Visit these offbeat and breathtaking places in Madhya Pradesh for an exciting experience

A state stationed at the center of India- Madhya Pradesh is popularly known as 'The heart of India'. The soul and spirit of India, Madhya Pradesh has always been an attractive destination in terms of historical, cultural, and flora & fauna. There is no other state in India that is enriched with such a vast historical background that can attract tourist's attention. Since ages, Researchers and archaeologists are digging the hidden treasures of Madhya Pradesh and in this regard, they have achieved a greater success.

A home to breathtaking landscapes, mural panorama, and hub of ancient architectures; All these things together form a comprehensive sketch of Madhya Pradesh. There are endless numbers of tourist's attractions that will bring out the inquisitiveness in you. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism department gave a tagline for the state- 'HINDUSTAN KA DIL DEKHO' that portrays the true image of the Madhya Pradesh.

There are various beautiful, fascinating, and majestic sites and locations in Madhya Pradesh that can surely compel anyone to visit this state once in his lifetime.

1. Kandariya Mahadev Temple

Situated in one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites- Khajuraho, Kandariya Mahadev Temple is popularly known as 'THE GREAT GOD OF THE CAVE'. The structure and pattern of the temple give us the glimpse of the architectural style of the medieval period of India. The temple is in the Chattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh and the temple has been constructed during the time of Vidhayadhara- ruler of Chandela dynasty. Khajuraho is known for having a group of temples and Kandariya temple is the largest and tallest among other temples. The carvings, the Makara Torana, and the marble Shiva Linga are the most important features of Kandariya temple. This east facing temple is embellished with various external as well as internal miniature and carvings that will totally baffle you.

How to reach: You can hire a cab from Khajuraho; This will enable you to enjoy your road trip.

When to go: You can visit this temple in any season, but October to February will be the best time to visit this place. February will be the best time because then you can also witness the Khajuraho dance festival. The festival covers major classical dances performed by renowned dancers from all over the world. The temple opens at 6:00 am and closes at 10:00 pm and you can also get Prasad from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm.

2. Dhuandhar Falls

Situated in the Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh, Dhuandhar falls is one of the most beautiful falls in India that will leave you speechless. The alluring beauty of fall will take you into the lap of tranquility and serenity. The high voltage sound coming from the fall and the droplets of water on your cheeks will make you go crazy. The fall is located at Narmada river at Bhedaghat and is almost 30 meters high. The physical attractiveness, smoke cascade, and loud music of the fall are breathtaking. The Narmada river is surrounded by Marble rocks and then makes its way and turns into fall.

How to reach: Dhuadhar falls is 30km away from Jabalpur and you can hire a cab for an amazing road trip.

When to go: The best time to visit Dhuadhar fall is during Narmada Mahotsav during Sharad Purnima. You can also have a boat ride.

3. Kanha National Park

This largest national park is known for one of the best Tiger reserves of India. You can sneak peek into this national park and if you are lucky you can have a glimpse of Bengal Tiger, the most popular and endangered tiger species, Sloth Bear, Indian Leopards, Indian Wild Dog, and Barasingha. Most of us have read the favorite book of our time- THE JUNGLE BOOK by Rudyard Kipling. The jungle depicted in this book was inspired by the KANHA NATIONAL PARK. This national park was first founded in the year 1955 to save the endangered tiger species. The national park covers 1945 square kilometres and there are various wildlife management plans been initiated by Madhya Pradesh government in order to save rare species and rare flora and fauna of the national park.

How to reach: You can reach Kanha National Park by air. Jabalpur is the nearest airport. You can also opt for Raipur and Nagpur airports. All these airports have direct connectivity from Mumbai and Delhi.

When to go: The best time to visit this national park is from November to June.

4. Sanchi Stupa

Located 46 kilometres from Bhopal, Sanchi Stupa is built by great Mauryan Emperor Asoka in 3rd century BCE. As, this parasol like structure is having the relics of Gautam Buddha, so this is considered the oldest stone architecture that has been built in memory of Gautam Buddha. Asoka was the follower of Buddhism and he wanted to spread and preserve the teachings of Gautam Buddha, so he ordered to build this sacred architecture. This Stupa is the authentication of the Mauryan Dynasty and that is the reason that it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage site. You can visit some of the important sites here:

The Great Stupa Sanchi stupa 2 The Great Bowl Bija Mandal The disciples Udaygiri caves The ASI Museum Gupta temple Sanchi Stupa 3 Chaitya, Vihar

How to reach: This world heritage site is 46 km away from Bhopal. You can opt for a bus or hire a cab for a road trip.

When to go: The best time to visit this tourist attraction is between November to February.

5. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve jyotirlingas that is dedicated to Hindu Deity Shiva. It is said that these jyotirlingas are the sacred abode of Lord Shiva and they are the most worshipped temples in India. The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is situated in Ujjain on the side of the Rudra Sagar Lake. The ShivLing inside the Mahakaleshwar temple faces towards the south and that is why it is also known as the 'DAKSHINAMURTI'. No other Jyotirlinga faces towards the south and that is why Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is unique among all. This Jyotirlinga is also known as SWAYAMBHU (The one who born of itself).

The best time to visit the temple is at the time of Maha Shivratri or Nag Panchami. But do take some precaution because there will be many crowds and you can get caught in trouble.

Madhya Pradesh has always been a favorite destination for archaeologists and historians; All you need to do is just explore some of the bewitching locations and you will surely want to visit this state again and again!