Madhya Pradesh• Madhya Pradesh is known as ‘the heart of

incredible India’. With 9 national park, 25 sanctuaries and 3 UNESCO world heritage sites, the state is home of rich culture heritage; innumerable monuments , large plateau, mountain ranges, rivers & miles of dense forest.

Famous for

• Innumerable monuments, carved temples, stupa, forts and places on hill top. 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.

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

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

Facts:Year 2015, is noticed as tourism year in Madhya Pradesh

Climate • Temperature in summer 35-40 degree Celsius

• Temperature in winter 10-15 degree Celsius

• Rain fall 76-150 cms (july- sept)

Tourism Policies of MP

• Creation and improvement of basic infrastructure.

• Up gradation and augmentation of tourist facilities.

• Marketing of destinations. • Human Resource Development. • Promotion of arts and crafts of

the State.

Bhopal

• Bhopal is the capital of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Bhopal is known as the City of Lakes for its various natural as well as artificial lakes and is also one of the greenest cities in India. It is the 17th largest city in the country and 131st in the world.

• Taj-ul-Masajid

The mosque features Mughal architecture. The Jama Masjid of Bhopal, built in 1837, has an inner sanctum built out of marble.

• Lower Lake

The lake was created in 1794 to beautify the city situated between massive upper lake and the majestic hills, the Lower Lake also called as Chota Talaab. The upper and lower lakes are separated by means of an over bridge.

UJJAIN

• Ujjain was the most prominent city on the Malwa plateau of central India for much of its history .It emerged as the political centre of central India around 600 BCE. It was the capital of the ancient Avanti kingdom, one of the sixteen mahajanapadas.

• Mahakaleshwar Temple

• Kaliadeh Palace

Once recorded as beautiful temple of Sun on banks of River Shipra with two tanks with name of Surya Kunda and the Brahma Kunda. Palace was built by the Sultan of Mandu long back in the year 1458 A.D.

Pench National Park

The area of the present tiger reserve has a glorious history. The park won the "Best Management Award“. Over 1200 species of plants have been recorded from the area including several rare and endangered plants as well as plants of ethno-botanical importance.

Pachmarhi

Pachmarhi is the one and only hill station in Madhya Pradesh state of central India, also known for the Pachmarhi Cantonment. Pachmarhi have a lot of cave paintings in the forests, some of which have been dated to be as much as 10000 years old, the caves are actually Buddhist in origin but the name persists.

Indore

• The largest city in Madhya Pradesh.• Situated on the banks of the two rivers

Sarasvati and Khan.• It’s a great industrial center which has the

look of a boomtown, industries like Automobiles, textiles, IT etc.

• Annapurna temple

Annapurna Temple, one of the oldest temple in the city is dedicated to the Goddess of nourishment, Devi Annapurna. This 9th century magnificent 100 feet high temple resembles the famous Mathura Meenakshi Temple. The most remarkable thing about this temple is that it has no man daps or pillared halls.

• Gomatgiri

Gomatgiri, a small hillock located in a picturesque surroundings about 10-12 km away from the heart of the city, is a religious place of the Jain devotees. This hillock was donated to the Jain Samaj by the M.P government in 1981.

Jabalpur

Jabalpur District is located in the Mahakoshal region of Madhya Pradesh, on the divide between the watersheds of Narmada and the Son, but mostly within the valley of the Narmada, which here runs through the famous gorge known as the Marble rocks, and falls 30 ft. over a rocky ledge. The north and east belong to basin of the Son River, a tributary of the Ganges and Yamuna, the south and west to the Narmada basin.

• DHUANDHAR WATERFALL

As the river falls down with force on hard rocks, you could see visuals of smoke arising, which gives the waterfalls the name. Yet another star attraction here is the marble rocks.

• BHEDAGHAT

The place is famous for boating on River Narmada as you get to sail between the beautiful marble rocks. The glittering marble rocks stand tall and proud at a height of about 100 feet on either side of River Narmada. Moonlit nights make a perfect scenario here.

• MADAN MAHAL FORT

A construction belonging to the 11th century, is a stunning example of the architectural splendor of the past. The fort does not share the likes of other forts in the country. It had a purpose when it was built and it served the purpose.

Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park is Tiger reserve park and located in the Mandla, Madhya Pradesh. The park has a significant population of Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, Barasingha and Indian wild dog. This is one of India’s most visited wildlife area and best place to encounter with wild animals

Amarkantak

Amarkantak is an important pilgrim center for the Hindus and the source of the rivers Narmada and Son. Holy ponds, hills, forests, and beautiful waterfalls make Amarkantak a sought-after destination for the religious as well as nature loving tourists.Amarkantak also finds a mention in, Mahabharata as one of the homes of the Pandavas during their exile.

• Narmada Udgam complex

Narmada Udgam is a temple built at the source of the Narmada – the holiest spot in Amarkantak. The Narmada Udgam complex houses many small shrines and is considered to be a sacred place for Hindus. Devotees can be seen bathing, washing or performing rites and rituals in the complex.

