August 14, 2015 TnH Global 0

Madhya Pradesh: truly incredible!

Known as ‘The Heart of Incredible India’ Madhya Pradesh is truly an incredible destination. Located in the central part of India, the state is an enchanting tourist destination full of surprises and wonders. The state boasts of having almost every kind of tourism product. From heritage, culture, religion and festivals to wildlife, nature and hill stations, there is something for every tourist. Mandu, Ujjain and Maheshwar are some of the important destinations of the state.

Mandu: the City of Joy

It is picturesque. It is magnificent. Such is the beauty and legend of this historical place that it will touch your soul and heart. With its picturesque landscape, pleasant greenery and romantic tales, Mandu will mesmerize you as never before. Known as City of Joy, Mandu is a destination of ultimate joy. Mandu also boasts of some of India’s finest examples of Afghan architecture. The historical place is also UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is dotted with palaces, tombs, monuments and mosques. Here Rupmati’s Pavilion, a reflection of romance, rests at the far end of the plateau, giving a panoramic view of the vast plains below. The place has been eye-witness to the romance between Prince Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati.

With its picturesque lakes and wonderful palaces, Mandu was a blissful abode and a spot of great festivities during Mugal period. Mandu is located in the Dhar district in the Malwa region in Madhya Pradesh and 100 km away from Indore, the commercial capital of the state.

Ujjain: abode of Mahakal

Ujjain is an ancient city located on the eastern bank of the Shipra River in the Malwa region in Madhya Pradesh. It is a famous pilgrimage centre for Hindus. Ujjain has been mentioned as Ujjayini in the Mahabharata. The city was the capital of the Avanti Kingdom. Ujjain is one of the many holy cities in India.

The renowned Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, also known as Mahakal of Ujjayini is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which houses one of the 12 notable Jyotirlingas located across India. Shivling in Mahakaleshwar Temple is believed to be the sole Jyotirling which looks towards the south. Therefore, it is also known as Dakshinmukhi or the south looking ling. In ancient times, Mahakala was the distinctive presiding deity of Ujjain. The city was also the central point for calculation of Indian time in ancient times. The famous Harsidhhi temple is also located in Ujjain, which is one of the 52 Shaktipeeths across in India.

The city is one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus. It is one of the four places in India, which hosts the Kumbh Mela, a mass gathering of Hindu pilgrims. The Kumbh Mela held in Ujjain is known as the Simhastha. Held every 12 years, the Simhastha Kumbh is a unique and mass religious gathering in India, which is celebrated when Jupiter ascends into sun sign Leo’s quarter or the Simha constellation of zodiac which is why it is called ‘Simhastha’. On this occasion, Sadhus of various sects from across the country assemble in Ujjain. Holy men mingle with ordinary people as they take their ritual dip in the holy waters of the Shipra River. Ujjain is gearing up to host Simhastha 2016, which will be held from 22nd April to 21st May. Ujjain is 62 km away from Indore by roads and 23 km by train.

Maheshwar

Maheshwar is a glorious temple town located on the north bank of the Holy River Narmada in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh. The city’s ancient name Mahishmati’ is mentioned in the great epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. Beautiful temples, bathing ghats and impressive fort complex on the bank of River Narmada make Maheshwar a majestic town.

The temple town is also famous for exquisitely woven ‘Maheshwari sarees. The Holkar queen Rani Ahilyabai of Indore had revived its old glory and transformed this town into a land of tranquility and prosperity. Shiv Jyotirlingam Mandleshwar, Bawangaja and Mandav are some of the important temples located in the town. Maheshwar is around 91 km from Indore, the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh.