In Search of Salvationville in India

Three lesser-known Buddhist sites in India, located in the most beautiful natural surroundings.

Among the many elements that make a Buddhist monastery an oasis of tranquility, including the quiet ambience and simplicity of the interiors, there is one intangible factor that can be sensed by one and all—the aura of calm.

Gautam Buddha’s preachings of detachment and peace radiate from the nooks and cranies of these places of worship for those who belong to the Buddhist faith. No matter how crowded it might be, every Buddhist site in this country can make one feel enveloped by serenity. While Bodhgaya, Sarnath and Sanchi are some of the most frequently visited Buddhist sites, there are others which are a little off the beaten track yet worth visiting for every traveller in India.

Happy valley Uttarakhand

Mussoorie in Uttarakhand has always been a favoured destination for holidayers, especially for people in Delhi who find it convenient to drive to this nearby hill station. If you are among those who find it getting a little too crowded at times, do venture out to the upper reaches of the outskirts of the main town. Few people know of a place called Happy Valley, which has a Tibetan population of about 5,000 and has the Shedup Choephelling Temple at the highest point of the valley, atop a cliff. It was the first Tibetan shrine built in India, consecrated by the Dalai Lama. 

What adds significance to Happy Valley is that this is the place where Tibetans lived at first when they fled to India from their homeland in 1959. Later, they moved to Dharamsala. The abundance of oak and deodar trees makes the place shady and beautiful. It is clean and free of litter, and fragrant marigold bushes surround the shrine. The evenings are soothing, permeated by the chanting of prayers and the resonating blowing of trumpets by the monks.

Sanjauli Himachal Pradesh

The former summer capital of the country, Shimla, in Himachal Pradesh, is another popular hill station that hordes of people visit in all seasons. If summer tourists come to escape the scorching heat of the plains, the winter ones come to enjoy the spectacle and experience of frost and snow. Amidst the tourist influx, there is one quiet place in the suburbs, yet within the boundaries of the town, that not every visitor hears of and goes to-Sanjauli.

The approach to Sanjauli is delightful. There are literally thousands of prayer flags all over the place. Each one has Buddhist prayers and images of the mystic Wind Horse printed on it. The locals believe that when the winds coming down from the upper Shivalik ranges pass through these flags, they carry the blessings in the prayers on the wings of the Wind Horse to the residents of the settlement.

The place was established in 1962 by Lama Jinpa, a prominent Tibetan refugee monk. It was he who built the Jonang Takten Phuntsok Choeling monastery at the top of Sanjauli hill. Besides the calming effect that the monastery has, the place also boasts of some breathtaking views of the mountains and it is blessed with lush surroundings. It is the sort of place nature-lovers will cherish.

Dhankar Himachal Pradesh

Farther north in Himachal Pradesh is Spiti valley at an altitude of 12,500 ft. Truly isolated and nestled in the lap of nature, this cold desert valley is surrounded by high mountain ranges. It has many Buddhist sites which are rated as being among the best. Being close to Tibet, it also has some of the oldest monasteries.

Dhankar monastery is the most ancient, built at the highest point of Spiti valley. It has centuries of history behind it and is believed to have been an important centre of Buddhist learning. The new monastery has been constructed at Shichilling village and houses about 150 lamas. The statue of Vairochana or the Meditating Buddha sits at the heart of the shrine.

The monastery also has some ancient murals, thangkas, and Buddhist scriptures. It provides a wonderful experience for those who love to travel to places which are remote and located in forbidding terrain. The Dhankar lake, fed by glacial melt, is nearby. The Kyi and Tabo monasteries are two other well known shrines in the area which have gained popularity among tourists, both Indian and foreign.

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Into The Green

Walking trails in the west of India are a great summer getaway option.

Hiking is usually undertaken in the Himalaya and, because of the exodus to high altitudes in the east and north of India; trails in the west have become more attractive to those looking for communion with nature. Here are a few to get you started.

