Wildlife Destinations in India

Kaziranga National Park

Nested beautifully on the banks of the great Brahmaputra River in the far North Eastern state of Assam in India, Kaziranga National Park is spread across an area of about 430-sq-kms with its swamplands and high thickets of elephant grass making it the idyllic home for the Indian One-Horned Rhino. It was given the status of a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1940. The Kaziranga National Park is also an ideal spot for observing rare species of birds that are found here. The naturalists are definitely going to appreciate this place since it has ideal conditions for the survival of a wide-range of flora and fauna.

Catching the glimpses of the wild denizens is a complete delight for the nature enthusiasts at this magnificent park. On your wildlife tours in Kaziranga you will come across several wild animals such as Indian Elephants, Indian Bison, Swamp Deer or Barasingha, Hog Deer, Sloth Bears, Tigers, Leopard Cats, Jungle Cats, Otters, Hog Badgers, Capped Langurs, Hoolock Gibbons, Wild Boar, Jackal, Wild Buffalo, Pythons, Monitor Lizards, etc.
Besides the wildlife safari, the birding tour would be a remarkable experience for the passionate birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. Some of the bird species include Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-Shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Pallas's Fishing Eagle, White Tailed Eagle, Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, etc. One can also spot a significant number of the migratory birds that frequent the parks lakes and swampy areas during winters that include Greylag Geese, Bar-Headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Falcated Duck, Red-Crested Pochard and Northern Shoveller.

The Kaziranga Tour Packages would be the best choices to explore the wilderness of the Kaziranga National Park. This park also offers decent accommodation options for the tourists that include Wildgrass Resort, Bonhabi Resort and Aranya Resort to mention a few of them. The best time to visit the Kaziranga National Park in Assam is from mid-November to early April.

This park can be reached by air, rail as well as road transport quite easily. The nearest airport is Jorhat and the nearest railway station is Furkating.

Moreover, this park is also connected by the fine road links of National Highways and smooth road network.

Sariska

Wildlife in Rajasthan is among the major tourist attractions of the state. The arid climate and a varied topography have resulted in a wildlife which is, in many ways, unique to the state. The desert, the old Aravalli hills, lakes, and natural forests have been resided by many animals for millions of years. As human population encroaches into the wild habitat, the problem of conservation arises. Sariska National Park and tiger reserve is one of the most imp and well known protected forests in north India. It is one of the few pockets of forests that have survived along the ancient Aravalli hills. The National Park attracts a lot of tourists and wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world, thus contributing towards the growth of tourism in Rajasthan.

The protected area in the park measures about 800 sq kms, out of which about 480 sq kms is the core area. The Siliserh Lake is located besides the tiger reserve, besides the road between Sariska and Alwar. The flora of the forest includes dry deciduous vegetation typical of this region. The major species include Dhok, Tendu, Khair, Surwal, and Goria, apart from bushes and grasslands.

Sariska was formerly the private hunting reserve of the royal family of Alwar. Tigers were once abundant here, supported by a self sufficient eco system. However, indiscriminate killing brought down the tiger population on the verge of extinction. The first protection came from the maharaja himself. Maharaja Jai Singh, the ruler of Alwar brought the forest under protection in the late 19th century. After independence the forest was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955. National park status came much later, in 1982, although a core area was identified and declared a tiger reserve in 1979, as part of project tiger. The tiger population in Sariska has improved ever since, although poaching and limited area remain major concerns. Tigers are not sighted commonly here, though pug marks and other signs can be picked up by experienced guides.

Panther, jungle cat, hyena, jackal, caracal and wild dogs are the other important carnivores of the forest. The last two species named have been sighted but are very elusive and accurate data about their population or behavior is lacking. Crocodiles can be seen at the Siliserh Lake, besides other reptiles like the monitor, snakes, and chameleons. The herbivores include cheetal, sambar, nilgai, chinkara, porcupines, and hares.

The park is home to a large number of birds. These include the commonly found species in this region, like gray partridges, pea fowl, quail, white breasted king fisher, sand grouse, crested serpent eagle, tree pie, wood peckers and the great Indian horned owl.

A wonderful feature of the park is the strategically placed and comfortable hides that enable the tourists to observe wild animals from up close. These are placed near the water holes that are frequented by animals. The other way to explore the wildlife is by jeep safaris. One should start at dawn, or alternatively, before dusk. The surfaced roads and trails are convenient to travel by forest vehicles, and experienced guides will guide you as you go deep into the jungle.

Sariska is also home to many historic sites, among which the Neelkanth temples located nearby, the medieval Kankwari fort and the palace that has been turned into a hotel are the chief ones.

Tourists can find accommodation in the two hotels near the park, the Tiger Den Hotel (RTDC) and the Sariska Palace hotel. The forest bungalow is another option. Tourists can also find many hotels in Alwar.

The nearest airport is located in Jaipur, 110 kms away. The nearest railway station is Alwar, 36 kms away. November to march is the best time to visit Sariska National Park.

