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Largely unexplored by the tourist, central India is a bag of surprises. Exceedingly rural and with huge forests and natural reserves, the region comprises the states of Madhya Pradesh, literally 'middle state', Maharashtra, Gujrat, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chattisgarh. The region boasts of a rich heritage and culture especially western Madhya Pradesh for temples and vestiges of mughal and Hindu architecture.
Maharastra on the west coast is one of main entry points to India as it has one of the busient International airports in the country at Mumbai, the capital.The cave temples of Ajanta & Ellora are one of the many World heritage sites in the region which includes Buddhist religious centres of Bihar.
Gujarat is famous as being the home state of the Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The state has also the beautiful handicrafts and clothes. Bright colours, heavily embroidered are the costumes of the people. Gujarat is also home to the sole reserve where the Asiatic lion roams wild.
Most of Madhya Pradesh has forests which are home to the largest population of the Royal Bengal Tiger, besides the Indian bison, various and rare types of deer and antelopes and other wild animals. The Bandhavgarh National Park and Kanha National Park are the best. The erotic sculptures of Khajuraho, the majestic palaces of Gwalior, and the famous Buddhist centre of Sanchi are some of the popular destinations.
Bihar takes its name after the Buddhist word 'Vihara'. Viharas were in the Buddhist period centres of learning and monastic life, basically a small monastery. The state boasted one of the largest universities-Nalanda, in the ancient world. Bihar has many world heritage sites related to Buddha including BodhGaya, Rajgir and Nalanda.
The classical and tribal arts of the region are also popular. The simple life and the handicrafts speak of this simplicity is a great attraction too. The young states of Chattisgarh and Jharkhand have a large chunk of the tribal population. They also have good forest cover and are best place to shop for forest produce and tribal crafts. |
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Khajuraho |
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This medieval temple complex in madhya pradesh is famous for it sculptures, some erotic. Built by the Kings of Chandela Dynasty in the 10th and 11th centuries, the complex has 21 temples. It is easily accessible as it is only an hour's flight awaty from Delhi. |
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