Matheran Maharashtra

At Matheran, there’s no other way to get around but walk. Despite a rush of tourists, the ban on motor vehicles has helped preserve the lushness, and keep the area free of pollution. About 2,500 ft above sea level in the Western Ghats, it is accessed easily from Mumbai (90 km) and Pune (120 km). Of the 38 look-out points, Panorama Point is the most popular because of the 360-degree view of the hills around. Louisa Point, Monkey Point, Porcupine Point and One-Tree-Hill Point are the other spots worth the trudge. The ecologically sensitive zone is populated by local tree species like Iokhandi, agaswel, dudhvel panphuti and hirda, and many more. Fruit like jamun and mangoes grow in these hills.

The weather is pleasantly chilly throughout the year. Vehicles are permitted up to Dasturi Naka, two kilometres before Matheran. Then, hire a pony or walk along the rail track.

Bhandardara Maharashtra

A few hours’ drive from Mumbai (about 185 km), Bhandardara is the ideal detour if you are en route to neighbouring Shirdi (90 km), Nashik (70 km) or
Trimbakeshwar. This jewel of the Sahyadri range has a sprinkling of nature retreats amidst undulating, wooded terrain. While you could drive to sightseeing locales like Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam (built in 1910), Umbrella Falls, Shivaji’s Ratnagad Fort or the Agasti Rishi ashram, the highlight of your Bhandardara experience would be a trek to Maharashtra’s highest peak— Mt. Kalsubai. It is over 5,400 ft above sea level, with a temple at the summit. The trek requires fitness, and you can opt for a gentler walk to Ratnagad Fort instead. The latter involves a boat ride over a clear lake at Ratanwadi.

Saputara Gujarat

On the Gujarat-Maharashtra border, the area around hilly Saputara abounds with waterfalls, sanctuaries and nature parks. The local government’s zeal in developing the area as Gujarat’s only hill station is apparent in the form of cable cars, step-gardens and a designated sunset/sunrise point. But fear not, you could always escape to the tiny Vansda National Park, reported to have tigers and leopards, or the relatively bigger Purna Sanctuary with its bamboo groves and walking trails. Prior permission is required for hiking and camping expeditions. Gira Waterfalls (52 km) is a nice spot to hike or picnic at, while enjoying conditions typical of this part of the ancient Dang forests. You could drive to Saputara from Mumbai (225 km) or Surat (175 km).

Chorla Ghat Goa

Forsake the sun and sand of Goa for the cool, green hills of Chorla Ghat, a great off-roading destination at the intersection of the Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra borders. About 50 km north-east of  Panaji, the sub-tropical forests of the area abound with rare species like the barred wolf-snake. Since roads into these hills are virtually non-existent, nature-lovers willing to risk taking a ride into Chorla are rewarded with nature’s bounty and total isolation, It’s a great place to spend the day watching birds and butterflies. A local nature conservation facility called Wildernest was set up with the specific intent of learning more about the Western Ghats’ biodiversity, so the area is frequented by genuine ecologists and conservationists. You can stay, take walking tours with experts, and experience nature with a handful of like-minded residents.

Panchgani Maharashtra

This hill town of Maharashtra’s Satara district derives its name from the five hills of the Sahyadri range that surround it. Just 18 km short of Mahabaleshwar, these slopes remain cool and moist through most of the year due to the altitude—over 4,000 ft above sea level. The snaking Krishna river is visible to one side, and the coastal plains to the other. The best way to enjoy these views is on foot, below the canopy of trees that shades walkways through the quaint town. British-era constructions are a common sight, and treks to the Pandavgadh Caves or the ‘Table-Land’ plateau must be undertaken. You could also spend your day learning more about organic farming at one of the commercial farms around the town. It is easily accessible from Mumbai (285 km) and Pune (100 km). Since this happens to be one of Maharashtra’s more popular tourist locales, regular bus connections to the town are also available.

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Buddhist Circuit Footprints of Enlightenment

The Buddhist sites, which traces the spread of Buddhism and its rich heritage in South India, is both a walk through ancient history and a pilgrimage to sacred sites.

Amaravati

Amaravati, sitting by the bank of the Krishna in Guntur district, was the capital of the Satavahanas between the 2nd century BC and the 3rd century, and also a major learning centre, fostering the arts and serving as fertile ground for the growth of Buddhism. Here you can see the Amaravati Stupa, the largest in the country, though only parts of it remain. An Ashoka pillar found during excavations stands testimony to the arrival of Mauryan art in South India. To

learn more about Amaravati’s Buddhist heritage, visit the Arnaravati Museum, which showcases Buddha statues, besides sculptures of Goddess Tara and Bodhisattva Padmapani.

