Adventure TO DO IN MP

Adventure

Air

Parasailing in Pachmarhi

It looks difficult but is not really; though it is every bit as exciting. Strapped into safety gear, a crash helmet and a parachute, visitors are towed behind a jeep till the parachute fills with air and carries them into the sky. From there, after having been borne on the wings if the wind for a few minutes, parasialers descend to earth to be received by their handlers in a soft handling. Most parasailers in Pachmari are beginners with no previous experience of this exhilarating air sport.

Water

Boating

Soaring in glittering splendor, the Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat rise to a hundred feet on either side of the Narmada. The perpendicular magnesium limestone rocks fringe the crystal waters of the Narmada providing the perfect reason to take a boat down the glistening water. Boating on a moonlit night, when the whole stretch of water is transformed into a sheet of liquid silver is absolutely magical.

Earth

Mountaineering in Amarkantak

The Maikal mountain region offers an ideal setting for mountaineering and adventure tourism. Those seeking adventure will not return disappointed from here. Other than personal treks there many scout teams to escort you on a trek through the lofty peaks.

Trekking through the Satpuras - Pachmarhi

Those who are not the spiritual kind could even enjoy a wondrous trek in Pachmarhi. Starting off from the famed Pandav Caves right up to Dhoopgarh; trekking in Pachmarhi would acquaint you of the serene scapes of the Satpura Range. The Pandav Caves are said to have nestled the five Pandav brothers (heroes of the of world's longest epic, the Mahabharat) during their exile. In fact Pachmarhi has been named after these five caves. Enjoy the panoramas of wooded hills, span deep gorges and the impressive sight of the Big Falls.Trek up to the Falls to watch the stream fall across a deep gorge while you soak in some sun. You could even venture out to explore the Fairy Pool (aka ApsaraVihar) which apparently was a favourite picnic spot with the British. Your spirutality and faith would not be questioned in case you take the road leading to Jata Shankar. The sacred caves have intriguing shapes of crocodiles and Shivlings caused due to geological forces and dripping water. But the highest point in Pachmarhi is Dhoopgarh. At 1, 350 m above sea level you can witness the spectacle of sunset over the hills of Pachmarhi. For most people this is an unforgettable finale to their visit to this hill station.

Rafting on Betwa River in Orchha

Flowing along the beautiful Chhatris (cenotaphs) of the Bundelaoverlords, the Betwa River has many stories to tell. On the right bank is theOrchha Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its splendorous species of wild animals and rare birds in abundance. These scenic environs make up for an enthralling rafting session down the River. The rapids take you through a wonderful journey through downstream of KanchanGhat. The second leg of rapids up Note Ghat is something to watch out for. Soon the Betwajoins theJamuni River in turn creating faster, thrilling rapids. The rafting trips cover three kilometers and takes approximately forty-five minutes.

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TANSEN SAMAROH, GWALIOR

TANSEN SAMAROH, GWALIOR

Held in December

This is the largest and the oldest Samaroh of the Academy in the field of classical music despite the fact that it is a regular annual festival being continuously celebrated. The history of the Samaroh shows that this used to be the most significant music festival of the Gwalior State. Later on it used to be organised by the Government of MP through its department of Public Information and now in continuation, it is being organised by the Academy of the department of culture in MP. The great and well-known musicians and music lovers of the country and abroad participate in the Samaroh to offer their musical tribute to the all-time great music Maestro Tansen. Since it is the only one and the oldest day night music festival, the Academy honours the senior celebrities and junior artists of the music on this occasion by including them in the Samaroh through their music of performance.

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NIMAR UTSAV, MAHESHWAR

NIMAR UTSAV, MAHESHWAR

Held in November

Maheshwar - A small town situated at the banks of the holy river Narmada and known as the one time capital of the great Holkar Queen Devi Ahilya is a famous place of pilgrimage and is also known for its world famous Ahilya Ghat and Sarees. Nimar Festival is one of the rare festivals in the country, which is organised at the banks of river Narmada to symbolise the age-old culture, which flows through such rivers in the country. The three days Nimar Festival is a comprehensive feast of music, dance, drama, boating and canoeing. This festival is organised every year on the eve of Kartik Purnima, full moon night and continues for three days.

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LOKRANG, BHOPAL

LOKRANG, BHOPAL

Held in January

For the last 19 ears, on the great and auspicious clarion of the Republic Day, The Academy has been organising a five-day festival of tribal and folk, performing arts in Bhopal. This festival is entirely based on the rich folk tradition of the estate and the country and is known as LOKRANG. In the series of Indian culture folk traditions so deeply interwoven in people's lives, the festival is particularly focused on single geographical and geo-cultural unit of the country besides Madhya Pradesh State's own. This year the LOKRANG will be focused on the Western States of India; Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Daman-Diu and Dadar Nagar Haveli.

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LOKRANJAN, KHAJURAHO

LOKRANJAN, KHAJURAHO

Held in December

Folk and tribal dances of ancient India. This is an effort to conduct various forms of dances at one platform. Lokranjan festival is organised in Khajuraho by the AdivasiLok Kala Academy during 8-12 in Dec. for the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. It is a symbol of cultural awareness.

Khajuraho, an ancient town of Chandel dynasty is famous for its architecture and sculpture all over the world.

