Some other principalities came into being with branching of families, internecine quarrels and the munificence of the Marathas who were indomitable with - the decline of the Moghuls. Rulers of Ratlam and Sitamau claim close relationship with the ruling house of jodhpur in Rajasthan.
About mandu Mandu is a celebration in stone of life and joy, of the love of the poet-prince Baz Bahadur for his beautiful wife, Rani Roopmati. An ancient town of the medieval age, it is one of India's most historical monuments set against the backdrop of the Vindhyas. Elegant Islamic palaces, mosques and onion-domed mausolea stand beside large medieval reservoirs and precipitous ravines. Down below the hills, lies a vista of scorched plains and tiny villages that stretch off to the horizon. Archaeological evidence suggests that the remote hill-top was first fortified around the sixth century AD, when it was known as Mandapa-Durga, or "Durga's hall of worship". Four hundred years later, the site became of strategic importance when the powerful Parmaras moved their capital from Ujjain to Dhar, 35 km north. The fort eventually fell to the Sultans of Delhi in 1305. While the Sultans were busy fending off the Mongols on their northern borders a century or so later, Malwa's Afghan governor, Dilawar Khan Ghuri, seized the chance to establish his own independent kingdom. He died after only four years on the throne, however, leaving his ambitious young son as the heir. During his son Hoshang Shah's illustrious 27-year reign, Mandu was promoted from pleasure resort to royal capital, and acquired some of the finest Islamic monuments in Asia, including the Jama Masjid, Delhi Gate, and the Sultan's own tomb. Mandu's monuments derive from a unique school of Islamic architecture. Much admired for their elegant simplicity, the buildings are believed to have considerably influenced the Mughal architects responsible for building the famous Taj Mahal. history The crown of the hill was fortified as early as in the 6th century BC, but Mandu gained eminence only near the end of the 10th century when the Paramaras formed an independent kingdom based initially at Ujjain and then at Dhar under Raja Bhoja and his successors. The Muslim Khaljis of Delhi in 1304 and the Hindu kingdom of Malwa became part of the Delhi Sultanate under Muslim governors. However, the 1401 invasion of Delhi by the Mongols came as a blessing and Malwa seized independence under its Afghan governor. Then began an era of prosperity and fortune that lasted right through the Mughal invasion until the Marathas captured Mandu in 1732. Dilawar Khan, a true-blue Afghan opportunist, decided to rebel against his overlords, the Khaljis of Delhi, when they were caught napping by the Mongols. He made Dhar his capital and it remained so until his death. His son Hoshang Shah, the very same man who destroyed the dams at Bhojpur, soon shifted base to Mandu. Peace, calm and steady expansion were the hallmarks of Hoshang Shah’s reign. Some excellent monuments were erected from then on, among them the Jami Masjid, the Delhi Gate and his own tomb. The next king in line, Muhammad Shah, ruled for a year before being poisoned by Mahmud Khan. Mahmud Khan I Khalji thus seized power and founded a new dynasty. He was a brilliant soldier-sultan, under whom Mandu gained both in territory and prestige. He commissioned many beautiful buildings including his own tomb, the madrassa (school of Islamic education), and a seven-storey Victory Tower, of which only the base now remains. Mahmud Khan was succeeded by his son Ghiyath-ud-Din in 1469 and another period of peace and prosperity followed, only to be disrupted when Ghiyath-ud-Din’s son, Nasir-ud-Din, found the old man going strong even at 80 and decided to speed up things a bit. He poisoned his father and finally got to sit on the throne of Mandu. But having done the wicked thing by his father, Nasir-ud-Din never found joy or comfort. Eaten up by guilt and afraid of his own shadow and of being alone, he maintained a harem of 15,000 women out of whom a 1,000 were his personal guards.Nasir-ud-Din had a troubled reign and is believed to have died of guilt 10 years after usurping the throne. His son who proved to be an ineffective and incompetent ruler succeeded him. Easily swayed by advisers, the kingdom slipped out of his hands when Bahadur Shah of Gujarat conquered Mandu in 1526. Later in 1534, Humayun seized control. But Mandu did enjoy a brief resurgence under the rule of Baz Bahadur till 1561 when he fled from Akbar’s troops leaving Mandu at the mercy of the great Mughal. The curtain comes down on the history of Mandu at this point. tourist attraction Ashrafi Mahal The Ashrafi mahal is located opposite of jami masjid, in the main market. To the east of the jami masjid we see a huge platform - like structure which resents an impression of a magnificent building only the ruins of which are now in existence. It was originally build by Mohammed Shah to be used as a madrasa means school for Islamic studies. The walls were covered with