• Shambhudhara &Durgadhara

Two other extremely beautiful waterfalls are situated deep in the forest. One has to walk a few Kms. to see these breath taking waterfalls.

• Sarvodya Jain Temple

This temple considered a construction marvel. Cement and iron have not been used in this temple and the weight of the idol to be placed in the temple is around 24 Tones. Besides these regularly visited sites, all roads from Amarkantak within 3 Km radius are excellent trekking routes where one can behold the beauty of nature in its breathtakingly untouched form.

Sanchi

Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh is a pilgrim center. Sanchi houses Great Stupa, which is the country’s oldest stone structure. After the decline of Buddhism in this part of the world, Sanchi seemed to be out of the map until it was rediscovered by General Taylor, a British officer. Declared by UNESCO as the ‘World Heritage Site’ in the year 1989, Sanchi attracts tourists from all over the world

• SANCHI STUPA

STUPA Sanchi is a hot spot for Buddhist tourist in India. It is situated at Sanchi in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. The glorious Stupa at Sanchi is the oldest stone composition in India and was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka, the Great in the 3rd century BCE. Sanchi tagged as the World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1989.

• Udayagiri Caves

Udayagiri Caves, a group of 20 caves, make an interesting presentation of the past. Sculptures representing Hinduism and Jainism from Gupta Era are seen in the caves. The caves date back to a period between 4th and 5th century AD. Some of the caves are located at the top of the hill while most are located in the foothill.

• ASHOKA PILLARS

Life of Emperor Ashoka has lots of tell to power mongers.He had conveyed his message loud and clear by building pillars across his kingdom. The pillars ranged between 40 to 50 feet in height. Near the southern gateway of Sanchi Stupa stands the famous Ashoka Pillar of 3rd century BC. The pillar represents elegance, creativity and exquisite architecture.

• GUPTA TEMPLE

Gupta Temple in Sanchi stands proof of the architectural excellence of the Gupta period. It also reflects the integrity that prevailed among people belonging to various faiths for the temple was constructed in a land that was predominantly a Buddhist pilgrim center.

GwaliorGwalior City is a District in Madhya Pradesh State . The old city is covered with white sandstone Mosque, Palaces, rock temples and statues of archaeological and architectural interest. Gwalior City was the Capital of the princely State of Gwalior until 1948. With different Dynasty, the city gained a new dimension from the warrior kings, poets, musicians, and saints who contributed to making it renowned throughout the country.

• Gwalior fort

Gwalior fort, which was famously described as ‘the pearl amongst fortresses in India’. In a sense, Gwalior continues to retain a medieval majesty.

• Saas Bahu Temple

Built in the 9th century, the Saas Bahu temple attracts tourists and devotees alike. Shastra Bahu, another name of Lord Vishnu. These are two temples situated adjacent to each other and are decorated with impeccable carvings and sculptures.

• Jai Vilas Palace

It was established in 1874 by Jayajirao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior and is still the residence, the former royal Maratha Scindia dynasty. Museum Dedicated to Jivaji Rao Scindia, this is one of the most prominent museums of Madhya Pradesh. It occupies around 35 rooms of Jai Villas Palace. The museum is famous for its collection of manuscripts, sculptures, coins, paintings, weapons, etc. The museum is a great place to connect with the history of Gwalior, especially the Scindia dynasty.

Padavali

Situated 40 km from the main town of Gwalior, Padavali is an fortress comprising many ancient temples. The temples have erotic carvings. These temples were discovered in 2005 as a result of excavation by the ASI. Most of the temples here are dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. The temples are believed to built around 8th-10th century AD and is built mainly using red sandstone.

Mitavali

This temple with the Indian parliament building (Sansad Bhawan) as both are circular in style. This temple is so named because of the presence of multitude of shivalingas inside its cells. The temple consists of a circular peripheral wall which shows different courses of constructions in different times. The topmost course of the wall, composed of bricks and limestone.

Khajuraho Group of Monuments,Khajuraho

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in Madhya Pradesh. They are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 by the Chandela dynasty. Historical records note that the Khajuraho temple site had 85 temples by 12th century. Of these, only about 20 temples have survived, spread over 6 square kilometers.

• Lakshman Temple

The oldest and most aesthetically pleasing temples. The trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva is depicted in the horizontal beam over the entrance of the temple.

• Devi jagdamba Temple

Devi Jagdamba temple has beautifully carved figures. The Garba Griha houses a stunning sculpture of the Goddess of the Universe. The temple also houses a beautiful image of Goddess Parvati, with the image of Mithuna.

• Dulhadev Temple

Built the year 1130 Dulhadev Temple enshrines a beautiful shivalingam and striking sculptures of Apsaras . The temple also has a stunning sculpture of Lord Shiva with his wife Parvati.