Adurru

The Godavari branches out to become the Vainetaya here and the village of Adurru is located on its bank, not far from the coastline of East Godavari district. Excavations here over 60 years ago revealed a mahastupa measuring 17 feet across with a raised platform running around it. The excavations also brought up shards of jars and utensils from centuries ago.

Nagarjunakonda

Nagarjunakonda is an island near the Nagarjuna Sagar dam in Guntur district, where Buddhism put down deep roots centuries ago. During the time that it was the capital of the lkshvaku dynasty, Buddhism received the patronage of the rulers and spread across the region. Here, you can now see the main stupa, believed to contain relics of the Buddha. You can also soak in the richness of this past at the island museum created in the midst of the lake. Built to resemble a vihara, it showcases some fine relics of Buddhist art, including a monolithic statue of the Buddha which exudes serenity, even if it’s mostly in ruins.

Thotlakonda

One of the high points of the Andhra Pradesh Buddhist circuit is Thotlakonda, not far from Visakhapatnam. Excavations have revealed that this was the site of a major monastery, chosen for its location—a haven sheltered from the sea. Researchers believe that a Hinayana Buddhist complex thrived here some 2,000 years ago. Visitors to Thotlakonda can walk through a place where Gautama Buddha was worshipped through symbols like Pudukas.

Bavikonda

One of the most sacred sites of Buddhism, Bavikonda — meaning Hill of Wells — is also one of the oldest. Today it stands as a reminder of the Buddhist-centric civilisation that once flourished here. Archaelogists and historians have traced in Bavikonda a sprawling Buddhist establishment that included a mahachaitya containing relics, a vihara complex, several stupas, a pillared congregation hall and other spaces.

Pavuralakonda

Just 20-plus km away from Visakhapatnam is Pavuralakonda, where the remains of a Buddhist settlement dating back to between the 1st century BC and the 2nd century are to be found. As with other sacred sites in the region, excavations revealed a thriving Buddhist settlement with the remains of viharas, chaitya grihas and votive stupas found here. The traveller to Pavuralakonda will also see a series of rock-cut troughs, possibly for fresh water, besides Brahmi inscriptions.

Ramathirtham

Ramathirtham in Nellore district is known for its Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, dedicated to Shiva and his consort, Kamakshamma. It is believed also that Lord Rama spent a night here while looking for Sita and at dawn shaped a shivfing out of sand and worshipped it. Now, it has also become a site on the Buddhist circuit in Andhra Pradesh after excavations unearthed a mound, believed to be from a Buddhist structure, near the temple.

Dantapuram

The quiet air of this village in Srikakulam district may not, at first, give you any indication of the religious and historical significance of the place. It derives its name from the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha and flourished under Kalinga rule. It is believed that the tooth relic of the Buddha, now housed at the Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, Sri Lanka, was taken there from Dantapuram.

Salihundam

The village of Salihundam, near Srikakulam town, sits atop a hill overlooking the Vamsadhara River. It is rich with traces from a Buddhist civilisation several centuries old and continues to draw travellers from across the globe. Against the picturesque backdrop of the hills you’ll find stupas and shrines, which have been unearthed by excavations in the area. The findings here are traced back to the period between the 2nd and 12th centuries, and reflect the many forms of Buddhism — Mahayana, Theravada and Vajrayana. Sculptures of Mareechi and Tara were also found at this sacred spot.

Ghantasala

Ohantasala, a short drive from Machilipatnam, isa gem on the Andhra Pradesh Buddhist circuit. Travellers come here to see the remains of sculptures and a stupa that reflect the Buddhist past of Ghantasala. The stupa here is considered to be of a singular design, with the cubical block of bricks adorned by the 12 zodiac signs. The dome of the stupa, it is believed, was decorated with slabs depicting the Buddha. While some of Ghantasala’s treasures have been spirited away, it is still a place to see some fine remnants of its glorious and sacred past — such as the Buddha statues and Buddhist art at the museum here.

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Amazing Adventure Experiences

There’s something about adrenaline pumping action that makes you defy gravity and throw caution to the wind. These are the most amazing experiences for the adventure hungry.

