Leisure & Travel

Multiple charms of Madhya PradeshSituated in the heart of India, the country‚s largest state offers visitors the temples of Khajuraho, the serenity of Marble Rocks, stupas of Sanchi, and tigers of the Kanha National ParkLakshmana Temple KhajurahoAs its name implies the state of Madhya Pradesh (central province) is situated in the heart of India. The largest of the 30 states of the Indian Union, the huge geographical sprawl (443,446 sq. km) of MP (as it‚s popularly known) offers visitors a multiplicity of leisure and travel options. Whether it is the exquisite statuary and sculptures of the temples of Khajuraho; the ancient stupas of Sanchi, seat of Buddhism; the serene and peaceful waters of Marble Rocks; the Kanha National Park famed for its tigers, MP has plenty to offer to business and leisure travellers. Though given its size state-wide tours are a tall order, its major cities ‚ Bhopal (the capital), Jabalpur, Indore and Gwalior offer numerous excursion options.The recorded history of Madhya Pradesh dates back to the time of the great and venerated emperor Ashoka (300 BC). Subsequently a major portion of central India was incorporated into the Gupta Empire (300-550 AD). In the first half of the seventh century it was part of the domain of emperor Harsha. In the early 11th century the Muslims invaded central India, first Mahmud of Ghazni and then Mohammad Gori who integrated certain parts of the state with the Sultanate of Delhi. It also formed part of the Mughal Empire during the rise of the Marathas.Until the death of Madhoji Scindia in 1794, the Marathas ruled supreme in central India, but subsequently several independent and smaller states came into being. The disintegrated smaller states paved the way for British sovereignty. Around that time, fabled women rulers ruled over Central India and these include Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, Rani Kamla Devi and Rani Durgawati.When India became independent in 1947, the British Indian provinces of Central Provinces and Berar were consolidated into Madhya Pradesh. Boundary changes followed and the state of Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in 2000. Forty percent of the tribal population of India ‚ including large numbers of the Bhil and Gond tribes eke out a living in India‚s largest state also noted for its ravines and forests.Comments Leena Karkera, assistant manager, Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation in Mumbai: “Last year 3.5 million tourists visited Madhya Pradesh during the season which is between August and February.”The state hosts notable cultural events such as the annual Kalidas Samaroh (performing and fine arts) in Ujjain; the Tansen Samaroh (music) in Gwalior, and the Khajuraho Dance Festival a unique extravaganza of performing artistes. Comments Renu Diwan, a Mumbai-based homoeopathic physician who has visited MP several times: “The contrast between different places within Madhya Pradesh is immense, not only in terms of natural beauty and scenic spots, but also in infrastructure and hotel facilities.” BhopalTaj-ul-MasjidThe picturesque capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal is set around a lake and is renowned…