marble slabs and small cubicles were build for students to study in. The main entrance of madrasa is constructed so that it gives the inspirational view to the student. But the buildings here belonged to two different stages of construction, the earlier representing a college (Madrasa) attached to Jami Masjid in front, planned and designed in conjunction with it. Jammi Musjid Jami Masjid is situated at the tableland of the Mandu and hold a prosperous history of the place and of the Islam in the prior days. Jami Masjid was built by the rulers of Ghauri dynasty. The complicated marble work and its huge size will definitely give you the scope to uncover the mysterious past. Jami Masjid remains quiet and restful as it is not a historical monument only. It was once a place for thousands of worshipers is now nothing but bears history. The large area depicts the capacity of accommodating a hefty amount of worshipers. In Jami Masjid there are small chambers which were used for various reasons. The domes that are place are the hallmark of Afghan architecture.Jami Masjid has two main entranceways that invites tourist to explore the wonderful creation which stands high in prestige and honor of Ghauri dynasty. Also there is a huge artificial lake named Rewa Kund; the tank is well known for its holiness and for its piousness. You can also visit Dai Ka Mahal. Neelkanth Palace In Mandu, the Neel Kanth Palace is a much visited tourist spot. The Neel Kanth Palace is located very close to the Neel Kanth temple which is a shrine of Lord Shiva. The enclosure of the shrine has countless trees and a sacred pond which is fed by a nearby stream. Neelkanth Palace was Built by the Mughal governor, Shah Badgah Khan, and was erected for the Hindu wife of Akbar the Great. There are some philosophic inscriptions on its walls which preach the superiority of emancipation over earthliness. Being as a worshipper, a travel lover or a historian, the Neel Kanth Palace is definitely going to attract you to its doors. Echo Point Echo Point is very famous and major tourist picnic spots among various monuments of Mandu, because, a shout from here reverberates far below and is heard clearly back. A visit to Echo Point is worth making due to its unique hillside location which results in a clear echo that comes straight back to you. Echo Point is named so because, situated next to a steep hill, the scenic place gets this name from the natural echo phenomenon here Taveli Mahal The name Taveli is another form of Tavela which means "Stable". During Mughal rule the Taveli Mahal was used for stables, the apartments in the above two storeys was meant for the accomodation of the guards. There is a gateway seen close to the Taveli Mahal, offering access from the south to the Royal Enclave. The terrace of the Taveli Mahal prescripts a beautiful view of the surrounding country and the ruins, and for that reason it was once converted into a rest house for use of the visitors. Jain Temple The Jain Temple, Mandu is the non-Muslim embodiment of art and architecture amongst the several mosques and dargahs which jumble the town. The Jain temples have idols made of gold, silver and marble. The eyes of some of the idols are adorned with shining jade eyes. At the rear, there lies a Jain museum, styled in lines of a theme park, has a walk-on replica of the Palitana. There is also a large image of Jain homilies and stories with moral endings. This Jain temple is very plain from outside but inside is completely adorned with pictures of sinners being tortured in the after life, and the Museum – It has one of the best collections of medieval and pre-medieval Hindu Sculpture in Madhya Pradesh. The Jain Temple, is an important tourist spot in Mandu, you are advised not to give it a miss while you are on your trip to the historical city. The Jain Temple is the last monument in Mandu which one could find in the Village Group. The Jain Temple is a huge complex of several buildings devoted to the Jain Thirthankaras and there is also a Jain Museum in this Complex. There are large idols of Jain Thirthankaras placed all over the Jain Temple. Rani Roopmati Mahal Rani Rupamati mahal is a very beautifull palace in mandu surrounded by greenery. Rani Rupamati mahal expresses the love story of Rani Rupamati and Prince Baaz Bahadur. Rani Rupamati was a singer and she belonged to hindu religion. Rani Rupamati and Baaz Bahadur fell in love with each other and got married according to Hindu and Muslim rites. Adam Khan who got attracted with Rani Rupamati's charm and beauty, attacked Mandu and defeated Baaz Bahadur. Rani Rupamati, on hearing this poisoned herself. The Palaces and forts of Mandu still tell the love story of Rani Rupamati and Baaz Bahadur and helps in exploring the wonders of Mandu. This love story has marked itself in the pages of history and is repeated every time when someone comes to see the Palace of Mandu. As this Palace is not in very good condition, still it is visited by thousands of travelers from all over the world. The Rani Rupamati Mahal