Once every year, after she herself is polluted beyond tolerance, Ganga visits Narmada dressed like a dark woman and takes a cleansing purifying dip in its waters! Narmada, which is more than 150 million years older than the Ganga and is considered by many Hindus to be the most sacred for all the rivers of India, Amarkantak itself is sacred to the Hindus and is deemed to be a door-way to ‘nirwana’.

Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park remains open from 1st of Oct. to 30th of June. In the year 2008 park will open for the tourist from 16th October 08.

Nearest possible railway station for Bandhavgarh is Umaria(small-town) about 37km away. Bandhavgarh is about 100km. away from Katni city, 270km. away from Khajuraho and 250km. away from Kanha (Kisli-gate) National Park.
Bandhavgarh is Tiger reserve spread at Vindhyachal hill in state of Madhya Pradesh with a declared area of 448.55 sq.km.. As it is a Tiger Reserve (under Project Tiger), it is based of core-buffer strategy: core area of 105sq. km.(Tala range) and  buffer area of approximately 400 sq.km.. Park ride is conducted in core zone area and most of the resorts and villages are situated in buffer-zone area. The density of the Tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India. Bandhavgarh is a National Park since 1968 and is included in Project Tiger Network in 1993.

More than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds found in Bandhavgarh Natioanl Park. About 39 natural caves are present here. Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaque represent the primate group. Carnivores include the Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Gray Mongoose, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard and Tiger. The artiodactyls frequently sighted are Wild Pigs, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Chausingha, Nilgai(Blue-bull), Chinkara. Mammals such as Dhole, the smallIndian Civet, Palm Squirrel and Lesser Bandicoot Rat are seen occasionally. Gaur(Indian Bison) was found here before 1998 and now forest dept. is trying to reinstate them.
Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968. It was the former hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa. This is also White Tiger country. These have been found in the old state of Rewa for many years. The last known was captured by Maharajah Martand Singh in 1951. This White Tiger, Mohan, is now stuffed and on display in the palace of the Maharajahs of Rewa. The last known White Tiger was captured by Maharajah Martand Singh in 1951.

At the center of the park is the bandhavgarh hill, rising 811 meters above sea level and surrounding it are a sloping valleys. At the top of the bandhavgarh hill, we can see Bandhavgarh Fort. There is no records remain to show when Bandhavgarh Fort was constructed. It is thought, however, to be some 2,000 years old, and there are references to it in the ancient books.the Narad-Panch Ratra and the Siva Purana. Various dynasties have ruled this fort: for example, the Maghas from the 1st century AD, the Vakatakas from the 3rd century; the Sengars from the 5th century and the Kalchuris from the 10th century. In the 13th century AD, the Baghels took over, ruling from Bandhavgarh until 1617, when Maharajah Vikramaditya Singh moved his capital to Rewa. The last inhabitants deserted the fort in 1935. About 49 ancient caves are also present in park territory (http://www.bandhavgarh.net/bandhavgarh-ancient-caves.html).

Bhedaghat
Bhedaghat is a popular tourist spot situated in right side of Narmada river nearby Jabalpur city(30km.). It is a nagar panchayat in Jabalpur districts in the state of madhya Pradesh, India. Bhedaghat is known for  dhuandhar water-fall, presence of white marble rocks on both the sides of flowing river and for the presence of 10th century chausath-yogini temple. It is a favourite of Indian Film Industry also for picturisation of some popular movie-songs. The song 'Raat Ka Nasha Abhi' from the Hindi film Asoka is picturised in Bhedaghat amidst the marbel rocks and Narmada River. Here boating (both motor-boats and manually-driven boats) is possible and rope-way facility is also available for visitors.

Bhimbetka
Bhimbetka is known for rock painting site and is declared as a UNESCO world heritage site. Its rock paintings are approximately 9000 years old of stone-age. These Rock Shelters are in foothills of the Vindhya Mountains of the southern edge of the Central Indian Plateau. It is in 45km. south of Bhopal. Bhimbetka was first mentioned in Indian archeological records in 1888 as a Buddhist site, based on information gathered from local local tribal population. Later V. S. Wankankar visited this area along with a team of acheologists and discovered several prehistoric rock shelters. So far 700 such sites have been discovered, out of which 243 are in Bhimbetka. Its name is derived from “Bhim-Baithaka”.

Bhojpur
Bhojpur, 28 km from Bhopal, is renowned for the remains of its magnificent Shiva Temple and Cyclopean dam. This city was founded by Parmar King of Dhar, Raja Bhoj in 1010-1053. Shiva Temple was never completed, here the lingam in the sanctum rises to an awe-inspiring height of 7.5 feet with a circumference of 17.8 feet. Set upon a massive platform 21.5 feet square, Extensive writings cover philosophy, poetry, medicine, veterinary science, phonetics, yoga, and archery. Under his rule, Malwa and its capital Dhar became one of the chief intellectual centers of India. King Bhoj, together with the Solanki king Bhima of Gujarat (Anhilwara), rebuilt the temple at Somnath between 1026 and 1042 after it was sacked by Mahmud of Ghazni. Bhoj also founded the city of Bhopal, which is named after him, to secure the eastern frontier of his kingdom.

Cyclopean Dam
Considered to be a marvel during olden times, the great dam now lay in ruins on the western side of Bhojpur. The dam was built on a vast lake which is no more there. Huge hills enclosed the entire area from all sides, but two big gaps were there that were blocked by different dams. The earthen dams were huge with the bigger one being 44 feet high and 300 feet thick and the smaller one being 24 feet high and 100 feet wide. The construction of the dams was done without using mortar. The dams held up water of about 250 square miles. Few believe that the dams were built by Raja Bhoj, but they were probably built before his time.

Bhopal
Bhopal is capital city of State of Madhya Pradesh of India. It is second largest city of Madhya Pradesh, after Indore. It is also known as “City of Lakes”. It was founded by Parmara Rajput King Bhoj during 1000 A.D. – 1055 A.D. and was capital of Dhar. The name “Bhopal” is derived from “Bhojpal”, where “Bhoj” is the name of King and “Pal” means dam that is constructed to create artificial lakes to cater the need of water. Today’s Bhopal was founded by Afgan soldier Dost Mohammed Khan (1708A.D.-1726A.D.). He bought the Islamic culture & architecture in Bhopal.

Bhopal has many tourist attraction inside city and nearby areas.In Bhopal city we can find two beautiful lakes where boating facility is available, Taj-ul-Masjid (one of the largest mosques in Asia), Laxmi Narain temple, Bhojpur(16km.), Bhimbetka(46km.), Sanchi(55km.), Udaigiri caves(72km.) etc. Distance of other major tourist points/cities from Bhopal, by road, are: Indore (186 km), Ujjain (188 km), Gwalior (423 km), Jabalpur (295 km), Khajuraho (410 km), Pachmarhi (200 km) and Vidisha (65 km). Bhopal has international airport callled “The Raja Bhoj International Airport”. It is very well linked with major cities of India through trains also.

