Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh has emerged as one of the major tourist states in the country. Being centrally located, it is easily accessible from all major Indian cities and entry points. The State has shown how leisure and adventure (especially ‘tiger’) tourism can be made economically attractive and a major source of popular demand through appropriate policy interventions and smart marketing campaigns. With the better facilities being provided at various tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh, the number of all kinds of tourists (domestic as well as foreign tourists), including religious tourists has gone up constantly in the last few years.
Madhya Pradesh has globally renowned locations of historical and religious significance. A number of festivals such as All India Kalidasa Festival, Tansen Samaroh (Gwalior), Lokranjan and Khajuraho Dance Festival (Khajuraho) are celebrated in the state. Major places of tourist interest in Madhya Pradesh include: (i) Kanha: One of the largest wild-life sanctuary in Asia; (ii) Khajuraho: Has some of the most famous sculptures in the world; (iii) Bhimbetka: Has the oldest cave paintings in the world; (iv) Sanchi: Houses the oldest Buddhist Stupa in the world. The state has a number of forts/palaces that have been converted into heritage hotels to attract high-end foreign tourists.