Informations
Madhya Pradesh is the geographical heartland of the country, but no longer as large in area. The new state of Chhatisgarh with the city of Raipur as its capital. Most of the state is a high plateau and in summer it can be very dry and hot, but it also has the highest percentage of forest in India, sheltering a wide variety of wildlife including 22% of the world's tiger population.

Virtually all phases of Indian history have left their mark on Madhya Pradesh, historically known as Malwa. There are still many pre-Aryan Gond and Bhil adivasis (tribal people) in the state, but Madhya Pradesh is overwhelmingly Indo-Aryan.

Madhya Pradesh is part of what is known as the Hindi belt, a region of northern India inhabited predominantly by Hindus.

One of the best things about Madhya Pradesh is its accessibility. Bordered by seven states, it is equally close to major tourist destinations in the north, south, east and west.

Northern Madhya Pradesh
Just a few hours from Agra by Train or road, Gwalior is famous for its old and very large fort. Within the fort walls are several interesting temples and ruined palaces.

Some of Madhya Pradesh's attractions are remote and isolated : Khajuraho, with its fabulous Temples, is in the north of the state - a long way from anywhere; Jabalpur, with its marble rocks, is near the centre of the state; Kanha National Park, famous for its tigers, is 160km south-east of Jabalpur.

Most of the state's other attractions are on or near the main Delhi to Mumbai (Mumbai) Train line. From Agra, just outside the state to the north, you can head south through Gwalior (with its magnificent fort) to Sanchi, Bhopal, Ujjain, Indore and Mandu.

History
Signs of habitation date back some 12,000 years with the rock cave paintings at Bhimbetka near Bhopal - excavations have revealed a cultural succession from the late stone Age.

From AD 950 to 1050 the Chandelas constructed the fantastic series of temples at Khajuraho in the north of the state.

Between the 12th and 16th centuries, the region experienced continuing struggles between Hindu and Muslim rulers or invaders. The fortified city of Mandu in the south-west was frequently the scene for these battles.


Madhya Pradesh Tour Packages

Madhya Pradesh Tour
Duration: 15 Days - 14 Nights
Destinations Covered: Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Gwalior - Shivpuri - Orchha - Khajuraho - Panna - Bandhavgarh - Jabalpur - Delhi

Madhya Pradesh Wildlife Tour
Duration: 18 Days - 17 Nights
Destinations Covered: Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Kota - Shivpuri - Orchha - Khajuraho Bandhavgarh - Katni - Gwalior - Agra - Delhi