Water Sports

Rishikesh is synonymous with water sports and it has long since earned the sobriquet of ‘white water capital of India.’ Though the mighty Ganga and her rapids provide excitement in Rishikesh for rafters, river ratting is also possible down south—in places like Dandeli and Bheemeshwari, perfect for beginners and non-swimmers.

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Surfing

Surfing is a fast emerging sport along India’s vast coastline, thanks to its many secluded beaches. Favourable wave conditions in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala make surfing possible throughout the year, except during the monsoon. Karnataka’s coastline, Manapad in Tamil Nadu and Kerala’s Varkala beach are slowly being explored by surfing enthusiasts. Beginners must be swimmers.

Scuba Diving

The implosive silence of the deep blue sea and its depths stores millions of beautiful creatures. If exploring the depths of the ocean and coming face to face with gorgeous coral reefs and marine life, including great barracudas, stingrays, stonefish, black and white tip sharks and Napoleon wrasse interests you, India offers plenty of opportunities. Though the Andamans and their Havelock Island have long carved a niche in scuba diving, Goa, Karnataka’s Netrani Island and Pondicherry are joining the list.

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Motorcycle Adventures

If the wind in your hair makes you wax lyrical and taking to the tarmac on a motorcycle is your thing, motorcycle adventures in India will give you the time of your life. Barring the poor roads in cities, the national highways are largely in perfect shape. Add to it the lure of stunning vistas, with beguiling and diverse landscapes from flat to mountainous and getting lost never felt so good. The Himalaya have always ranked high on the bucket list of motorcyclists, especially for the popular Manali-Leh ride in the summer.

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Rock Climbing

India’s varied topography is blessed with boulders and rock faces and allows plenty of opportunities for blundering, free rock climbing, solo climbing, aid climbing, and alpine climbing. Karnataka’s boulder-rich landscape is conducive for rock climbing and so are many climbing sites in the Western Ghats. Begin your rock climbing with aid climbing and rappelling with the help of a trained guide (like Diwan Singh in my case at Camp Paradise) in the Western Ghats. If you want a dose of ultimate adventure, you should perhaps look at climbing in the famed Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh.

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Long-Distance Cycling

When I finished my first cycling trip, that lasted two days and covered a total distance of around 200 km, I felt that my knees had turned into liquid. I walked weirdly for a week afterwards and my right thumb was jammed in one position, rendering my palm effectively useless. All these factors did not stop me from enrolling in the next cycling expedition. I have done a couple more after having learned the tricks to avoid jammed thumbs and liquid knees by taking it easy. Cycling can be demanding but it is also rewarding.

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Paragliding

Buckled in a harness, floating in the air while drinking in the sight of the landscape several metres below, brushing shoulders with birds of prey, paragliding is an incredible flying experience.
Hundreds of adventure sport enthusiasts are being trained every year by paragliding schools across the country. Sunny climes and moderate winds in areas like Yelagiri (Tamil Nadu), Nandi Hills (Karnataka) and Kamshet (Maharashtra) have made them popular destinations. 

Skydiving

No longer do you have to fly out of India for skydiving. Mysore is becoming a skydivers’ haunt in India. Tandem Jumps, Static Jumps and Accelerated Free fall are offered with expert supervision and safety measures by trained professionals. If you are a healthy adult with no fear of heights, nothing should stop you from trying skydiving and your share of experiencing swimming in the clouds.

Trekking and Mountaineering

From delightful easy treks in the Western Ghats in the South to the Valley of Flowers trek in the north to hardcore mountaineering expeditions in Ladakh, trekking and mountaineering offer inclusively for both the novice adventurer and the accomplished mountaineer. Ranging from weekend treks to month-long expeditions, trekking companies offer more than a handful of options. 

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Magic In The Middle

Madhya Pradesh offers you new vistas every single time you visit, no matter how many times you go there. 

We undertook an extensive journey through Madhya Pradesh to bring you the top destinations to visit in the coming months. The thing with this vast collect ion of natural and heritage wonders is that you need at least a few days to cover everything.., and you’ll still have something to come back for. 

