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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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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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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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Central India Historical Rejoice Travel Trends

An Insight to Ghughua Fossil Park

Ghughua Fossil Park, a National Park, is situated near Shahpura in Madhya Pradesh. The site was founded in the 1970s by Dr. Dharmendra Prasad, the then honorary secretary of the district’s archaeology unit and was announced a National Park in 1983 after the Indian Government identified the greatness of this natural wonder.  It is spread in an area of about 2,74,100 sq. metres across the villages of Umaria, Chargaon, Barb Spur, Deorakhurd, Ghuguwa and Deori Kohani. Ghughua Fossil National Park is the second largest Fossil Park in the world and the largest in Asia.

Here, plant fossils which are a part of 31 genera of 18 families have been recognized.   A number of plant, seed, fruit, leaf and shell fossils can be spotted in this park, some of which are 65 million years old. Palm fossils are the most prominent amongst them. Other fossilised plants include ancient forms of jackfruit, date palm, aonla, jamun, neem, banana and rudraksh. Although most of the plant and animal fossils do not have living relatives now, some of  them here have relatives existing which continue to live in Sikkim, the Western Ghats,  north- east India, Australia, Madagascar and Africa. Fossils of Eucalyptus trees have been found here which are native to Australia.

There is an interpretation centre in the park which has comprehensive information on the fossils which are found here. Also, you should visit the self-guided fossil trail to see them in their natural setting although the dinosaur egg is the main attraction.

Hundreds of tourists mainly scientists, paleo-botany students and archaeologists visit this place every year. According to scientists and archaeologists, Ghughua in ancient times had an equatorial and humid climate with a uniform temperature range throughout the year with an annual rainfall of above 2,000 mm.

How to reach:

  • ROAD: Ghughua Fossil Park is located on National Highway 11, 76 km from Jabalpur. The nearest Bus stand is at Niwar and the closest town from it is Shahpura (13km). It is located on a slight diversion between the route connecting Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks.
  • AIR: The nearest airport is at a distance of 115 km in Jabalpur which has good connectivity with the cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Indore and Bhopal.
  • RAIL:  Umaria (65 km) and Jabalpur (115km) are the nearest railway stations to the National Park.  It is well connected by rail to the major tourist destinations and cities like Delhi, Howrah, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Pune, Varanasi, Indore, Agra, Jaipur, Gwalior, etc.

Most suitable time to visit:

The months between October and February are the best ones to visit the Ghughua Fossil Park.

Accommodation:

Tourists usually do not stay here as they conclude the visit to this park within 45 minutes. Still, the forest department has made arrangement for a stay which is a paid service and a limited number of rooms are there. Alternatively, you can visit this park while staying at hotels in Jabalpur, Shahpura, Mandla, Umaria  Bandhavgarh, etc.

Timings:

The National Park is open throughout the year from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening.

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Central India Rejoice Tribal

Gond Paintings and Its Intracacies

India is a land of rich culture and heritage. Several art forms are still lesser known to the outer world. Gond art is such art form, which is fondly practiced by Gond tribes from Madhya Pradesh.

Primarily, the word Gond originates from the Dravidian expression kond meaning ‘the green mountain’. This art form primarily depicts the colors of nature along with the everyday quest for life. Through Gond paintings, the Gonds primarily depicts the celebrations, human relationship etc. They are usually inspired from the belief that happy images bring good luck to their family and hence they paint their walls with vivid colorful images that relates to stories. The artists use series of dots, dashes and lines arranged meticulously to depict the story. They are very careful while adding those lines and dashes and convey the sense if movement to these paintings.

What is more beautiful with this story telling art is the vividity of colors. Gonds use bright colors like white, blues, red, yellow etc. and all of them are derived naturally from plants, soil, charcoal and even cow dung. Though government is helping out these artists by recognizing them on global level and helping this art to reach to their fans.

Thank you Singinawa Lodge for giving me opportunity to explore this vibrant art.

Categories
Central India Travel Trends wildlife

Things can be done while at Kanha National Reserve

Madhya Pradesh is the king of jungles, and when it comes to tiger spotting, Kanha is most popular amogst wild-life photographers. However, it is not tigers that this reserve is famous for, there are other activities, in which one can indulge themselves for an overall wilderness experience. The post pens down the things that can be done while at Kanha National Reserve.

