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There are many interesting places to see in Madhya Pradesh.
Bhopal was founded in the 11th century and was the capital of the Parmar. But what you get to see in Bhopal today for the most part dates back only to the 18th century. As far as sightseeing goes, it is an interesting city, a mixture of the traditional and contemporary that sprawls across hills and lakes. The old city, with its crowded markets, narrow alleys, beautiful palaces, old havelis (manors) and fine mosques, lies juxtaposed with the well-planned new city of broad avenues, modern buildings and well planned residential colonies.
On a hill, a few miles from Bhopal stands the prettiest and the oldest stupa in the world, the famous Sanchi stupa, ringed by a stone fence with exquisite toranas at its four gates. The stupas and ruins at Sanchi are places to visit as they tell the tale of the spread of Buddhism across the plains of Central India.
Gwalior was for long the seat of the powerful Maratha kings, the Scindias. The Scindia family is still very much in the thick of political things, having the made the transition from rulers of the kingdom to contestants and winners of general elections. Their influence over the city continues to be strong. Take a sightseeing tour to this city with a strong cultural heritage and some of the finest exponents of Indian classical music claiming it as home. The Gwalior Fort is the city's chief attraction.
Travellers come from far and wide to see the world famous temples of Khajuraho. The temples are unique in architecture and stunning in their ornamentation, making Khajuraho a great place to see. The temples are all there is to see, but you don’t need much more than these magnificent monuments to the gods, as you try and absorb the breadth of man’s artistic ability and aesthetic vision that breathe life into mere slabs of stone.
Most people visiting the state head for Khajuraho to explore the thousand-year old temples whose outstanding architecture and ornamentation have made them a World Heritage Site.
However, Madhya Pradesh has a lot more to offer. It has the world’s largest cluster of stone-age rock shelters and cave paintings at Bhimbetka; the imposing forts of Gwalior and Indore, replete with romantic tales of valour and chivalry; the 16th and 17th century Bundela palaces and temples at Orchcha and ethereal Mandu, the historic capital of the Malwa Sultans, now all but a ghost town.
Hindu pilgrims travel from far and wide to pay obeisance at Ujjain. The holy city takes on a colorful festive ambience when thousands of devout Hindus arrive for a ritual dip in the river on the occasion of Simhastha (full moon to full moon of the Indian lunar months of Chaitra and Vaisakha, around April/May). Other places to visit in Madhya Pradesh are Maheshwar, Indore, Orchcha and Omkareshwar, which abound in temples and bathing ghats.
If you are looking for rest and relaxation you could head south to the cool and tranquil environs of Pachmarhi, the highest hill station in the state (alt. 1067m). Bhedaghat is a spectacular waterfall near Jabalpur, where the water cascades over cliffs of white marble. Marble Rocks, as it is commonly called, is an interesting stopover enroute to the nearby wildlife parks at Kanha or Bandhavgarh.
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