Bandhavgarh National Park

Well-acclaimed for the exquisite range of wildlife species, Bandhavgarh National Park India is located at a distance of 195 km from Jabalpur and at a distance of 210 km from Khajuraho in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Also known as the jewel in the wildlife legacy of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is quite popular for the Royal Bengal Tigers, cheetals, leopard, gaur, sambhar, and many more animal species. Bandhavgarh Wildlife Tours embrace the most exotic locale and amazing range o wildlife species wandering carefree in their natural abode. The park is nestled in the Vindhya mountain range of Central India and abounds in hills and ravines.

Although it is small in contrast to Kanha or other parks of the state, the park is the home to almost the same number of tigers or any other wildlife animal. Besides, tigers and leopards, Bandhavgarh is also exceptionally productive for medium-sized bison herds.

The Wildlife Tourism in Bandhavgarh is burgeoning at a rapid pace and each year a large number of tourists from all corners of the world frequent this park to seek seclusion and peace amidst the true lap of nature.

The kind of vegetation that is found here is moist deciduous forest just like the one in the Kanha National Park. At higher elevations, the flora consists of general mixed forests. For the ardent nature lovers and wild life enthusiasts this sanctuary is one of the most important ones and makes for interesting wildlife photography. There is also the white (albino) tiger which is found here. A range of other rare species moving around in Bandhavgarh National Park like sloth bear, gaur, sambar, chital, muntjac, nilgai, chinkara, and wild pigs can also be found. The fascinating cave shrines scattered around the park can also be spotted having Brahmi inscriptions dating back to the first century B.C. Moreover, the remains of the Bandhavgarh Fort that are believed to be 2,000 years old are also found here.

Make your trip to Bandhavgarh one of the most memorable ones by being a part of the attractive tour packages that are designed by touristplacesinindia.com. Keeping the individual tastes and preferences in mind, the packages are designed to impress even the most discerning traveler. The all-inclusive packages are your ticket to a completely enthralling journey into the wilderness of nature and to enjoy the riches of nature.

Since Bandhavgarh National Park is the repository of exquisite wildlife and some of the finest historical remains, it automatically becomes inevitable for the tourists to make a tour of this place. The ceaseless charm and magnificence of this wild territory is definitely going to enchant you.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Bharatpur, considered as the Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan, was founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733 AD. It is a fortified city and played an important role in molding the History of Rajasthan. The city and the Fort is said to be founded by a Jat named Rustam. Maharaja Suraj Mal took over the fortified city from Khemkaran, son of Rustam and established his empire.

The city of Bharatpur is 184 km from Delhi and borders with Dausa District in south-west and Alwar District in the North-West. The city is famous for its wildlife sanctuary. Known as the Keoladeo National Park, which is a delight for the bird lovers. During the period of British rule in India, it was known as the Best Duck shooting resort, but in the year 1956, it was declared a bird reserve and later in 1972, it was declared a National Park. The park is named “Keoladeo” after the name of the temple of Lord Shiva in the park. This park has its place among the UNESCO World heritage list since 1985. The park is spread over an area of 29 square km and lies 370 m above the sea level. Much of the area inside the park is bushy, but it also contains semi arid woodland and scrub. Over 50 species of fishes, 5 species of Amphibians, 8 species of lizards, 13 species of snakes,7 species of turtles, 375 species of birds and 27 species of mammals have been found in the park. Important birds that adorn the sanctuary include cranes, storks, spoon bills, white ibis, Cormorant, Darters, Herons,Egrets, geese, ducks, pelicans, flamingos, eagles, vultures, owls, and kingfishers. The crane population in this sanctuary has been continuously decreasing. It was 200 in 1964-65, but decreased to 02 in 2000-2001.

A total of about 35 species of butterflies have been reported in this park, of which Pieridae are the most commonly occurred followed by Nymphalidae. Jungle cat, Fishing cat, Toddy cat, Jackal, Hyena, Flying fox, Porcupine, Blue bull, Sambar, Mongoose and Red faced monkey.
Major fish species that are found in this sanctuary include Notopterus, Oxygaster Danio,Chela, Labeo, Catla, Cirrhinus, Puntius, Botia, Mystus, Ompok, Wallago,Clarias, and Channa. One can visit the park both during the monsoon and the winter. The monsoons are the breeding season for both resident and local migratory birds while in the winters a large number of migratory birds come from Europe and central Asia. There are wonderful lodging facilities in the city for the tourists. ITDC runs forest lodge both inside the sanctuary, while the RTDC runs Saras Tourism Bungalow outside the park.

Ranthambore

Ranthambore is most popular for its wildlife and is located in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. It is nested at the meeting point of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges and is one of the finest places to spot wonderful wild animals in their natural habitat. The total area covered by the park is about 500 sq km and it got the status of a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1955. Later, it was declared as a National Park in the year 1981. If you are the one who wants to be close to the nature and observe its endowments, then this park is an ideal retreat. The diverse range of flora and fauna is simply a feast to the eyes and the park is also ideal for the wildlife enthusiasts.

Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is a breeding ground to a number of wild animals such as Tigers, Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Common langurs, Macaques, Jackals, Jungle cats, Caracals, Sloth bears, Black bucks, Rufoustailed Hare, Indian Wild Boar, Chinkara, Common Palm Civets or Toddy cat, Common Yellow Bats, Desert Cats, Civets and Common mongoose.

The park is acclaimed for its diurnal tigers and a range of fascinating reptiles such as Snub Nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Desert Monitor Lizards, Banded Kraits, Cobras, Common Kraits, Indian Pythons, Rat Snakes, Russel's Vipers, Saw-scaled Vipers and the Indian Chameleon. The Ganga Soft Shelled Turtles, and North Indian Flap Shelled Turtles are among the famous amphibious species commonly spotted here.

While in Ranthambore, you will also get an opportunity to visit the other tourist attractions in Ranthambore National Park such as Bakaula, Kachida Valley, Lakarda and Anantpura, Raj Bagh Ruins, Padam Talao, Ranthambore Fort, Rajbagh Talao and Malik Talao.

Ranthambore National Park being one of the most prominent ones all over India can be accessed quite conveniently. The nearby airports are located in Jaipur and Kota and the former one is well-linked with the other towns of India. The best way to reach Ranthambore is to take a train to Sawai Madhopur which is well connected with Jaipur, Bombay and Delhi.

The road transport is equally good and Ranthambore can be reached from the far corners of India by the smooth network of state and National highways.

Ranthambore offers decent lodging options to the tourists such as Tiger Den Resort, Vanya Vilas Resort, Hotel Raj Palace and Ranthambore Safari Lodge to mention a few. Whether you are looking for an adventure holiday or just want to spend some peaceful moments with the close ones, these accommodations are definitely going to offer you just what you need for a relaxed stay.

Kanha National Park

The Indian State of Madhya Pradesh is rich in diverse species of flora and fauna. The state has over 9 National Parks and 25 wildlife sanctuaries covering an area of about 10,862 square km which is about 3.52 % of the total geographical area of the state. Kanha national Park is one of the first nine protected areas selected under “Project Tiger” in the country. It was first established as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1955 and later, it was converted into a tiger reserve. The park is located in a picturesque location in the state and is an ideal place for animal lovers to spend a vacation out here. We at Touristplacesinindia.com provide you with complete information on all that you want to know about Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

Kanha National Park was declared a tiger reserve in the year 1974 under “Project Tiger”. The park covers a total area of about 1945 square km and lies at an altitude of about 600 to 900 m above sea level. The vegetation is mostly of deciduous variety and comprises of plants like Sal, Saja, Bija, Tendu, Jamun, Bel and Bamboo. A wide variety of flora species are also found in this sanctuary. Animals that are mostly sighted in this Park include the Tiger,Leopard,Barasingha,Cheetal,Samber,Wild Dog, Jackal Hyena, Bear,  Bison, Blue Bull, Four horned antelope, Barking deer, and Langoor. Wide varieties of birds which include both migratory as well as resident birds are also found in this Park. Tourists also have the option to visit other places of interest in and around the park. Khajuraho, which is replete with ancient temples, Panna – which houses a wildlife sanctuary and Bandhavgarh – which is considered a crown in wildlife heritage in Madhya Pradesh are some of the places worth visiting by the tourist who come to visit the Kanha in Madhya Pradesh.

Kanha National Park in MP is easy of access by air, roads and railways. Bhopal has the nearest airport. Besides, the state is connected with all major cities in India by railway tracks. The nearest railhead is at Jabalpur. There are a wide range of accommodations available in the city. One can either choose from the forest guest houses at Kisli and Supkhar or the private lodges available around the sanctuary. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between October and June.

Sunderbans

A part of the world’s largest delta formed by the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna, the Sunderbans is a vast tract of forest and saltwater swamp stretching for about 160 miles along the Bay of Bengal from the Hooghly River Estuary in West Bengal to the Meghna River Estuary in Bangladesh. Sprawled over an area of 4262 sq. kms in India, Sunderbans is the largest estuarine sanctuary in the world, and habitat to some of India’s most amazing wildlife species.

The Sunderban Tiger Project was formed in 1974 and covers an area of 2585 sq. kms, of which the core area covers 1330 sq. kms and is a national forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to the largest concentration of wild tigers in the world, the Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal received National Park status on May 4, 1984. The park comprises a network of estuaries, tidal rivers, and creeks intersected by many channels, with flat, marshy islands covered with thick forests in between. The littoral forest at the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve is the only ecological habitat of the tiger of its kind not only in India, but also worldwide except in Bangladesh.