bears a perfect romantic structure which manages to attract the visitors with its fantastic architecture. The Pavilion of Rani Rupamati was constructed by the prince Baaz Bahadur for his beautiful and charming queen, Rupamati. It is situated on the banks of the Rewa Kund. The Rani Rupamati Pavilion stands next to Baz Bahadur's palace and it's construction have Afghan architectural style. These Pavilions was originally constructed as an army observatory. The Rani Rupamati Pavilion offers a spectacular sunset view over Narmada River. It is, however, the Pavilions on the terrace of the original block, which have given a more distinctive appearance to the building. They are square in plan at the base and are crowned with hemispherical domes fluted both outside and inside. From the style of their arches and pillars, however, the Pavilions were probably built a century earlier than Rupamati's time as they approximate more to the earlier buildings in Mandu. To enjoy the romantic beauty of the site from here one should visit it at the time of sunset or in a clear moon-light when he will feel himself to be in a dream-land of the past, a true experience he might never forget. Echo Point is a very famous place near Rani Rupmati Mahal. It creates attraction in tourist. Here people speak something and they get echo sound, back in a few second. Rewa kund The Rewa Kund is a artificial lake built by Baz Bahadur at Mandu, equipped with an aqueduct to supply Roopmati's palace with water. Today, the site is known as a holy spot. Like the Munj Talao, the earlier Hindu name of this tank has survived to the present day partly because of the sancity of its waters to the Hindu and partly due to its association with the names of Baz Bahadur and Rupamati who, it seems, widened and rebuilt the Rewa Kund. The Rewa Kund is lined with masonry from which steps go down to the water level. Above its north-western angle are some halls with arched openings apparently forming part of the pleasure resorts which once stood here facing the crystal waters of the tank. They seem to have undergone additions in different periods thus presenting a variety in their pillars and arches. At the Northern end of the Kund was a water-lift to supply water to the nearby palace of Baz Bahadur. Sunset Point in Mandu There is a sunset point in front of Lohani caves, which provides a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. The Lohani Caves and Temple Ruins, not far from the royal enclave area also merit a visit due to their association with Mandu's history and monuments & Sunset Point here provides a breathtaking spectacle of the surroundings. Baz Bahadur's Palace Baz Bahadur’s Palace, Mandu is one such building which has, over the years become one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Mandu. Baz Bahadur had his own palace from where he conducted his daily activities. Entrance of Baz Bahadur's Palace has big courtyards and high terraces. There are some big rooms, which was also served as the music and dance hall. Situated on the slope of a hill in the midst of a beautiful and colourful natural scenery the main gateway to the Baz Bahadur’s Palace is approached by forty broad steps with landings at intervals. The passage through the gateway is covered with rooms for the guards on both sides and with a vaulted ceiling above, the openings being arched at both ends. The main portion of the Baz Bahadur’s Palace consists of a spacious open court with halls and rooms on all the four sides and a beautiful reservoir in its middle. The eastern and western sides of the court have almost the same plan. The southern side consists of a hall with two rooms on both sides and openings at the back side into another hall which affords access to another court to the south. This court is much smaller in dimensions than the former court, and was probably meant for the attendants of the Baz Bahadur's palace. On the terrace of Baz Bahadur's palace, there are two beautiful baradaris from where one can have enchanting view of surrounding country. There is an inscription in Persian over the main entrance of Baz Bahadur's palace which assigns its construction to Sultan Nasir Shah in A H 914 ( A D 1508-9). getting to mandu By Air You can also choose to land up in Mandu by air. The nearest airport is at Indore at a distance of 100 km from Mandu. The airport at Indore is well connected to the major neighboring cities, like, Mumbai, Delhi, Gwalior and Bhopal. By Train Railways can also be good options to reach Mandu. The nearest railhead is Ratlam - on the Delhi-Mumbai main line. The other option of availing the railways while reaching Mandu is the Indore railway station on a branch route, which is 99 km from the city of Mandu. By Road Mandu, one of the preferred destinations of tourists in India, is easily accessible via good road network. The different cities and towns of Mandu are well connected via well maintained roadways. Buses run at regular intervals between Mandu and Indore via Dhar, Mandu and Ratlam and even between Mandu and Bhopal.
