Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation

Destination – Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is called the Heart of India because of its location in the centre of the country. It has been home to the cultural heritage of Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism etc. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts & palaces are dotted all over the state. Madhya Pradesh bagged the Best Tourism State Award in 2012. The natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh is equally varied. Consisting largely of a plateau streaked with the hill ranges of the Vindhyas and the Satpuras, the State has everything. The hills give rise to the main river system - Narmada and the Tapti, running from east to west, and the Chambal, Sone, Betwa, Mahanadi west to east. Spectacular mountain ranges, meandering rivers dotted with hills and lakes and miles and miles of dense forests offering a unique and exciting panorama of wildlife in sylvan surroundings. One third of the state is forested and offers a unique and exciting panorama of wildlife. In the National Parks of Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Shivpuri and many others one has the rare opportunity to see the tiger, the bison and a wide variety of deer and antelope in sylvan surroundings. Although the modern state of Madhya Pradesh came into being in 1956, its cultural heritage is ancient and chequered. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces on hilltops, raise in the visitors mind visions of empires and kingdoms, of the great warriors and builders, poets and musicians, saints and philosophers; of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. The famous Sanskrit poet-dramatist Kalidasa and the great musician of the Mughal court, Tansen, were from Madhya Pradesh. They are known all over the world.

Three sites in Madhya Pradesh have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO

1. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986) 2. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989) 3. The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)

National Parks, Tiger Reserves, Sanctuaries & Forests

Fossil National Park

Fossil National Park is situated in Dindori, This national park has plants in fossil form that existed in India anywhere between 40 million and 150 million years ago spread over seven villages of Mandla District. The Mandla Plant Fossils National Park is an area that spreads over 274,100 square metres. Such fossils are found in three other villages of the district also, which lie outside the national park. In Ghuguwa and Umaria the standing, petrified trunks of trees have been identified as Gymnosperms and Angiosperms- Monocotyledons and palms. There are certain Bryophytes also. There is some doubt about whether the fossils are from the late Jurassic or the early and mid-Cretaceous age. This is because when the breakup of the single land mass, Pangaea occurred, it was split by the continental drift into Laurasia and Gondwanaland somewhere between the Jurassic and Cretaceous ages. India formed a part of Gondwanaland. Interspersed with the plant fossils are to be found the fossils of molluscs. One theory is that the area in which the fossils are located, i.e., the Narmada Valley near Mandla, was actually a deep inundation of the sea into peninsular India till the Post- Cambrian Tertiary age, about 40 million years ago. This means that Narmada was a very short river which terminated in the inland sea above Mandla, and that the recession of the sea caused geological disturbances, which created the present rift valley through which the

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 1

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation

Narmada River and Tapti River flow in their present journey to the Arabian Sea. The fossils look like ordinary rocks and are either removed from the fields unwittingly by agriculturists or are damaged by tourists and those unscrupulous people who think they can make quick money out of their sale.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Bandhavgarh is located between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, and was well known for its tigers much before it became a tiger reserve. The area has unique historical attributes, with the Bandhavgarh. Fort prominently located as a major landmark. According to legend, it is believed that the Bandhavgarh Fort was given to Lakshman by his brother Lord Ram (bandhav means brother, hence the name Bandhavgarh). Several ancient texts like Shiva Samhita and NaradPuran also make a reference to this area. Bandhavgarh owes its wilderness to erstwhile rulers of Rewa State, since it was their hunting preserve and enjoyed protection from wanton destruction. It was considered a good omen for the Rewa Maharaja to shoot 108 tigers, the numbers coinciding with the beads in the Hindu rosary! Bandhavgarh has three major attractions: wildlife archaeology and breathtaking landscape. Out of which wildlife is the principal one, with tigers being the star attraction that can be easily sighted in their various moods and behavioural patterns. Interesting territorial fights and land tenure patterns of tigers have been observed in the area. The other common wild herbivores of Central India like Sambar, Chital (Spotted deer), Chowsingha, Nilgai and Chinkara. Other wild animals include the Sloth bear, jackal, hyena, langur, and more than 240 species of avifauna, apart from a large number of reptilian species. The reserve also has a sparse population of Gaur, which could be sighted in forest areas adjoining the reserve. The must-visit places within the park include the Bandhavgarh Fort, the statue of reclining Vishnu (Sheshshaiya), Badi Gufa, Three Cave Point, Sita, Mandap, Raj Behra and Chakradhara. Wildlife can be viewed from open vehicles as safaris.

Kanha National Park

Kanha Tiger Reserve is located in the Maikal Hills of the Satpuras spreading over two revenue districts – Mandla and Balaghat.Kanha was declared a reserve forest in 1879 and notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1933. Its status was further upgraded to a national park in 1955.

The habitat has an excellent interspersion of geographical attributes and welfare factors which foster a rich population of wildlife. Kanha is virtually a tiger land, with several tigresses occupying traditionally famous natal areas. Several pockets of high density areas lead to competition amongst tigers for food and space with several signs indicating their presence. Inter group fights among tigers and cub morality caused by male tigers is common in Khana.

There is a rich assemblage of co-predators and prey animals. Packs of Wild dogs chasing large herds of Spotted deer are a commonsight in Kanha. Perhaps the most precious animal of Kanha is the Central Indian Barasingha. This Swamp deer is the last world population of the hard ground subspecies, which has virtually been saved from extinction owing to concerned efforts under Project Tiger. Barasinghas have also been located successfully to the eastern Halon Valley of the park, which was their original home. Other common animals found in the reserve are leopard, Spotted deer, Sambar, Wild pigs, Grey langur and more than 300 species of birds.

The places of tourist attraction here are Shravan Tal, Shravan Chita, Macha Dongar, Bamni Dadar famous for breathtaking sunset view, orientation centre/museum and grasslands of

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 2

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation

Mukki and Sonf. Similar to Bandhavgarh, Kanha also allows wildlife lovers to catch glimpses of natives from an elephant back apart from jungle excursions in open vehicles.

Madhav National Park

Madhav National Park is located in close proximity to the Shivpuri town. Madhav National Park has been the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Gwalior, and is one of the oldest protected areas of Madhya Pradesh.

The Shivpuri area is legendary for its faunal riches. It is said that Emperor Akbar, while returning from Malwa in 1854, captured a large number of wild elephants in its forests. However, at present there are no elephants in this tract. During 1956, an area of 165.32 sq km was notified as a national park under the Madhya Bharat National Park Act of 1955. Subsequently, the area has been increased to 354.61 sq km. The common fauna in Madhav National Park include leopard, Wild dog, wolf, jackal, hyena, Spotted deer, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chowsingha and Wild pig. There are reports of tigers straying into the area from adjoining forests. More than 227 species of birds can be seen, and a large number of migratory birds visit the park during winter – Spots bills, pelicans, Spoon bills, Brahminy ducks and Bar headed geese. The lakes have a large variety of fishes. The places of tourist attraction in the area include SakhyaSagar Lake, Sailing Club and shooting box, Madhav Lake, George Castle, BhuraKho, JalMandir and Siddha Baba.

Panna National Park

Panna is located in the Vindhya range, this tiger reserve spreads into two revenue districts, Panna and Chhatarpur. Like Bandhavgarh, Panna was also the hunting reserve of its erstwhile rulers of Chhatarpur and Bijawar princely states. The Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary comprising of forests of Panna Forest Divisions (north and south) was created in 1975. The area was enlarged and its legal status elevated to a national park during 1981. The protected area was brought under Project Tiger in 1994. Panna is rather an open, dry landspace, with the topography and water distribution governing the spatial presence of wild animals. There is a significant drop in elevations, locally known as seha. These places provide adequate cover for wild animals. Vultures and other raptors roosting on cliffs along the river course are a common sight in Panna. The fauna consists of tiger, leopard, Chowsingha, Sloth bear, Nilgai, Chinkara, hyena and small groups of Chital. More than 200 species of birds have been spotted. Both Gharial and Mugger are found in the Ken River. The places of tourist interest in Panna are Pandava Fall, Kamasan Fall, Dhundhawa Fall, Bhauradeh Fall, Bhadar and Badgadi Fall, Raneh Fall and cave paintings.

Pench Tiger Reserve

Named after the Pench River, which flows through the reserve, this tiger habitat is located in the southern reaches of theSatpura hill range, falling in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1977 and portions of it were elevated as a national park in 1983. During 1992 these areas were brought under the coverage of Project Tiger. The landscape is also the setting for Rudyard Kipling's famous Jungle Book and its Mowgli stories. It is believed that Kipling was inspired by Sir William Henry Sleeman's account of a boy believed to have been raised by wolves, in the village of SantBaori in the Seoni district. Pench has a good tiger population, and the litter size more often is big enough to have four cubs. Co-predators like the Wild dog and leopard are very common. The herbivores include Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chowsingha, Chinkara, Barking deer, Gaur and Wild pig. The most commonly found omnivore is a Sloth bear. More than 280 bird species have check listed. The common ones include cormorants, darters, herons, egrets, White neck storks, White ibises,

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 3

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation

Black ibises, Pintail ducks, Brahminy ducks, Fishing eagles, shrikes and wagtails. Four species of vultures – the White rumped, Long billed, White scavenger and the King are seen in the reserve. The famous tourist attractions in the reserve include Totladoh Dam, Karmajhiri, Kalapahad, Chhindimatta, Bison Camp and Bison Retreat.

Sanjay-Dubri

Sanjay-Dubri landscape is characterized by undulating hills, valleys, deep gorges and plains with numerous streams. Sanjay an important link in the north-eastern part of the state between Bandhavgarh and Palamau tiger reserves. The forests of the northeast of Bandhavgarh are continuous with the forests of Sanjay Tiger Reserve. However, several areas require restorative management to ensure corridor connectivity. The tiger reserve also forms the watershed of the Son River and its tributaries.

The fauna consists of tiger, leopard, hyena, jackal, Chital, Sambar, Chinkara, Sloth bear, Wild pig, langur and a large variety of birds. Sanjay also forms the seasonal migratory route for wild elephants from Chattisgarh. In 2008, Sanjay Tiger Reserve was brought under Project Tiger. Securing inviolate core area for tiger and other wild animals by reducing the biotic disturbance, and stepping up field protection are the challenges before the reserve's management. The major tourist attractions here are RamadahaKund, Domarpert Hill and Gopad River.

Satpura

Satpura is a well-known Gondwana tract. During the year 1862, the Forest Department of Central Provinces constructed the Bison Lodge at Pachmarhi. Though the original construction no longer exists, a forest museum has been created at this spot. Satpura is an important habitat, harbouring a source population of tiger, which disperses to the adjoining Betul, Hoshangabad and East Nimar areas. The faunal assemblage at Satpura is rich with tiger and its co-predators like leopard and Wild dog. The herbivores include Gaur, Sambar, Chital, Barking deer, Nilgai, and Chowsingha. Arboreal animals like Giant and Flying squirrels are also frequently seen along the riverine areas. Fresh water crocodiles and fishes are common in the water bodies here. While jungle fowl, partridges, quails, parakeerts and raptors are part of the rich avifauna of the area. The places of tourist interest include Jata Shankar, Pandav Caves, Priyadarshani Point, Mahadev, Chauragarh, Dhoopgarh, Cave Shelter, Bee Fall, Bori and Churna.