Mandu

This poem in stone is a marvel. Mandu is a sublime amalgam of Hindu, Islamic and Jam architecture. The Jahaz Mahal with its Persian wheel, the Hindola palace and Champa-Baoli are just some of the must-see wonders. Not to forget the Jami Masjid and Hoshang Shah’s tomb, which is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal. Other wonderful sites are Roopmati’s Pavilion, the Dai Ka Mahal (nurse’s palace) and the Dai Ki Bahen Ka Mahal, an eight-sided structure. Don’t miss Echo Point—a testimony to the acoustic systems of the 15th century! 

Navigator The nearest airport and railhead are at Indore, which is 99 km away. 

Maheseiwar

The ancient Hindu pilgrimage town of Maheshwar finds mention in the early epics as Mahishmati. As the boatmen retell tales of King Sahasrarjun in fairytale like parables, you will be amazed by the quiet riverfront, the long flight of steps that leads to the honey-coloured temple façade and the ancient fort complex. Besides temp le-touring, take a skiff and go across the river to watch a serene sunset. And, on the way back, visit the Baneshwar temple in the middle of the Narmada. 

Navigator ‘The nearest airport is at Indore (91 km). Barwaha (39 km) is the nearest railhead. 

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Orchha

This picturesque destination rises out of the hills and the greenery surrounding it. The world-renowned Raja Mahal and the Jahangir Mahal are awe-inspiring, and the latter is a reminder of the friendship that prevailed between the Mughals and the Bundelas. The town has some notew orthy temples like the Ram Raja Temple, the Chaturbhuj temple and the Lakshmi Narayan temple. You can also opt for an excursion to Barua Sagar, a dam on the Betwa River.

Navigator Gwalior (120 km) is the nearest airport and Jhansi (18 km) the nearest railhead. 

Khajuraho 

The ninth to 12th century temples of Khajuraho are well known around the globe. Little wonder they are on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List. They are evidence of the architectural prowess of the Chandela dynasty. The 85 temples were built in the North Indian ‘Nagara’ style of architecture, though only 22 have survived. Three geographical divisions group the temples: western, eastern and southern. 

Navigator Regular air services link Khajuraho with Delhi and Varanasi. Khajuraho has its own railway station. 

Apart from these beautiful locations, the Jabalpur circuit is a must-visit for anyone interested in nature and human heritage. There is a wealth of destinations around Jabalpur, too. 

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Bhedaghat  

The Chausath Yogini temple, a circular wall enclosing sculptures of 64 tantric female mystics, is just one of the wonders of Bhedaghat. The Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat rise to a hundred feet on either side of the Narmada, and as sunlight hits the pinnacles, it is a feast for the eyes. As the mighty river flows down, it plunges in the Dhuandhar waterfall, a favoured tourist spot. 

Navigator The nearest airport is at Jabalpur (23 km), conn ected by regular flights. Jabalpur is also the main railhead. 

Kanha 

Undoubtedly one of the finest places to see India’s fauna, Kanha is a wonder. From Khatia gate itself, the wildlife beckons you, as black-faced langurs hop across dry streams. The large tracts of forest around present-day Kanha were originally tribal outlands called the Gondwana, inhabite d by aboriginal tribes of Central India, the Gonds and the Baigas. The place is yet untouched by modernity and the rustic thrives in the five zones that make up the 2,000-sq-km 

Kanha Reserve—Kisli, Kanha, Mukki, Bhaisanghat and Suphkar. Four-horned antelope and sambar abound, but it is the majestic tiger that draws millions of tourists. Deeper into Kanha, you will encounter everything from gaur to monitor lizards and, of course, the tiger. The park has a healthy population of the striped cat, and just gazing at one for a few seconds will seem like an eternity. 

Navigator Jabalpur is 156 km by road. 

Bandhavgarh  

This National Park’s claim to fame is its ever-obliging tigers. They say you cannot leave without sighting one. Bandhavgarh has the highest relative density of tigers and is a trove of wildlife, including various deer species, sloth bears, dholes, leopards and more than 250 varieties of birds. Bandhavgarh also has ruins dating back to the Ramayana, the Shesh-Shaiyya (the reclining Vishnu in the backdrop of the well-preserved waterhole) and excavate d caves carrying ancient inscriptions. Not to forget the Bandhavgarh fort, which finds mention in the Shiva-Purana. 