tourist attraction
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir This temple situated above the tank near the Mahakaleshwar temple, enshrines a huge artistic sculpture of Ganesh, the son of Shiva. An idol of this size and beauty is rarely to be found. The middle of the temple is adorned by an idol of the pancha-mukhi (five faced) Hanuman. There is provision for learning of Sanskrit and Astrology in the temple.
This temple situated above the tank near the Mahakaleshwar temple, enshrines a huge artistic sculpture of Ganesh, the son of Shiva. An idol of this size and beauty is rarely to be found. The middle of the temple is adorned by an idol of the pancha-mukhi (five faced) Hanuman. There is provision for learning of Sanskrit and Astrology in the temple.
Chintaman Ganesh The temple is built across the Shipra on the Fatehabad railway line. The Ganesh idol enshrined here is supposed to be swayambhu - born of itself. The temple itself is believed to be of considerable antiquity. Riddhi and Siddhi, the consorts of Ganesha, are seated on either side of Ganesha. The artistically carved pillars in the assembly hall date back to the Paramara period. Worshippers throng to this temple because the deity here is traditionally known as Chintaharan Ganesh meaning "the assurer of freedom from worldly anxieties".
Pir Matsyendranath This is an extremely attractive spot on the banks of the Shipra quite close to the Bhartihari Caves and the Gadkalika Temple. It is dedicated to the memory of one of the great leaders of the Natha sect of Saivism-Matsyendranath. Since Muslims as well as the followers of the Natha sect call their saints 'pir', the ancient site of Pir Matsyendranath is venerated by both. Excavations at this site have yielded some antiquities which date back to the 6th and 7th century BC.
Bhartrihari Caves These caves are situated just above the bank of the Shipra near the temple of Gadkalika. According to popular tradition, this is the spot where Bhartrihari, who is said to have been the step brother of Vikramaditya, lived and meditated after renouncing worldly life. He is believed to have been a great scholar and poet. His famous works, Shringarshatak, Vairagyashatak, and Nitishatak, are known for the exquisite use of the Sanskrit meter. These caves are situated just above the bank of the Shipra near the temple of Gadkalika. According to popular tradition, this is the spot where Bhartrihari, who is said to have been the step brother of Vikramaditya, lived and meditated after renouncing worldly life. He is believed to have been a great scholar and poet. His famous works, Shringarshatak, Vairagyashatak, and Nitishatak, are known for the exquisite use of the Sanskrit meter.
Kaliadeh Palace Situated on the banks of the Shipra, the island-like site immediately conjures up the natural beauty of ancient Ujjain which poets down the ages have waxed lyrical. The glorious landscape of the flowing river on both sides of the palace and the man-made tanks and channels, with water gurgling through them, provide spec- -tacular backdrop to the imposing building. The central dome of the palace is a beautiful example of Persian architecture. Two Persian inscriptions found in one of the long corridors of the palace record the visits of Emperor Akbar and Jehangir to this palace. The palace was broken down in the time of the Pindaris and was restored by Madhav Rao Scindia in 1920 to its present glory. The Sun Temple was also restored by the family.
Harsiddhi Temple This temple occupies a special place in the galaxy of ancient sacred spots of Ujjain. Seated between the idols of Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati, the idol of Annapurna is painted in dark vermilion colour. The Sri Yantra, the symbol of power or shakti, is also enshrined in the temple. According to the Shiva Purana, when Shiva carried away the burning body of Sati from the sacrificial fire, her elbow dropped at this place. There is an interesting legend in the Skanda Purana about the manner in which the Goddess Chandi acquired the epithet of Harsiddhi. Once when Shiva and Parvati were alone on Mount Kailash, two demons called Chand and Prachand tried to force their way in. Shiva called upon Chandi to destroy them which she did. Pleased, Shiva bestowed upon her the epithet of 'one who vanquishes all'. The temple was reconstructed during the Maratha period and the two pillars adorned with lamps are special features of Maratha art. These lamps, lit during Navaratri, present a glorious spectacle. There is an ancient well on the premises, and an artistic pillar adorns the top of it.