Van Vihar National Park

The Van Vihar National Park is situated in the heart of Bhopal City. 445.21 hectare degraded hillock along with private Village land was initiated in 1980 and finally notified as a National Park in 1983. With the dedicated efforts of the Park management this area has now been transformed into an oasis of greenery. The area today serves as the green lung for Bhopal City. Although, having status of a National Park, the Van Vihar is developed and managed as a modern Zoological Park, following the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority. There are about 207 species of birds, 60 species of butterfly; animals like tiger, leopard, hyena, Sloth bear, lion, sambar, chital, etc. are also present at the park along with gharial, crocodile and several species of tortoise.The animals are kept in their near natural habitat. Most of the animals are either orphaned brought from various parts of the state or those, which are exchanged from other zoos. Contrary to the common belief, not a single animal is deliberately captured from the forest. Van Viharalso potrays an awesome landscape which dishes out incredible scenic beauty. The adjoining Upper Lake adds immense beauty to the landscape of Van Vihar National Park. The lake enlivens particularly when thousands of

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 4

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation migratory birds alight joyfully on the vast stretch of water during the cold days of winter. Dusk provides a panoramic view of the sunset on the lakeside like a fireball drowning in water. Van Vihar remains open throughout the year, About 2.50 lakh visitors come to Van Vihar every year, and Free entry for school, college students and Senior citizens.

Traditional Destinations

Amarkantak

Situated at an altitude of 1065 mt. at the meeting point of the Vindhya and the Satpura mountain ranges amongst sylvan surroundings, Amarkantak is a great pilgrim center for the Hindus, and is the source of the rivers Narmada and Sone. While the Narmada flows Westwards from Amarkantak, the Sone flows towards the East. Amarkantak is indeed blessed by Nature. Holy ponds, lofty hills, forested surroundings, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls and an ever-pervading air of serenity make Amarkantak a much sought-after destination for the religious-minded as well as for the nature-lover.

Did you know? Among all the sacred rivers of India, the Narmada occupies a unique place. Legend has it that Lord Shiva blessed Narmada with unique purifying powers. Whereas to purify himself, a devotee requires to take one dip in the Holy Ganga, seven days' prayers on the banks of Yamuna and three days prayers on the banks of Saraswati, the mere sight of Narmada is enough. A charming folk tale describes the superiority of Narmada over Ganga. 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! There are other rivers too, popular, romantic and life sustaining, each glamourized in the folk lore and history but none can match the mystique of Narmada.

EXCURSIONS Kapildhara: The Kapil Dhara is associated with the legendry sage Kapil or Kapila: he reputedly spend 12 years here deeply immersed in meditative austerities. Here, too, the young Narmada pours down the escarpment in a gushing waterfall and depressions in the water-worn rocks, before the cascade, are said to be the footprints of that powerful seer. The base of the falls, on the rocky banks of the brisk, blue stream that is the Narmada, is a favoured picnic spot with visitors. Those who are a shade more adventurous often opt to trek for a further one kilometer or so to the next Narmada falls: the Dugdh Dhara.

MUST SEE PLACES : Narmada Udgam is a temple built at the source of the Narmada – the holiest spot in Amarkantak. You could visit Sonmuda which is the prime source of the river Sone. You could opt to go to Brighu Kamandal where the water pitcher which is always full of water. Dhuni Pani is a hot spring in a thick forest. While Dudhdhara is where water falls from a height of about 50 ft. in a milk–white cascade. Mai Ki Bagiya is a lovely garden with a temple. Visitors can also attend the two most prominent Artis which take place at Amarkantak, Kund ki Arti which takes place evening from 7 pm to 8 pm and the Narmada Arti from 8 pm to 9 pm.

Bhedaghat

Soaring in glittering splendour, the Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat rise to a hundred feet on either side of the Narmada. The serene loveliness of the scene is one of cool quiet, the sunlight sparkling on the marble-white pinnacles and casting dappled shadows on the pellucid waters. These white rocks with views of black and dark green volcanic seams are truly majestic, and produce a magical effect on moonlit nights. The holy river flows by

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 5

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation tranquilly flanked by the towering cliffs which reflect in it like a mirror the changing moods of nature. A little distance away, it becomes turbulent as it plunges in a mighty water fall known as Dhuandhar.

In his Highlands of Central India Captain J. Forsyth speaks eloquently about the infinitely varied beauty of the rocks: "the eye never wearies of the ... effect produced by the broken and reflected sunlight, now glancing from a pinnacle of snow-white marble reared against the deep blue of the sky as from a point of silver, touching here and there with bright lights the prominence of the middle heights and again losing itself in the soft bluish grays of their recesses. . . Here and there the white saccharine limestone is seamed by veins of dark green or black volcanic rock; a contrast which only enhances like a setting of jet, the purity of the surrounding marble."

From Bhedaghat visitors can visit Bargi Dam which is about 50Kms and also the beautiful city of Jabalpur which is about 25 kms away.

MARBLE ROCKS:

Boating facilities are available from November to May and while boating by moonlight is a thrilling experience, the Marble Rocks have recently been floodlit, adding a new dimension to their splendour. The boating fares are about Rs. 20 per person. There is also a ropeway for crossing the length of the river which provides the place an adventurous touch. .

DHUANDHAR FALLS:

The Narmada, making its way through the marble rocks, narrows down and then plunges in a waterfall known as Dhuandhar or Smoke Cascade. So powerful is the plunge that its roar is heard from a far distance. The falls and the breaking of the volume of water at the crest present an awesome spectacle of Nature's power unleashed.

SOAPSTONE ARTIFACTS: the soapstone revealed by the Narmada provides occupation to families of carvers of gods and goddesses, lingas, crosses, madonnas, ashtrays and trinket boxes.

Bhimbetka

Executed mainly in red and white with the occasional use of green and yellow, with themes taken from the every day events of aeons ago, the scenes usually depict hunting, dancing, music, horse and elephant riders, animals fighting, honey collection, decoration of bodies, disguises, masking and household scenes. Animals such as bisons, tigers, lions, wild boars, elephants, antelopes, dogs, lizards, crocodiles, etc. have been abundantly depicted in some caves. Popular religious and ritual symbols also occur frequently.

The colours used by the cave dwellers were prepared combining manganese, hematite, soft red stone and wooden coal. Sometimes the fat of animals and extracts of leaves were also used in the mixture. The colours have remained intact for many centuries due to the chemical reaction resulting from the oxide present on the surface of the rocks.

Bhojpur

The temple which has earned the nomenclature of the Somnath of the east, is known as the Bhojeshwar Temple. The temple was never completed and the earthen ramp used to raise it to dome-level still stands. Had it been completed, it would have had very few rivals. As it is,

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 6

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation even with the ravages of time, it remains one of the best examples of temple architecture of the 11th - 13th centuries. Richly carved above, the doorway is plain below, throwing into sharp relief the two exquisitely sculpted figures that stand on either side. On the other three sides of the structure are balconies, each supported by massive brackets and four intricately carved pillars. 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, and composed of three superimposed limestone blocks, the architectural harmony of lingam and platform creates a superb synthesis of solidity and lightness.

The Cyclopean dam was a marvel during olden times; the great dam now lay in ruins on the western side of Bhojpur. West of Bhojpur once laid a vast lake which was destroyed by Hoshang Shah of Malwa (1405- 34), who cut through the lesser dam, and thus either intentionally or in a fit of destructive passion, added an enormous area of the highest fertility to his possessions. According to a Gond legend, it took an army of them three months to cut through the dam and the lake took three years to empty, while its bed was not habitable for thirty years afterwards. The climate of Malwa is said to have been considerably altered by the removal of this vast sheet of water.

Bhopal

Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh combines scenic beauty, historicity and modern urban planning. It is situated on the site of an 11th century city, Bhojapal, founded by Raja Bhoj. Bhopal today presents a multi-faceted profile; the old city with its teeming market places and fine old mosques and palaces still bear the aristocratic imprint of its former rulers; among them the succession of powerful Begums who ruled Bhopal from 1819 to 1926. Equally impressive is the new city with its verdant, exquisitely laid out parks and gardens, broad avenues and streamlined modern edifices.

The founder of the existing city was Afghan soldier Dost Mohammad (1708-1740). Fleeing from Delhi in the chaotic period that followed Aurangzeb's death, Dost Mohammad met the Gond queen Kamlapati, who sought his aid after the murder of her consort. A charming legend relates how the queen would recline in a lotus barge that, on moonlit nights, would drift across the lake. The two lakes of Bhopal still dominate the city, and are indeed its nucleus. Bordered along their shores stand silent sentinels that testify to the growth of a city.

Islamnagar: 11 km away on the Bhopal- Berasia road, Islamnagar was the palace of Bhopal's Afghan rulers and was built by Dost Mohammed Khan. Formal gardens surround the palace and the pavilion. The latter a synthesis of Hindu and Islamic decorative art, has columns lavishly embellished with floral motifs. Other monuments to see are the Hamam of the Chaman Mahal and the double-storied Rani Mahal. Kerwa: 17 km from Bhopal. A dam and a beautiful picnic spot. Raisen: 45 km from Bhopal is the ancient fort of Raisen on the Bhopal-Sagar road. The fort was built in the early 6th century. It is situated on a high hill and once had 84 lakes and ponds, of which only 15 remain. The fort was under the famous Hindu king Rai Puran Mal before it was seized by Sher Shah and brought under Afghan control. Delawadi: 62 km from Bhopal. Situated in a lovely forest glade, Delawadi is a picturesque picnic spot, rich in scenic splendor and natural beauty. Ginnorgarh: The historical fort standing on an isolated hill about 1,127 metres long and 266 metres broad is situated 3 km away from Delawadi. Buses ply the route, but from Delawadi to the fort one has to travel on foot. The fort was once a stronghold of Gonds, but fell to Mohammad of the Bhopal State.

The Upper Lake was constructed in the 10-11 Cent AD by Raja Bhoj. It is an unsurpassable example of the water engineering of the period

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 7

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation

SALKANPUR - Perched along the Vindhyan ranges at an altitude of 2100 feet, Salkanpur echoes its past glories, it has its own history,myths and beliefs that had made it a place blessed by god and sanctified by the faith of the pilgrims. Salankanpur with its natural hilly profile was originally the sacred place of Goddess Parvati. It is believed that one of the body parts of the goddess felled here when Lord Shiva was saving her from burning. With this mythology this place has gained its own religious value and its been now a pilgrimage for millions of Hindu people out here in India. The sufferers and seekers, visionaries and religionists, rich and poor, noblemen through ages, sought and found solace in Salankanpur. It is a place of unmatched natural beauty and tranquility where calm and repose are all- pervading.

