s search for enlightenment while the Western Gateway showcases the seven rebirths of the Lord Gautam Buddha.

Stupa no. 2

This is one of the most outstanding stupas at Sanchi that sits at the edge of the hill. One of the most interesting features of this historically significant monument is that it is surrounded by stone balustrade.

Stupa no. 3

Built in around 150-140 BC, this is one of the most popular stupas amongst tourists from around the world. Relics of Sariputra and Mahamoglana—two most famous disciples of Gautam Buddha—were discovered in its inner chambers. On the top of the Stupa is an umbrella to mark its religious value.

Ashoka Pillar

Ashoka pillar was built somewhere in the 3rd century. It has heads of four lions without a wheel called Dharamchakra. However, the Ashoka pillar of Sarnath boasts a Dharmachakra. One of the most attractive features of the pillar is its ancient architecture, art, and finishing.

Other destinations to visit in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh

Gupta Temple

Built in 4th century AD, Gupta Temple is one of the oldest temples of the country that also highlights the art of Indian temple architecture. However, the temple is not in a good condition now. It holds immense religious significance.  It has a porch supported by pillars and a chamber with a flat roof.

Great Bowl

The great bowl was used to keep food that was later distributed amongst the monks of Sanchi. It has been made from a single block of a stone.

Vidisha

This city in Madhya Pradesh is around 10 kms from Sanchi. One of the main attractions is the ruins of Brahmanical Shrine that is believed to have used the cement for the first time in India. Do not forget to visit Vidisha Museum.

Udaygiri Caves

There are a group of caves about 4 kms from Vidisha. One of the inscriptions on one of the caves suggest that they were built by Chandragupta II in 4-5 AD.

Local delicacies to try

The town offers a subtle variety; it is a hub of few popular eating joints which offer great North Indian, South Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes. Some local delicacies of Madhya Pradesh that you must try, while here are Dal Bafla, Biryani, Kebabs, Korma, Poha.

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Architectural Central India Culture Historical

A walk through the Humayun’s Tomb – one of the most remarkable structures of the Mughal empire

Close to the Muslim center of Nizamuddin, Humayun’s Tomb is located at the crossroads of the Lodi and Mathura roads in Delhi. Late afternoon is the best time to visit the place. It was constructed to store the remains of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun, and was built under the guidance of Haji Begum, mother of Akbar, who stayed here for the duration and was then buried alongside her husband.

Made of red sandstone, inset with black and white marbles, it is situated in the center of the formal charbagh, looking towards the Yamuna River. The octagonal tomb is crowned with a double dome that has a height of 38m.

The Tomb is certainly beautiful but there are several other key architectural features that make this tomb so significant in India. It was the first tomb to have been constructed on the Indian Sub-Continent. The classic four walled design was taken from Persian architecture and has been appreciated all over India. Its dome is an inspiration for many components of the Taj Mahal.

As it is a Garden Tomb, there is a large exterior wall that has an enormous entry gate.The wall covers all four sides of the compound.On the other hand, there are many apparent locals that seem to be taking in the serenity of the site.

During Partition of India, in August 1947, the Purana Qila and Humayun’s Tomb, became major refugee camps for Muslims who were migrating to the newly founded Pakistan and were later managed by the government of India. These camps stayed open for almost five years and caused considerable damage to the extensive gardens, water channels, and the principle structures.

Just like other Garden Tombs, the property is divided by channels of water which represent the rivers of Paradise with the main tomb sitting at the center of the site on a raised platform. The lines leading up the building create an interesting effect that makes the building look smaller than it actually is.

Unlike the Taj Mahal and other tombs, visitors are allowed to freely roam inside the mausoleum and click photographs. The nature of detail on the interior of the building is incredible.

One of the most remarkable things about the site is the quality of preservation. The major part of the site was left untouched throughout history as opposed to other famous sites that were ransacked for their riches. The simplicity of the construction allowed the site to remain unique over the centuries. While the main tomb covers areas that have been fully restored from the destruction caused over time, there are some other tombs and structures on the site that have been left unharmed.If one is visiting during the summer days, they must plan their visit either early or late in the day as the mid-day heat can be suffocating. The easiest route to visit the site is to take the metro to Khan Market Metro station and then ride in an auto-rickshaw to cover the last 2.5 kilometers.

If one is visiting during the summer days, they must plan their visit either early or late in the day as the mid-day heat can be suffocating. The easiest route to visit the site is to take the metro to Khan Market Metro station and then ride in an auto-rickshaw to cover the last 2.5 kilometers.

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Central India Itinerary

24 Hours in Ahemdabad

A mini-metropolis in the state of Gujrat, Ahmedabad provides travellers with a rejuvenating combination of the old and the new. From locating religious shrines and ancient monuments to relishing lip-smacking street food and exploring indigenous textiles, you can make the most of a 24 hours-long visit to the city. Not to miss, place is also known to groom best B-school graduates from India.

With merely a day in hand, a Heritage Walk is probably the best commencement to the city’s tour. You have to decide between two options- Ahmedabad’s Municipal Corporation conducts a morning walk which starts at 8:00 and takes you to numerous important Havelis, temples and heritage sites before concluding at the Jama Masjid in the city centre and its alternative, the House of MG provides an 80-minutes-long walk, which you can undertake with a pre- recorded audio guide

The next destination for the day can be the Calico Museum of Textiles in the Shahibaug area. It boasts of one of the world’s supreme collections of archaic as well as contemporary Indian textiles, that are all handmade and at most 500 years old. There are some exceptionally beautiful pieces like Kashmiri shawls whose making took 3 years and double-ikat cloths, 1,00,000 threads of which were dyed separately before weaving. The prime textile galleries can only be visited during the morning tour by a maximum of 20 people, which lasts for 2 hours and the afternoon tour which is for a maximum of 10 people is dedicated to Sarabhai Foundation’s religious art collection. Therefore, advance booking is required.