Gopal Mandir This huge temple is situated in the middle of the big market square. It was constructed by Bayajibai Shinde, the queen of Maharajah Daulat Rao Shinde in the 19th century. It is a beautiful example of Maratha architecture. The sanctum sanctorum is inlaid with marble and doors are silver plated. The door in the inner sanctum is said to have been carried to Ghazni from the Somnath temple and from thence by Mahmud Shah Abdali to Lahore. Mahadji Scindia recovered it and now it has been installed in this temple.
Navagraha Mandir (Triveni) Situated on the Triveni Ghat of the Shipra, the temple is located away from the old site of Ujjaini town. It is dedicated to the nine planets, attracts large crowds on new moon days falling on Saturdays. Its religious importance has increased in recent years though there is no known reference to it in the ancient texts.
Mahakaleshwar The presiding deity of time, Shiva, in all his splendour reigns eternal in Ujjain. The temple of Mahakaleshwar, its shikhara soaring into the skies, evokes primordial awe and reverence with its majesty. The Mahakal dominates the life of the city and its people, even in the midst of the busy routine of modern preoccupation's, and provides an unbreakable link with past traditions. The presiding deity of time, Shiva, in all his splendour reigns eternal in Ujjain. The temple of Mahakaleshwar, its shikhara soaring into the skies, evokes primordial awe and reverence with its majesty. The Mahakal dominates the life of the city and its people, even in the midst of the busy routine of modern preoccupation's, and provides an unbreakable link with past traditions.
The Vedha Shala (Observatory) Ujjain enjoyed a position of considerable importance in the field of astronomy. Great works on astronomy such as the Surya Siddhanta and the Panch Siddhanta were written in Ujjain. According to Indian astronomers, the Tropic of Cancer is supposed to pass through Ujjain. It is also the fist meridian of longitude of the Hindu geographers. From about the 4th century BC, Ujjain enjoyed the reputation of being India's Greenwich. The observatory extant today was built by Raja Jai Singh (1686-1743), who was a great scholar. He translated the works of Ptolemy and Euclid into Sanskrit from Arabic. Of the many observatories built by him at Jaipur, Delhi, Varanasi, Mathura, and Ujjain, the one at Ujjain is still in use actively. Astronomical studies are conducted through the Department of Education and the ephemeris is published every year. There is a small planetarium and a telescope to observe the moon, Mars, Jupiter and their satellites. The observatory is also used for weather forecasts.
Sandipani Ashram The fact that ancient Ujjain apart from its political and religious importance, enjoyed the reputation of being a great seat of learning as early as the Mahabharata period is borne out by the fact that, Lord Krishna and Sudama received regular instruction in the ashram of Guru Sandipani. The area near the ashram is known as Ankapata, popularly believed to have been the place used by Lord Krishna for washing his writing tablet. The numerals 1 to 100 found on a stone are believed to have been engraved by Guru Sandipani. How to Reach- Ujjain
getting to ujjain By Air Indore Airport is nearest to Ujjain, 53 km away.
By Rail Ujjain is well connected by express and super-fasttrainsto majorcities ofthe country.
By Road Ujjain is well connected by roads to/from important towns/cities within the state. Buses ply regularly from Ujjain to nearby towns.
If one were to point to the middle of India, chances are he will pick out the forests of the Banjar and the Halon valley, the two forming the western and eastern halves of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, which have long been famous for their wide diversity of wildlife. The park was created in 1955 by a special law and, since then, it has dedicated itself in preserving a variety of animal species. Many endangered species have indeed been saved here. Today Kanha is among the few most scenic and beautiful wildlife reserves in Asia. This 'Tiger Country' is the ideal home for both predator and prey. By far the most striking features of this region are the open grassy meadows, where sighting blackbuck, swamp deer, sambhar and chital is common. And, if one can transcend into time, a barefooted Mowgli would perhaps come padding along the dusty trail, for this is the land of Kipling's Jungle Book.