Safari at Kanha National Park: The dense Sal forests at Kanha preserves the whole different world for city buzzlers like us. This world is the abode of wildlife in its purest form. During the safari to any of four zones at Kanha you can feel the peaceful co-existence of wildlife and nature. As you pass through these roads, those bed time jungle stories seems to be real to you. Jackal, Tigers, Spotted dears can be seen roaming and chatting.

Cycling in the Buffer zone: There is a well- marked 7 Km trail that start from Khatiya Gate and goes till edge of the park. It is apparently the buffer zone, where-in you may encounter tigers sometimes, but overall morning cycling keeps you fit and make you feel fresh.

Interaction with Baiga Tribes: One can go to the near-by villages in Mandla District. Most common tribe in the region is Baiga tribe, which are famous for their tattoo art. A quick interaction with them gives you insight about their culture, their traditions, and way of living. Not to miss they are always eager to offer you their signature home-made drink called Mahua.

Learn Gond Painting: Gonds are one of the largest tribes that dwells in these lush green jungles. While you are roaming around at Kanha, spending time with Gonds and learning their famous paintings should also be a part of your itineraries. The vividity of colors being used to reflect the celebration of nature is indeed remarkable.

Birding: Kanha National Reserve offers one of the best avian beauty to its visitors. Reserve is the house of more than 300+ species due its tropical climate. torks, teals, pintails, herons and egrets, Jungle fowl, White Rumped Shama, White Bellied Drongo, Spangled Drongo. Racket Tailed Drongo, Twany Babbler, Jungle Babbler, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Grey Francolin, Painted Francolin, Black Naped Flycatcher,Common Iora, Eurasian Blackbird, Gold Mantled Chloropsis, Jerdon’s Leaf Bird, Golden Oriole, Black Hooded Oriole, Common Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Asian Brown Flycatcher are few to name though.

Don’t get disappointed, if you don’t spot tiger, because reserve has much more than just tiger or leopard sightings. Moreover, The entire journey to the Kanha Reserve is way too enticing and is fresh air in the hustle bustle life.

Categories
Rejuvenate Staycation wildlife

Experience Wilderness at its best in these eco-resorts situated in the jungles of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is one of the green states in India,that can offer you wilderness at its best. If you are tired of city hustle bustle and want to spend some time getting lost in the jungles, then these resorts from Madhya Pradesh are definitely should be on your list as they not only offer spectacular hospitality but also let you explore the wildlife in its natural habitat.
Pashangarh by Taj Safaris, Panna National Park

Taj Safaris wildlife lodges are in Panna, Kanha Bandhavgarh & Pench. Each of these are based on themes. Pashangarh, as the name suggests is made out of stone inside the jungles of Panna National Park.One can walk down for jungle safaris, experience the signature dinners or else can enjoy the wilderness of the national park. Place is luxurious in itself and hospitality from staff makes the stay all the more memorable. Trained naturalists can take you out on safari and let you know the fine intricacies of these jungles.
How to get in– 70 kms away from Khajuraho airport, drive is smooth through the jungles.

Forsyth Lodge, Satpura National Park

This is an outstanding property in the Satpura jungles. What make it all the more luxurious is the staff. Once in, you shall be mesmerized by the awesome staff that makes you feel at home. Either you can spend a day at leisure looking around for butterfly park or spending time with school kids from near by village, or you may go to watch sunrise/sunsets at Denva river. Not to miss, this is one of the regions where you can walk down inside the thick Satpura jungles and look around for tigers, bears. Naturalists will amaze you with their knowledge as they explain about the flora & fauna of the jungles. One can also opt to walk uphill to Pachmarhi. Each cottage is made out of cob and is eco-friendly. They have machans above every cottage, which makes the evenings more beautiful. Forsyth also serves signature breakfasts inside jungles while you busy spotting sloth bears.

How to get in– Nearest airport is Bhopal airport, from where you can drive down in 4- 5 hrs.

Singinawa lodge, Kanha National Park
Singinawa Lodge is a palatial retreat near the outer edge of Kanha Tiger Reserve. Nearest airport is Jabalpur airport.
There are total 12 sumptuous cottages, that offer stunning view of the forest. Large part of lodge’s energy is met through solar power and appropriate methods are been used for water harvesting. Guests at Singinawa can engross themselves in safari with trained professionals or cycle to a nearby village or the forest department nursery. There are a few rock formations nearby, one of which is used for regular campfires. And if you are looking for a relaxed vacation, you can choose to stay at lounge and enjoy the spa.