Omkareshwar Jyothirlinga temple

One of the holiest shrines in the whole of India, the Omkareshwar temple is one of the twelve revered jyothirlingas in India. The temple is situated on an island called Mandhata, located at the meeting point of the rivers Narmada and Kaveri. The island is said to be in the shape of the Hindu 'OM' symbol. This temple, apart from the religious values, also boasts of stunning architecture and houses beautiful carvings.

Omkareshwar Jyothirlinga temple

Bhimbetka rock shelters

The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site, exhibiting the earliest traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent, and thus the beginning of the South Asian Stone Age. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 2003. The oldest paintings are considered to be 30,000 years old, but some of the geometric figures date to as recently as the medieval period. The colors used are vegetable colors which have endured through time because the drawings were generally made deep inside a niche or on inner walls.

Bhimbetka rock shelters

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

Centrally located

Long and rich history. History have left indelible and landmark evidences.

Rich inventory of natural and manmade tourism resources.

Computerized reservation system.

Tourism declared is an “industry”.

Weaknesses

1. Long distances between the tourist centers.

2. MP is a developing state.

3. MP is not located near the major ports of tourist entry such as Rajasthan or Goa.

4. Poor connectivity and infrastructure facilities for the tourist centers.

5. Lack of comprehensive plan for long-term development.

6. Lack of coordination with private sector.

1. Heritage tourism

2. Wild life tourism

3. Pilgrim tourism

4. Nature/Eco tourism

5. Adventure/sports tourism

6. Resort tourism

7. Business tourism

OPPORTUNITIES

Threats

• Stiff competition from the neighboring states & Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and eastern part of Maharastra.

• Need planned and careful handling to negotiate the present adverse image.

• Infrastructure, if not improved

within a time frame, might create problems in future.

• Cleanliness of the areas improved sanitation, elimination of beggars and touts should be given priority.

PEST analysis

POLITICAL( new tourism policy) Madhya Pradesh government announced and approved a new tourism policy. It is aimed at promoting more investment from private sector and procuring more land for them than promoting tourism. The new policy has relaxed luxury tax limit from Rs 500 to Rs 2000 and zero

tax during off season. Heritage hotels will be exempted from tax for a period of 10 years. The policy also includes ‘Water tourism policy’ to promote tourism at

various reservoirs of power projects like Indira Sagar, Omkareshwar and Bansagar dams.

The new hotels at Bhopal and Indore will be exempted from taxes for a period of five years and eight years in other areas.

The new hotels will also be exempted from electricity duty if they set up captive power plant.

The new policy proposes Special Tourism Zone and creating land bank for the private investors.

The mandatory provision of creating minimum 10 years for tax exemptions for new hotel has also been abolished.

 

IMPACT OF TOURISM IN ECONOMYThe tourism industry offers four source of revenue to the area economy and state economy.Expansion of currency facilities which stimulates the local market.Expansion of local investment facilities and credit facilities.Stimulation of local production.Stabilization of high price level by stimulation of market.

SOCIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS• The population of Madhya Pradesh consists of a number of ethnic groups and tribes, castes and

communities. . The main tribal groups in Madhya Pradesh are Gond, Bhil, Baiga, Korku, Bhadia (or Bhariya), Halba, Kaul, Mariya, Malto and Sahariya. Dhar, Jhabua and Mandla  districts have more than 50 percent tribal population.

• The official language is Hindi. In addition Urdu and Marathi are spoken by a substantial number of the population.

• Madhya Pradesh is noted for its classical and folk music.• 90.9% of the MP residents followed Hinduism, while others are Muslim (6.6%), Jain (0.8%),

Christians (0.3%), Buddhists (0.3%), and Sikhs (0.2%).• Two of the medieval India's most noted singers, Tansen and Baiju Bawra, were born near Gwalior in

present-day Madhya Pradesh.• in spite of living in a subdued environment, the people of MP are quite developed and good by heart.

The caring, warm and welcoming nature of these people of Madhya Pradesh makes them stand unique from others.

• The dressing patterns of the Madhya Pradesh people vary drastically from one region to another.• To name a few of the well known festivals and fairs held commonly all over the state of Madhya

Pradesh are: Holi,Id,Navratri.

TECHNOLOGICAL CONDITIONSThe broad vision of the State in the Technology sector is summarised as follows:• a) Improve the life of the common man leveraging the strengths of e-

Governance.• b) Attracting investment in the sector so that the educated youth is able to

contribute to the development of the State Create a pool of highly skilled professionals who are at par with the best in the country.

• c) Transforming Resource Based Economy to Knowledge Based Economy• Technological initiatives- Creating and enabling niche marketing. Promotion of infrastructure, industry and economy. Manpower development for IT. Promotion of IT in social sector. Promotion of IT in government sector.

UNEXPLORED PLACES IN MP

SOME HIDDEN DESTINATIONS IN MADHYAPARDESH “HEART OF THE INDIA”

Mandu is the epitome of architectural excellence that our ancestors seemed to have achieved. This city is testament to

the unconditional love between Prince Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. Mandu also

boasts of the oldest erected monument of India.

MANDU – Unlittered by the footsteps of time