Sunderbans -- the place that derives its name from Sundari trees has a wide variety of trees that typically thrive in estuarine conditions of high salinity, minimal soil erosion and frequent inundation by high tides. The tidal rivers and mangrove forests provide habitats suitable for animals inhabiting tidal swamp areas. Numerous aquatic and semi-aquatic animals inhabit these forests, with their life systems being interlinked with the animals thriving in the land areas.

Sunderbans is home to an amazing variety of wild animals including spotted deer, monkeys, wild pigs, herons, white bellied eagles, kingfishers and about 270 Royal Bengal tigers. Occasionally, tigers of Sunderbans have been known to be man-eaters. It is believed that the uniqueness of the habitat and the lack of suitable prey have resulted in such unique behavioral trends of Sunderbans tiger.

Besides the tiger, the reserve is home to diverse aquatic and reptile life forms including the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtle, Green Turtle, Hawk's Bill Turtle, hard-shelled Batgur Terrapin, King cobra, Pythons, Chequered killback, Estuarine Crocodile, Monitor and lizards like the Salvator lizard to name a few. A number of Trans-Himalayan migratory birds can also be spotted at Sunderbans.

The best time to visit the Sunderbans Sanctuary and its surrounding region is from September to March.

Sasangir

The last refuge of the severely endangered Asiatic lion is located in Gujarat. Sasangir, popularly known as Gir National Park, is the last hope of this majestic creature. Once upon a time, the lions used to roam all over north India. By the turn of the 20th century, their numbers had come down to alarming figures. The situation is critical as these are the only lions left in the world apart from the African lions. The Sasangir National Park, one of the most famous tourist places in Gujarat, is an effort by the state and central governments to save this magnificent species of big cats.

The Gir National Park is spread over an area of 1412 square kms in the Junagarh district of Gujarat in western India. The history of the National Park goes back to the turn of the 20th century. There was a terrible famine that almost wiped out the lion population in the first decade of the century. Deprived of prey, the lion population came down heavily, until protection was offered by the Nawab of Junagarh. Lion hunting was completely banned in 1950s. Lion census was carried out, and appropriate steps taken for their conservation.

The park has a core area of 259 square kms. Besides the lions, Sasangir has a healthy population of other carnivores like panthers, wild cat, jackal, and hyena. The herbivores of the forest include sambar, chital, chinkara, nilgai, chowsingha (four horned antelope), and wild boar. Langurs and monkeys are also found and form the prey base for the big cats. Marsh crocodiles are also the inhabitants of Gir National Park, and can be seen near the rivers or at the lake of kamaleshwar dam. There is a crocodile breeding farm at Sasan, the headquarters of the park. Wildlife in Gujarat comprises a fascinating variety of birds, and most of them can be spotted at Sasangir. The bird population of the park includes species like gray drongo, paradise flycatcher, pied woodpecker, crested swift, Indian roller, fish owl, black vulture, falcon, crested serpent eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, sand grouse, quails, grey partridges, and white necked stork.

The park offers exciting safaris by jeep. The chief trails are from sasan to Baval chowk, Kankai, Tulsishyam, Chodavadi, and Kamaleshwar dam. Guides will accompany you on these trips and help you see the hidden treasures of Sasangir. Safaris are best conducted at sunrise or sunset, as the animals are most likely to be seen at these times.

A sizeable population of humans along with their cattle lives within the forest. This is a problem for the authorities, but tourists can get an interesting insight into the lives of these tribal people.

Festivals in Madhya Pradesh

Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh

Introduction to Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh

Ujjain, the scene of the Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh is considered the cultural as well as the poetic capital of the country. This ancient city of Ujjain is linked to the big names of Sanskrit literature such as Kalidas, Vatsyayana, Bhartrihari besides some poets and scholars of Hindi like Shivmangal Singh Suman, Prabhakar Machve, Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh, Pandit Surya Narayan Vyas and Balkavi Bairagi, to name a few. The cultured inhabitants of Ujjain deserve a special note of thanks for preserving as well as nurturing the literary and cultural heritage of India by means of the well organized Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh. Literary presentations together with Indian classical programs and dramas are presented at this Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh, Ujjain, India.

Time for celebrating Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh

Every year in August, Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh at Ujjain is organized with much fanfare. So, it would make sense to plan your tour to this city at the same time so that you may relish some good cultural performances at this event.

Description of Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh, Ujjain

Akhil Bharatiya Kalidas Samaroh of Ujjain takes pride in its association with Kalidas, the greatest poet of the country. Kalidasa was a poet who has contributed heavily to the Sanskrit literature. In his works, this great poet has pictured the beauty of life and pondered how we can offer pleasure to others by way of our liberal and graceful behavior. His portrayals are heart- warming, vivid and his word power is pretty unique. In a few words, this magnificent poet was capable of bringing out the complete meaning intended. The works of Kalidas are an intellectual pleasure to common readers and thinkers alike. This festival plays a huge role in commemorating this legendary poet.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India's first President inaugurated the festival when it was held for the first time in the year of1958. The first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru did the honors of inaugurating the second Akhil Bharatiya Kalidas Samaroh in Ujjain. It was largely the scholarly enthusiasm of Pandit Suryanarayana Vyas that is held responsible for this festivals' establishment.