JAMA MASJID : Gold spikes crown the minarets of this beautiful mosque built in 1837 by Kudsia Begum.

TAJ-UL-MASJID : The Taj-ul-Masjid is one of the largest mosques in Asia, built by Nawab Shahjehan Begum around a courtyard with a large tank in the centre and with an imposing double storeyed gate-way with 4 recessed archways and 9 imposing cusped multifoiled openings in the main prayer hall. The Quibla wall in the prayer hall is carved with 11 recessed arches, while the mimber is made of black basalt.The structure is enlivened by the limpid expanse of water in the tank outside the northern wall. The monumentality of this structure was much greater originally when it faced the towering bastions of the Fatehgarh Fort. A three-day Ijtima congregation held here annually draws people from all over the country.

MOTI MASJID : Architecturally akin to Delhi's Jama Masjid, this imposing mosque was built by Sikander Jehan, daughter of Kudsia Begum, in 1860.

SHAUKAT MAHAL AND SADAR MANZIL : Situated at the entrance to the Chowk area in the heart of the walled city, Shaukat Mahal is an architectural curiosity. Its mixture of styles in Occidental idioms sets it apart from the predominantly Islamic architecture of the area. It was designed by a Frenchman, said to be a descendent of an offshoot of the Bourbon Kings of France. Post Renaissance and Gothic styles are combined to charming effect here. Nearby is the elegant once-opulent Sadar Manzil, Hall of Public Audience, of the former rulers of Bhopal.

GOHAR MAHAL : Situated behind Shaukat Mahal on the banks of the Upper Lake is Gohar Mahal, which is an architectural gem dating back to the times of Kudsia Begum, also known as Gohar Begum, who built this sprawling palace in 1820. The Mahal is a magnificent expression of the fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture.

BHARAT BHAWAN : One of the most unique national institutes in India, Bharat Bhawan is a centre for the performing and visual arts. Designed by renowned architect, Charles Correa, the contours of Bharat Bhawan merge in exquisite harmony with the landscape creating a visual impact of spacious and natural elegance. The centre houses a museum of the arts, an art gallery, a workshop for fine arts, a repertory theater, indoor and outdoor auditoria, a rehearsal room and libraries of Indian poetry, classical and folk music. Open from 2 pm to 8 pm every day except Mondays.

INDIRA GANDHI RASHTRIYA MANAV SANGRAHALAYA (A POST COLONIAL MUSEUM) : The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (National Museum of Mankind) is a unique Museum, spread over 200 acres of undulating land on the Shamla Hills on the Upper Lake front. It is situated in a prehistoric site and may be the only museum in the world strewn with numerous prehistoric painted rock shelters. It is a post-colonial museum of communities rather than objects, dedicated to in situ revitalisation of local knowledge systems and life enhancing traditions rather than ex situ display of objects. It is engaged in recollection rather than collection. The museum display has been curated directly by the folk

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 8

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation and tribal communities, camping at site, to create a miniature presentation of Indian folk ways through display of eco-specific habitations & subsistence practices in the tribal, coastal, desert, and Himalayan habitats. The library, audio-visual archive, computerised documentation and the collection of ethnographic specimens in the Museum, though modest in size are among the best in the world.

GOVERNMENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM : A fine collection of sculptures are on display here from various parts of Madhya Pradesh. Highlights of the collection are: paintings of various schools, copies of paintings from the Bagh caves near Mandu and the statues of Alakshmi and the Buddha. The museum is closed on Mondays.

LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE AND MUSEUM : This beautiful temple on the Arera Hills has a Museum attached to it which houses a collection of sculptures from Raisen, Sehore, Mandsaur and Shahdol districts of Madhya Pradesh. The museum is open from 9am to 5pm every day except Mondays.

VAN VIHAR : This safari-park is located on a hill adjacent to the Upper Lake, with an area of 445 hectares. In these natural surroundings, wildlife watchers can view a variety of herbivorous and carnivorous species. Open everyday, except Friday, (Timings: 1st April to 30 September, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and 01 October to 31 March, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM).

REGIONAL SCIENCE CENTRE : Basically a science museum, located on the picturesque Shamala Hills, Regional Science Centre houses about 300 participatory exhibits distributed equally in ‘Invention’ & ‘Fun Science’ galleries, and a ‘taramandal’ (Planetarium). The museum remains open from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm on all days except Mondays.

CHOWK : In the heart of the city, the Chowk is lined with old mosques, havelis, reminds of a bygone era. The shops in its narrow alleys are treasure troves of traditional Bhopali crafts : silver jewellery, exquisitely fashioned beadwork, embroidered and sequined velvet fashioned purses and cushions.

UPPER AND LOWER LAKES : The Upper Lake is divided from the Lower Lake by an overbridge. M. P. Tourism’s Boat Club on the Upper Lake provides facilities for exciting trips by sail, paddle and motor boats.

AQUARIUM : Facing the Lower Lake, the fish-shaped aquarium houses a number of fascinating species of fish in all shapes and sizes.

Burhanpur

Burhanpur is a hidden jewel in the annals of medieval Indian Architecture. Today a small town in Madhya Pradesh, barely 20 kms from the Maharashtra Border, its history is one battle, conquest and change, interspersed with burst of peace that allowed for a rich aesthetic to flourish. Burhanpur was founded in 1400 AD by the Faruqi King, Nasir Khan, on the northwestern banks of the Tapti. The Faruqis ruled Burhanpur for the next two centuries. In 1600, the Mughal Emperor Akbar captured Burhanpur, and for a century thereafter, until Aurangzeb's death in 1707, it remained integral to Mughal ambitions in the Deccan. The governor of the city was invariably an individual of elevated rank, often a Mughal prince. Asirgarh Fort, on the outskirts of the town, was known as Dakkhan ka Darwaza or the Gateway of the Deccan.

Burhanpur remains a city of great architectural importance, but its fame rests largely as a piligrimage for Bohra Muslims as well as for Sikhs.

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 9

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation

Shah Jahan & Mumtaz Mahal in Burhanpur: Across the Tapti from Burhanpur is one of its most well known monuments, the Akhukhana, literally "deer park, which was used as a hunting ground during Faruqi and Mughal rule. This is also where Shah Jahan,s most beloved queen, Mumtaz mahal was buried. She died in Burhanpur in 1631 while giving birth to their 14th child, princess Gauhara. The queen's body rested here for several months until it was disinterred and travelled with the Mughal court to Agra – there, later, to find a final home in the glorious Taj Mahal.

Mahal Gulara : Beautifully located on the banks of the Badi Utaoli river is Mahal Gulara, a Mughal pleasure retreat 21 Kms from Burhanpur on Amaravati Road when, as a prince, Shahjahan arrived to govern Burhanpur, he is said to have fallen in love with a beautiful and talented singer named Gulara. Shah Jahan would spend many moonlit night in this palace as she sang for him. The prince married the singer and named the nearby village after her.

Asirgarh Fort : Perched high on the Satpura range, just under 25 kms north of Burhanpur is Asirgarh, one of the most magnificent forts of India, rivaling even the great Golconda in impregnability. Initially ruled local chieftain, Asa Aheer, the fort was captured by the Faruqis in 1400.It soon became the region's most coveted fortification mainly for its strategic location. Any ruler with ambitions on the Decca had to first control Asirgarh. Indeed, Asirgarh was known as the Dakkhan Ka Darwaza or Gateway to the Deccan.

EXPLORE Burhanpur is a hidden jewel in the annals of medieval Indian Architecture. Today a small town in Madhya Pradesh, barely 20 kms from the Maharashtra Border, its history is one battle, conquest and change, interspersed with burst of peace that allowed for a rich aesthetic to flourish. Burhanpur was founded in 1400 AD by the Faruqi King, Nasir Khan, on the northwestern banks of the Tapti. The Faruqis ruled Burhanpur for the next two centuries. In 1600, the Mughal Emperor Akbar captured Burhanpur, and for a century thereafter, until Aurangzeb's death in 1707, it remained integral to Mughal ambitions in the Deccan. The governor of the city was invariably an individual of elevated rank, often a Mughal prince. Asirgarh Fort, on the outskirts of the town, was known as Dakkhan ka Darwaza or the Gateway of the Deccan.

Burhanpur remains a city of great architectural importance, but its fame rests largely as a piligrimage for Bohra Muslims as well as for Sikhs.

FACTS Shah Jahan & Mumtaz Mahal in Burhanpur: Across the Tapti from Burhanpur is one of its most well known monuments, the Akhukhana, literally "deer park, which was used as a hunting ground during Faruqi and Mughal rule. This is also where Shah Jahan,s most beloved queen, Mumtaz mahal was buried. She died in Burhanpur in 1631 while giving birth to their 14th child, princess Gauhara. The queen's body rested here for several months until it was disinterred and travelled with the Mughal court to Agra – there, later, to find a final home in the glorious Taj Mahal.

EXCURSIONS Mahal Gulara : Beautifully located on the banks of the Badi Utaoli river is Mahal Gulara, a Mughal pleasure retreat 21 Kms from Burhanpur on Amaravati Road when, as a prince, Shahjahan arrived to govern Burhanpur, he is said to have fallen in love with a beautiful and talented singer named Gulara. Shah Jahan would spend many moonlit night in this palace as she sang for him. The prince married the singer and named the nearby village after her.

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 10

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation

Asirgarh Fort : Perched high on the Satpura range, just under 25 kms north of Burhanpur is Asirgarh, one of the most magnificent forts of India, rivaling even the great Golconda in impregnability. Initially ruled local chieftain, Asa Aheer, the fort was captured by the Faruqis in 1400.It soon became the region's most coveted fortification mainly for its strategic location. Any ruler with ambitions on the Decca had to first control Asirgarh. Indeed, Asirgarh was known as the Dakkhan Ka Darwaza or Gateway to the Deccan.

Ichhadevi Temple : The famous temple of lchhadevi is located 23 kms from Burhanpur. Believed to answer any prayer made to her, the Goddess in much revered by the locals. Though the present structure is fairly recent, the original site is said to be over 450 years old.

JAMA MASJID : Located at the very center of town in Gandhi Chowk, was begun by the Faruqi ruler, Adil Shah, and completed by Emperor Akbar. Its symmetrical arches and sparsely decorated pillars create a sense of severe beauty, while the two 36 m high minars tower over the mosque's arched compound.

BADSHAHI QILA : A well fortified fort having many structures added to it, the fort houses the Diwan-e-Khas and Diwan-e-aam maintained by the Archeological Survey of India are set beautifully manicured gardens which come alive in the evenings with families and young couples.

ZENANA HAMMAM : The most stricking structure in the Badshahi Qila is the Zenana Hammam. Built in a combination of Mughal and Persian styles, the bath were once decorated with beautiful frescoes on the ceiling, some of which still survive. Visitors can still clearly see an image of what the local guides claim is an early drawing of the Taj Mahal!