The next destination is best described by its name- Talli Ahmedabad which means ‘intoxicated Ahmedabad’ in English. This eatery claims to infuse their dishes with a degree of lusciousness that will leave you in a trance. In tandem with its bold and brazen name, the dishes are titled creatively. Worth every penny, this is an amazing option for some quick and delicious food.

Located in close proximity to Ahmedabad’s railway station, the Shaking minarets of the Sidi Bashir Mosque can be the next place in the 24 hours- the itinerary of Ahmedabad. The minarets got their name because of the fact that they literally shake because if one of them is touched, the other trembles after a few seconds! Each of them is about 70 metres high and has carved stone balconies. You can explore the rest of the Sidi Bashir Mosque also, while you are here.

The succeeding area of visit-The Law Garden Night Market– is an evening market which remains jam packed with kiosks selling glittery articles from Saurashtra and Kutch. Costume jewellery embroidered wall hangings, Gujarati cholis and extravagantly decorated chaniyas sold here will leave you awestruck. Even if you end up buying nothing, this is an experience exclusive to Ahmedabad which is definitely not to be missed.

Furnished to represent the culture and lifestyle of Indian villages, Rajwadu is the spot to go for genuine Gujarati cuisine and is thereby the concluding place in our 1 day Ahmedabad itinerary. Established in 1998 with the aim providing natives with a flavour of their own culture, this restaurant has grown to become extremely famous since then. It is located in Ahmedabad’s suburbs and you should go here for the outstanding food and captivating ambience. With this, your day will come to a perfect end!

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Central India National Parks Rejuvenate

Tryst with Satpura Tiger Reserve

Introduction

Situated right in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Satpura National Park was set up in the year 1981. It is considered to be one of the most bio-diverse heritages of the country with a variety of animals living in an area spread across 1,427 km2. The name of the national park ‘Satpura’ has been derived from Sanskrit, which means seven-hills. It is an integral part of Pachmarhi   Biosphere. This is an ideal place for all wildlife lovers who wish to spend the moments of their life in the lap of the peaceful nature.

Flora

The Park is the highly dense forest in the heart of Madhya Pradesh. Sai and Teak species are commonly found. The forest can be divided into three important categories: Moist deciduous, dry decidous, and central Indian Hub Tropical hill

Fauna

Satpura National Park is the most populated wildlife forest in the country with more than 50 species of mammals, 254 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles, and 50 species of butterflies among others. Some of the animals that can be spotted in the national park are Spotted Dear, Indian Bison, Tigers, Leopards, Wild dog locally called Dholes, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Black buck, Porcupine, Sambhar, Smooth otter, Pangolin, Marsh crocodile, languars, four horned antelopes, etc.

The Indian Giant squirrel spotted here is a special feature of Satpura National Park as sights of this squirrel are rare in India now. A glimpse of leopards, gaurs, wild dog, sloth Bear is good in comparison to other national parks of Central India. Also, the park is an important sight for one of the best bird watching experiences.

Places to Visit

Satpura Tiger Reserve

Satpura Tiger Reserve is recognized as one of the most precious gems of the state Madhya Pradesh,  which encompasses Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, Satpura National Park and Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary. This tiger reserve is unique for a variety of experiences it offers to its beholders. Boat Safari, Elephant Safari, and Jeep Safari are some of the most popular fun adventures of the place.

Asirgarh Fort

Regarded as the key to Deccan, one of the best attractions in Satpura National Park is Asirgarh Fort that holds a significant history of Mughal Empire. The architecture of the fort is inspired Persian and Mughal Empires.

Nandigarh Pahar

Nandigarh Pahar is situated in Pachmarhi, which is one of the main entrances to Satpura National Park. With a variety of adventure activities, this is the best destination for you and your family member to spend some quality time together.

Things to Do

Elephant Safari

One of the best ways to explore the beauty of Satpura National Park is by taking an Elephant Safari. If you are here in Satpura National Park then you should not miss it at any cost.

Jeep Safari

Jeep Safari is another good option for those who want to explore the landscapes of Satpura National Park. Information given by your tourist guides will make your journey even more exciting.

Best Places to Eat

Satpura National Park is in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, which is often described as the hub of some of the most exotic cuisine in the world. Some of the best places to eat near Satpura National Park are:

Dine Inn, Pachmarhi

This is one of the finest places to eat near Satpura National Park. It is situated in Pachmarhi, which is one of the key entrances to Satpura National Park. Dine Inn serves Chinese and Indian cuisine at an affordable price.

Hotel Maharaja, Pachmarhi

Another best place to eat near Satpura National Park is Hotel Maharaja in Pachmarhi. It serves authentic Indian cuisine.

Shri Vrindavan Palace, Hoshangabad

This restaurant is situated in Hoshangabad. It serves authentic Indian vegetarian food at a very reasonable price. The ambiance is very relaxing.

Places to Stay

Woodland Hotel, Pachmarhi, Welcome Heritage Golf View and Satpura Retreat are some of the options to stay, while you are here. If you are looking for luxury then, Forsyth Lodge is a good property to experience.

How to Reach

The nearest airport to reach Satpura National Park is Bhopal airport, which is just 200 km away from here.

The nearest Railway station to reach Satpura National Park is Pipariya, Itarsi, Sohagpur, and Hoshangabad. Satpura National Park has three entrances. First one is from Pachmarhi, second from Madhai, and the third one from Tawa Resort  located in Tawa Dam.

Satpura National Park can also be reached by road from Bhopal (170kms) and Jabalpur (250kms) cities.

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