Navigator The nearest airport is at Jabalpur (190 km). The nearest railway stations are Umaria (35 km) and Katni (102 km). 

Pench  

Nestled in the lower southern reaches of the Satpura Hills, the Pench Tiger Reserve and its neighbourh ood are the original setting of Rudyard Kipling’s most famous work, The Jungle Book. The park takes its name from the meandering Pench river that flows through it. 

Breathtaking landscapes of hills, forests and valleys give this park an unreal quality and it is blessed with forests that spread in all directions, mainly the southern tropical dry deciduous teak and southern tropical mixed deciduous forests. Teak and its varieties such as moyan, mahua, mokha, skiras, tendu, bia, achar, garari, am/a, ghont, baranga, amaltas, kihamali, khair and pa/as are found here. Apart from the tiger, a total of 39 species of mammals, 13 species of rept iles, three species of amphibians and over 210 varieties of birds call Pench their home. 

Navigator The nearest airport and railway station are in Nagpur (92 km). 

From dense forests to the heritage of human civilisation can be just a matter of a few hours in Madhya Pradesh. After a visit to the natural treasures in Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench, we come back to the capital. 

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Bhopal 

The historic city offers insight into the architectural splendour of an era when Bhopal was a princely state. The Taj Mahal, the palace built by Shahjehan Begum, is the most notable site. Not far from the Taj Mahal is the royal ensemble of manzil and mahal, a group of palaces contributed by various begums over a period of 100 years. The most enchanting among them are Gohar Mahal, Sadar Manzil and Shaukat Mahal. The chowk (old marketplace), with its narrow lanes forming a maze of closely-packed shops, is an interesting component of the old town. Adding to the architectural heritage of the city are its mosques, the Jama Masjid built by Qudsia Begum in 1837 and the Moti Masjid—akin to Delhi’s Jama Nlasjid—built by Sikandar Jehan Begum in 1860. Also significant are the Dhai Sidi Ki Masjid, the smallest mosque in Asia, and the Taj-Ul-Masjid, reputedly the biggest one on the continent. The most notable post-Independence contributions to Bhopal’s architecture are Bharat Bhavan, a prestigious centre of art and culture, and the Museum of Man—an open-air exhibition on the Shamla Hills, displaying tribal habitats from all over India. 

Navigator Bhopal is well-connected to the rest of the count ry by air, rail and road.

Sanchi 

A small town that is the site of a great Buddhist monument on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Sanchi is famous throughout the world for its stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars, which date back to the 3rd century BCE till the 12th century BCE. Built atop a hill, these stup as contain relics, mostly of the Buddha’s disciples, and are a lesson in craftsmanship and dedication. The four gateways of the Great Stupa, constructed in 1 BCE, are considered the best Buddhist expression in the world and are covered with wonderful carvings that depict the Buddha’s life. The site also has an Ashoka pillar. The Sanchi museum, which is run under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India, houses the pillar along with other items found around Sanchi, including utensils and sundry items used by the monks. 

Navigator Bhopal is the nearest airport, 45 km away. The nearest railhead is Vidisha, 10 km away.

Tawa Madhai 

The famous reservoir, located in Hoshangabad, is a favourite among tourists because of its natural beauty and the scope for adventure. This enormous 1,815-metre-long reservoir is nestled between the western boundary of the Satpura National Park and the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, which give it the kind of surroundings you are unlikely to see anywhere else. The Madhai gate, in fact, serves as a gateway to the Satpura Tiger Reserve. TawaM adhai is an extraordinary experience for people who like peace and tranquillity on their holidays, as well as for advent ure-lovers who can undertake a number of activities. 

Navigator Madhai is 79 km from Itarsi and is conveniently approachable by road. 

Pachmarhi

One of the most scenic places in Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is popular among trekkers, hikers and bikers, as the Satpura range is in its vicinity. Not to forget those who are interested in parasailing, one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have. It’s like you are being carr ied by the wind. Enjoy the trek through the lush green forests of Pachmarhi, starting from the Pandav Caves, and go right up to Dhoopgarh, passing by the gushing Bee Falls. Navigator Bhopal, about 210 km away, is the nearest airport. Pipariya is the most convenient railhead, 57 km away. Pipariya is on the Mumbai—Howrah mainline, via Allahabad. 