How many of you have seen a tiger before? Most of the answers will be ambiguous because everyone wants to see a tiger. Then where can one spot TIGER? Well, even if there are circuses and zoo's all over India, there's some kind of a thrill you experiences when all of a sudden you came across a TIGER roaming freely in the wilderness of its natural habitat: the fields and forests of India. There are numerous Tiger reserves in India, that are preserving this ferocious beast, but nowhere can you see them as often, and as regularly as in Kanha National Park.
Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha national park cum Tiger reserve extends over an area of over 1,940-sq-kms. The major feature of this region's interesting topography is the horseshoe shape valley and the whole park area is surrounded by the spurs of the Mekal. The Surpan River meanders through Kanha's central Maidans, grasslands that cover the extensive plateau. Steep rocky escrapments along the edges offer breathtaking views of the valley.
The birds species in the park include storks, teals, pintails, pond herons, egrets, peacock, pea fowl, jungle fowl, spur fowl, partridges, quails, ring doves, spotted parakeets, green pigeons, rock pigeons, cuckoos, papihas, rollers, bee-eater, hoopoes, drongos, warblers, kingfishers, woodpeckers, finches, orioles, owls, and fly catchers.
However, if one animal species were to represent Kanha, it would probably be the barasingha, or the swamp deer. The barasinghas at Kanha are unique, being the hard ground variety, which populate the large open tracts of grass amidst the forests of teak and bamboo. Twenty years ago, the barasingha was faced with extinction but some desperate measures including the fencing-off of some animals helped save them and again the air in Kanha bugle with their rutting calls
The open meadows during the cold winter months are usually teeming with barasinghas and there is plenty of tiger activity around the fringes. A female with two small cubs would circle around at least two or three times during the day and the swamp deer would go berserk, their husky alarm calls ringing through the jungle. Far from being the cunning, smart aleck, portrayed in Disney's adaptation of the Jungle Book, the real "Sher Khan" is true blue-blooded royalty
There is a museum at Kanha depicting attributes and activities of the park and tribal culture. It is closed every Wednesday.
Places Around Kahna Near Kanha National Park is Bamni Dadar visited by every tourist who comes to the national park. This place is also known as the sunset point. The Kanha National Park is at it scenic best at this point. The sunset from this spot is mesmerizing. The eminent natural splendor of the park comes to the fore here. The grazing sambhar, barking deer, gaurs, and other animals make the ambience magical.
Kanha Museum There is a museum at Kanha national park, depicting attributes and activities of thepark and the tribal culture of the state of Madhya Pradesh getting to kanha
By Air Nagpur at 266-kms is the nearest Airport to visit Kanha National Park and is connected by various domestic airline services with Mumbai.
By Rail Jabalpur at 169-kms is the convenient rail head to visit Kanha.
By Road Kanha National Park is connected by road with Jabalpur 175-kms, Khajuraho 445-kms, Nagpur 266-kms, Mukki 25-kms, Raipur 219-kms. Within the park: Koshi - Kanha (9-kms), Kishi - Katia (4-kms), Kishi - Mukki (32-kms). There are regular to and fro bus service available from Jabalpur to Kanha.
