BANDHAVGARH TIGER RESERVE

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 elephant back or open vehicles as safaris.

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Cenotaphs to visit in MP

CENOTAPH OF MAHARAJA CHHATRASAL, CHHATARPUR

Built in 18th century the monument (Maqbara) of Bundelkhad Kesari Maharaja Chhatrasal is an octagonal structure. As you enter you are greeted by a spherical verandah. Its upper portion is decorated with coloured wall paintings which are enthralling. The Samadhi of Maharaja Chhatrasal is situated in the middle with the pradakshina (ambulatory) path around the same. The shikhara (peak) is dome-shaped with shades built all around it. The structure was built of stone, bricks and lime and still stands the test of time.

CHHATRI OF PRATAP SINGH, CHHATARPUR

The samadhi of former ruler of the Chhatarpur state is a state protected monument. It was built in the later part of 19th century commemorating Maharaja Pratap Singh. The monument represents a beautiful blend of Bundeli and Rajput styles. An urn containing the ashes of Maharaja Pratap Singh Dev is placed in the garbha-griha.

BUNDELA CHHATRIES, ORCHHA

Orchha was founded in 16th century by the Bundela Rajputs. The Bundelas were fierce Rajput rulers who occupied the hidden city of Orchha. In fact the word Orchha means "Hidden". The Bundelkhand style of architecture was at its peak during the era giving birth to fairytale-like palaces and temples. Orchha is known for its chhatris (cenotaphs) designed in the memory of late rulers and noblemen.

Unlike other cenotaphs, which are in the form of temples, the one in Orchhha is an exception. There are fifteen cenotaphs of the Bundela rulers and members of their family standing proudly on the southern bank of the Betwa river. The chhatris rise on a square platform with the sanctum having a similar shape. The sanctum holds the ashes of the cremated princes and princesses. As you enter you the first chhatri greets you with a marble statue of Madhukar Shah and his wife. As you stroll down to the far end, by the riverside, you would witness the square chattri dedicated to Bir Singh Deo.

You could take a raft down the Betwa river to get a better view at the Chattris.

CHHATRIS OF KRISHNAPURA

These are exquisite cenotaphs of the three later Holkar rulers. These memorials in stone are gracefully poised on the banks of the Khan river with their pyramidal spires tapering into soaring kalashas. These are memorials built on the cremation spots of the Holkar rulers of Indore. Facing west is the cenotaph built over the ashes of another woman ruler of Malwa, Maharani Krishnabai. The other two Chhatris are of Tukoji Rao II and Shivaji Rao, father and son, and are linked by a common oblong prayer hall with ornately carved arches and pillars on a high platform along the garbha grihas containing life size statues of these rulers. A breathtaking sight at night when illuminated, the Chhatris glow etherally against the dark of the sky. An artificial lake is created in this stretch of the otherwise dry Khan river, complete with a fountain, well laid gardens on both banks and boating facility.

MAUSOLEUMS OF MOHAMMED GHAUS & TANSEN, GWALIOR

Mohammed Ghaus's monumental tomb is a massive sandstone structure with rising towers on the four corners, crowned by cupolas and a huge central dome. The outer walls are made of exquisite cut stone grilles. Some distance away is Tansen's mausoleum which is equally revered. The great Tansen once graced the courts of Emporer Akbar with his spellbinding voice. His captivating voice and style went on to influences varied genres to come. In fact he is the father of the Hindustani classical style. The tomb of Tansen built in early Mughal architectural style is surrounded by lush gardens. Though it is architecturally mediocre (compared to other wonders) the monument is home to finest music festivals in India. You will find a lot of musicians singing semi-religious songs (ghazals) which adds splendour in the air.

CHHATRIS OF SHIVPURI

Set in a formal Mughal garden, with quiet nooks under flowering trees, intersected by pathways with ornamental balustrades and illuminated by Victorian lamps, is the complex in which the cenotaphs of the Scindias are set. Facing each other across a water tank are the Chhatris of Madho Rao Scindia and the dowager queen Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia, synthesising the architectural idioms of Hindu and Islamic styles with their shikhara-type spires and Rajput and Mughal pavilions.

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DAMS TO VISIT IN MP

BANSAGAR DAM

Bansagar or Ban Sagar is a multipurpose river valley project, constructed on Son River. The dam is located in Ganga Basin in Madhya Pradesh, India. The objective to build this dam was to enhance both irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. The Bansagar Dam is constructed at village Deolond in Shahdol district. The dam is located at a distance of 51.4 km from Rewa.

BARGI DAM

Bargi Dam is one of the major dams in Madhya Pradesh; it is of its first kind across the river Narmada. The Bargi Dam is situated near the Bijora Village, around 40 km southwest of Jabalpur city.

The construction work of Bargi Dam was started in 1974. A major water source of the region, the Bargi Dam is also used for power generation. The dam site is opened for visitors round the year till late evening. The scenic Temar falls are the most frequented nearby attraction.

BHADBHADA DAM

The Bhadbhada dam is a set of 11 sluice gates at the south-east corner of Upper Lake in Bhopal. It was constructed in 1965. The gates are used to control the outflow of water from the lake to Kaliasote river, and are usually opened only when the city receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.

GANDHI SAGAR DAM

The Gandhi Sagar dam is probably the first of the four dams built on the Chambal River. The Gandhi Sagar dam serves Gandhi Nagar, Mandsaur District, Madhya Pradesh. The Water Resources Department of Madhya Pradesh maintains the Gandhi Saqar Dam. The construction of this dam started in 1954 and as completed in 1970. The dam is 513 metres long and its height rises upto 62.20 metres.

HALAHI DAM

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.