KUNDI BHANDARA : A rare water system (collection and distribution of water) was formed in the rule of Abdul Raheem Khankhana in 1615 A.D. such systems were prevalent in Uran and Iraq. The techniques of these system were taken from these countries, during that period eight water systems were built to supply pure water to the citizens.

DARGAH –E –HAKIMI : About 3 kms from Gadhi Chowk in Burhanpur is the Dargah-e- hakimi, a most sacred pilgrimage for Dawoodi Bohra Muslims. It is the mazar of Syedi Abdulqadir Hakimuddin. Hakimuddin came to Burhanpur in 1729 to spread the word of the Prophet. The entire complex is so well kept that locals refer to it as chhota Amreeka or "little America".

Chanderi

The documented history of Chanderi goes back to the early 11th century and is a kaleidoscope of movement and activity prompted by its strategic location. On the borders of Malwa and Bundelkhand, the town dominated the trade routes of Central India and was proximate to the arterial route to the ancient ports of Gujarat as well as to Malwa, Mewar, Central India and the Deccan. Consequently, Chanderi became an important military outpost, prized by rulers with power or ambition, and repeatedly experienced the might of men who moulded the destiny of Hindustan. Several dynasties came to hold sway over the town - including the Malwa Sultans, Mughals, Bundelas and Scindias - making Chanderi a prosperous centre of economic and cultural activity. Chanderi is surrounded by hills, lakes and forests, and there are several monuments of Bundela Rajputs and Malwa Sultans.

Chanderi is also famous for its brocades and muslins, especially for its handwoven Chanderi sarees. Here, master weavers use silk and cotton to create dazzling weaves, distinguished by beautiful borders. Usually in subtle hues, the Chanderi sarees have sophistication hard to

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 11

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation match. In the silk Zari sarees, influences of the Varanasi style are visible. They generally have a rich gold border and two gold bands on the pallav. The more exclusive ones have gold checks with lotus roundels all over which are known as butis.

Excursions Boodhi Chanderi : Situated on the right bank of the Urr River, Boodhi Chanderi, Chandrapuri of the ancient past, was a large settlement of the Gurjara Pratiharas and possibly their capital.

Deogarh : Located on the banks of the Betwa River, Deogarh is not only a place of captivating natural beauty but also of great historical importance. Situated 71 kms from Chanderi, today it is just a small village but in times past, it must have been a flourishing town and an important religious centre.

Thubon : From Chanderi, Thubon lies at a distance of 28 kilometres on the road leading to Ashok Nagar. Located between the rivers Urr and Lilawati, Thubon's importance, historically, is as yet unrecognized. However, with the remains of innumerable temples in evidence, this importance is by no means deniable.

Kadhvaya : The earliest extant construction in Kadvaya is an 8th century monastery which appears to be Shaiva in affiliation and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The next structures belong to the 11th and 12th centuries. These are the half-preserved Hindu temples which would have been patronized by the Gurjara-Pratihara kings.

Malhargarh : The only place of historical and architectural importance is the Pathrigarh - Hasangarh Fort which was founded during the Mughal era. It later came to be controlled by the Khinchi rulers and in the 17th century it was under Malhar Rao Holkar.

Chitrokut

Chitrakoot, 'the hill of many wonders', nestles peacefully in the northern spurs of the Vindhyas, a place of tranquil forest glades and quiet rivers, and streams where calm and repose are all pervading. This loveliest of Nature's gifts is also hallowed ground, blessed by the gods and sanctified by the faith of pilgrims. For Chitrakoot's spiritual legacy stretches back to legendary ages: it was in these deep forests that Rama and Sita spent eleven of their fourteen years of exile; here that the great sage Atri and Sati Anusuya meditated; and here where the principal trinity of the Hindu pantheon, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, took their incarnations.

Sufferers and seekers, poets and visionaries, princes and noblemen have, through the ages, sought and found solace in Chitrakoot, drawn inspiration from its sublime natural beauty, gained spiritual strength from its serene temples and in turn, become part of the hallowed legend that is Chitrakoot.

Chachai and Keoti Falls: Situated 46 km from Rewa on the banks of the river Bihad, Chachai Falls are a beautiful spectacle of water falling in torrents from a height of 130 mts. Nearby, the Keoti and Bahuti Falls are also worth a visit. Maihar:40 km from Satna, Maihar is famous for its Sharda Devi Temple built on a hilltop. It is an important centre for Indian classical Music.

Govindgarh: Situated amidst sylvan surroundings, Govindgarh is 19 km from Rewa, the capital of the old Vindhya State, on National Highway 7. it is famous for its scenic beauty, mangoes and the White Tigers. The Govindgarh Palace on the banks of a huge lake houses the personal museum of the Maharajah of Rewa. The first White Tiger, \Mohan, captured in 1951 in the nearby jungles, was kept in this palace till his death.

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 12

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation

Mara Caves: These caves are situated in the Singhrauli tehsil of Sidhi district. The ancient caves stand in the middle of the jungle about 22 km from Singhrauli. For sheer majestic beauty, they can be compared with the caves of Ajanta and Ellora.

Sohagpur: Only 3 km from Shahdol, Sohagpur in the former State of Rewa has a beautiful Hayahaya temple dedicated to Shiva as Virateswara that bears close resemblance to the Khajuraho temples. It has a square sanctum, a vestibule and a large enclosed hall, in front of which originally was a beautiful pyramidal roof.

Maihar: 40 km from Satna, Maihar is famous for its Sharda Devi Temple built on a hilltop. It is an important centre for Indian classical Music.

RAMGHAT : The ghats that line the banks of the river Mandakini reveal a constantly moving and changing kaleidoscope of religious activity. Here, amidst the chanting of hymns and the sweet fragrance of incense, holy men in saffron robes sit, in silent meditation or offer the solace of their wisdom to the countless pilgrims who converge here. With the very first rays of dawn that gleam upon the river, Ramghat stirs into life as the devout of all ages take the ritual, purifying dip in the waters and invoke the blessings of the gods. The rippling blue green waters of the Mandakini can be traversed by boats, readily available for hire.

KAMADGIRI : Kamadgiri, the original Chitrakoot, is a place of prime religious significance. A forested hill, it is skirted all along its base by a chain of temples and is venerated, today, as the holy embodiment of Rama. The Bharat Milap temple is located here, marking the spot where Bharat is said to have met Rama to persuade him to return to the throne of Ayodhya. Many are the faithful who perform the ritual circuit (Parikrama), of the sacred hill, to ask for a boon or a blessing.

SATI ANUSUYA : Sati Anusuya is located further up-stream, set amidst thick forests that resound to the melody of birdsong all day. It was here that Atri Muni, his wife Anusuya and their three sons (who were the three incarnations of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh) are said to have meditated. The Mandakini is believed to have been created by Anusuya through her meditation. Sati Anusuya lies about 16 km from the town and can be reached by road - an undulating, curving drive through densely wooded areas.

Choral

The Choral Dam is around 52 km from Indore and about 41 km from Pithampur Industrial Area. It is dominated by hillocks which are home to various kind of birds and small animals. One of the most amazing sights that one can witness from this area is that of the sunrise. The rising sun against the backdrop of hills and the river below make it very picturesque. Once you get an opportunity to see the sun spreading its golden rays in every direction as it rises above the hills of the area, it will certainly stay with you for a lifetime. The Choral river that passes through the valley and is the source of water for the dam has made the area green with life. There are many waterfalls in the nearby areas where one can go for a small excursion or simply to be amidst nature.

Mhow : 23 km from Indore is Mhow (Military Headquarters of War), which was supposedly the war management centre of the British. It served as the centre for many key strategic decisions that were taken during their time. Presently, it is one of India's most prestigious military training establishment for senior and higher commands. The whole cantonment is beautifully landscaped. There are many picnic spots in and around Mhow where one can spend some beautiful moments with friends and family.

Vanchu Point: About 30 km from Indore, on the Mhow-Jaam road is the Vanchu point which has the main supply plant for water for the city of Indore. Nearby this point is the gate which

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 13

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation joins Nimad and Malwa. This was built when Devi Ahilyabai Holkar had been the ruling over the city of Indore. The point is surrounded by lush green hills on all sides which give it an air of peace and tranquillity. This also makes it a very popular picnic spot. One can stay overnight at the Dak Bungalow at Vanchu Point.

Patal Pani: 36 km from Indore, Patal Pani is famous for its waterfall. The water falls from a height of 150 feet into a kund, the depth of which is still unknown and has been difficult to ascertain. It is believed that the bottom of this unfathomable kund reaches Patal (netherworld), and hence it received the name Patal Pani. It is a very popular picnic spot and is also an excellent point for trekking. During summers the water almost dries up. The best time to witness the majestic waterfall of Patal Pani is just after the monsoon season has set in.

Tincha Falls: Tincha Falls is a waterfall about 10 km off from Simrol, a village on the Indore – Khandwa Road. The valley and the sight of the waterfall can leave any person spellbound and you would not want to leave till your eyes have had their fill of this wonderful sight. It is the perfect picnic spot for an evening out with friends.

Janapav: 15 km from Mhow is the historic site of Janapav. Janapav is considered to be the birth place of Lord Parshurama and is thus considered sacred by the religious communities. On top of the hill of Janapav is a temple and ashram. According to local legend this used to be the ashram of Jamadagni, the father of Parashurama. 12 rivers originate from the holy tank situated on this hill, including Chambal, Saraswati & Nakheri. Janapav is also famous for the mela or fair that is held here every year on Kartik Purnima which is the first full moon after Diwali.

Jaam Gate: About 20 kms from Mhow on Mhow-Mandaleshwar road is the Jaam Gate. It is the gateway of Malwa plateau. Beyond this lie the Nimar plains. 'Jaam Darwaza' or 'Jaam Gate' is named after the village 'Jaam'., it is the Gateway to Malwa Plateau and hence was of strategic importance in earlier times. One can see a magnificent panoramic view of the underlying Nimar plains from here.

Other Excursions : There are various other places that one can visit from Choral Dam. All these places are within a 50 km radius from the Choral Resort (MPSTDC unit). These include Mehndi Kund, Bamniya Kund, Sheetlamata and the Kalakund Waterfall. All these places are very good spots for picnics and one can enjoy a quiet moment amidst nature.

Halali

While driving from Bhopal to Sanchi, at a distance of approx 35 km, the road turns, leading you to Halali dam which has long been a family getaway for the locals. The naturally beckoning surroundings and the secluded location, makes Halai dam an ideal leisure destination. Halali dam is known as Samrat Ashok Sagar Project. It is constructed across Halali river a tributary of Betwa river. It is 945 m long with maximum height of 29.57 m above the foundation level. Catchment area of the project is 699 sq. km of which is 25 % is hilly, rest is plains. It is about 47 kilometers from Bhopal's New market and towards Sanchi. Water Sport Complex- Madhya Pradesh Tourism owns a water sports complex which provides water sports activities like boating .