Ameer Khan Festival

Introduction to Ameer Khan Festival

Ameer Khan Festival, Indore, India is the perfect venue to savor Indian classical music performances by many stalwarts. This venue also offers an ideal stage for the debut of many musicians. Music enthusiasts from across the globe come to Indore enticed by this Ameer Khan Festival of Indore.

Description of Ameer Khan Festival

Ameer Khan Festival in Indore is a gesture of respect towards Ameer Khan Sahab who is regarded as the founder of the thoughtful and mesmerizing style of the Indore Gharana. Ameer Khan Festival at Indore offers a stage where the old and the new generations of Indian classical music come together to charm and captivate the audience with their soulful renditions. People who have experienced performances at Indore Ameer Khan Festival speak highly about the quality of performances. Indian classical music has gained tremendous fame in the West and Ameer Khan Festival, Indore has made its own mark by contributing to this popularity. Listeners can enjoy reposeful Alaaps that are thoughtful as well, intricate Sargams, Taans as well as Boltaans at this event showcasing Indian classical music.

So, while you chalk out your tour to Indore, spare a thought for the Ameer Khan Festival in Indore too. If you could time your tour well, you would be able to enjoy some of the finest vocalists putting their best in this festival.

Bhagoria Haat Festival

Introduction

Bhagoria Haat Festival Bhagoria Haat is the colorful festival of the Bhils and the Bhilalas. This festival is held particularly in the district of West Nimar and Jhabua and the ‘haat’ is held actually in the nature of a mass ‘Svayamvara’ or a marriage market.

Description

‘Bhag’ means ‘to run’. This is indicated in the name of the festival, Bhagoria Haat and during the festival the young people elope after choosing their partners and are later on accepted as husband and wife by the society through prearranged customs. It cannot be supposed that every time the boys and girls intending to marry each other meet in the festival for the first time. According to the tradition, the boy is supposed to apply gulal, red powder, on the face of the girl whom he chooses as his wife. If the girl is willing, she also applies gulal on the boy’s face. The girl might not say yes immediately but in due course the boy might go after her and succeed. The Bhagoria Haat also concurs with the completion of harvesting, making it an agricultural festival as well.

Time of Celebration

The Bhagoria Haat Festival is held in the month of March, mainly on various market days before the beginning of the Holi Festival.

Dhrupad Samaroh

Introduction to Dhrupad Samaroh

Dhrupad Samaroh Bhopal, India is the ideal venue to relish vocal performances by some of the notable names of the music fraternity. Indian classical music's famous dhrupad style is the order of the day at this Bhopal Dhrupad Samaroh. Music aficionados from across the world come to the city lured by this Dhrupad Samaroh of Bhopal.

Description of Dhrupad Samaroh

Dhrupad music in Bhopal has a spiritual tinge to it. Its main aim is to bring on feelings of peace as well as contemplation to the listener. The word Dhrupad is a blend of two words namely DHRUVA and PADA. DHRUVA stands for the steadfast evening star of our galaxy while PADA means poetry. Dhrupad is a type of devotional music whose origin can be traced back to the ancient text of the Hindu religion, Sam Veda. SAM VEDA was chanted along with the aid of rhythm and melody called Samgana. Step by step this gave rise to other vocal styles called 'Prabandha' and 'Chhanda' with the introduction of matter and verse. The union of these two elements caused the emergence of the gharana of Dhrupad. Dhrupad Samaroh in Bhopal offers the chance to get enchanted by the musical performance of many stalwarts who present several compositions of Dhrupad.

So, time your tour to Bhopal in tune with the Dhrupad Samaroh at Bhopal to enjoy some enchanting performances.

Khajuraho Dance Festival

Introduction to the Khajuraho Dance Festival

Khajuraho Dance Festival Khajuraho has made a distinctive place for itself amongst the major tourist destinations of Madhya Pradesh primarily for two reasons. The captivating temples of Khajuraho reflective of remarkable architectural and sculptural dexterity are its greatest draw followed closely by the Khajuraho Dance Festival. The Dance Festival at Khajuraho is attended by dance lovers not only from different corners of the country but also from parts of the world.

Description of the Khajuraho Dance Festival

The multi hued culture of our land is manifested in various art forms like music and dance. The Khajuraho Dance Festival helps us to get a glimpse of this rich cultural heritage of our country. At the Dance Festival in Khajuraho, one can witness the enthralling performances of several talented classical dancers.

Dancers from various parts of the country put up absolutely magnificent performances. One will surely be amazed at the variety of dances which include Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali. Of late, several contemporary dance forms like modern ballads have also been included in the Khajuraho Dance Festival.

The programmes are held against the backdrop of the well illuminated temples. If we trace the origin and development of Indian Classical Dance and Music in India, the unique contribution of the temples can never be undermined. Diverse forms of classical dance attained mellowness in the temples. It is for this reason that the temple premises were thought to be the best venue for hosting this prestigious dance festival.