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Greenland Central

Madhya Pradesh is full of natural beauty in the form of vast expanses of forests, waterfalls and rivers. 

Nature and Madhya Pradesh share an ancient relationship. Be it the vast forestlands with a wide range of wildlife, or the undulating landscape of the mountain ranges with waterfalls tucked within its depths, the state has it all. 

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Pachmarhi

Green shades embrace the mountains of Pachmarhi with the gentle murmur of flowing water and the splashes of cascading waterfalls. Bridle paths lead into the tranquil forest full of wild bamboo groves and a dense vegetation of jamun and sal. The lovers of wildlife are rewarded at every corner by fascinating glimpses of the fauna. Pachmarhi also boasts of being an archaeological treasure- house. In the cave shelters of Mahadeo hills is an astonishing richness of rock paintings. Most of these date back to AD 500-800, but the earliest paintings are an estimated 10,000 years old. Some famous spots of Pachmarhi include Priyadarshirii (Forsyth Point), Jamuna Prapat (Bee Fall), Handhi Khoh and many more. Navigator The nearest airport is Bhopal (210 km). Pipariya (57 km) is the most convenient railhead. Pachmarhi is connected by regular bus services with Bhopal, Hoshangabad, Nagpur, Pipariya and Chhindwara. 

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Satpura National Park

The Satpura National Park lies within the Satpura mountain range. Located in Hoshangabad district, the Park was set up in 1981. There are abundant sal, teak, tendu, amla, mahua, be! and bamboo trees that add to the wealth of flora in the park. Its fauna comprises the tiger, leopard, sambar, chitl, four-horned antelope, bear, blackbuck, fox, flying squirrel and Indian Joint Squirrel, to name a few. 

Navigator The nearest airport is in Bhopal (200 km). Pipariva is the nearest railway station. The Park is 250 km from Jabalpur by road. 

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Tawa Mandal

Located in Hoshangabad district, the Tawa reservoir was formed on the Tawa river. The dam provides water for irrigation to several thousand hectares of farming land in Hoshangabad and Harda districts. It is also a big tourist attraction. M.P. Tourism in collaboration with M.P. Ecotourism Development Board offers river wildlife safaris for tourists travelling from Tawa to Madhai, through a river passage in a mini cruise boat named Jalpari. The other cruise, on the Satpura Queen, takes tourists around the Tawa reservoir and the trip takes about 45 minutes. Navigator Distance from Pachmarhi to Tawa is 175 km, Bhopal to Tawa is 115 km, and Itarsi to Tawa is 30 km. 

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Saga of an Emperor

Kalakriti Culture and Convention Centre, Agra, hosted a new look mohabbat the taj recently With facilities like a high quality surround sound system and other state- of-the-art amenities, the Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Centre in Agra is ideally suited for international conferences, seminars, product launches and other corporate activities. The open space available with the Natyashala can accommodate about 20,000 people at a time for such events. 

The Centre has been hosting a popular event called Mohabbat The Taj for the past six years. It comprises a series of plays infused with light and sound shows which showcase the love story of Emperor Shahjahan and Mumtaz. 

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Accomplished artistes from different parts of the country act in these plays. The presentations attempt to depict Indian culture of the 16th century. The shows can be enjoyed in 10 international languages, apart from Hindi, and members of the audience can select any language. For this, high-quality headphones are installed on each of the 585 seats of the Natyashala. A The presentations attempt to depict Indian culture of the 16th century. The shows can be enjoyed in 10 international languages, apart from Hindi, and members of the audience can select any language show of 80 minutes is presented daily. Bookings can be made via the internet from any part of the world. 

Some new and exciting changes were introduced in the show this year. One of the biggest attractions of the plays was the 12x12 ft replica of the Taj Mahal made of marble and weighing 8,250 kg. It has been made in an artistic manner on a lotus- shaped platform. Blending various shades of light, the timeless beauty of the Taj was shown in 10 different moods such as the Taj before sunrise, during sunrise, the Taj on full moon night and the effect of sea waves on the Taj. Besides, all the props were changed, including costumes and jewellery and the audience found the stage with a new look and enjoyed performances by 80 artistes at a time. 

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