Sanchi-14 km from Halali, Sanchi is a World Heritage Site which houses Buddhist Stupas

Vidisha/Udaigiri Vidisha: 69 km from Halali- Vidisha or Besnagar, as it is called in the Pali scriptures, once the prosperous capital of the Western dominions of the Sungas, contains some remarkable antiques that throw light on the considerable architectural development of the period. Situated in the fork of the Betwa and Bes rivers, Vidisha, 10 km from Sanchi,

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 14

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation occupies an important place among the ancient cities of India. In the 6th and 5th centuries BC, it became an important trade centre and a bustling city under the Sungas, Nagas, Satvahanas and Guptas. The Emperor Ashoka was governor of Vidisha and it finds mention in Kalidasa's immortal Meghdoot. Deserted after the 6th century AD, it came into prominence again as Bhilsa during the medieval period (9th to 12th centuries AD). It later passed on to the Malwa Sultans, the Mughals, and the Scindias. The ruins of a Brahmanical shrine at Vidisha dedicated to Vishnu reveal that the foundation bricks were cemented together with lime mortar, the first known example of the use of cement in India. The ruins are what remain of possibly the oldest known Brahmanical stone structure, dated not later than 2nd century BC.

Udaygiri Caves: 74 km from Halali are a group of rock-cut cave sanctuaries carved into a sandstone hill that stands sentinel-like on the horizon. An inscription in one of these states that it was produced during the region of Chandragupta II (382-401 AD), thus dating these caves to 4th-5th century AD.

Udaypur: The colossal Neelkanteshwar temple here is an outstanding example of Parmara art and architecture of the 11th century AD. The crowning beauty of this temple is its well- proportioned and gracefully designed spire and delicately carved medallions adorning its sides. Built of fine red sandstone and standing on a lofty platform, the temple consists of a garba-griha (shrine room), a sabha mandap hall) and three pravesha mandaps (entrance porches). Bijamandal, Sahi Masjid and Mahal, Sher Khan-ki-Masjid and Pisnari-ke-Mandir are some of the other monuments in Udaypur.

Gwalior Gwalior's tradition as a royal capital continued until the formation of present day India, with the Scindias having their dynastic seat here. The magnificent mementoes of a glorious past have been preserved with care, giving Gwalior an appeal unique and timeless. Gwalior's history is traced back to a legend. In 8 A.D, a chieftain called Suraj Sen was stricken by a deadly disease. He was cured by a hermit saint, Gwalipa, and in gratitude founded a city which he named after the saint who had given him the gift of new life. The new city of Gwalior became, over the centuries, the cradle of great dynasties and with each, the city gained new dimensions from warrior kings, poets, musicians and saints, contributing to making it a capital renowned throughout the country.Since then, Gwalior is considered to be a city where a rich cultural tradition has been interwoven into the fabric of modern life. Also where a princely past lives on in great palaces and their museums. And where a multitude of images merge and mix to present to the visitor a city of enduring greatness.

Datia: 69 km from Gwalior, on the Delhi-Chennai main line, Datia is a town whose antiquity can be traced back to the Mahabharata. A town of great historic significance, Datia's seven- storeyed palace built entirely of stone and brick by Raja Bir Singh Deo in 1614, is considered to be one of the finest examples of Bundela architecture in the country. Within the palace are some fine wall paintings of the Bundela school. An interesting blending of cultures can be seen in the frescoes in a temple; Datia's other attraction is its imposing Gopeshwar Temple.

Sonagiri: This sacred Jain hill lies 3 km to the North West of Datia and is 5 km from the railway station. There are 77 Jain temples, built in rows on the hill and its slopes, and date back to the 17th century. Of these the temple dedicated to Chandranatha, the 8th of the 24 Tirthankaras, is quite a large one and the most beautiful. A large annual fair is held here in the month of Chaitra (April).

Pawaya: Known as Padmavati in ancient times is a fascinating complex of ruins, 68 km away, on the Gwalior-Jhansi road. Pawaya's ruins still bear testimony to the days when it was the capital of the Nag Kings, in 3 AD. Particularly noteworthy is the lifesize statue of Chaksha

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 15

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation

Manibhadra of 1 AD. The ruins of the medieval fort built by the Parmars and the nearby Dhoomeshwar Mahadeo temple are Pawaya's other attractions.

Kuno-Palpur Sanctuary, Chambal Ghariyal Sanctuary and Ghatigaon Sanctuary - more info available in Wildlife Guide section.

Live and Let live: Tourists to the sanctuary can enjoy its many sights by motor boats specially provided by the Forest Department of Madhya Pradesh. Complete safety within the peripheries of the sanctuary is ensured by the local authorities. And one can freely enjoy the natural wonders of the sanctuary which during the 50's & 60's was largely hidden due to the presence of dacoits.

Stringent measures to protect the fragile ecosystems of the sanctuary are followed by the authorities. The visitors are also advised not to disturb, spoil the serenity of the surrounding environs or help in poaching activities directly / indirectly.

Fortress, Padhawali: The fortress is located at Padhawali about 12 km from Malanpur on the left side of Malanpur-Morena road. The fortress was built by the Jat Ranas of Dhaulpur in the first half of the 18th century A.D. on a large platform of Kachchhapaghata period

Temple, Mitawali: Mitawli (40km via Malanpur ), the temple stands on a circular platform in an open court enclosed by a circular wall with small cells and colonnade inside with a Shiva image in each cell. It is dated to the 14 century A.D. On the basis of an inscription dated to V.S.1380(1323 ad.) it can be claimed that the temple was built by the erstwhile ruler Maharaja Devapala. The design is believed to inspire the construction of the Parliament house at New Delhi. The temple of bateshwar: Nestled in the foot of a forested hill Bateshwar is 2 Km. south of Padhavali village in district Morena. Although only 25 kms. away from its district headquarters, the site remained inaccessible for general public being a hide out for the dacoits, until recently. With the taking over of the sacred place by Archaeological Survey of India, in 1988 the place again received attention after lying dormant for more than eight hundred years. However, it was not always so, as Bateshwara was a cultural oasis of eminence that provided nourishment and continuity to temple architecture for well over 300 years. Here, it remains a mystery that how this enclave stood its ground for so many years? Perhaps it was as culmination of resurgent aspirations of the people in the post-Gupta times, which incidentally enabled the passing on of vibrant traditions of temple architecture.

The entire city is a visual and aesthetic feast, for the builders of Gwalior were great architects. Take a walk through the streets of the city and you will discover old havelis with exquisitely carved doorways and windows; at almost every street crossing you will find statues of the Scindia family. Museums and art galleries are treasure houses and beautifully maintained palaces give the city its inimitable regal flavour. Sightseeing in Gwalior is a magical trip into the centuries gone by.

THE FORT : Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates the city and is its most magnificent monument. It has been a scene of momentous events : imprisonments, battles and jauhars. A steep road winds upwards to the Fort, flanked by statues of Jain tirthankaras, carved into the rock face. The magnificent outer walls of the Fort still stand, two miles in length and 35 feet high, bearing witness to its reputation for being one of the most invincible forts of India. This imposing structure inspired Emperor Babar to describe it "the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind." Within the fort are some marvels of medieval architecture. The 15th century Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja Mansingh Tomar for his Gujar queen, Mrignayani. After he had wooed and won her, so the story goes, Mrignayani demanded that he build her a separate palace with a constant water supply from the River

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 16

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation

Rai, via an aqueduct. The outer structure of the Gujari Mahal has survived in an almost total state of preservation; the interior has been converted into an Archaeological Museum.

Also built by Raja Mansingh is the Man Mandir Palace, built between 1486 and 1517. The tiles that once adorned its exterior have not survived, but at the entrance, traces of these still remain. There is a charming frieze here of ducks paddling in turquoise waters. Within, the palace rooms stand bare, stripped of their former glory, mute testimony to the passing of the centuries. Vast chambers with fine stone screens were once the music halls, and behind these screens, the royal ladies would learn music from the great masters of the day. Below, circular dungeons once housed the state prisoners of the Mughals. The Emperor Aurangzeb had his brother, Murad, imprisoned, and later executed, here. Close by is Jauhar Pond, where in the Rajput tradition, the ‘ranis’ committed mass ‘sati’ after their consorts had been defeated in battle. Though the major portions of the Fort were built in the 15th century, references to this gigantic complex can be traced back to 425 AD. Older than the city is the Suraj Kund within the Fort walls, the original pond where Suraj Sen, or Suraj Pal as he was later known, was cured by the Saint Gwalipa.

TELI KA MANDIR : The Teli ka Mandir is a 9th century edifice, towering at 100 ft high. This is a Pratihara Vishnu temple of a unique blending of architectural styles. The shape of the roof is distinctively Dravidian, while the decorative embellishments have the typically Indo-Aryan characteristics of Northern India. Also dedicated to Vishnu is the graceful little Sas-Bahu-ka- Mandir, built in 11th century. Another landmark is the historic Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod built in the memory of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the 6th Sikh Guru who was imprisoned here by Jehangir for over two years. At the time of his release, he wanted 52 Hindu kings who were his fellow prisoners, released with him. Jehangir was very impressed with the Guru and agreed to his condition. And, finally, within the Fort complex, housed in the erstwhile barracks of the British soldiers, is Gwalior's unique gift to modern India : Scindia School. Acknowledged as one of the finest schools in India, it is only fitting that the country's young citizens receive the best educational grounding surrounded by monuments to a past which is a constant inspiration.

JAI VILAS PALACE : A splendour of a different kind exists in the Jai Vilas Palace, current residence of the Scindia family. Some 35 rooms have been made into the Scindia Museum, and in these rooms, so evocative of a regal lifestyle, the past comes alive. Jai Vilas is an Italianate structure which combines the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes. The imposing Darbar Hall has two central chandeliers, weighing a couple of tonnes, and hung only after ten elephants had tested the strength of the roof. Ceilings picked out in gilt, heavy draperies and tapestries, fine Persian carpets, and antique furniture from France and Italy are features of these spacious rooms. Eye-catching treasures include: a silver train with cut-glass wagons which served guests as it chugged around on miniature rails on the tables; a glass cradle from Italy used for the baby Krishna each Janamashtami; silver dinner services and swords that were once worn by Aurangzeb and Shah Jehan.

There are, besides, personal mementoes of the past members of the Scindia family: the jewelled slippers that belonged to Chinkoo Rani, four-poster beds, gifts from practically every country in the world, hunting trophies and portraits. The Scindia Museum offers an unparalleled glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle of princely India. Open everyday except Wednesday from 10 am to 5.30 pm. Entry fees are Rs. 40/- for Indian and Rs. 300/- for foreign visitors.