Burhanpur
Burhanpur is a town in state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated on the north bank of Tapti river. In Skand-puran of Hindus, it is described with the name of “Brahatpur”. Its current name is derived from name of Sheikh of Daulatpur callled Bruhaduddin. It was founder in 1400 A.D. by muslim prince of Farukhi dynasty of Khandesh. They held it for next 200 years. King Ali Khan (1576-1596 A.D.), also known as Adil Shah, was asked to submit to Akbar, when the latter had sent an expedition to Khandesh, in the summer of 1577 A.D. The former, to avoid the unequal contest with the mighty Akbar, dropped his royal title of Shah and accepted the Suzerainty of Akbar. Mughals began using Khandesh as a base for the future Conquest of Deccan.
Bahadur Khan (1596-1600 A.D.) successor of King Ali Khan declared his independence & refused to pay homage to Akbar & his son Prince Daniyal, which enraged Akbar, who marched towards Burhanpur in 1599 and occupied the City without any opposition on 8th April 1600 A.D. Akbar paid a visit to Asirgarh, so as to inspect it personally, where he stayed for 4 days before returning to his Head Quarter at Burhanpur.

Prince Khurram was nominated as the Governor of the Deccan in 1617 AD. Khurram led the Mughal army to a peaceful victory by which Jahangir was pleased with his success & conferred him the title of Shah Jahan on 12th October, 1617 AD. After the death of Jahangir in 1627, Shah Jahan ascended the throne of Mughal empire.

Due to troubled conditions in the Deccan, he reached Burhanpur (Deccan) on the 1st March 1630, where he stayed for the following two years, conducting operations against Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, and Golkunda. On 7th June 1631, Shah Jahan lost his beloved & favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal at Burhanpur, and her body was buried at first in the Garden of Zainabad, across the river Tapti. Early in December of the same year (1631 AD), the remains of her body were sent to Agra.

Many battels were fought between Marathas and Mughals for supremacy over this strategically important part of land. In 1739 it was finally yielded to Marathas, who in 1778 transferred it ot Sindhia. In 1860 it was yielded to British government.

Major attractions are:
1. Asirgarh: A celebrated hill  fort in the Burhanpur tehsil about 30 miles ( 48 KMs.) South of Khandwa and 14 miles (22.4 KMs) north of Burhanpur on Burhanpur -Khandwa road. It is 259.1 Meters high from the base & 701 Meters above MSL. This is referred as the "Gateway to southern India" in the medieval history. It is consisting of three separate lines of constructions namely Asirgarh proper(Upper most part), Kamargarh and Malaygarh. Jami masjid & a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva are another architecture inside the fort. Asha mandir of Hindu Goddess Asha-devi is located on the hills of this village.In the vicinity of Asirgarh,there is a tomb of Shah Nomani Asiri, a saint, a believer of Sufism. Moti mahal, the burial place of Moti Begam, beloved of Shah Jahan is to the left of the fort and situated at the bank of Pandhar River. It lies on a way between Indore and Burhanpur (20 km.).

2. City Burhanpur: The historical & the largest (in the district) town of Burhanpur named after Sheikh Burhan-ud-Din stand on the north bank of Tapti river, on the Bombay-Delhi main line of central railway 504 KMs from Bombay and 69 KMs from Khandwa. The place has many monuments of historic art & architectural  importance like Biwi ki  Masjid, Jami Masjid, Badshahi quila,Tombs of Nasir Khan & Adil Shah, Raja ki Chhatri, Khooni Bhandar. The place is also counted in the pilgrimage of Sikhkha sect. The handloom industry of the city has a remarkable place in the household industries and has a glorious past.

3. Raja Ki Chhatri: Raja ki Chhatri is notable monument which is situated on the bank of the Tapti about 4 miles from Burhanpur. It is said that the Chhatri was constructed by the order of Emperor Aurangzeb in honour of the memory of Raja Jai Singh, the Commander of the Mughal force in Deccan. Raja Jai Singh while returning from the   Deccan died at Burhanpur.

4. Ichchha Devi Temple: Ichchha Devi Temple is situated at Ichchhapur village approx. 23 Kms from Burhanpur on Burhanpur- Edlabad main road and dedicated to the Ichchha Devi. The story goes that a Maratha Governor made a vow to the Goddess Ichchha Devi (Ful-filler of desires) that if he got a son he would build a well and a temple for the Goddess. When his desire was fulfilled, he built a well and a temple. An annual fair attended by thousands of persons is held there in Chaitra Maas (First month of Hindu Calendar).

5. Water distribution system of City: Mughal era water distribution system of Burhanpur city is also a major surprise for engineers of now a days. Same is going on today’s also. Pure water was channelised from Satura ranges through secret tunnels to City. Some tunnels are somewhere 80 to 100ft. deep.

To visit Burhanpur one can reach Indore and proceed towards Burhanpur, via Omkareshwar, by taxi. Distance is approx. 200 km. From Burhanpur one can further move towards Ajanta & Ellora caves, via Jalgaon,  and reach Aurangabad. Aurangabad is a big town having airport, railway station and bus stand. Accomodation facility is available in Burhanpur.

Chanderi
Chanderi is located in Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh state in India. It is of historical importance. It is located on strategically on the borders of Malwa and Bundelkhand. Some nearby destinations from Chanderi are Shivpuri (127km.), Jhansi(135km.), Datia(155km.), Orcha (143km.), Bhopal (205km.), Sanchi (159km), Gwalior (230km.). Chanderi is located on Vindhya hills, southwest to Betwa river.

Chanderi is full of landmarks, dating from 11th century through the medieval periods of 13th and 18th centuries and to modern times. Chanderi is located strategically on Borders of Malwa and Bundelkhand. It is always dominated for being on trade routes to ports of Gujarat, Mewar, Malwa, Central India and Deccan. In early vedic period, Chanderi was founded by Lord Krishna’s cousin, Shishupal. Ancient Chanderi called Budhi (old)-Chanderi is about 19km. away from present Chanderi settlement. Chanderi was first settled and fortified in the 11th century by the Pratihara king, Kirtipal. A vast majority of he exiting standing monuments at Chanderi were raised in the the years between 1312 A.D. to 1687 A.D. These could be broken down into three main groups, Islamic architecture from the period of the Sultan's of Delhi, the Mughal period, and then which comprise the majority, the Malwa Indo-Islamic.

Other interesting points are:

