Madhya Pradesh is a state in North-central India. The capital city of the state is Bhopal, and the largest city is Indore. It is the second largest state in India with a population of over 75 million. Madhya Pradesh literally means Central Province and due to its geographical location it is often referred to as the Heart of India.
The region is dotted with innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces and is rich with cultural heritage of Hinduism, Islam, Jainism and Buddhism.
UNESCO World Heritage sites
There are three UNESCO World Heritage sites in the region: Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka.
MAJOR TOURIST SITES
Major tourist destinations include: Khajuraho Erotic Temples, Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Gwalior, Orchha, Sanchi Stupas, Maheshwar, Mandu, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, etc.
NATIONAL PARKS
Madhya Pradesh is home to 11 National Parks and a number of nature preserves. Among popular national parks are: Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Satpura National Park, Sanjay National Park, Madhav National Park, etc.
FESTIVALS
Madhya Pradeshstate is also known for a number of festivals and fairs. Major festivals and fairs in the state include: Khajuraho Festival of Dance – a week-long event with Indian classical dancers performing amid floodlit temples; Shivaratri Mela with up to 100,000 Shaivite pilgrims, sadhus (spiritual men) and Adivasis (tribal people) attending celebrations at Mahadeo Temple; Magh Mela - a huge annual religious fair held on the banks of the Shipra River at Ujjain; Ahilyabai Holkar’s Birthday - the Holkar queen’s birthday celebrated with palanquin processions through the Maheshwar town; Navratri – a festival of Nine Nights; Tansen Music Festival – a four-day music festival attracting classical musicians and singers from all over India.
HANDICRAFTS
Wood carving, brass work, textile weaving, carpet weaving are among main industries in the state. Popular handicrafts include wooden spears and utensils, carved boxes, panels, figures made of brass and bell metal, sarees with batik work, tassar silk handloom fabrics, carpets, etc.
FOOD
The cuisine in Madhya Pradesh varies regionally. Dal bafla is a common meal, consisting of a steamed and grilled wheat cake dunked in rich ghee which is eaten with daal (lentil, pea or various types of bean) and ladoos (ball-shaped sweets made of flour, minced dough and sugar).
CLIMATE
Madhya Pradesh has a subtropical climate with hot dry summers (April–June), followed by monsoon rains (July–September) and a cool and relatively dry winter.
The best time to visit is in mid October to April.
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