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KUMAR GANDHARVA SAMAROH, DEWAS

KUMAR GANDHARVA SAMAROH, DEWAS

Held in April

The academy has been organising Kumar Gandharva Samaroh every year at Dewas on his birth anniversary, 8th April, since 1992-93. The festival is to cherish his memory and offer a musical tribute to the great classical vocalist of our time. Besides the most magical music style of folk-classical vocal blend of late Shri Kumar Gandharva, a good number of well-established and talented young artists also perform and exhibit their music talent. Till date a number of great music performers and singers have participated in the Samaroh making it a great musical event of the country. To celebrate the 75th birth anniversary of Pandit Kumar Gandharva, a chain of music programmes were held throughout the year in various towns a few years ago, which has earned great success. This Samaroh of the academy has become most prestigious and countrywide famous.

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KHAJURAHO FESTIVAL OF DANCES

KHAJURAHO FESTIVAL OF DANCES

Every ancient monument has a fascinating story to tell. But few match the mystery wrapped around the temples of Khajuraho in central India. Once the capital of the great Chandela Kings, Khajuraho today is a quiet village of a few thousand people .It is also the setting of the Khajuraho Festival of Dances which draws the best classical dancers in the country every year, who perform against the spectacular backdrop of the floodlit temples. The seven-day extravaganza is a unique treat for connoisseurs from all over the world.

The Khajuraho Festival of Dances draws the best classical dancers in the country who perform against the spectacular backdrop of the floodlit temples every year in February/March.

The past and the present silhouetted against the glowing sun as the backdrop becomes an exquisite backdrop for the performers. In a setting where the earthly and the divine create perfect harmony - an event that celebrates the pure magic of the rich classical dance traditions of India. As dusk falls, the temples are lit up in a soft, dream-like ethereal stage. The finest exponents of different classical Indian styles are represented - Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri, and many more.

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BHAGORIA HAAT, JHABUA

BHAGORIA HAAT, JHABUA

This colourful festival of the Bhils and Bhilalas, particularly in the district of West Nimar and Jhabua, is actually in the nature of a mass svayamvara, a marriage market, usually held on the various market days falling before the Holi festival in March. As the name of the festival indicates, (bhag, to run), after choosing their partners, the young people elope and are subsequently accepted as husband and wife by society through predetermined customs. It is not always that boys and girls intending to marry each other meet in the festival for the first time. In a large number of cases the alliance is already made between the two, the festival providing the institutionalised framework for announcing the alliance publically. The tradition is that the boy applies gulal, red powder, on the face of the girl whom he selects as his wife. The girl, if willing, also applies gulal on the boy's face. This may not happen immediately but the boy may pursue her and succeed eventually.

Earlier, the Bhagoria haat was also the place for settling old disputes; open invitations were sent to enemies for a fight in the haat. Bloody battles used to be quite common in the past but today police and administration do not allow people to go to the haat armed.

The Bhagoria haat also coincides with the completion of harvesting, adding to it the dimension of being an agricultural festival as well. If the crops have been good, the festival assumes an additional air of gaiety..

In the life of the Bhils and Bhilalas, Bhagoria is not merely one festival but in fact a series of fairs held one by one at various villages on their specific market days, commencing eight days before Holi.

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ALAUDDIN KHAN SAMAROH, MAIHAR

ALAUDDIN KHAN SAMAROH, MAIHAR

Held in February

To commemorate the memory of the great music maestro of the 20th Century Padma Vibhushan late Baba Alauddin Khan Saheb, the Academy celebrates a Samaroh (function / festival) every year at his well-known seat of music, Maihar, in district Satna. This Samaroh has continuously been celebrated since 1970-80. In this Samaroh, besides a cherished chain of celebrated vocal and instrumental musicians performing in the style of late Baba Khan Saheb, a number of other talented artists, both the young and the veteran ones also perform classical music and dance in order to pay their musical tribute to the maestro Baba Alauddin Khan. The Samaroh is held every year in the month of February at Maihar in which music lovers and performers from all over the country and even abroad assemble and participate. The Samaroh has assumed countrywide recognition and reputation and it is one of the most prestigious programmes of the academy.

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ALL INDIA KALIDASA FESTIVAL

ALL INDIA KALIDASA FESTIVAL

Held in November

The Kalidasa Samaroh, the festival of classical Sanskrit Literature, Traditional Theatre and arts, is held every year as a tribute to the great poet playwright Kalidasa. Mahakavi Kalidasa is known as the greatest repository of our national heritage.

The colourful evening of Kalidasa festival starts with the original Sanskrit play of Kalidasa presented in a traditional style. For the next six days, festival goes with the presentation of classical dramas, dances, ballets and classical music concerts showing the greatness of Indian arts and culture.

Another attraction of this festival is an all India Kalidasa painting and sculpture exhibition inspired by the works of Kalidasa. The works are created by the artists in Indian traditional or folk style.

Thus, Kalidasa festival is a prestigious programme of Madhya Pradesh, which has glorious history of several decades. The first Kalidasa Festival, organised by the Madhya Pradesh Government, was inaugurated by the First President of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1958.

In short, Kalidasa Festival is dedicated to Indian Traditional Literature, Art and Culture and it is a tribute to our national poet Mahakavi Kalidasa, a great symbol of ever flowing Indian traditional literature representing the greatness of India all over the world.

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FOSSIL NATIONAL PARK

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 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.

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van vihar

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 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.

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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.

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SANJAY-DUBRI

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.

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MADHAV NATIONAL PARK

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.

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PENCH TIGER RESERVE

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, 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.

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PANNA NATIONAL PARK

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.

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KANHA NATIONAL PARK

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 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.

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