• Kirti Durg (The Hill Fort of Chanderi) founded 11th century A.D. :The foundation of Kirti Durg was constructed by Raja Kirti Pal in the 11th Century A.D. over the next centuries major construction, demolitions, and reconstruction have created the fort we see today. Existing additions to Kirti Durg have been made by Alauddin Khilji of Delhi, Mahmood Khilji of Malwa, Ibrahim Lodi of Delhi, The Mughal dynasty, and Sher Shah Soon of Delhi. The fort extends in a five kilometer radius. Inside the main fort is The Nokhanda Palace, Khilji Mosque, tomb of Hazrat Abdul Rehman Naar Nooli Baba, a pond, and the modern Jauhar memorial, which are worth visiting. Kirti Durg has withstood many attacks in the course of history. In 1528 Mughal Emperor Babur captured the fort in a historic battle from Rajput Rana Sanga of Mewar that also saw over 600 women of the Rajput court commit ritual suicide by Jauhar where they threw themselves into fire to escape capture by the enemy. Later the fort was captured by Bundela Rajputs in 1586.
• Parmeshwar Taal (Parmeshwar Pond): The Parmeshwar Taal was once a naturally formed pond and now is an enclosed pool.
• Sri Jageshwari Temple - 11th A.D: There are no inscriptions or writings as to the actual founding date of the Sri Jageshwari Temple. However certainly some parts of the temple complex are ancient and must date back to the 11th century A.D. or even earlier origin.
• Sri Chandraprabh Digambar Jain Temple – ancient
• The Delhi Gateway - 1411 A.D.
• Dargah of Hazrat Wajihuddin:  The Dargah of Hazrat Wajihuddin is one of the earliest and most famous in Chanderi. Hazrat Wajihuddin reached Chanderi in the year 1395 A.D. He was born in 1260 at Kaal Kahar where he spent his childhood. As a young man Hazrat Wajihuddin with his parent's permission moved to Delhi where he served under the Sufi Saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya as a disciple. Hazrat Wajihuddin spent most of his time in meditation in a small hut in Gyas Pur Delhi.
  He was appointed by Sultan Allauddin Khilji to look look after the poor and needy of Chanderi. In his appointment he so spread the word of Allah on unity, equality, brotherhood, and harmony, that he gained 1000s of disciples in Chanderi and also other towns.
  During that time the head of the province, a Malik Tamar Sultan became very jealous of Hazrat Wajihuddin. 1000s of people visited Hazrat Wajihuddin's Darbaar and no longer coming to pray at the Sultan's Darbaar. Out of Jealousy Malik Tamar Sultan instigated an attack on Hazrat Wajihuddin Ashram. Soon a civil war started and more attacks from the Sultan's army followed with many of Hazrat Wajihuddin devotees killed and injured. The Sultan also sent a letter to Hazrat Wajihuddin to leave Chanderi. The situation was grave and many devotees fled. One devotee requested that Hazrat Wajihuddin move to Lukhnoti and that he would bear all the expenses an also build an ashram for him there. However Hazrat Wajihuddin refused and replied that he had not come to Chanderi on his own wish but had been ordered by his gurus to serve here, and he could not defy their order.
  For guidance Hazrat Wajihuddin traveled to Delhi and met with Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. On consulting Nizamuddin he went back to Chanderi where he constructed a new Ashram and continued his service till his passing in 1328. <--- ??? year is contradicary ?????, Also where is this tomb?
• Tombs of Sufi Saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya's disciples - 1424 A.D. : This tomb complex is one of the most impressive and beautiful monument sites in Chanderi. The intricate stone work here on the walls of the tombs are masterfully carved. It is situated towards the South within the inner city. Currently the site is conserved by the Archeological Survey of India.
• Kushk Mahal 1445 A.D.: Kushk Mahal is located four kilometers from Chanderi off the Isagarh Road. The monument is erected on four pillars and is 116 square feet in size. Each story is 15 feet high and the verandahs are 43 by 43 feet wide. The two main door entrances are 45 feet high and 26 feet wide. The width of the walls are 10 feet thick. Every story has six doors and one window. The architect of this palace has blended and incorporated the styles of the Malwa Islamic, Iranian, Afghani, and Indian Vedic architecture forms. It was planned to made of 7 stories but now 3 and half stories exists.
• Badal Mahal Gate 1450 A.D.: This gate was built during the reign of Mehmood Shah Khilji in 1450 A.D. It is situated at the Southern end of the inner city near and facing the Jama Masjid and looking up commands a striking view of the fort above.
• Shezadi Ka Rauza (Tomb of Princes) - Probably 15th Century A.D.: The Shezadi Ka Rauza memorial is arguably the most impressive tomb of Chanderi. It appears to date from the 15th Century A.D. There are no inscriptions regarding it, therefore there is no accurate information as to its construction. It is situated near the Parmeshwar Pond and Laxman Temple.
  The story that behind the memorial is that Mehrunisa, a daughter of a royal named Hakim of Chanderi, fell in love with the chief of the Army. Mehrunisa's father was against the alliance because he wanted to arrange her marriage to a prince. He tried to explain this to his daughter and well as to the head of the army. Despite all the couple refused to comply with his wishes. The father then decided to take drastic action. When the army was preparing to go to a battle he hired some soldiers to assassinate the army chief when the battle was over. The soldiers carried out the plan Hakim had hired them for but the chief was only seriously injured and escaped and then somehow rode his horse back to Chanderi. He fell and died from his wounds at the place where the memorial now stands. When Mehrunisa came to know about it she reached the spot where her lover lay dead. She could not bear it and ended her life too.
  Hakim then buried both of them together and constructed a pond around it so that nobody could reach their tomb. The reason behind this is that his daughter had gone against his wishes, but since he loved her so, he constructed a large and beautiful tomb for her and her lover, but placed it in the middle of the pond to symbolize the impossibilty of the situation. Today the pond no longer exists and the tomb is surrounded by farmland.
• Baiju Bawra Smarak (tomb of Baiju Bawra) - 16th century A.D. :The Pandit Baiju Nath Prasad was born in Chanderi in the 16th century A.D. History books do not give any clear dates as to his birth or upbringing. It is believed that he was born to a rich religious family and grew up in one of the fine havelis of Chanderi. The story goes as he grew up Baiju wanted to lead a life that was beyond luxury and prosperity. He found more peace in the natural beauty around him and natural beauty inspired him to sing. He would visit Vrindavan with his parents where he became a student of music from Swami Hari Das. After his training he became well known through Bundelkhand in the field of music.
  It is said the days Baiju lived in Chanderi he would stay by the lakeside where wild animals roamed and the fragrance of lotus flowers would compel him to sing. At this lake Baiju met and fell in love with a beautiful girl named Kala. However for certain reasons he could not marry her and he became so disheartened that he shut himself in his world of music forever. He would practice music to such an extent and intensity that people started calling him Bawra (mad person). The ruler of Chanderi having heard of Baiju appointed him as royal poet in the court. The king though had little sensitivity towards music and Baiju Bawra received little encouragement or fame.
  At this time Maharaja Man Singh of Gwalior was supporting the importance of musicians and artist in his realm. Hearing about this Baiju Bawra left Chanderi for Gwalior and soon became a singer with in the Maharaja's Darbaar. In Gwalior Baiju was encouraged and wrote original works and proved to be masterful at it. He also taught music to the queen, Mrigaini and gained fame as an artist. When the Maharaja died, Baiju was compelled by circumstances to return to Chanderi. In historical texts it has been noted that Baiju Bawra who belonged to Chanderi also met his end there.
  There is a well told story that Baiju once defeated Emperor Akbar's king of music Tansen in a competition near the jungles of Agra. There is evidence that a raga called Kalpdrum was created by Baiju and Tansen. Yet Baiju's name does not appear in the Ainay Akbari (Memoirs of Akbar) and some speculate the reason for this was that Baiju of Chanderi's talent was equal to Akbar's favorite singer Tansen. One of Baiju's raga called Dhrupado is preserved in the Chanderi museum.
  The tomb of Baiju Bawra can be visited near the Jauhar Monument within the Kriti Durg hill fort.
• Battisi Bawdi - 1484 A.D.: This famous bawdi is located at the North Eastern side of Chanderi. There is an inscription near the main door into the the bawdi which states that this bawdi and mosque was completed in 1484 by Sher Khan during the rule of Sultan Gyas Shah Khilji. Battisi Bawdi is 60 feet by 60 feet square and four stories deep.
• Ram Nagar Palace and Museum - 1698 A,D: This palace is four Kilometers from the main town and can be found on the road leading through the Kati Ghati (rock cut gate). The palace was built for the Maharaja Durjan Singh Bundela as a retreat for hunting and sightseeing. In front of the palace is a large artificial lake called Mehjatiya Talaab made in 1510 A.D. by the Governor Behjat Khan. The original name of the lake was Behjad Khan Tallab, however over time the name has been changed. At present the Ram Nagar Palace houses a museum maintained by the state of Madhya Pradesh. The museum has a collection of Hindu temple fragments of gods and devi in the Chandela style and some fine examples of large well preserved sati stones.
• Harkund Bawdi (probably built well before the 13th century A.D.): The Harkund step well is built near Mauryan Hill South West of the main town and can be seen right from the Chanderi Moongawali Road. No inscriptions have been found to tell about this bawdi. The architecture though shows that of ancient Vedic style. On the North side there is a platform on which a big dome has been made. On the South side is the popular Bijasan Devi Temple. On the West side is a Shani (Shiva) Temple which is why the bawdi has been named Harkund. The step well is daily used for bathing and washing clothes.
  On the South end of the Harkund Bawdi is another larger step well which is known as Vishnu Kund.
• Kati Ghati Gate (Rock Cut Gate) - 1495 A.D.: The Kati Ghati stands at the Southern end of Chanderi. This impressive gate has been cut out of the standing rock of the Southern hill range that surrounds Chanderi. It is near the top of the hillside about 240 feet above the city, and the gate itself is over 30 feet high and 85 feet wide. It is known and been used since its construction as the entry gate into Chanderi for visitors and guests from Malwa and Bundelkhand. It was commissioned by Jimman Khan, son of Sher Khan in the year 1495 A.D. The whole gate and staircase leading to the roof has been cut from existing rock of the hillside.
  The story of the gate is both interesting and tragic. In 1495 A.D. when Sher Khan was governor he received notice that King Gyasuddin Khilji the Sultan of Malwa was to visit Chanderi. Sher Khan's son Jimman Khan made various arrangements for the Sultan's arrival. While supervising the arrangements Jimman Khan was advised that the Sultan wished to be welcomed to Chanderi by the sight of a grand gateway at the top of the hill range. However by then there was only one day left till his arrival and a huge price was fixed for whomever could create such a gate in one day.
  Only one stonemason agreed to the challenge and with his crew started to work on it. The next morning Jimman Khan got the news that the work was completed and he reached the site to inspect it. He was amazed to see that the gate had indeed been cut out the rock. On further inspection Jimman Khan saw that the craftsman did not leave any place to fit the door to close the gate. He told the craftsman that this gate formed the first line of security of the fort and as such it should of course have a door. To fit the door they would need to put in extra stone, and then the uniqueness of the gate would be lost. Jimman Khan refused to pay for the work and the craftsman in shame walked away empty handed. Later the craftsman committed suicide and his tomb can be found to the side of the gate. Still to this date the Kati Ghati has never had a door.
• Taalab and Bawdi (man made pools and step wells) of Chanderi : During the rule of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, his chronicler Abul Fazal wrote in the Ainay Akbari (Memoirs of Akbar) about the town of Chanderi. He stated that there were an estimated 1200 Bawdi (step wells) in Chanderi. The question arises, why so many Bawdi and aritifical pools. The reason of course is water management and many administrations and rulers who were thoughtful of proper civil upkeep of the towns infrastructure. During the medieval period Chanderi had a population well over one hundred thousand. So the need for proper water management was crucial. Also some of the more elaborate and grand bawdi in Chanderi were reserved for the use of royals, aristocrats, and some pools were reserved for the use of only upper class woman.
  Chanderi also is 2200 feet above sea level at a high elevation along the Vindyachal Range. Scarcity of water has always been an issue in this area. Bawdies were built all though Chanderi with large ponds excavated in outlying areas where rainwater collected from the hills and served to keep the level of the water in the bawdies stable. The water from these ponds was and is still also used for farm irrigation.