The dam has a MP tourism hotel which has about 3 – 4 rooms, nice ambience and a playground for children.

KERWA DAM

This is a scenic dam located just 15 km from Bhopal off Kotra Sultanabad. Kerwa dam is an excellent spot to enjoy a nice picnic. The place is best visited in the rains as the water level is low in summers.

A Unique eco-tourism site has been started near the Kerwa Dam in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Inspite of being close to the main city it maintains a natural wilderness and beauty.

Kerwa eco-tourism site has one kilometer of walking area laden with trees, scrubs and flowering plants on both the sides.

The Kerwa Eco-Tourism Development Society charges Rs. 15 as entry fee per person.

KOLAR DAM

Kolar Dam, a major masonry dam, is located about 35 km away from Bhopal, near Lawakhari village in Sehore District. Constructed across the Kolar River, a tributary of Narmada on the right bank, the dam is about 45 m high. The maximum storage capacity is 270 M cm. The dam serves the irrigation purpose of Bhopal city and the surrounding areas.

The nearest airport is Bhopal Airport. Sehore Railway Station is the closest to Lawalhari village.

RAJGHAT DAM

Rajghat Dam stands across the Betwa River, which is about 22 km from Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh, India. Rajghat Dam is an Inter-state Dam project of the collaborated team of the Government of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The project includes the construction of 43.80 m high and 562.50 m long stone work dam across River Betwa flanked by an earthen dam with a maximum height of 29.5 meters and a total length of 10.79 km.

TAWA DAM

Tawa Reservoir is located at Hoshangabad District in Madhya Pradesh. This large reservoir is located on The Tawa River. This reservoir was created only after the building of the Tawa Dam, which began in the year 1958 and the construction work was completed in the year 1978. At the time of the construction of the Tawa reservoir, almost forty-four villages were submerged.

Tawa Reservoir is nestled between the western boundary of Satpura National Park and Bori Wildlife Sanctuary. Water Resources Department of Madhya Pradesh bears the responsibility to maintain the Tawa Reservoir. The reservoir is almost 57.91 metres high and 1,815 metres long.

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LAKES IN MP TO VISIT

LOWER LAKE AND UPPER LAKE

Bhopal is known as the city of lakes, and it is lakes that greet one on arrival. The road from the railway station crosses the Chotta Talab (Lower Lake) and if one flies in, then the drive into town skirts the Bada Talab (Great Lake) which is also known as the Upper Lake, spanning thirty-one kilometers'; more like an expanse of the sea than a lake, which while enveloping the city, reflects it as well. The Upper Lake is divided from the Lower by an over-bridge and is six sq km in area. Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Boat Club on the Upper Lake provides facilities for exciting trips by cruise, sail, paddle and motor boats.

MADHAV PARK LAKE

Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar lakes, created on Manier River in 1918, are two important biodiversity support systems in the Park besides several perennial and seasonal streams and nallahs. Sakhya Sagar Lake is situated on the edge of forests of Madhav National Park. On the shores of the lake is boat club also known as Sailing Club. The Sakhya Sagar Lake is the habitat of variety of reptiles. Species that can be seen here are marsh or mugger crocodile, Indian python and the monitor lizard.

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WATERFALLS IN MP TO SEE

DHUANDHAR FALLS, BHEDAGHAT

The Narmada, making its way through the Marble Rocks, narrow down and then plunges in a waterfall known as Dhuandhar or the 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.

JAMUNA PRATAP (BEE FALL)

An interesting hiking trail through forest and scrubland, across a cascading stream that is a delightful spot to have a picnic, continues further down the valley to the bottom of the Falls. They are among the most photographed sights of Pachmarhi. Water foams and roars, frothing and spuming from a moderate height of a shade over 16 m. Visitors bathing in the falls often compare its cold, tingling, spray to the strings of myriad tiny bees.

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 casade.

PATAL PANI, INDORE

36 km from Indore, Patal Pani is 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.

PANDAV FALLS

Pandav falls are located on Panna Road, around 34 km away from Khajuraho. It is an excellent scenic spot.

RANEH FALLS

Raneh Falls are located 20 km away from Khajuraho. It is a beautiful picnic spot on River Ken. It is about 20Km away from Khajuraho. This is based on granite rocks and is 5 km long and 100 feet deep. The color formation of Granite rock is pink, red and gray.

RAJAT PRATAP (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'. Across a deep gorge, a stream falls like a strip of glittering tinsel, down a 120 m cleft in the brown, scrub-patched cliffs. The visitors require taking a path that branches off close to the edge of the escarpment. At the end of the path they have to inch down rocks till they reach a flat boulder. From here they get a spectacular view of the green dell below and the waterfall.

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Youngistaan

Cast : Jackky Bhagnani ,Neha Sharma,Farooq Shaikh,Boman Irani
Release Date : 28 March 2014
Genre : Romantic, Drama
Language: Hindi
Director: Syed Ahmad Afzal
Synopsis:
The story revolves around a young and high profile couple caught up in a highly political environment. This couple, in some way, represents the progressive youth of this nation, which is willing to make its voice heard.

Youngistan Movie Posters

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Dishkiyaoon

Cast : Sunny Deol ,Harman Baweja ,Ayesha Khanna,Prashant Narayanan,Aditya Pancholi
Release Date : 28 March 2014
Genre : Action
Language: Hindi
Director: Sanamjit Singh Talwar
Synopsis:
Dishkiyaoon is an upcoming Bollywood film produced by Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra along with Eros International. The film features Sunny Deol, Harman Baweja and debutant Ayesha Khanna. The film is about the Mumbai underworld.

Dishkiyaoon Movie Poster

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