Indore

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 17

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation

Indore is the largest city in Madhya Pradesh, and together with its satellite towns of Pithampur and Dewas, is one of the fastest-growing economic regions in India. Its proximity to the Gujarat - Mumbai grid is a major factor behind its huge economic potential. Indore is also one of the foremost centres of education in central India and produces over 50,000 graduates each year, 30% of whom have technical training. The history of Indore is inseparable from the history of the Holkar State. The founder of the House of Holkars was Malhar Rao Holkar, born in 1693 AD. His soldierly qualities brought him to the forefront under the Peshwa and he was rewarded with the gift of territories comprising the Indore region. Malhar Rao was succeeded by his grandson, on whose death, without issue, his mother, Maharani Devi Ahilya Bai ascended the throne. The Holkars with their keen interest in city planning and education shaped much of Indore. Many institutions in the city predate India's Independence. Today, Indore is a perfect mélange of the old and the new, where the old heritage structures coexist with the modern multi-storeyed buildings.

MHOW: 23 km from Indore is the Military Headquarters Of War (MHOW) which was supposedly the war management centre of the British during the World War. Presently one of India's most prestigious military training establishments for senior and higher commands, the whole cantonment is beautifully landscaped.

Patal Pani: 36 km from Indore, famous for its waterfall. Water falls from a height of 150 feet into a kund, the depth of which is still unknown. It is believed that the bottom of this unfathomable kund reaches Patal (netherworld), hence the name Patal Pani. It is a popular picnic spot.

Wanchoo Point: A high dam on Narmada and main source of water supply for Indore. A popular picnic spot.

Dhar: 64 km from Indore on the Indore-Ahmedabad road is Dhar, the capital of Parmar Kings, among whom Bhoj was the most prominent. During the Muslim rule, Dhar was under the Sultans of Delhi. In the monuments one can see the combination of Hindu, Afghan and Mughal architecture. Bhoj Shala, Laat Masjid, the Fort and the lakes are the main tourist attractions.

Jhabua: 151 km from Indore on the Indore-Ahmedabad highway, it is the home of the tribal Bhils and Bhilalas.

Nemawar: 128 km from Indore, this is situated on the other side of the bank of the Narmada, and was the place where Jamdagni, the father of Parasuram, meditated. The temple of Renukaji is situated near the village, as also the ancient temple of Siddhanath. At Suryakund, is a statue of Lord Vishnu.

Omkareshwar and Maheshwar : Cities sanctified by faith.

Jabalpur

The River Narmada, too, is a beautiful woman, as most rivers are, in India. But though she passes close to Jabalpur, she shyly avoids the town. Or, perhaps the town has grown away from her, and its own past. onsequently, there is really very little in Jabalpur town to capture the attention of the visitor. But a short drive out of the long narrow plain holding the town, brings one to sub-montane lands: rocky, rugged and a natural bulwark against attackers. One of the more intriguing monuments to Jabalpur's past in the Madan Mahal Fort. On a historical note, a pleasure resort and capital of the Gond Kings during the 12th century, Jabalpur was later the seat of the Kalchuri dynasty. The Marathas held sway over Jabalpur

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 18

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation until 1817, when the British wrested it from them and left their impression on the spacious cantonment with its colonial residences and barracks. Today Jabalpur is an important administrative centre, abustle with commercial activity.

The original settlement in this area was ancient Tripuri and the rulers of this city, the Hayahaya, are mentioned in the Mahabharata. It passed successively into Mauryan and then Gupta control until, in 875 AD, it was taken by the Kalchuri rulers. In the 13th century it was overrun by the Gonds and by the early 16th century it had become the powerful state of Gondwana. Though besieged by Mughal armies from time to time, Gondwana survived until 1789 when it was conquered by the Marathas. Their rule was unpopular, due largely to the increased activities of the thuggees who were ritual murderers and bandits. The Marathas were defeated in 1817 and the thuggees subdued by the British who developed the town in the mid-19th century.

Roopnath: Roopnath, 84 km from Jabalpur, is famous for a Lingam dedicated to Shiva and placed in the cleft of a rock.

Bilhari: 14 km from Katni. Many pieces of ancient sculpture have been found here.

Nohta: 81 km from Jabalpur, Nohta is believed to have been the capital of the Chandela kings in the early 12th century. About 2 km from the village of Nohta is a Shiva temple, where a Kartik fair is held annually. A few Jain ruins can also be seen in Nohta.

Mandla and Ramnagar: 95 km south of Jabalpur, Mandla is known for its fort which is situated in a loop of the Narmada river so that the river protects it from three sides, with a ditch on the fourth. Built in the late 17th century, the fort is now subsiding into the jungle, although some of the towers still stand. About 15 km away is Ramnagar with a ruined three- storey palace overlooking the Narmada. The palace and then the fort were both built by Gond kings, retreating South before the advance of Moghul power. Near Mandla there is a stretch of the Narmada where many temples dot the riverbank.

Rookhad: 101 km from Nagpur on N.H. No 7 (26 km from Seoni) lies Rookhad, a charming retreat in Bison country. Rookhand is a wildlife sanctury adjacent to the Pench National Park.

National Park of Fossils : A unique destination, blessed with a priceless treasure trove of plant fossils.

Pench National Park : Land of 'The Jungle Book'.

Dumna Nature Reserve

Maheshwar

Maheshwar was a glorious city at the dawn of Indian civilization when it was Mahishmati, capital of king Kartivarjun. This temple town on the banks of the river Narmada finds mention in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Revived to its ancient position of importance by the Holkar queen Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. Maheshwar's temples and mighty fort-complex stand in quiet beauty, mirrored in the river below. Today, Maheshwar is also

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 19

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation known for its distinctive handwoven sarees called Maheshwari exquisitely woven ‘Maheshwari’ sarees.

Maheshwari Sarees were introduced into Maheshwar 250 years ago by Rani Ahilyabai, and are renowned throughout India for their unique weave. Woven mostly in cotton, the typical Maheshwari saree has a plain body and sometimes stripes or checks in several variations. The mat bordered designs have a wide range in leaf and floral patterns. The pallav is particularly distinctive with 5 stripes, 3 coloured and 2 white alternating, running along its width. Maheshwari has a reversible border, known as bugdi.

Mandleshwar: This town is situated on the banks of river Narmada, at a distance of about 5 km from Maheshwar. The town was founded by Mandana Mishra, and has a stone fort constructed by Mohammedan rulers. It also has a fine flight of 123 steps leading down to the river and expanding below into a wide ghat. Tukoji Rao Holkar II built a palace here. It was also the headquarters of the Nimar Agency and Cantonment under the British from 1819 to 1864. The town is an important retail marketing and trade centre.

Oon: 18 km from Khargone, Oon was a flourishing place 1000 years ago. About a dozen temples, both Hindu and Jain lie clustering here and represent an architecture patronised by the Parmara kings of Malwa. The carvings on the temples are quite similar to those in Khajuraho. An important place for Jain pilgrimage.

Bawangaja: 10 km from Barwani, tehsil headquarters of Khargone distt., the Bawangaja temples are 170 km from Indore. The 72ft high Jain statue here has been hewn in the rock. It belongs to the early 15th century. Bawangaja is an important Jain pilgrim centre.

RAJGADDI AND RAJWADA: A life-size statue of Rani Ahilyabai sits on a throne in the Rajgaddi within the fort complex. This is the right place to begin a tour of Maheshwar, for this pious and wise queen was the architect of its revived importance. Other fascinating relics and heirlooms of the Holkar dynasty can be seen in the other rooms which are open to the public. Within the complex is an exquisite small shrine which is a starting point of the ancient Dussehra ceremony which is carried out even today. The image on this day is installed reverently in a splendid palanquin and carried down the steep fort road to the town below to receive the yearly homage of the people of Maheshwar.

Mandu

Perched along the Vindhya ranges at an altitude of 2,000 feet, Mandu, with its natural defenses, was originally the fort capital of the Parmar rulers of Malwa. Towards the end of the 13th century, it came under the sway of the Sultans of Malwa, the first of whom named it Shadiabad - 'city of joy'. And indeed the pervading spirit of Mandu was of gaiety; and its rulers built exquisite palaces like the Jahaz and Hindola Mahals, ornamental canals, baths and pavilions, as graceful and refined as those times of peace and plenty.

Each of Mandu's structures is an architectural gem; some are outstanding like the massive Jami Masjid and Hoshang Shah's tomb, which provided inspiration to the master builders of the Taj Mahal centuries later.

Dhar Fort: The Dhar Fort is located 35 km away from Mandu.Situated on the hill, on a rectangular hillock this fort is built of red stone. The construction of this strong and

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 20

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation imposing fort could become possible due to solid muram and black stone of this hillock. The main entrance of the fort was built to the west.

As mentioned in the diary (Rojnamcha) of Emperor Jehangir this was built by Mohammad Tughlak in 1344 A.D. In 1732 A.D. the rulers of Pawar Dynasty captured the construction plan of the fort suggests that it was built following the injunctions of Samrangan Sutradhar. Kharbuja Mahal and Sheesh Mahal are some of the important buildings in this fort. The Kharbuja Mahal was built in 16th century A.D. This palace is called as Kharbuja Mahal because of its musk melon shape. During the Maratha struggle, Anandi Bai, the wife of Raghunath Rao took shelter here. She gave birth to Peshwa Bajirao II in this palace.

THE DARWAZAS: The 45 km parapets of walls that encircle Mandu are punctuated by 12 gateways. Most notable of these is Delhi Darwaza, the main entrance to the fortress city, for which the approach is through a series of gateways well-fortified with walled enclosures and strengthened by bastions such as the Alamgir and Bhangi Darwaza, through which the present road passes. Rampol Darwaza, Jehangir Gate and Tarapur Gate are some of the other main gateways.

THE ROYAL ENCLAVE JAHAZ MAHAL: This 120 mt long "ship palace" built between the two artificial lakes, Munj Talao and Kapur Talao is an elegant two storeyed palace. Probably it was built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khilji for his large harem. With its open pavilions, balconies overhanging the water and open terrace, Jahaz Mahal is an imaginative recreation in stone of a royal pleasure craft. Viewed on moonlit nights from the adjoining Taveli Mahal, the silhouette of the building, with the tiny domes and turrets of the pavilion gracefully perched on the terrace, presents an unforgettable spectacle.

HINDOLA MAHAL: An audience hall, also belonging to Ghiyas-ud-din's reign, it derives its name of "swinging palace" from its sloping sidewalls. Superb and innovative techniques are also evident in its ornamental facade, delicate trellis work in sand-stone and beautifully moulded columns. To the West of Hindola Mahal there are several unidentified buildings which still bear traces of their past grandeur. Amidst these is an elaborately constructed well called Champa Baoli which is connected with underground vaulted rooms where arrangements for cold and hot water were made. Other places of interest in this enclave are Dilawar Khan's Mosque, the Nahar Jharokha (tiger balcony), Taveli Mahal, the two large wells called the Ujali (bright) and Andheri (dark) Baolis and Gada Shah's Shop and House, all worth a visit.