Chitrakoot/ Chitrakuta
Chitrakuta means the 'Hill of many wonders'. Chitrakuta falls in the northern Vindhya range of mountains spread over the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.  Chitrakoot region is spread over both the states. In Uttar Pradesh it is in Chitrakoot District and in Madhya Pradesh is falls under Satna District. Chitrakoot mountain ranges includes Kamad Giri, Hanumaan Dhara, Janki Kund, Lakshman pahari, and Devangana famous Religious mountains.
It is 72 km. from Allahbad and 10 km. from Karwi railway station. Nearest airport is in Khajuraho about 185 km. Madhya Pradesh tourism has its hotels here available.
Chitrakoot is a holy   place famous both   for its natural scenery and its spiritual altitude. It is a very sacred place for Hindus. It was in these deep forests of Chitrakoot that lord Rama, Sita and his brother Lakshmana spent eleven and half years of their fourteen years of exile; the great sage Atri, Sati Anusuya, Dattatreya, Maharshi Markandeya, Sarbhanga, Sutikshna and various other sages, seers, devotees and thinkers meditated; and here the principal trinity of the Hindu pantheon, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, took their incarnations. A tourist is as much thrilled by sighting its  beautiful  waterfalls, playful  young deer and dancing peacocks as a pilgrim is overwhelmed by taking  a dip  in the  Payaswani/ Mandakini (a river passes through this area) and by immersing   himself   in the dust   of  the Kamadgiri. Places to visit here are:

• Kamadgiri: It is believed to the original Chitrakoot. Kamadgiri means the mountain which fulfills all the desires. This is the place believed to have been the abode of Lord Rama, Sita, and Laxman during exile.
• Ramghat: This is the shore of Mandakini river. It is believed that Lord Ram bathed here with Laxman and Sita Ji on their arrival in Chitrakoot.The famous saint-poet Tulsidas is also believed to have lived here for quite some time.
• Bharat Milap: It is a spot where Bharata (brother of Lord Rama) is said to have met Rama to persuade him to return to the throne of Ayodhya.
• Janki Kund: This beautiful Kund is situated at a distance of about half a kilometer from the Pramod-Van, on the left bank of the Payaswini. Sita Ji,used to bathe here during the period of her exile. The rocks nearby bear the foot prints of Janaki Ji.
• Sati Anusuya Ashrama: This Ashram is situated about 15 Km. to the south of Ramghat in a dense forest area. It is dedicated to Maharishi and his wife Anusuya . It was here that Atri muni, his wife Anusuya and their three sons (who were the three incarnations of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh), lived and are said to have meditated.
• Sphatik Shila: ‘Sphatik’ in Sanskrit language means crystal. This is huge rock resembling a reddish-white crystal. It is densely forested area on the bank of Mandakini river, 1 kilometers away from Janki Kund. Shri Ram and Sita used to rest here while going to and coming from Atri Ashram. Jayant (son of Indra) pecked Sita at feet in same place. The rock bears the foot prints of Sri Ram, Sita Ji and Jayant.
• Raghav Prayag Ghat: This is to the south of the Ramghat of the Payaswini and is the convergence point of the three rivers—the Payaswini ,the Mandakini and the Gayatri
• Gupt Godavari: This place is situated at the foot of a hill about 16 Km. to the south west of Chitrakoot. Here is a pair of caves, one high and wide with an entrance through which one can barely pass, and the other long and narrow with stream of water running along its base. It is believed that Rama and Lakshmana held court in latter cave, which has two natural throne-like rocks.
• Mayurdhwaj Ashram: About 10 Km. to the south west of Chitrakoot near the village Pathra Pal Deo, this Ashram is situated amidst the hills. It is a beautiful place with water falls worth seeing.
•  Hanuman Dhara: This is about 4 Km. to the east of Ramghat at the beginning of the Vindhya hills. A stream of cool and clear water originating inside the mountain falls on the idol of Hanuman Ji and loses itself in a kund below. It is a popular belief that Hanuman Ji came here to cool down the heat after burning Lanka.

