Chitrakoot is a town located in Satna district in Madhya Pradesh. It is considered to be a holy place as it is associated with the epic Ramayana. It is believed that it was here, in the forests of Chitrakoot that Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana spent their time in exile. The Chitrakoot forests were also believed to be home to many holy saints. Most of the places here are in some or the other way connected to Lord Rama and Sita. Here are the five places that are not only of religious significance but also places of natural beauty.
Madhya Pradesh
Top 5 Places to Visit in Panchmarhi
Madhya Pradesh is a state that boasts of many attractive destinations. Of these, perhaps one spot that is the most popular is Panchmarhi. It is the only hill station in the state and one of the most picturesque places as well. Standing at a height of 1000 m in Satpura Range, Panchmarhi is also called as ‘Satpura ki Rani’, and why not? It has blessed with abundant natural beauty. There are many spots to visit at Panchmarchi including national park, waterfalls, caves, mountains, valleys and so on. Here are the 5 most beautiful destinations in Pachmarchi that are must-visits:
Complete Guide to Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve was established for the protection and preservation of wildlife in the year 1999 by the government of India. Located in Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is a prominent part of the Satpura Range. The entire sanctuary spans an area of 4926 square kilometers and encompasses three separate wildlife sanctuaries within its boundaries.
Complete Guide to Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh
Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary is arguably one of the largest wildlife reserves in India in terms of landmass. Established in the year 1975, it spreads across a total expanse of 1197 square kilometers in the heart of Madhya Pradesh and is shared by four districts, namely Sagar, Damoh, Narsinghpur and Raisen. The sanctuary’s flora and fauna is sustained by the two rivers, Narmada and Ganga that flow through it. The sanctuary is thriving in wildlife and is home to exotic canine species including the Indian Wolf, Striped Hyena and Bengal Fox.
Top 5 Places To Visit In Mandu
The remnants of the past speak volumes about the glorious era that was once witnessed. Mandu or Mandavgarh in Madhya Pradesh is a deserted town that was once home to the Mughals. With a gleam of Afghani architecture in form of lavish palaces and beautiful lakes, stood tall back in time and now exhibit crumbling walls of the same. Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Mandu sits over a plateau and is enclosed by walls and has twelve gateways. Due to its geographical location the place demonstrates an exceptional natural defence and hence was a military outpost in the older times. Dotted with palaces, mosques, tombs and gardens Mandu is a fine example of the rich heritage of India. Enlisted here are five astounding places that cannot be missed while in Mandu.
Top 5 National Parks In Madhya Pradesh
The central state of India is eminent for its flora and fauna globally. The pride of “Incredible India” is brimmed with Rajput Mahals, forts, palaces, the scrumptious food cuisines (for example, Afghani, Rajputana et cetera) and intricate designs on saris. Madhya Pradesh has 9 national parks and 25 wildlife sanctuaries. It is also known as the heart of India. In tune with the national consciousness, several steps are taken by the concerned authorities of the national park to conserve the wildlife and vegetation. It comprises of 19% of the state’s tiger population and 10% of the world’s tiger population. So, it’s time that we mull over Madhya Pradesh’s sheer ecstasy in terms of flora and fauna!
National Chambal Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh
“The House of Slytherin shall I say, for all the rare reptilians found here at day!”
National Chambal Sanctuary spread across a sprawling landscape of 635 sq km, is a Tristate sanctuary lying in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and also Rajasthan. The sanctuary supports the highest population of some critically endangered species such as the Gharial (crocodile), the red-crowned roof turtle and our national aquatic animal, the Gangetic dolphins. The sparkling waters of Chambal River circulate within this sanctuary through ravines and beside the hills, creating an impeccable view of the wild. Motor boats take the tourists around the sanctuary. Eco-tourism by foot is also possible, but it is recommended that you take a guide with you when traversing through the ravines.
[Also Checkout: Wildlife Sanctuaries in India]
Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Panna National Park spans across the Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh (also check: top national parks in Madhya Pradesh), covering an area of 543 sq km. It lies near to the ancient temple of Khajuraho, thus presenting a unique blend of cultural eminence and rustic wilderness. You get the best of both worlds! Panna National Park has many more feathers in the hat: it was declared a tiger reserve under the “Project Tiger” scheme, it is known for pioneering ways to increase tiger population from nil and has recently won the Award Of Excellence For The Best Maintained Tourist Friendly National Park Of The Country by the Ministry of India. One of the least polluted rivers, the Ken River flows through Panna. This certainly isn’t a place to miss!
Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
“Look for the bare necessities; the simple bare necessities. Forget about your worries and your strife.” -The Jungle Book.
And yes you shall indeed forget your worries in this paradise, residing in India’s heart: Madhya Pradesh alongside the border of Maharashtra. Best of both worlds!
Lying amidst the Seoni and Chinndwara districts of Madhya Pradesh, this tropical deciduous teak forest derives its name from the Pench river gushing down all the way from north to south and dividing this piece of land into two. Nestled among beautiful valleys and hills, the park was elevated to the status of a National Park under ‘Project Tiger.’ Pench National Park is home to a vibrant diversity of flora and fauna. As you make your way through this forest, images of Mowgli might flash through, reviving memories of your childhood as the famous ‘Jungle Book’ by Rudyard Kipling is believed to be based in this forest. A walk through these woods is indeed a walk down the memory lane.
[Also Checkout: Top 5 National Parks in Madhya Pradesh]
Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
One of India’s most celebrated national parks, Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the heart of the country in the Umaria District in Madhya Pradesh (also checkout: best national parks in Madhya Pradesh). With an area covering around 450 square kilometers with Sal trees and bamboo clusters, it is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, a few of whom have achieved cult status. ‘Charger’ was the name given to the alpha male in Bandhavgarh because he was known to make mock charges at gypsies and elephants on safaris though no one was ever hurt. Sita held the distinction of being the most photographed tigress in the world till date. Though both Charger and Sita died years ago, their legends are kept alive by tourists and guides who remember them with fondness and awe.