THE CENTRAL GROUP HOSHANG SHAH'S TOMB: India's first marble edifice, it is one of the most refined examples of Afghan architecture. Its unique features are the magnificently proportioned dome, marble lattice work of remarkable delicacy and porticoed courts and towers to mark the four corners of the rectangle. Shah Jehan sent four of his great architects to study the design of and draw inspiration from the Tomb. Among them was Ustad Hamid, who was also associated with the construction of Taj Mahal.

JAMI MASJID: Inspired by the great mosque of Damascus, the Jami Masjid was conceived on a grand scale, with a high plinth and a huge domed porch projecting in the centre, the background dominated by similar imposing domes with the intervening space filled up by innumerable domes. One is struck by the huge proportions and the stern simplicity of its construction. The great court of the mosque is enclosed on all sides by huge colonnades with a rich and

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 21

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation pleasing variety in the arrangement of arches, pillars, number of bays, and in the rows of domes above.

REWA KUND GROUP REWA KUND: A reservoir, built by Baz Bahadur with an aqueduct to provide Roopmati's palace with water. Today, the pool is revered as a sacred spot.

BAZ BAHADUR'S PALACE: Built by Baz Bahadur in the early 16th century, the palace's unique features are its spacious courtyards surrounded by halls and high terraces which afford a superb view of the surrounding countryside.

ROOPMATI'S PAVILION:

The pavilion was originally built as an army observation post. From its hilltop perch, this graceful structure with its two pavilions was a retreat of the lovely queen, from where she could see Baz Bahadur's palace and the Narmada flowing through the Nimar plains far below.

OTHER MONUMENTS NILKANTH: This sacred Shiva shrine is sited in a magnificent setting, at the very edge of a steep gorge. In its tree- shaded courtyard, a sacred pond is fed by a stream, and pilgrims still gather to worship here. NILKANTH MAHAL: Belonging to the Mughal era and close to the Nilkanth shrine, this palace was constructed by the Mughal governor, Shah Badgah Khan for Emperor Akbar's Hindu wife. On the walls here are some inscriptions of the time of Akbar referring to the futility of earthly pomp and glory. Hathi Mahal, Darya Khan's Tomb, Dai ka Mahal, Dai ki Chhotti Behan Ka Mahal, Malik Mughit's Mosque and Jali Mahal are some of the other fascinating monuments. There is also the Echo Point, the 'Delphic Oracle' of Mandu. A shout from here reverberates far below and is heard clearly back. The Lohani Caves and Temple Ruins, not far from the royal enclave area also merit a visit due to their association with Mandu's history and monuments. Sunset Point, in front of the caves affords a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.

Omkareswar

Omkareshwar, the sacred island, shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols, 'Om', has drawn to it hundreds of generations of pilgrims. And here, as in so many of Madhya Pradesh's sacred shrines, the works of Nature complement those of man to provide a setting awe-inspiring in its magnificence.According to a legend, when Narad, the great seer, paid a visit to the deity of the Vindhya mountains, he was angry to find that there was no dwelling here suitable for Lord Shiva. Dismayed at this, the deity of these mountains subjected himself to very severe austerities. Lord Shiva was so pleased with this that he said he would make Omkareshwar one of his homes. All this happened in legendary times, long before the first historian wrote the first history of Omkareshwar.

The island comprises two lofty hills and is divided by a valley in such a way that it appears in the shape of the sacred Hindu symbol 'Om' from above. Between the precipitous hills of the Vindhya on the North and the Satpura on the South, the Narmada forms a deep silent pool which in former times was full of alligators and fish, so tame as to take grain from human hand. This pool is 270 ft below the cantilever type bridge constructed in 1979. The bridge has enhanced the scenic beauty of the place, making it look exceedingly picturesque.

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 22

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation

Orchha

Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, who chose this stretch of land along the Betwa river as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris. From here the view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular. Complementing the noble proportions of their exteriors are interiors which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting. In the Laxminarayan Temple and Raj Mahal, vibrant murals encompassing a variety of religious and secular themes, bring the walls and ceilings to rich life. Strewn around the area are the little shrines and memorials, each with its own poignant history, each contributing to the nostalgic beauty that is Orchha.

Jhansi Fort: Jhansi Fort which is about 20 km away from Orccha is an awesome site.was built by Bir Singh Ju Deo, the Raja of Orchha, in 1613. It is situated on a rocky hill called Bangra in the town of Balwantnagar, known today as Jhansi. The fort has ten gates including the Khandero Gate, Datia Darwaza, Unnao Gate, Jharna Gate, Laxmi Gate, Sagar Gate, Orcha Gate, Sainyar Gate, and Chand Gate.

The fort has a fine collection of sculptures which provide an excellent insight into the eventful history of Bundelkhand. Among places of interest within the main fort area is the Karak Bijli Toup (Tank), Rani Jhansi Garden, Shiv temple and a Mazar of Ghulam Gaus Khan, Moti Bai and Khuda Baksh. Barua Sagar Fort:The Barua Fort is another excellent destination just 25 km away from Orchha.

The Barua Sagar fort, picturesquely located at a height, commands an excellent view of the lake and surrounding landscape. The place is named after the Barua Sagar Tal, a large lake created about 260 years ago when Raja Udit Singh of Orchha built the embankment. The town is situated on the road to Khajuraho from Jhansi.

Jarai-ka-Math: This wonderful temple located 20 km away from Orchha is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This place is of great historic importance as the battle between the Marathas and Bundela kings was fought here.

Orchha's fort complex, approached by a multi-arched bridge, has three palaces set in an open quadrangle. The most spectacular of these are:

JEHANGIR MAHAL: Built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. Its strong lines are counterbalanced by delicate chhatris and trellis work, the whole conveying an effect of extraordinary richness.

RAJ MAHAL: Situated to the right of the quadrangle, this palace was built in the 17th century by Madhukar Shah, the deeply religious predecessor of Bir Singh Ju Deo. The plain exteriors, crowned by chhatris, give way to interiors with exquisite murals, boldly colourful on a variety of religious themes.

RAI PARVEEN MAHAL: Poetess and musician, Rai Parveen was the beautiful paramour of Raja Indramani (1672- 76) and was sent to Delhi on the orders of the Emperor Akbar, who was captivated by her. She so impressed the Great Mughal with the purity of her love for Indramani that he sent her back to Orchha. The palace built for her is a low, two-storeyed brick structure designed to match the height of the trees in the surrounding, beautifully landscaped gardens of Anand Mahal, with its octagonal flower beds and elaborate water supply system. Skillfully carved niches allow light into the Mahal which has a main hall and smaller chambers.

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 23

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation

CHATURBHUJ TEMPLE: Built upon a massive stone platform and reached by a steep flight of steps, the temple was specially constructed to enshrine the image of Rama that remained in the Ram Raja Temple. Lotus emblems and other symbols of religious significance provide the delicate exterior ornamentation. Within, the sanctum is chastely plain with high, vaulted walls emphasizing its deep sanctity.

LAXMINARAYAN TEMPLE: A flagstone path links this temple with the Ram Raja Temple. The style is an interesting synthesis of fort and temple moulds. The interiors contain the most exquisite of Orchha's wall paintings. Covering the walls and ceiling of three halls, these murals are vibrant compositions and cover a variety of spiritual and secular subjects. They are in excellent state of preservation, with the colours retaining their vivid quality.

PHOOL BAGH: Laid out as a formal garden, this complex testifies to the refined aesthetic qualities of the Bundelas. A central row of fountains culminates in an eight pillared palace- pavilion. A subterranean structure below was the cool summer retreat of the Orchha kings. An ingenious system of water ventilation connects the underground palace with Chandan Katora, a bowl-like structure from whose fountains droplets of water filtered through to the roof, simulating rainfall.

SUNDER MAHAL: This small palace, almost in ruins today is still a place of pilgrimage for Muslims. Dhurjban, son of Jhujhar, embraced Islam when he wed a Muslim girl at Delhi. He spent the latter part of his life in prayer and meditation and came to be revered as a saint.

CHHATRIS (CENOTAPHS): There are 14 Chhatris or Memorials to the rulers of Orchha, grouped along the Kanchan Ghat of the river Betwa.

SHAHID SMARAK: Commemorates the great freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad who lived and worked in hiding in Orchha during 1926 and 1927. Other places worth seeing are the shrines of Siddh Baba Ka Sthan, Jugal Kishore, Janki Mandir and the Hanuman Mandir at Ochharedwara.

RAM RAJA TEMPLE: The Ram Raja Temple is perhaps the most important though unusual of all the temples in Orchha. This is the only temple in the country where Rama is worshipped as a king that too in a palace. According to legends, once Lord Rama appeared in a dream to king Madhukar Shah and directed him to build a temple for him. The king followed the instructions given by Rama and brought his idol from Ayodhya, the birthplace of the lord. However, the construction of the temple was not complete when the idol arrived from Ayodhya. So it was kept in the palace for the time being. Later, the king remembered that in the dream Lord Rama had specifically mentioned that his idol could not be removed from the place where it has been originally kept. This led the king to abandon the construction of the temple and instead the palace where the idol was kept was converted into a temple.

SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW: This mesmerizing show of the sound and Light takes place at various destinations in Orccha. These destionation include the Chaturbhuj temple, the Jehangir Mahal, the Raj Mahal, the Cenotaphs, etc. The show takes place from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm in English and 8:45 pm to 9:45 pm in Hindi at these places during summers (March to Ocotber). And from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm in English and and 7:45 to 8:45 pm in Hindi during the winters (November to February). entrance fee for these shows are Rs. 250/- per person for foreigners and Rs. 75/- per person for Indians.

Panchmri

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 24

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation

Pachmarhi is Madhya Pradesh's most verdant gem. A lovely hill resort girdled by the Satpura ranges, it offers absolute tranquility. Bridle paths lead into placid forest groves of wild bamboo, jamun, dense sal forests and delicate bamboo thickets.

Complementing the magnificence of nature are the works of man; Pachmarhi is also an archaeological treasure- house. In cave shelters in the Mahadeo Hills is an astonishing richness in rock paintings. Most of these have been placed in the period 500-800 AD, but the earliest paintings are an estimated 10,000 years old. In Pachmarhi, Bagpipes skirled in a flower-bright valley while ancient dancers cavorted on a rock. The pipes and the dancers were separated by thousands of years: typical of this little town in the Saptura Mountains. Contrasting cultures and ages exist in harmony as if time and trends mean little in this serene, wooded place. Pachmarhi is for unwinding, effortlessly. Roads meander gently groves of trees, open spaces and heritage cottages sitting contentedly in their old gardens. The town has a quiet gentility about it as if Victorian traditions and high collars still governed most people's lives. Much of this ambience has been set, and is still being maintained, by the strong presence of the Army whose Education Corps is headquartered here. The old cottages, meticulously maintained by the Military Engineering Serivces, have changed little since the days of Kipling.

Tamia: Overlooking the Narmada valley, Tamia is a picturesque resort on the Satpura ranges. From the Tamia rest house, the view of the Dudhi plateau from 330 metres of sheer overhanging cliffs is one of the most spectacular anywhere South of the Vindhyas. Tamia is 78 km from Pachmarhi.