Datia
Datia is a city lies in Datia district (smallest district of Datia) in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is on the border of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Nearby cities is Gwalior (75km) for airport, Jhansi (30km.) and Khajuraho (175 km.) well connected by road. Height from sea level is 218 meters. City have its own railway station in Delhi-Chennai main line. Madhya Pradesh Tourism department has its hotel in Datia for accommodation.
Datia had formerly been a state in the Bundelkhand region. It is ruled by Rajputs and Bundela’s. Datia is famous for its temples and is also called mini Vrindavan.

• Peetambra Peeth: "Peetambra Peeth" is located near the city. Peetambra Peeth is the famous "Sakti-Peeth" of the country. Sh. Golokwasi Swamiji Maharaj established "Bagla Mukhi Devi" and "Dhumawati Mai" at this place. Vankhandeshwar Temple at Peetambra-Peeth is one of "Mahabharat-Kaleen temple of Shiva."
• Sonagiri Temples: Sonagiri is a famous pilgrimage of the Jains, who come in large numbers annually to worship at these beautiful temples. There are more than One Hundred temples and atract visitors and tourists from distant places. Sonagir is located at 15 Km. from Datia and is connected by Road and Train.
• Unao-Balaji Sun Temple: Unao is seventeen kilometers from Datia Headquarters. Balaji Temple is very old temple is said to date from Pre-Historic times. People from very distant places flock to the Balaji Sun Temple on pilgrimage. There is a tank in the vinicity said to contain sacred water and is the popular belief that lepers who take a bath in these waters are cured of their terrible affliction. This is also known as Balaji-Dham. Unao is connected by road only.
• Satkhanda-Mahal: Satkhanda-Mahal was built by King Veer Singh Joo Dev Bundela (1605-1627) of Orchha State. Mahal is Seven Stories and is famous for Bundeli Archetecture. This is also known as "Old Mahal", "Hawa-Mahal" and "Keerti-Mahal".
• Rajgarh Palace & Museum: Rajgarh Palace is located near Peetambra-Peeth was built by King Shatrujit Bundela. Palace is made of Bundeli Archetecture. Museum is also located this place and is collection of Geological & Cultural Importance things.
• Gujarra: Gujarra is 17 Km. from Datia and is famous for "Ashoka's Shilalekh".
• Badoni: This place is known as Chhoti Badoni and is located about 10 Km. from Datia City. There are Guptkalin temples of "Boddh" and "Jain" Religion and famous for Bundeli Archetecture "Fort" and "Hawelies".
• Seondha: Seondha is located 70 Km. from Datia and is connected road only. This Tehsil Headquarter is famous for Water fall on Sindh River, Kanhargarh Fort, and Nandnandan temple. At fifteen kilometers from Seondha there is famous temple of "Ratangarh Mata" Temple. This temple is located in dense forest.
• Bhander: Bhander is located 30 Km. from Datia. Bhander is recently merged as 3rd Tehsil in Datia District. Mahabharat period name of Bhander was "Bhandakpur" and famous for Son-Tallaiya, Laxman Mandir and Old Fort.
• Botonical Garden: This is located on Datia-Bhander road at 5 Km. This place is developed by Forest Department and is dense forest as well as natural place.
• Temples: In Datia City there are lot of beautiful temples. Datia is known as "Laghu Vrandaban" some of these are "Avadh Bihari Temple", "Shivgir Temple", "Vijay-Raghav Temple", "Govind Temple", and "Bihariji Temple".
• Pancham Kavi Ki Toriva: This natural and beautiful place is located 4 Km from Datia and is famous for "Bhairav Temple".
• Udnu Ki Toriva: This place is famous for "Hanuman Temple" and is located 8 Km from Datia on the very high Place having about 350 steps.

Gwalior
Gwalior is a city in Madhya Pradesh in India. It lies in 122km. south of Agra city (Taj-city).  Gwalior's history is traced back to a legend in 8th century AD when a chief tain known as Suraj Sen was struck by a deadly disease and cured by a hermit-saint Gwalipa. As a gratitude for that incidence, he founded this city by his name.
Places to see here are:
Air Deccan fly daily to and from Delhi, Indore and Bhopal to Gwalior's airport. Indian Airlines' Delhi to Jabalpur line also stops at Gwalior. Shivpuri (for wildlife) is 115km.  and Orcha (for fort/temples) is 124km. away from Gwalior.

Indore
Indore is situated on the Malwa plateau at an altitude of 553m above sea level, on the bank of two rivers- Saraswati and the Khan. They unite at the centre of the city where a small 18th century temple of Sangamnath or Indreshwar exists. The name Indore is due to this diety. It is the largest city in Madhya Pradeshstate in central India.
Situated on one of India's oldest pilgrimage routes from Mahakaal at Ujjain on river Kshipra, to Omkareshwar on the river Narmada and onwards to Rameshwaram, Indore was a convinient resting place.
It was on the route of the Marathas of Deccan on their way to North India. These Maratha guerilla warriors were in constant battle with the Mughal empire. Their army transit camps here attracted the local Zamindars (landlords) who, drawn by the promise of lucrative trade, settled in the villages on the confluence of the Khan and Saraswati rivers, thereby laying the foundation of this commerce centre in 1715. In 1741, temple of Indreshwar was erected in the town, from which it derives the name Indore.
The trade centre grew rapidly under the Holkar dynasty (1733-1818). The city became the capital of the Indore princely state in 1818 after the British forces under Sir John Malcolm defeated the Holkars led by Rani Krishnabai Holkar at Mahidpur. She signed the treaty of Mandsaur by which the control of Indore went in the hand of the East India Company. Between 1948 and 1956, Indore served as the summer capital of the former Madhya Bharat state. Currently, it is the commercial capital of M.P.
Places to watch:

• Rajwada
• Lalbagh palace
• Chatri of ( cenotaph ) of Krishna Bai Holkar
• Chatri of Balia Sarkar

Indore is well connected with rest of the country by all ways. It has its own airport and railway station which is well connected with Mumbai, Delhi, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Gwalior etc. It is about 195 km. away from Bhopal by road. While staying in Indore one can cover Ujjain, Mandu, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar by road. Good quality accommodation facilities are available in Indore.

Jabalpur
Jabalpur was previously known as Jubbulpore during the British Raj. The name of the city Jabalpur is basically derived from an Arabic word Jabal which means Mountain. Another belief is that a mythological figure known as Sage Jabali Pattanam, who had the distinction of learning of Vedas despite of geing from the lower caste, apparently lived in the area during the Ramayana era. Ashokan relics have been found. Later on it was the capital of the famous Tripuri kingdom (9th–10th centuries). In 13th century, it is seized by Gond dynasty till 1781. From 1818 it was undertaken by Britishers.
Under the British Raj, Jabalpur became the capital of the Saugor and Nerbudda Territories, which was part of the British North-Western Province. At that time it became infamous for the Thuggee murderers, but made more famous by the man who suppressed thugee, Col. William Henry Sleeman, who was also appointed commissioner at Jabalpur.
Jabalpur is one of the most important city of Madhya Pradesh. Nearest possible Airport form Kanha & Bandhavgarh is Jabalpur. It is well connected with major metropolitan cities of India through Railways. It is an important Military cantonment since 1904 (British India) with Vehicle Factory, Gun Carriage Factory, Ordnance Factory, Signals Training Centre. Places to visit here are Bhedaghat, Museum (Monday closed), Madan-Mahal fort, Bargi-dam boating etc.