It is indeed a privilege to be witnessing the shows that are put up by the classical dancers in an open air auditorium in front of the Chitragupta temple and the Vishwanatha Temple. They are simply brilliant in their respective fields and the shows are riveting.

The Khajuraho Dance Festival is thus an excellent platform for these talented artistes to showcase their talents. Many craftsmen also get the chance to exhibit their articles which are sold to the visitors. Words fail to describe the absolutely mesmerizing performances put up by two adroit performers each evening.

Time for celebrating the Khajuraho Dance Festival

The Khajuraho Dance Festival is held each year in the months of February and March. This extravagant event lasts for seven days and is the nation’s pride and glory.

Karma Festival

Introduction

The Karma Festival is a religious festival which calls for a huge celebration. This festival is held every year, initiated and carried out by the Korba tribals of Madhya Pradesh.

Description

On the day of worship of the Karma Festival, all the devotees keep a fast from the morning till the next day, for full 24 hours. A branch from the Karam tree is planted at the center of an open ground and the whole night is spent by singing and dancing around the tree branch.

Time of Celebration

The Karma Festival falls in the month of August and is related with fertility by some tribes. Some other tribes also observe the festival as the rainy season ends.

The Fair of Nagaji

Introduction

The Fair of Nagaji is a fair or ‘mela’ which is organized in order to remember and pay respect to Saint Nagaji who lived at the time of Mughal Emperor Akbar, about 400 years ago.

Description

In The Fair of Nagaji, the tribal people flock to Porsa village in Murena district. They carry on their celebration for as long as a month. Previously monkeys were sold at this fair. Presently, domestic animals are high on sale.

Time of Celebration

The Fair of Nagaji is held every year in the winter season in the months of November and December.

Tansen Music Festival

Introduction to Tansen Music Festival

The Tansen Music Festival or the Tansen Sangeet Sammelan or the Tansen Utsav is held every year in order to celebrate the memory of one of the greatest artists in Indian history, Tansen. Tansen was one of the nine gems in the court of one of the greatest Mughal rulers of India, Emperor Akbar.

Description of Tansen Sangeet Sammelan

The Tansen Music Festival is held in Gwalior near the tomb of Tansen at Behat. The tomb was built in the excellent early Mughal architectural style and is presently a part of Gwalior’s cultural heritage. Celebrated classical singers fro m the country come together and perform for five night-long sessions. The best of the artists come and present these art forms with pride in front of a huge audience.

Time of Celebration Tansen Music Festival

The Tansen Music Festival is held in Gwalior every year in the months of November and December. The festival is attended by a huge crowd of music lovers every year.

Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh

Introduction to Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh

Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh, Bhopal, India is the ideal setting to savor some of the finest drama performances in Hindi. Besides showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the country, this festival also depicts some contemporary issue-based performances, highly acclaimed by the audiences. Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh of Bhopal draws heavy footfall of people having an inclination towards modern Hindi theatre.

Description of Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh, Bhopal

Some of the finest theatre repertories of the country perform at Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh in Bhopal. A wide variety of themes are brought to the stage during this festival. So, while one end of the spectrum depicts the rich culture and heritage of India, the other is a champion of contemporary subjects and burning social issues. The stage as well as the whole ambiance comes to life by means of the powerful performances of the artists on stage. Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh at Bhopal also plays a huge role in popularizing plays in the national language. Even the present generation which dotes on many other things but is going far from their own roots come in reasonable numbers to this Bhopal Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh which is an encouraging sign for the organizers.

So, it is advisable for you to draw your Bhopal tour itinerary to coincide with the Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh in order to enjoy this popular festival without any extra bother.

Pt. Kumar Gandharva Samaroh

Introduction to Pt. Kumar Gandharva Samaroh, Dewas

India is a land of great musicians and vocalists. To commemorate some of the renowned singers that swayed millions of heart, numerous Fairs and Festivals in India are held each year. One such is the Pt. Kumar Gandharva Samaroh. Honoring the great maestro, Pandit Kumar Gandharva, is accompanied with other programs as well. This cultural program is held in Dewas, located in Madhya Pradesh amidst a wide audience and a storm of applause.

Time for celebrating Pt. Kumar Gandharva Samaroh

Gandharva Samaroh is held during the birth anniversary of the great vocalist, 8th April. At Dewas, the tradition of celebrating his birthday continues from 1992-92. From that time onwards, the saga has been on a move towards better cultural shows and innovation of newer talents.

Description of Pt. Kumar Gandharva Samaroh

Diverse cultural programs are held in order to commemorate the birth anniversary of the king vocalist. With his unique blend of folk songs and classical music the performers try to revive the maestro's attempt to coalesce these two in harmony. The most interesting part of this cultural event is innovation of nascent talents and providing them a stage for better performance. Amidst all these, the ancient Indian tradition is upheld with efficiency and herein lies the essence of Pt. Kumar Gandharva Samaroh, Dewas, Madhya Pradesh.

