Introduction
The state got its name from the fact that it is located in the central parts of the country. The state is also fondly referred to by many as MP, due to its initials. It has a lot to offer in terms of culture, food, modern amenities, historical monuments. Etc. It also isn’t hard to find a hill station in MP as there are a good number of them in the state. Tourists interested in visiting can book a flight to Madhya Pradesh and tour the state..
Madhya Pradesh is among the few states which is bordered by other states on all sides. The grand fair of Kumbh Mela is organized here every twelve years. There is also a temple made of glass located in Indore which is quite well known. Ujjain is a sacred Hindu city and is renowned world over as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in the nation.
Madhya Pradesh is particularly renowned for the Khajuraho temples and its magnificent sculptures. The incredible Sanchi Stupa can be found in Bhopal and was built during King Ashoka’s reign. The Bandhavgarh National Park which is home to the Barasingha and the Tigers reserve are also situated here.
Climate
The state experiences a tropical climate with hot summers that last from April to June. It is then followed by a monsoon season spanning from July to September.and then a comparatively dry autumn.
Best Time To Travel
The months spanning from October to February are considered the best time to travel to Madhya Pradesh in India. The temperatures are stable and the weather during daytime is pleasant and favorable for sightseeing. A great time to visit the state. Those interested in touring can book a flight to Indore which has one of the state’s main airports.
Prominent Hill Stations in Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh has a good number of beautiful hill stations that are frequented by tourists every year.
Pachmarhi
Pachmarhi is a famous hill station and is also the highest point in Madhya Pradesh. Pachmarhi is also referred to as the “Queen of the Satpura Range”.or “Satpura ki Rani”. The town is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is home to bison and leopards. It is also situated at an altitude of 1,067 meters.
The hilltop also has five sandstone cut caves and is believed to be the place where Pandavas stayed in during their exile. This makes it appealing to religious tourists. It is located at an elevation and surrounded by beautiful forests of Satpuras with streams and waterfalls making for a great view.
It is an ideal getaway for people living in nearby cities. Captain James Forsyth of the British Army discovered and developed the town in modern times. It also contains charming churches built in colonial style architecture. Some even consider it the best hill station in MP.
Amarkantak
It is a hill station known for its exquisite temples. Amarkantak has also been nicknamed as “Teerthraj” (the king of pilgrimages) and is situated between the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges. It can be found at an altitude 1,067 meters.
The holy Narmada River originates from Amarkantak making it special in the eyes of many. Additionally, it also acts as the confluence point for the rivers Johila, Sone and Narmada. Its forests contain plants rich in medicinal properties which adds to its importance from an ecological perspective.
Many also believe that Sant Kabir, the mystic poet, meditated on the Kabir Chabutra. The hill station is also renowned for its rich cultural heritage and is a famous hill station in MP.
Shivpuri
Shivpuri is a city and municipality with great religious and historical significance as both Hindu and Mughal Kings have ruled around this region. The city is named after Lord Shiva and acted as haven for Kachhawaha Rajputs until 1804 It was subsequently taken over by the Scindias It also holds importance from the pre-Independence times as freedom fighter Tatya Tope was hanged here.
It is situated at an elevation of 478 meters above sea level and has a very low population. It also has some exotic attractions and promises to be a great getaway.
Mandu
It is located in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh and stands as a testament to the unconditional love between Rani Roopmati and Prince Baz Bahadur. Mandu epitomizes architectural intelligence and boasts the oldest erected monument of India.
It was a great ancient city and now its remnants provide great history and heritage. Its incredible beauty can be seen in its palaces, monuments and lawns. The extravagant palaces take us back to the era of Kings and Queens.
The old palaces are preserved in all their glory and take visitors back to the age of kings and queens. The town is like one coming out of a fairytale.
Famous Attractions in the Hill Stations of Madhya Pradesh
Bee Falls, Pachmarhi
Pachmarhi is one of the most popular hill stations in MP, and has many big and small waterfalls with Bee Falls being the most renowned amongst them all. It provides the entire city with drinking water. Tourists can arrive at the 35 meters cascading waterfall through a short trek. It is a famous picnic spot among locals.