Kanha
Kanha is a National Park and a Tiger Reserve spread over Mandla and Balaghat districts. Nearest possible Airport and Railway station is in Jabalpur city(165km. from Kisli gate of Kanha).Raipur city is around 240 km. from Mukki gate of Kanha national park. Bandhavgarh National Park is about 250km. away. Nagpur city is about 260km  away from Kanha(Kisli gate) and 305km. from Kanha Mukki gate.
  It is spread over total area of 940 sq.km. In 1930 Kanha area was divided into two santuaries called Banjar and Hallon of 300 sq.km. and 250 sq.km. It lies in Maikal mountain ranges. It is established as a National Park in 1st of June 1955 and declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1974.
Kanha National Park remains open for tourists from 1st of Oct. to 30th of June.
Park Timings

• 15 November to 15 February - Sunrise to 12.00 Noon & 3.00 PM to Sunset
• 16 February to 30 April - Sunrise to 1200 Noon & 4.00 PM to Sunset
• 1 May to 30 June - Sunrise to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to Sunset

Kanha National Park is noted for its last remaining population of the hard-ground race of the Swamp Deer. Apart from Swamp Deer, we can also found Tiger, Leopard, Gaur(Indian Bison), Chital, Sambar, Nilgai(Blue-bull), Chinkara, Chousingha, Barking Deer, Barasingha, Wild Boar, Wild Dog, common Grey Langur, Porcupine and around 200 bird species.
The birds species in the park include storks, teals, pintails, pond herons, egrets, peacock, pea fowl, jungle fowl, spur fowl, partridges, quails, ring doves, spotted parakeets, green pigeons, rock pigeons, cuckoos, papihas, rollers, bee-eater, hoopoes, drongos, warblers, kingfishers, woodpeckers, finches, orioles, owls, and fly catchers.

Khajuraho
Khajuraho is located in Chattarpur district of State of Madhya Pradesh in India. It has its peculiar place in the tourism map of International World for its artistically Temples. It is a one out of three World Heritage Site in State of Madhya Pradesh. Imaginations of sculptures were realized in the form of these temples during the period of 950 A.D.-1050 A.D. under the ruling of Chandela Rajputs.

In past the whole area was enclosed by a wall with 8 gates, each flanked by two golden palm trees. There were originally over 85 Hindu temples, of which only 22 now stand in a reasonable state of preservation. These temples are scattered over an area of about 8 square miles. Present temples are categorized in two groups: Western group & Eastern group of temples. They all are made up of Sand-stone which was carried out from Panna, about 45 km. away from site.

Like many other cultural centers of North India, Khajuraho temples also underwent destruction and disfigurement during 1203 A.D. by Qutubbuddin Aibek. Later in 19th century remaining temples were re-discovered by British Engineer T.S. Burt in 1838.

A common misconception of Khajuraho temples are that they mainly contain erotic art but in reality there is no erotic art inside in temple or near the deities except some external carving which is 10% or total carving.Here we can find complete images of Idols, extreme beauty of females, different kinds of postures of Erotics, potters, farmers, musicians etc.

Khajuraho has direct air-connection with Delhi & Mumbai through some prominent airlines like Jet-Airways, Kingfisher, Indian Airlines(Indian). Some prominent hotels are: Hotel Taj Chandela, Jass Raddison, Hotel Ramada, Hotel Clark, Usha Bundela. Here Festivals of Dance is organized in the month of February and March for a weak.
Generally Khajuraho temples can be viewed in 4-5hrs.

Maheshwar
Maheshwar is a town in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh state, in central India. It is 92 km away from  city Indore. The town lies on the north bank of the Narmada River. Its ancient name was Maheswari in Hindi and Mahishmati in Sanskrit language.
It is a center of handloom weaving since 5th century. Saris(dress worn primarily by Hindu women) of Maheshwar are still popular among Indian women. Here we can find number of Shiv Temples such as Kashivishwnath temple, Jaleshwartemple etc. The main attraction of this city is Maheshwar fort which is situated on the bank of river Narmada. It is still maintained by royal family. Some part of fort is turned into hotel. So accomodation problem can be solved by staying in Maheshwar Fort and enjoying royal treatment. Here boating facility is also available on river narmada.

Mandu
Mandu is a ruined city, located in Dhar district of State of Madhya Pradesh in Indian. Mandu is also known by the name of Mandavgarh, Shadiabad (City of Joy). It is about 98km. away from Indore and at an elevation of 633 meters. Nearest Railway station for Mandu is Ratlam (124km.).

Mandu was originally the capital of Parmara Rajputs rulers since 10th century till 14th century. However, the 1401 invasion of Delhi by the Mongols came as a blessing and Malwa seized independence under its Afghan governor. Then began an era of prosperity and fortune that lasted right through the Mughal invasion until the Marathas captured Mandu in 1732.

Mandu is mainly known for the love story of Sultan Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. Once out hunting , Baz Bahadur chanced upon a shepherdess frolicking and singing with her friends. Smitten by both her enchanting beauty and her mellifluous voice, he begged Roopmati to accompany him to his capital. Roopmati agreed to go to Mandu on the condition that she would live in a palace within sight of her beloved and venerated river, Narmada. Thus was built the Rewa Kund at Mandu. Nowadays, their family members' are living in Indore. On knowing about Roopmati’s beauty and sweet voice, Mughals decided to invade Mandu and capture both Baz Bahadur and Roopmati. Mandu was easily defeated and when Mughal forces marched towards fort, Roopmati poisoned herself to avoid capture as she know the result of capture. Baz Bahadur fled to Chittorgarh (In Rajasthan) and ultimately he spend rest of his life in Court of Delhi by entertaining Moughals rulers through singing.

During its time of prosperity in Mandu, nobody was poor in the city. Any poor permitted to stay in the city was donated a brick and a gold coin each by the residents of the city so as to bring him / her at par with others. The live example is "Dai Ka Mahal" which was built by a poor old woman on joining the city. Mandu is also famous for its special kind of tamarind known as Mandu ki Imli, the fruit looks like a papaya. The second famous fruit of the Mandu is "Khirani", a yellow coloured fruit also known as "Mandu ka Mewa".
Places to watch in Mandu are Darwazas (gateways), Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace), Hindola Mahal, Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, Rewa Kund, Roopmati Pavallion, Caves & Temples etc. Rainy season enhances the beauty of Mandu.

Omkareshwar
Omkareshwar is a sacred island located at the convergence of river Narmada and Kaveri in Khandwa district of State of Madhya Pradesh in India. Shape of island is like the holiest of all Hindu symbols, ‘Om’. It is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. Out of 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva, 2 (Ujjain & Omkareshwar) are present in Madhya Pradesh. Here we can see both Satpura hills and Vindhychal hills.There are two temples here, one is Omkareshwar temple and second one is Amareshwar temple. Omkareshwar means “Om-shaper-lord” and Amareshwar means “Immortal-lord”. Here one should must see Shri Omkar Mandhata temple, Siddhanath temple, 24 Avatars (cluster of temples), Satmtrika Temple, Kajalrani Cave (9km. from Omkareshwar).
Omkareshwar is about 75km. away from Indore. Nearest Airport and Railway-station is in Indore city. It is on Indore-Khandwa highway. Omkareshwar can be visited in a day.

Orcha
Orcha was founded in 16th century by the Bundela Rajput. It is 16km. from Jhansi on Jhansi-Khajuraho road, having Railway station & Bus stand. The nearest airport to reach Orchha is Gwalior which is 120 km away. Orcha is built on the bank of Betwa river.