PRIYADARSHINI (FORSYTH POINT): This vantage viewing point marks the place from where Pachmarhi was discovered by Captain Forsyth in 1857. The British developed Pachmarhi as a resort and their influence is embodied in its churches and colonial architecture.

JAMUNA PRAPAT (BEE FALL): A spectacular fall in the stream which provides drinking water to Pachmarhi. The bathing pools above the fall are very popular. Handi Khoh: Pachmarhi's most impressive ravine has a 300 feet high precipice and dramatically steep sides.

APSARA VIHAR (FAIRY POOL): Easily accessible from Jai Stambh, this 'fairy pool' is an ideal picnic spot for families with small children, since the pool is shallow, deepening only towards the base of the fall. RAJAT

PRAPAT (BIG FALL): Those seeking adventure will find it in this ten-minute walk over rocks and boulders from Apsara Vihar to the top of Rajat Prapat, the 'big fall'. IRENE POOL This pool was discovered by Irene Bose, wife of Justice Vivian Bose, and named after her. The route upstream leads to a cave, through which the stream goes underground and then over a khud in a series of falls.

JALAWATARAN (DUCHESS FALLS): The descent is steep and the trek strenuous for almost all of the 4 km to the base of the fall's first cascade.

SUNDER KUND (SAUNDER'S POOL): Crossing the stream below Duchess Fall and following a footpath about 2.5 km in a south- west direction, brings one to a huge rocky pool that is excellent for a refreshing swim.

MAHADEO: Regarded as holy for countless of generations, Mahadeo hill has a shrine with an idol of Lord Shiva and an impressive Shivlinga. On the East side of the hill is an excellent cave shelter with beautiful cave paintings.

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 25

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation

CHHOTA MAHADEO: Revered as a sacred spot, this is a narrow point in the valley with rocks overhanging a stream and a spring from where water cascades down.

CHAURAGARH: 4 kms from Mahadeo, it is one of Satpura's prominent land marks, the summit crowned with emblems of Mahadeo worship.

JATA SHANKAR: A sacred cave under a mass of loose boulders in which the Jambu Dwip stream has its source. A rocky formation of this place resembles the matted locks of Lord Shiva, hence the name.

DHOOPGARH: The highest point in the Satpura range, with a magnificent view of the surrounding ranges. A very popular spot for viewing sunsets.

PANDAV CAVES: Five ancient dwellings excavated in the sandstone rock in a low hill. Pachmarhi derives its name from these caves which, as the legend goes, once provided sanctuary to the five Pandav brothers. These caves are now protected monuments.

TRIDHARA (PICCADILY CIRCUS): A popular picnic spot where two streams meet in a junction.

VANSHREE VIHAR (PANSY POOL): A beautiful spot on the Denwa stream, cool and shady among trees, ferns and semi-tropical vegetation.

REECHHGARH: A wonderful natural amphitheater in the rock, approached through a cave- like entrance on the South-side.

SANGAM (FULLER'S KHUD - WATERS MEET): This is the lowest of the picnic spots on the Denwa and offers fairly good bathing pools both below and above the meeting of the waters.

CATHOLIC CHURCH: Built in 1892 by the British, the Catholic Church is a blend of the French and Irish architecture. Its Belgium stained-glass windows add rare attraction and beauty to the building. The church has a cemetery attached to it and graves date from 1859, World War I & II.

CHRIST CHURCH: Built in 1875 by the British, this Church's architecture is fascinating; its 'sanctum- sanctorum' has a hemispherical dome on top with its ribs ending with faces of angels. The stained glass panes adorning the walls and rear of the altar were imported from Europe. They present a gorgeous view as the sun rays pass through them. The nave of the church does not contain even a single pillar for support. The baptismal font is a rare brass piece and the bell is as old as the church and its chimes can be heard from a long distance.

SATPURA NATIONAL PARK: Set up in 1981, Satpura National Park is 524 sq km in area. It spreads through dense forest of evergreen sal, teak and bamboo. The high peaks of Dhoopgarh and Mahadeo, Bori's legendary teak and bamboo forests, Pachmarhi's fascinating natural beauty of deep valleys, high mountains, rivulets, waterfalls and Tawa's vast reservoir combine to give this park unique beauty and a breathtaking variety of attractions. The park is home to the bison, tiger, Leopard, bear, four-horned deer, blue-bull and a rich variety of birds.

BISON LODGE: Constructed in 1862, the Bison Lodge is the oldest house in Pachmarhi. It now houses a beautiful museum depicting the rich flora and fauna of Pachmarhi.

THE CAVE SHELTERS: Some of the best cave shelters and groups of shelters around Pachmarhi are: Dhuandhar, approached from the footpath to Apsara Vihar, the paintings

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 26

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation mostly in white include a group of archers with the typical Gond bun and hooped earrings. Bharat Neer (Dorothy Deep), has well executed animal paintings and when excavated in the 1930s yielded many pottery shards and microliths. Asthachal (Monte Rosa), there are four shelters with paintings, comparatively early linear drawings. Along the northern side of Jambu Dwip valley are some six shelters with many paintings of animals and human figures, including a detailed battle scene. Harper's Cave, so named because of one of its paintings - a man seated and playing a harp is close to the Jata Shankar Shrine. The Chieftain's Cave derives its name from a battle scene showing two chieftains on horses. A terrace that runs the length of the South, South East and East faces of Kites Crag has some fine cave paintings, the majority of which are in white or outlined in red.

Patalkot: This is a valley inhabited by tribals surrounded by rich flora.

Tamia: Tamia is a picturesque location in the Satpura ranges and offers one of the most spectacular spots of the area. Located 78 km from Pachmarhi, it is a sought after place by adventure seekers and nature lovers with its wide botanical diversity.

Salkanpur

Perched along the Vindhyan ranges at an altitude of 2100 feet, Salkanpur echoes its past glories, it has its own history,myths and beliefs that had made it a place blessed by god and sanctified by the faith of the pilgrims. Salankanpur with its natural hilly profile was originally the sacred place of Goddess Parvati. It is believed that one of the body parts of the goddess felled here when Lord Shiva was saving her from burning. With this mythology this place has gained its own religious value and its been now a pilgrimage for millions of Hindu people out here in India. The sufferers and seekers, visionaries and religionists, rich and poor, noblemen through ages, sought and found solace in Salankanpur. It is a place of unmatched natural beauty and tranquility where calm and repose are all-pervading.

Surroundings Salkanpur nestles peacefully in the northern spurs of the Vindhayas and is in the middle of the Malwa region. It is surrounded by 6 districts- Bhopal, Raisen, Hoshnagabad, Dewas, Shajapur & Rajgarh. It is 70 km from the capital city, Bhopal.

Bhimbetka: 20kms away from Bhojpur lays Bhimbetka, where one discovers one of the richest groups of rock shelter paintings in the world, which is also inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Center.

Hoshangabad: Also Hoshangabad about 40km away from Bhimbetka a city based on the banks of river Narmada is worth visiting. The city is famous for the Sethani Ghat along the banks of River Narmada and the Hoshangabad Fort.

Salkanpur Temple is located in Sehore district near Budhni, Salkanpur Temple is at a distance of 70 km from Bhopal by road and the nearest railway station is Hoshangabad which is on the Bhopal- Itarsi route. The Salkanpur temple is devoted to goddess Durga and the presiding deity here is Ma Durga Beejasan one of the incarnation of the goddess Durga.It is very old Temple but at present temple renovate by salkanpur trust.

The Temple is situated on an 800 ft high hillock and has more than 1000 stairs. There is also Ropeway service tourist can easily reach. And also reach by approch road from back side of the temple. Salkanpur is located in near Rehti village Dist. Sehore Madhya Pradesh, Salkanpur Temple is 25 km from Hoshangabad, 45 Km from Itarsi, 70 km from Bhopal and 150 km from Indore, everyone can reach by car, taxi, bus etc.

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 27

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation

Train

Train Gitanjali – Nagpur Mumbai Mail – Nagpur Mumbai Mail – Katni Sipra Exp – Sipra

Wildlife Itinerary

1. Katni Pickup – Bandhavgarh NP 2 Nights – Kanha NP 2 Nights – Pench TR – 2 Nights – Nagpur Drop 2. Bhopal Pickup – Van Vihar NP 2 Nights – Satpura NP 2 Nights – Pench TR – 2 Nights – Nagpur Drop

Traditional Itinerary

1. Satna Pickup – Panna NP 2 Nights – Khajuraho 2 Nights - Chitrakoot 2 Nights – Satna Drop 2. Amarkantak – Chanderi – Choral – Halali – Mandu - 3. Gwalior Pickup - Gwalior – Shivpuri – Orchha – Khajuraho – Satna Drop 4. Ujjain - Mandu - Omkareswar 5. Bhopal – Bhimbetka – Panchmari – Bhedaghat 6. Bhopal Pickup – Bhopal – Pachmari – Kanha NP – Jabalpur – Khajuraho – Orchha – Gwalior – Gwalior Drop 7. Bhopal Pickup - Bhopal – Bhimbetka – Sanchi – Ujjain – Indore – Mandu – Omkareswar – Maheswar – Indore Drop 8. Gwalor Pickup – Gwalior 1N – Orchha – Jhansi 1N – Bhopal 1N – Sanchi – Indore 1N – Ujjain – Indore Drop

We understand your tourism need and professionally manage these through our experience and skill set.

We are leaders in the North East. We organise the tours in a different way unlike other organisations in the field.

We do not provide cheap service rather we provide value for money. This is our challenge. Hence, many serious tourists consider us as their first choice.

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 28

Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation

Eastern Heavens India - USP

 We provide an organised tour facility where guests don’t need to bother about synchronisation between transfer, routing, sightseeing, accommodations etc during the tour.  Any issues are handled locally and immediately with almost zero response time.  Our vendor selection process is very strict. We hire vehicles from reputed transporters. These are not used for shuttle service. Hence, vehicles are well maintained and the drivers are hired from reasonably cultured family. It guarantees the best in class touring satisfaction particularly when it is a family tour.  We tie up with the resorts where we get a consistency in service delivery. The same resort may not deliver the same level of service to the individuals, but the same is guaranteed for us as we have annual tie ups with them.  Since, we have a decentralised business model, our guests have the option to locally resolve issues by escalating local coordinators.  In case of natural calamities, our regional coordinators can help our guests with a great extent as they always have strong regional infrastructure knowledge.  We manage our business professionally where guests should feel “At Home” throughout the tour.  Just for your information, Eastern Heavens India is a vendor to some of the reputed MNC tour organisation in North-East. We are growing with them successfully, by delivering the best in class service.

For any customisation and clarification, contact immediately as per the following details.

Thanks & Regards Sandip Dey Eastern Heavens (A professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation) www.easternheavens.com Kolkata Cell No :98303-66550 E-mail : [email protected], [email protected]

[email protected] / [email protected] / 98303-66550 Page 29