Pic Credit- Singhniwa Lodge

How to get in– You can drive from Jabalpur airport which is nearest to the lodge and takes around 4-5 hrs.

Sarai at Toria, Panna Tiger Reserve
The Serai at Toria is a luxurious yet charmingly earth-friendly property situated on the banks of the Ken River. Cottages and dining halls are overlooking river, which gives glimpses of wide flora and fauna of jungle. You can get lucky to find jackal, mongoose, jungle cat etc. There are no plastic mineral water bottles (only filtered water), and chemical-free toiletries are purchased in bulk and decanted into glass vials. Most of the staff is from the neighbouring areas. Guests can go for excursions into the Panna Tiger reserve or opt for boat rides and fishing on the pristine Ken river. One would not like to miss the walk on these wet-lands.

Pic Credit- www.scottdunn.com
How to get in– Place is located at 20 min drive from Khajuraho airport/railway station.

Mahua Kothi, Bandhavgarh National Park
Mahua Kothi is another luxurious property from Taj Safaris in Bandhavgarh and wildlife lovers’ delight. These are beautiful Kutiyas, with all amneties and lets you remind of rustic surroundings. This property has been inspired from beautiful Mahua trees and it is reflected across property. Guests can indulge themselves in Yoga, tiger sightings, elephant safaris, open jeep safaris, as bandhavgarh boasts to have best tiger sightings across India, cycling etc.

Umaria railway station is the 35 kms away from the park and is nearest mode to get in there.

This summer, pack your bags to these unusual properties and have luxury vacations.

Categories
Adventure Central India Ghoomophiro Blog Rejuvenate Travel Trends wildlife

Highlands of Central India

Madhya Pradesh- Central India …When I took 7 days off, the first question that came to everyone’s mind was, why Madhya Pradesh? Shocked folks asked me” Actually you would like to go to MP”. But yes, me and my sister finally packed our bags, started our journey to ajab gajab state of India i.e MP. Our journey started with an overnight train journey from Delhi to Khajuraho. MP is a state of variety where one can enjoy flavors of art/culture/history/wildlife/scenic beauty. After spending 5 days there, we totally realized why the state is truly ajab & gajab, and why one should go there.

History and Architecture: Our first day was in Khajuraho, that depict an eternal celebration of love in the form of stone carved temples. The Western Group of temples, in particular, contains some stunning sculptures. One of the Unesco world heritage sites. They are predominantly Hindu temples and most of them face the sunriseYou would need at least 2 complete days to go through these temples. Moving to Mandu, which is popular as Monsoon Magic! These are beautiful Jain sculptures,that talk about the glorious past of MP. Forts at Gwalior

Nature at its best: MP gives you the chance to go through the dense Satpura forests in reality about which each one of us had been reading since childhood. A drive through these forests is beautiful. Pachmarhi, also known as “queen of Satpura” is beautiful hill station located in the adds the beauty to MP. It is blessed with rich flora & fauna and breathtaking waterfalls like befall, Duchess fall, Apsara falls. The famous Liril advert has been shot here.

Boat ride at Bhedaghat, view at Dhuandhar falls adds beauty to the state.

National Parks and Wildlife : Madhya Pradesh is The Tiger-land of India.It boasts of 4 major National parks and hence destination for folks interested in the documentary on wildlife. Though we happen to go Bandhavgarh only, but Kanha is also a good place to spot tigers. All these forests are bustling with deer, antelopes, tigers. Not only the tigers, Chambal River has gharials and Gangetic dolphins sight of which is unbelievable.

Pilgrimage:  State also attract a lot of pilgrim enthusiasts, as it boasts of having world’s finest Jain temples in Ujjain and Chitrkoot holds the importance from Ramayana as the place where Ram & Sita stayed during their exile (vanwas).

Not to miss, MP also provides ample opportunities for shopaholics like me. Chanderi and Maheshwari famous and colorful silks and every girl would love them. I am sure, the place is indeed photographer’s delight. So when are you packing your bags for Madhya Pradesh!!!

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