Madhya Pradesh
It’s not every day that you get to touch the past, about 10,000 years past to say the least! Or walk the path King Ashoka the Great walked once!
Madhya Pradesh, literally the ‘Heart of India’ is one of the largest states in India and has so much to offer; from Historical sites to Neolithic paintings and enchanting Jungles (a.k.a. Tiger Reserves).
I visited Bhopal (capital city of Madhya Pradesh) and some great sites around it which I have penned in my blog below. I eagerly look forward to visiting and writing about the other locations in Madhya Pradesh very soon…Until then enjoy reading all about my Bhopal trip…
Located in almost the centre of India, Madhya Pradesh’s capital city, Bhopal, has air connectivity to all the major cities in India.
Bhopal is about an hour’s drive from two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Sanchi Stupa and Bhimbetka Rock Shelters and about three hours’ drive from the beautiful Satpura National Park (Tiger Reserve).
Now, let’s peep into history in Sanchi Stupa, via the Tropic of Cancer, India’s most important latitude! Yes, you actually pass through the Tropic of Cancer clearly marked on the route to Sanchi Stupa…so cool!!!
A picture of Sanchi Stupa can be seen on the 200-rupee currency note, right? Well, here we are, right in the middle of the note’s picture!
The Sanchi Stupa was built in the 3rd century BCE, by the Mauryan emperor, Ashoka the Great. It depicts intricate carvings, panoramic views of the surroundings and nearby ruins of temples. Almost each carving has a beautiful story to tell.
Especially when you get to listen to these stories from experienced guide’s mouths, who transported me to the era of Ashoka the Great with these tales.
Nearby, and old university established by King Ashoka with dorm rooms, classrooms, and open areas showcases the great yearning and understanding for the importance of knowledge even in that era.
So much to see and learn, WOW!!!
Next stop, Bhimbetka Caves, with 10,000-year-old cave paintings…really???
The sun was really beating down on Bhimbetka Rock Shelter when we reached, and the landscape consisted of several almost barren, dry trees with several birds and garden lizards around, and huge caves and boulders.
We visited 15 caves with our guide, and each one’s walls was papered with ancient cave paintings depicting humans dancing, riding animals and hunting, various species of animals, and even a mammoth! Woo!
Were people living here even at the time of the Ice Age? Who knows?
The paintings were around 10,000 years old! They were mostly made from white paint, though a few were red.
By the way, these are not the paints we use, of course, as explained to us by our knowledgeable guide, but paints made from animal fats and stone colours! Amazing.
My favourite cave was the Zoo Cave, which depicted 720 different species of animals!
Wow!
We toured all 15 caves and loved listening to the local guide explain us the details of living in the past, including about the cavemen’s bedroom, which was quite well-protected from natural elements.
It was surreal experience to be teleported 10,000 years back!!!
Me exploring the Caveman bedroom for a nice cosy spot to park myself
Next up; Night out in the jungle, here I come!
Our next stop was Satpura National Park – Tiger reserve about 3 hours from Bhopal by road.
We reached our resort by the banks of Chambal river and relaxed for the rest of the evening enjoying the calm nature.
The next evening, we headed out for a night safari! The safari was partly in the evening and partly in the night, and in the evening within the first 2 hours itself, we spotted a TIGER!!! Wow! And it was only around 7 feet away from us, and it looked fearsome but majestic.
I had never seen a tiger from that close up before!
During the night-time, when we were just returning, we also spotted a jungle cat! It was small but beautiful, and we just couldn’t get enough of the little creature.
During the next night safari, we spotted two Leopards, both in different places, a Ruddy mongoose and Asian Palm Civet drinking water at a lake, and a Rusty-spotted cat, which is the world’s smallest cat!
Quite a list for one night!
In the morning safari, we spotted an Oriental Honey Buzzard and another leopard!!! Wow, we were really in luck with leopards this trip!
Read all about my experience of night safari in Satpura National Park
My, time does fly when you’re having fun!
Enjoy Madhya Pradesh!
Mom Says:
How many unique sights can my husband plan in a short trip of 4 days without rushing? here is the answer – Tropic of Cancer, Majestic Sachi Stupa, mysterious 10000-year-old caves of Bhimbetka, 3 safaris in Satpura: sighting, leopards, gaurs’ procession, pair of blue bulls and a majestic tiger!!!
And don’t miss night safaris in Satpura, since sighting animals is just one of the goals. Keeping absolutely calm and still, no talk, no fidgeting, focusing on listening are some of the life lessons you can teach your kids in night safaris!
dad Says:
Always hire a guide when you visit historical monuments is my one-line advice. We always do. You would be happily surprised at the depth of knowledge they have on the subject. They take us back in time and make us believe. In India guides are very pocket friendly. They carry government printed rate cards, so no worry of overcharging. However, we always end up paying extra for the love and respect of the knowledge they share with us.
Sanchi Stupa is mentioned in 4th grade social studies book ICSE, it is there on ₹200 note. Kids will never know what it is until they can see it with their own eyes.
It’s time to plan a visit!!
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