Nimar Utsava

Introduction to Nimar Utsava

River Narmada that flows through numerous towns and cities India is considered as a sacred River in India. Bestowed with power of healing and revitalizing, River Narmada also flanks the famous city of Maheshwar. It is one of the most visited pilgrim spots in India. In the regime of Holkar Queen, Maheshwar rose into prominence. Renowned for its ecstatic Ahilya Ghat, Maheshwar is also visited for its exotic range of Sari, called Maheshwari Silk. To revive the ancient Mahaeshwari culture, Fairs and Festivals are of supreme efficacy. Time for celebration of Nimar Utsava, Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh: Held in the month of Kartik (roughly September-October), on a full moon night, Nimar Utsava is celebrated on the banks of the River Narmada. Kartik is a month of festival and merriment in India. People look forward to this month filled with excitement.

Description of Nimar Utsava in Maheshwar

Since Maheshwar is located beside the River Narmada, during Nimar Utsava in Maheshwar, boating is an important incident. People flocks beside the river in order to witness the rowing boats. Incessant flow of applause is received gladly by participants who are encouraged for better performance. Cultural programs comprising of dance shows, music and drama entertains people during this event. Nimar Utsava in Maheshwar is therefore not only a celebration of River Narmada's blissful sojourn, but an attempt to revive Indian culture as well.

Allauddin Khan Sangeet Samaroh

Introduction to Allauddin Khan Sangeet Samaroh

Allauddin Khan Sangeet Samaroh in Maihar, Satna, India is an ode to Ustad Allauddin Khan. This program is organized by the Ustad Allauddin Khan Sangeet Academy in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh Sanskriti Parishad, the district administration as well as the local people. Allauddin Khan Sangeet Samaroh in Maihar offers a chance to witness presentations by several artists of Indian classical music.

Time for celebrating Allauddin Khan Sangeet Samaroh

Allauddin Khan Sangeet Samaroh of Maihar is a three-day festival that is organized in the month of February every year.

Description of Allauddin Khan Sangeet Samaroh, Maihar, Satna

As Allauddin Khan Sangeet Samaroh at Maihar, Satna is invariably linked to Allauddin Khan, it would be better to know who this person was and how he contributed to the domain of Indian classical music.

While he was a court musician, Allauddin Khan totally reshaped Indian classical music's Maihar gharana. Though the Maihar gharana came into existence in the 19th Century, Khan's contribution to this genre of music was so rudimentary that he is frequently taken to be its creator. This was an era of speedy alteration for Hindustani instrumental music and Allauddin Khan deserves a special mention as he infused the dhrupad, bass sarod and beenbaaj into the playing of several classical instruments. He also put together an orchestra which played Indian instruments called the Maihar String Band. So, it is but natural that such a maestro be honored by way of an event bearing his name to keep his legacy alive. The performances by stalwarts of Indian classical music at Maihar Allauddin Khan Sangeet Samaroh keeps the audience tied to their seats under a mesmerizing spell.

Bhavbhuti Samaroh

Introduction to Bhavbhuti Samaroh

Bhavbhuti Samaroh in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh is one of the oldest festivals held in the city of Gwalior with excessive pomp and gaiety. Gwalior with its integral association with the musicians of worldwide reputation has a strong musical background. The art and culture of Gwalior is also worth admiring. Tansen is considered to be the musical genius here and the city owes much to him even to this day. It was Tansen who used to adorn the court of Akbar. Especially in his honor, music programs are held as part and parcel of Gwalior's culture. Not only are these music programs extremely popular, but these are pleasantly complimented by some ancient cultures with an attempt to revive their essence through cultural programs and festivals. One such cultural festival is the Bhavbhuti Samaroh in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

Reason for celebration of Bhavbhuti Samaroh

Sanskrit is among the oldest languages in India. Of Pali, Prakrit and Sanskrit, only the last one has been able to revive through the ravages of time; Sanskrit is a glorious language in which Chanakya's slokas finds ample expression; it also throws light into some of the indispensable manuscripts related to ancient ages. We come to know of the cultures, religious ideas and doctrines of these ages from the manuscripts. It has therefore been felt important to revive this antique language through cultural programs so that people become interested and also understand the essence of this language. Thus Bhavbhuti Samaroh in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh is held in Madhya Pradesh.

Description of Bhavbhuti Samaroh

Sanskrit cultural programs at Bhavbhuti Samaroh in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh essentially consists of recital of Sanskrit doctrines, enacting of some famous drama like Abhigyanam Shakuntalam by Kalidasa, Kumarasambhavam by Kalidasa, and Raghuvamsam by the same author. These are actually the trilogies of Kalidasa which are enacted with great zeal and enthusiasm. Apart from these plays some parts of epical dramas of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata also inspires people. A very interesting part of the Bhavbhuti Samaroh in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh celebration involves enacting nature in various ways. The enactments are based on the concept of the Puranas which divides the Universe in the following ways:

Sarga :- The creation of the universe.