Pachmarhi
Pachmarhi is a hill station in Madhya Pradesh and is widely known as Queen of Satpura. It lies in Hoshangabad district  and is located at an elevation of 3500 ft. in valley of Satpura Mountain-Ranges. Its name is derived from presence of 5 ancient caves. “Panch” means five and “marhi” means caves.

It is discovered by British Army Captain James Forsyth in 1857 when he was sent their to suppress famous revolt for freedom by freedom fighters like Rani Jhansi, Tatya Topa who use this area as a safe hideout and inspires local tribal people to participate in fight for freedom.

It is general believe that Pandavs have spend some time in aforesaid 5 caves during exile (Agyatvaas). In Mahadeo hills one can see famous Rock-painting also. There are many scenic point, temples, Picnic spots, water falls etc.

PACHMARHI is a Trekker's Paradise. Camping out in Pachmarhi's forests is a rare joy. It is famous for its scouts training camps, winter training camps and mountaineering camps. Pitch your tent in any clearing, light a fire, follow the smoke to the heavens. Pick up any trail and in no time you are surrounded by the sound of burbling water and the rustling of leaves. Tall ant-hills, that look like bits of sculpture, meditate under the sal trees and langurs stare down mysteriously from the occasional huge gular trees. The Satpura National Park, a lesser known wildlife sanctuary and reserve forest, surrounds Pachmarhi.

Nearest railway station for Pachmarhi is Pipariya about 47km. away. Near by airport is in Bhopal(200km) and in Jabalpur(255km). having direct flights for Delhi & other cities. 

Panna

Shri 5 Padmavatipuri Dham, Panna and its sacred places.
Adorned with divine lustre Padmavatipuri Dham is in Panna town at the centre of Vindhyachal in Madhya Pradesh. Moving around in different places along with his disciples Mahamati Prannath reached Panna with a divine message of awakening from Shri Krishna Pranami religion. Seeing a desert island he decided to unfurl the flag of Jagani there. He helped the brave king Chhatrasal and adorned him by the title of Maharaja. He remained there for elevan years, and took samadhi inside the dome itself. The place, therefore, is knwon as the seat of salvation [Muktipitha] or Padmavatipuri Dham.

Pench
Pench is a yet another well known Tiger reserve, located in state border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The area of park lies in Madhya Pradesh, comes under Seoni & Chhindwara district. The total area of the Reserve is 757.89 km² of which, the Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park, forming the core zone of the Reserve, covers 292.85 km², and the Mowgli Pench Wildlife Sanctuary is 118.30 km² in area. A Buffer Zone constituted by Reserved Forests, Protected Forests and Revenue land, occupies 346.73 km². The habitat is contiguous on the south with the 257.26 km² of the Pench Tiger Reserve,. Named after the river that flows nearby, Pench was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1977, National Park in 1983 and Tiger Reserve 1992, Pench was included under the umbrella of "Project Tiger" as the 19th Project Tiger Reserve. Famous writer Rudyard Kipling got inspiration from same national park to write “The Jungle Book”.

The forest cover in the park area includes grand Teak (Tectona grandis) mixed with other magnificent species like saja (Terminalia tomentosa), bija (Pterocarpus marsupium), lendia (Lagerstroemia parviflora), haldu (Adina cardifolia), dhaora (Anogeissus latifolia), salai (Boswellia serrata), aonla (Emblica officinalis), amaltas (Cassia fistula), etc. The ground is covered with maze of grasses, plants, bushes and saplings. Bamboo is also found at places. Dazzling white kulu (Sterculia urens) trees scattered around stand out conspicuously among the various hues of green.

Tiger is the main cat species of the park present in good numbers but sighted infrequently. Commonly seen wildlife is chital, sambhar, nilgai, wild boar, and jackal. Other wild animals found are leopard, sloth bear, wild dog, porcupine, jungle cat, fox, striped hyena, gaur, chowsingha and barking deer. There are more than 170 species of birds including several migratory ones. Some of them are peafowl, junglefowl, crow pheasant, crimson-breasted barbet, red-vented bulbul, racket-tailed drongo, magpie robin, lesser whistling teal, pintail, shoveler, egret and herons. The large Pench reservoir within the park with its numerous islands provides a magical setting for boating. Motorboats, Paddleboats and rowboats are available for the tourists at Chhindimatta. Rafting can be done in the Pench river outside the park between 1st September and 15th October. The forested banks of the river along with rocky stretches of the river locally called kassa make for an adventurous, memorable experience. For rafting, contact park staff at Karmajhiri.

Pench national park has 3 enterance gates but the most popular one is Turia gate which is 13km. away from Khawasa state border(NH-7) of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashra. Nearest airport and railway station is in Nagpur city(100 km.). Jabalpur is about 200 km. away from Pench (Turai gate) and Kanha national park (Kisli gate) is about 250 km. Chindwara is about 65 km. but via Seoni is 120 km. Prominent hotels available here are Taj’s “Baghvan”, Pench Jungle Camp, Mogwli’s Den

Sanchi
Sanchi is a small villge in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh state in India. It is 50 km. away from Bhopal city and can be reached by road. Bhopal is well connected with other cities of India through air, road and trains. Sanchi is popular for its Great Buddhist Stupas. Stupas are open in all weekdays from sunrise to sunset. There are many accommodations available their in Sanchi like Sri Lanka Mahabodhi society Rest House, Travelers Lodge; Buddhist guesthouse, Circuit House.
There are many meanings of Stupa like:
“When a great teacher passes away, his body is no more, but to indicate that his mind is dwelling forever in an unchanging way in the dharmakaya, one will erect a stupa as a symbol of the mind of the buddhas”
“The stupa represents the Buddha's body, his speech and his mind, but most especially his mind and every part shows the path to Enlightenment”
Sanchi was virtually forgotten after 13th century until a British officer in 1818, General Taylor, the first known Western historian, document (in English) the existence of Sanchi. Amateur archaeologists and treasure hunters ravaged the site until 1881, when proper restoration work was initiated. Between 1912 and 1919 the structures were restored to their present condition under the supervision of Sir John Marshall.
Today, around fifty monuments remain on the hill of Sanchi, including three stupas and several temples. The monuments have been listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1989.
Some of the viewable monuments in Sanchi are as fllows:

