Discover the heart of India as you travel through Madhya Pradesh.

A landscape of abundant forests, soaring hills and silver rivers, that was once Kipling's India.

Here, experience the timeless spirit of ancient India. Where empires rose and fell, leaving behind in forbidding fortresses and ornate palaces, the memory of their past glory

The pilgrim's route meanders through temples where stone carvings capture every facet of life. And the faithful worship at Buddhist stupas.

Begin your journey at the ancient city of Gwalior. Take a break at Shivpuri, a national park. At Orchha, the temples and palaces of the Bundela rulers line the banks of a river. And the highpoint of your trip will be the final destination - the incomparable temples of Khajuraho.

How to get there

Air links to Delhi, Agra and Varanasi. Nearest railheads Harpalpur, Mahoba, Jhansi. Road links to Satna, Harpalpur, Jhansi (175 km) and Gwalior (280 km).

Where to stay

Hotel Khankar (MP Tourism). Hotel Payal. Hotel Rahil. Tourist Village. Tourist Bungalow. Hotel Taj Chandela. Hotel Jass Oberoi. Hotel Khajuraho Ashok.

What to see

CHITRAGUPTA TEMPLE : Facing east, this temple is dedicated to the Sun God Surya. The inner sanctum has an imposing idol of the deity.
PARSVANATH TEMPLE : The largest Jain temple with carvings on themes of daily life.
VISHWANATH TEMPLE : With impressive entrances flanked by carved lions and elephants, the temple enshrines a three-headed image of Brahma.
LAKSHMANA TEMPLE : A beautiful Vaishnavite temple shows the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva with Lakshmi, Vishnu's consort.

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The ancient capital of the Rajput clans of Tomars, Pratiharas and Kachchwahas, Gwalior presents many magnificent monuments celebrating their rule.

Statue of Rani Jhasi

Of warrior kings and a poet's song. It is a city that remembers not only its kings but also its poets, singers and saints with pride. And preserves with care every monument of its historical and cultural heritage.

Where to stay

Hotel Tansen (MP Tourism). Hotel Usha Kiran Palace. Hotel Gwalior Regency. Hotel Midway. Hotel Meghdoot. Hotel Fortview. Hotel Grace.

What to see

GWALIOR FORT : The invincible sandstone fortress dominates the city. With magnificent outer walls and beautiful palaces inside.
MAN MANDIR PALACE : Built by Raja Mansingh with vast halls and carved stone screens. A superb son et lumiere, is held here every evening.
GUJARI MAHAL : A marvel of 15^th century architecture, the palace was Raja Mansingh's gift to his favourite queen Mriganayani.
SAS BAHU KA MANDIR AND TELI KA MANDIR : Two graceful temples dedicated to lord Vishnu, in a unique blend of architectural styles.
JAI VILAS PALACE AND MUSEUM : The current residence of the royal Scindia family, the palace is an Italianate structure with an imposing Durbar Hall. Decorated with tapestries and antique furniture.
TANSEN'S TOMB : Memorial to the legendary singer who was one of the `nine jewels' in the court of Emperor Akbar.

Festivals

Tansen Festival, the annual music festival held at Tansen tomb, where leading classical musicians give performances.

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George Castle, Shivpuri

A summer resort of kings. Royalty hunted tigers in the wooded hills of Shivpuri the summer retreat of the Scindias. It royal past lives on in graceful palaces, hunting lodges and spectacular cenotaphs of past kings.

How to get there

The nearest airport is Gwalior (112 km) connected by daily flights from Delhi, Bhopal and Bombay. Nearest railhead is Gwalior. Bus services connect Shivpuri with Gwalior, Bhopal, Jhansi.

Where to stay

The Chinkara Motel, Sakhya Sagar Boat Club

What to see

MADHAV NATIONAL PARK: 156 sq km in area, the park has a varied terrain of wooded hills and flat grasslands around a lake with abundant wildlife.
CHHATRIS: Intricately embellished marble cenotaphs of Scindia kings with inlay work and ornamental carvings.
MADHAV VILAS PALACE: The rose-pink summer palace is a fine example of colonial architecture.
GEORGE CASTLE: A turreted castle built by Jiyaji Rao Scindia deep within the forest.
SAKHYA SAGAR BOAT CLUB: By the lake, an airy delicate structure with glass panels.
BHADAIYA KUND: A scenic picnic spot by a natural mineral spring.

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Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha

With a medieval majesty. Orchha was the capital of the Bundela Rajputs between 1531 and 1783. The palaces and temples built by tem retain much of their pristine perfection. Some of the palaces were decorated with painted murals which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting.

The nearest airport is Gwalior, 120 km by road. The nearest railhead is Jhansi. 19 km away, Orchha lies on the Jhansi - Khajuraho road.

Hotel Sheesh Mahal (MP Tourism). Hotel Mansarovar. Hotel Palaki Mahal. Sattar Yatri Niwas.

JEHANGIR MAHAL: Within the fort complex, built in the 17th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir. Its strong lines are counter - balanced by dedicate chhatris and trellis work.
RAJ MAHAL: The interior of the palace is painted with boldly colourful murals on a variety of religious themes.
RAM RAJA TEMPLE: With soaring spires, an unusual temple that was once a palace. Here Lord Rama is worshipped as a king.
LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE: The interiors contain the most exquisite of Orchha's wall paintings.
CENOTAPHS: Fourteen memorials to Orchha rulers by the banks of the Betwa river.
RAI PRAVEEN MAHAL: Set in landscaped gardens, a brick palace for the poetess and musician Rai Praveen, who captivated Raja Indramani in the 17th Century.
CHATURBHUJ TEMPLE: Built on a massive stone platform, the temple is reached by a steep flight of stairs.

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