Pratisarga :- Secondary creations, mostly re-creations after dissolution.

Vamsa :- Genealogy of gods and sages.

Manvantara :- The creation of the human race and the first human beings.

Vamsanucaritam :- Dynastic histories

Apart from these, at Bhavbhuti Samaroh the following plays are also enacted. They include Kiratarjuniya which was composed by Bharavi, Shishupala Vadha which was a marvelous creation by Sri Maagha, Naishadiya Charitam that was composed by Sri Harsha.

History of Madhya Pradesh

Ancient

The city of Ujjain (also known as Avanti) arose as a major center in the second wave of Indian urbanization in the sixth century BC, and served as the chief city of the kingdom of Malwa or Avanti. Further east, the kingdom of Chedi lie in Bundelkhand. Chandragupta Maurya united northern India c. 320 BCE, establishing the Maurya empire (321 to 185 BCE), which included all of modern-day Madhya Pradesh. King Ashoka's wife was said to come from Vidisha- a town north of today's Bhopal. The Maurya empire went into decline after the death of Asoka, and Central India was contested among the Sakas, Kushanas, and local dynasties during the 3rd to 1st centuries BCE. Ujjain emerged as the predominant commercial center of western India from the first century BCE, located on the trade routes between the Ganges plain and India's Arabian Sea ports. It was also an important Hindu and Buddhist center. The Satavahana dynasty of the northern Deccan and the Saka dynasty of the Western Satraps fought for the control of Madhya Pradesh during the 1st to 3rd centuries CE.

Northern India was conquered by the Gupta empire in the 4th and 5th centuries, which became known as India's "classical age". The Vakataka dynasty were the southern neighbors of the Guptas, ruling the northern Deccan plateau from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal. These empires collapsed towards the end of the 5th century.

Medieval

The attacks of the Hephthalites or White Huns brought about the collapse of the Gupta empire, and India broke up into smaller states. A king Yasodharman of Malwa defeated the Huns in 528, ending their expansion. King Harsha of Thanesar reunited northern India for a few decades before his death in 647. The Medieval period saw the rise of the Rajput clans, including the Paramaras of Malwa and the Chandelas of Bundelkhand. The Paramara king Bhoj (c. 1010-1060) was a brilliant polymath and prolific writer. The Chandelas created the temple city of Khajuraho between c. 950 and c. 1050. Gond kingdoms emerged in Gondwana and Mahakoshal. Northern Madhya Pradesh was conquered by the Muslim Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century. After the collapse of the Delhi Sultanate at the end of the 14th century, independent regional kingdoms reemerged, including the Tomara Rajput kingdom of Gwalior and the Muslim Sultanate of Malwa, with its capital at Mandu. The Malwa Sultanate was conquered by the Sultanate of Gujarat in 1531.

Modern

Most of Madhya Pradesh came under Mughal rule during the reign of the emperor Akbar (1556–1605). Gondwana and Mahakoshal remained under the control of Gond kings, who acknowledged Mughal supremacy but enjoyed virtual autonomy. After the death of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1707 Mughal control began to weaken, and the Marathas began to expand from their base in central Maharashtra. Between 1720 and 1760 the Marathas took control of most of Madhya Pradesh, and Maratha clans were established semi-autonomous states under the nominal control of the Maratha Peshwa. The Holkars of Indore ruled much of Malwa, and the Bhonsles of Nagpur dominated Mahakoshal and Gondwana as well as Vidarbha in Maharashtra. Jhansi was founded by a Maratha general. Bhopal was ruled by a Muslim dynasty descended from the Afghan General Dost Mohammed Khan. Maratha expansion was checked at the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761.

The British were expanding their Indian dominions from bases in Bengal, Bombay, and Madras, and the three Anglo-Maratha Wars were fought between 1775 and 1818. The Third Anglo-Maratha War left the British supreme in India. Most of Madhya Pradesh, including the large states of Indore, Bhopal, Nagpur, Rewa, and dozens of smaller states, became princely states of British India, and the Mahakoshal region became a British province, the Saugor and Nerbudda Territories. In 1853 the British annexed the state of Nagpur, which included southeastern Madhya Pradesh, eastern Maharashtra and most of Chhattisgarh, which were combined with the Saugor and Nerbudda Territories to form the Central Provinces in 1861. The princely states of northern Madhya Pradesh were governed by the Central India Agency.

After the recent discovery in July 2007, of ruby ore in the region it has been overwhelmed by mining companies and individuals seeking work. This has led to a massive surge in population that has subsequently caused a reported 283% increase in crime as well as a massive outbreak of dysentery in several areas of Madhya Pradesh. A recent government report has declared parts of the region as "Overwhelmed by disease... in need of a greater military presence" The government has now taken measures to bring the area under greater control and is "currently enacting proper regulations."

Madhya Pradesh