Kapil Dhara, Amarkantak
Amarkantak is a holy city inIndia that is renowned for its religious attractions, however, Kapil Dhara is an exception. It is the first waterfall of the river Narmada and is situated a mere 6 km towards the north-west of the Narmada Kund Temples.
The sage Kapil Muni is believed to have meditated here and so the waterfall has been named after him. The waterfalls are 100 feet tall and have lush green environs surrounding it. It is recommended to visit them during monsoons to get a true glimpse of its gushing force.
Madhav National Park, Shivpuri
It spans across an area of 157 sq.km and is located in the Shivpuri district. It is a mere 9 km away from the Shivpuri city and is one of the district’s major wildlife parks. The park has clean air and is blessed with carpeting of conifers.
It has several exquisite species like Chausingha or four-horned Antelope, Blackbuck, Sloth Bear, Leopard, little Chinkara, the Indian gazelle, and the Chital, Nilgai, Sambar, and the omnipresent common Langur.
It also has species of birds like painted stork, purple-sunbird, pond heron, white-breasted kingfisher, etc. It was once a famous hunting spot for the British and the Gwalior royal family.
The Madhav National Park is particularly appealing during summer months and is surrounded from all sides by verdant environs. This makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers both from within India and those coming from abroad..
Jahaz Mahal, Mandu
The Jahaz Mahal is a popular attraction in this hill station in MP and was constructed during the reign of Mandu Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji. It was believed that he has as many as 15,000 women as his consorts. The palace was made in the 15th century to act as an accommodation for women belonging to the royal consortium.
The place does well to capture the medieval history of Mandu. The word ‘Jahaz’ means ship and ‘Mahal’ means palace. It is surrounded by a pond of water and looks like it is floating on it. Its architecture is marvelous and is a combination of various architectural styles like Mesopotamian, Hindu, Mughal and Afghan.
It has arrangements for water supply and was well designed. Balconies were built in a way that they would amplify sound and it would echo through the entire monument. Its intricate carving along with its overall beauty and it being situated near other monuments like Jami Masjid, Jain Temple, Hindola Mahal, Baz Bahadur’s Palace and Roopmati’s Pavilion add to its importance.
Hotels and Resorts
Nearly every major hill station in MP has quality resorts and hotels as they are frequented by tourists every year.
The Summer House – AM Hotel Kollection
Address: Civil Lines, Pachmarhi, 461881 Pachmarhi
Brief Description: The property provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, free private parking and free bikes.
Hotel Shree Mata Sadan
Address: MQ96+94M, Sounmuda Road, near Narmada Udgam Sthan, Udgam, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh 484886
Brief Description: The hotel is situated 1 km from the Anuppur Railway Junction. It provides free internet access and its rooms have an attached bathroom with hot/cold running water supply, room heaters, bathtubs, and central air-conditioning systems. The hotel also offers a restaurant, medical services, 24-hour front desk, laundry, and room services.
Bairagarh Living
Address: Grewal farms, Hatod, Madhya Pradesh 473551
Brief Description: It is located in Shivpuri and offers accommodation with air-conditioning and a balcony. The farm stay offers private parking and a garden. Bed linen and towels are also available. Guests can even have a vegetarian breakfast.
Hotel Raj Palace
Address: Near Raj Rajeshwar Temple Ahilya Fort, Maheshwar, 451224 Maheshwar
Brief Description: The hotel is situated 1.9 km from Maheshwar and 10 km from Mandleshwar. The hotel is rated 2-star and offers a 24-hour front desk, room service, free WiFi and a terrace.
Final Thoughts
Madhya Pradesh has developed a strong tourism industry and is a popular destination in India. It also has other states on all sides of its borders which definitely helps enhance tourism. It also gives it great accessibility.
The state has a lot to offer historically and in other areas as well. Its hill stations are mesmerizing and definitely worth a visit. The hill stations provide not just natural beauty but modern amenities and historic places with great architecture too in some cases.
On the whole, Madhya Pradesh has great hill stations which are definitely worth touring for anyone.
