India's
largest state, with an area of 450,000 square kilometres (174,000
square miles), Madhya Pradesh is in the very heart of India.
Geographically it is a land of contrasts, with river valleys,
dense forests and rolling plains overlooked by the ancient hills
of the Vindya and Satpura ranges and the sprawling highlands
of the Malwa plateau. The region has been the site of human
activity since prehistoric times and its central location explain
its turbulent history.
The best time to visit Madhya Pradesh is from November through
March when temperature are at their most comfortable. The evening
are fairly pleasant, especially at Indore, Mandu, Ujjain and
Bhopal on the Malwa plateau, which is famed for its cool summer
nights. For the wildlife viewing is best in the summer months
of April to June. Most of the state is a high plateau and in
summer it can be very dry and hot. Virtually all phases of Indian
history have left their mark on Madhya Pradesh, historically
known as Malwa . There are still many pre - Aryan Gond and Bhil
tribal people in the state, but Madhya Pradesh is overwhelmingly
Indo - Aryan with the majority of the people speaking Hindi
and following Hinduism. Some of Madhya Pradesh' s attraction
are - Khajuraho and Kanha National Park. The places of interest
include the capital city of Bhopal, the fort city of Gawalior
and the ancient historic city of Khajuraho.
The Madhav National Park of Shivpuri with a varied terrain of
wooded hills, it offers abundant opportunities of sighting a
variety of wildlife is open throughout the year. Ujjain is one
of the holiest and oldest cities of India and was an important
place, during the reign of Ashoka in spreading Buddhism.
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