• The Great Stupa No.1:- 36.5mts in diameter and 16.4 mts highm, it is one of the oldest stone structures in India. With a massive hemispherical dome, the stupa stands majestically. The paved procession path around it has become smooth by centuries of pilgrim's visit. Built originally as an earthen stupa by the Emperor Ashoka, it was rebuilt in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. The last of the additions to this remarkable stupa are richly carved four gateways or Toranas. The first of the four gateways to be erected was the one at the Southern Entrance, followed, in chronological order by the Northern, the Eastern and the Western Gateways. The Southern Gateway: Reveals the birth of Gautum in a series of dramatically rich carvings. The southern Gateway: crowned by a wheel of law, illustrates the miracle associated with the Buddha as told in the Jataka tales. The Eastern Gateway, depicts the young prince, Gautam, leaving his father's place, renouncing worldly life to seek enlightenment .The inner face of the right pillar portrays the dream of Maya, the mother of Buddha, when she conceived him. The Western Gateway depicts the Seven incarnations of the Buddha, four represented by trees and three by stupas; the Buddha preaching his first sermon at the Deer Park, Sarnath and the Chhaddanta Jataka tale.
• Stupa No. 2, dating back to the 2nd Century BC, stands at the very edge of the hill and its most striking feature is the stone balustrade that surrounds it.
• Stupa No.3 situated northeast of the Great Stupa is where the relics of Sariputra and Mahamogalana, the two famous disciples of the Buddha were found in its inner most chambers. The hemispherical dome is crowned, as a mark of its special religious significance, with an umbrella of polished stone. It has only one gateway. This structure belongs to the period between 150-140 BC.
• Ashoka Pillar, with its four lion head stump, erected during the 3rd Century BC, is situated close to the Southern Gateway of the Great Stupa. Though, similar to the intricately carved pillar in Sarnath, the lions did not support a "Wheel of Law" (Dharmachakra). A unique feature of this pillar is its brilliant polish.
• The Gupta Temple (4th Century AD), in ruins now, is one of the earliest known examples of temple architecture in India. It consists of a simple flat roofed chamber with a pillared porch in front.
• The Great Bowl, carved out of one block of stone, contained food that was distributed amongst the monks of Sanchi.
• Temple 18, a Chaitya Hall, situated in front of the Southern Gateway of the Great Stupa is comparatively recent (around 7th Century A.D.) resembles the rock-cut Chaitya halls at Karla Caves in Maharashtra.
• The Monastery and Temple 45, built between the 7th and 11th Centuries, show more developed styles of architecture. On the ornamental doorway here, one can see the image of Buddha with an oval Halo.
• The Archaeological Survey of India Museum, established on hilltop in 1919 by Jhon Marshall. It is situated at the entrance to the monument, exhibits findings and remains of the excavated site. Among these are caskets, pottery, and parts of gateways, lion capital of the Ashokan Pillar and images.                                                                                                  Timings of visit: 10 AM to 5 PM, Friday Closed
  Entrance Fee: Rs 5/-
  (Children upto 15 years free)

Shivpuri
Shivpuri is a district of Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Shivpuri is very ancient town and a sacred place. It is named for the God Shiva. It is steeped in the royal legacy of its past, when it was the summer capital of the Scindia rulers of Gwalior. Earlier to that, Shivpuri's dense forests were the hunting grounds of the Mughal emperors. Emperor Akbar captured herds of elephants for his stables while returning from Mandu in year 1564. The thick forrests are still there and continue to be a source of forrest-produces of domestic and industrial use.

Shivpuri was awarded as Jagir to the Kachwahas of Narwar in the 17th century. It came under the rule of the Scindias in 1804, who granted it to one of their Maratha generals by name Ingle. Later, it was transferred to the HEIC in 1817 under a treaty, but the Scindias regained it in 1818. It was the summer capital of Gwalior State and government offices were shifted here in summer months.Tantya Tope was awarded death sentence on April 17, 1859 by British Raj for his part in the Revolt of 1857 in nearby Jhansi. He was hanged to death in Shivpuri, at a site near the present collectorate.

Shivpuri is also known for Marble-Chatri’s of Scindia’a, fort in Narwar/Narbar, Madhav National Park (spread over an area of 157.58 Sq. Kms ). Madhav is well known for the migratory waterfowl, which arrive from the North (mainly Siberia) to winter on and around the lakes. Dr. Salim Ali, world-famous ornithologist, has suggested that the lake (Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar, created on Manier river in 1918) be developed as a bird sanctuary and steps are now being taken to ensure that this is carried out. Bird life on the lake features many geese and ducks-whilst around the shores may be found several species of herons as well as storks and cranes. Taking the Lake view road, as described in circuit 3 may best see these.

Bird life in the forests is also plentiful, with many of the species typical of the habitat. A particularly good area for bird viewing is where the track crosses the wide, rocky stream, which flows, from the Waste Weir. Here there are annually Red-wattle lapwings, Large pied Wagtails, Pond herons and often a White-breasted kingfisher. Numerous other species may be seen, especially at dawn or dusk when the birds fly in to drink.

The following list shows some of the commoner and more conspicuous birds to be found in and around the Park - Large cormorant, Painted stork, Grey heron, Spoonbill, Purple heron, White ibis, Pond heron, Grey lag goose, Large brown dove, Grey duck, Spotted dove, Vulture, Red turtle dove, White-backed vulture, Blue rock pigeon, Common pariah kite, Spotted owlet, Black-winged kite, House swift, Marsh harrier, Common kingfisher, Shikra, white, breasted kingfisher, Laggar falcon, Small pied kingfisher, Eurasian kestrel, Little bee-eater, Common fowl, Indian roller, Common sandgrouse, Hoopoe, Painted sandgrouse, Wryneck, Sarus crane, Mahratta woodpecker, Indian moorhen, Red-rumped swallow, Red-wattled lapwing, Wiretailed swallow, Green sandpiper, Bay-backed shrike, Grey shrike, Blossom-headed parakeet, Rose-ringed parakeet, Purple sunbird, Large cuckoo-shrike, Red-vented bulbul, Plain prinia, Tailor bird, Ashy prinia, Common Mynah, Brahminy mynah, indian robin, Magpie robin, Black redstart, White-throated munia, Black drongo, Whitebellied drongo, Dusky crag martin, Collared bushchat, Paradise flycatcher, Verditer flycatcher, Red-breasted flycatcher, Orphean warbler, Pied bushchat, White-eye, Grey wagtail, Large pied wagtail, White wagtail, Grey tit, Jungle crow, Indian house crow, Treepie, Golden oriole, Black oriole, House sparrow.

An interesting feature about the Shivpuri national park in Madhya Pradesh, India is the fact that you can photograph tigers, as you will most definitely sight a few at this wildlife park. This is because the tigers are bred in captivity in the buffer zone of the Madhav Shivpuri wildlife park. In lake Shakya Sagar boating can be done and marsh crocodile can also be seen. The other inhabitants of the Shivpuri national park are striped hyenas, leopards, chitals, jackals, nilgais, four-horned antelopes, jungle cats, wild boars, gazelle, sambhars, sloth bears, crocodiles and langurs. Some good hotels in Shivpuri are “Tourist Village Shivpuri (M.P.T.)”, Chinkara Motel (M.P.T.). Shivpuri is well connected by road with Gwalior (112 km.) and Jhansi(105 km.), Chanderi (127 km.), Datia (125km.). Nearest airport is in Gwalior which is well connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Indore. Nearest railway station is in Jhansi.

Ujjain
Ujjain is an ancient city of Malwa in Central India on the eastern bank of Kshipra River in State of Madhya Pradesh. It is also known as Ujjayini, Avantikapuri, Avanti. In ancient time it was capital of Avanti Kingdom. It is one of the sacred cities of Hindus and Kumbh mela (religious festival of Hindus) held here in every 12 years. Out of 12 jyotirlingas, one is present in “Mahakaal Temple” of Ujjain. Here “Harsidhhi Temple” is one of the famous Shaktipeethas all over India.

In past it was residence of Emperor Ashok the great. That time he was not emperor but viceroy of western provinces of Maurya empire. Lord Krishna, Balram and Sudama were also get educated here in Ujjain(Sandipani Ashram). ISCKON(International Society of Krishna Consciousness) temple is also present here. In 6th and 7th century, Ujjain was major centre of mathematical astronomical research. The famous mathematicians who worked there included: Brahmagupta, whose book Brahmasphutasiddhanta was responsible for spreading the use of zero, negative numbers and the positional number system to Arabia and Cambodia; Varahamihira, who was the first to discover many trigonometric identities; and Bhaskaracharya, or Bhaskara II, whose book Lilavati broke new ground in many areas of mathematics.

For Ujjain nearest airport is in Indore about 55Km., railway station is in Ujjain city having direct connectivity from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad. Here two hotels of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department are present: Shipra Residency and Hotel Avantika.