ABOUT Omkareshwar Omkareshwar, the sacred island, shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols, 'Om', has drawn to it hundreds of generations of pilgrims. Here, at the confluence of the rivers Narmada and Kaveri, the devout gather to kneel before the Jyotirlinga (one of the twelve throughout India) at the temple of Shri Omkar Mandhata. And here, as in so many of Madhya Pradesh's sacred shrines, the works of Nature complement those of man to provide a setting awe-inspiring in its magnificence. The island comprises two lofty hills and is divided by a valley in such a way that it appears in the shape of the sacred Hindu symbol 'Om' from above. Between the precipitous hills of the Vindhya on the North and the Satpura on the South, the Narmada forms a deep silent pool which in former times was full of alligators and fish, so tame as to take grain from human hand. This pool is 270 ft below the cantilever type bridge constructed in 1979. The bridge has enhanced the scenic beauty of the place, making it look exceedingly picturesque. tourist attraction Shri Omkar Mandhata The temple stands on a one mile long, half mile wide island formed by the fork of the Narmada. The soft stone of which it was constructed has lent its paliable surface to a rare degree of detailed work, of which the frieze figures on the upper portion is the most striking. Also intricately carved is the stone roof of the temple. Encircling the shrine are verandahs with columns which are carved in circles, polygons and squares. Siddhnath Temple A find example of early medieval Brahminic architecture. Its unique feature is a frieze of elephants carved upon a stone slab at its outer perimeter. 24 Avtars A cluster of Hindu and Jain temples, remarkable for their skillful use of varied architectural modes. Satmatrika Temples 6 km from Omkareshwar, a group of 10th century temples. Kajal Rani Cave 9 km from Omkareshwar, this is a particularly picturesque scenic spot, with a panoramic view of the broad acres and gently undulating landscape that stretches in unbroken harmony till the horizon. getting to omkareshwar By Air The nearest airport is Indore (77 km) connected by regular flights with Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal and Gwalior. By Rail Nearest railhead is Omkareshwar Road (12 km) on the Ratlam-Khandwa section of the Western Railway By Road Omkareshwar is connected to Indore, Ujjain , Khandwa and Omkareshwar Road by regular bus services
ABOUT Jabalpur Pleasure resort and capital of the Gond Kings during the 12th century, Jabalpur was later the seat of the Kalchuri dynasty. The Marathas held sway over Jabalpur until 1817, when the British wrested it from them and left their impression on the spacious cantonment with its colonial residences and barracks. Today Jabalpur is an important administrative centre, abustle with commercial activity. The original settlement in this area was ancient Tripuri and the rulers of this city, the Hayahaya, are mentioned in the Mahabharata. It passed successively into Mauryan and then Gupta control until, in 875 AD, it was taken by the Kalchuri rulers. In the 13th century it was overrun by the Gonds and by the early 16th century it had became the powerful state of Gondwana. Though besieged by Mughal armies from time to time, Gondwana survived until 1789 when it was conquered by the Marathas. Their rule was unpopular, due largely to the increased activities of the thuggees who were ritual murderers and bandits. The Marathas were defeated in 1817 and the thuggees subdued by the British who developed the town in the mid 19th century. tourist attraction Madan Mahal Fort Built by the Gond ruler, Raja Madan Shah, in 1116 atop a rocky hill, the fort dominates the skyline and provides a panoramic view of the town and the country side around it. Sangram Sagar and Bajnamath These medieval constructions were built by the famous Gond King, Sangram Shah, between 1480-1540. Rani Durgavati Memorial and Museum Dedicated to the memory of the great Queen Durgavati, it is her memorial and museum which houses a fine collection of sculptures, inscriptions and prehistoric relics. Tilwara Ghat From where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in the Narmada, and venue of the open session of the Tripuri Congress in 1939.The 12th century Mala Devi Mandir,Pisan Hari Jain TemplesandRoopnathare some of the other sites in and around Jabalpur which merit a visit. Roopnath Roopnath, 84 km from Jabalpur, is famous for a Lingam dedicated to Shiva and placed in the cleft of a rock. Bilhari 14 km from Katni. Many pieces of ancient sculpture have been found here. Nohta 81 km from Jabalpur, Nohta is believed to have been the capital of the Chandela kings in the early 12th century. About 2 km from the village of Nohta is a Shiva temple, where a Kartik fair is held annually. A few Jain ruins can also be seen in Nohta. Mandla & Ramnagar 95 km south of Jabalpur, Mandla is known for its fort which is situated in a loop of the Narmada river so that the river protects it from three sides, with a ditch on the fourth. Built in the late 17th century, the fort is now subsiding into the jungle, although some of the towers still stand. About 15 km away is Ramnagar with a ruined three- storey palace overlooking the Narmada. The palace and then the fort were both built by Gond kings, retreating South before the advance of Moghul power. Near Mandla there is a stretch of the Narmada where many temples dot the riverbank.. Rookhad 101 km from Nagpur on N.H. No 7 (26 km from Seoni) lies Rookhad, a charming retreat in Bison country. Rookhand is a wildlife sanctury adjacent to the Pench National Park.