Made aware for green tourism in India Travel Mart
Bhopal:MMNN: 20 March 2023

Bhopal.The travel and tourism exhibition India Travel Mart (ITM) Bhopal concluded on Sunday. M.P. In collaboration with the Tourism Board, the representatives of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Jharkhand states including Madhya Pradesh informed the visitors about tourist destinations and spread awareness about green tourism in the three-day exhibition at Courtyard by Marriott. Travel agents, tour planners, hoteliers from Bhopal and its surrounding areas, including the states involved in the travel mart, participated and explained their products. At the conclusion of M.P. General Manager (Operations) of State Tourism Development Corporation Mr. S.P. Singh and Tourism Board's Deputy Director (Events and Marketing) Mr. Yuvraj Padole felicitated the delegates and presented mementos. On the last day also, a large number of visitors visited the exhibition along with their families and booked information about holiday and tour packages to various tourist places in the country. Mr. Ajay Gupta, Chairman, ICM Group and Managing Director said that “Participation in ITM is an opportunity to showcase Bhopal's tourist destinations, vibrant culture and unique products. We expect this platform to benefit the travel industry and tourists in a big way. There is an opportunity to showcase vibrant culture and unique products. We expect this platform to benefit the travel industry and tourists in a big way. There is an opportunity to showcase vibrant culture and unique products. We expect this platform to benefit the travel industry and tourists in a big way.,

travel promotion award

1. Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh Tourism jointly: Best award for stall decoration
2. Best Award for showcasing India Tourism as Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
3. Himachal Pradesh Tourism: Best Stall Award for "All Seasons Destination"
4. Jharkhand Tourism: Best Stall Award for 'Tourism Destination Awareness'.
5. Kerala Tourism: Best Stall Award for promoting wildlife, backwaters and Ayurvedic health holiday.

Khajuraho's Shilpgram becomes runner up in best craft haat category
Union Ministry of Tourism praised Shilpgram
Bhopal:MMNN: 29 March 2023

Bhopal.The "Shilpgram" built in Khajuraho has been honored by the Union Ministry of Tourism for the purpose of preserving and promoting the folk arts and crafts of the state. Shilpgram was selected as the runner up in the Best Shilp Haat/Souvenir Shop category under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. The Union Tourism Minister Shri G.K. Kishan Reddy presented the citation to Additional Managing Director Tourism Board Mr. Vivek Shrotriya.
Expressing happiness over this achievement, Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Shri Shiv Shekhar Shukla said that "Shilpgram" is being established as a major center for conservation of culture, folk-arts and crafts and promotion of craftsmen. Appreciation of Shilpgram by the Ministry of Tourism will inspire us to make continuous innovations for the promotion and protection of art and culture.

G-20 delegates visited the temples of Khajuraho
Bhopal:MMNN: 23 February 2023

Bhopal.The delegates who came to attend the first meeting of the G-20 Culture Working Group held in Khajuraho today visited the temples of the western group of Khajuraho included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The delegates visited Laxman Temple, Kandariya Mahadev Temple and Vishwanath Temple and observed and understood the structure and architecture of these temples. The G-20 delegates were warmly welcomed in the temple premises and a cultural program was also organized on the occasion.

Kodo-Kutki dishes should be included in the menu of Tourism department hotels
Bhopal:MMNN: 25 February 2020

Bhopal.Chief Minister Shri Kamal Nath said that the production of Kodo-Kutki should be doubled and along with its procurement, its products should be branded at the international level. The Chief Minister has instructed to include Kodo-Kutki dishes in the menu of the Tourism department's hotels and set up their sales center mandatorily. Shri Kamal Nath was reviewing the Millet Mission at the Mantralaya.
Kodo-Kutki procurement policy should be made
Chief Minister Shri Kamal Nath said that kodo-kutki, jowar-bajra and maize are such crops that are grown mostly in tribal areas which the tribals produce according to their need. He said that a policy should also be made for procurement of Kodo-Kutki. The Chief Minister said that the farmers should be encouraged for the production of Kodo-Kutki crop under the Millet Mission. He said that it is a premium crop, which is healthy too. Due to this, it has international demand.
Promotion of organic farming of Kodo-Kutki
The Chief Minister said that tribal farmers should sow these crops up to 50 percent along with extension of one and a half time in the sowing area of ​​private sector. For this, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development should prepare a well-planned strategy with the cooperation of private sectors. The Chief Minister said that organic farming of these crops should also be encouraged. With this we will be able to increase the income of farmers by 20 to 25 percent.
In the meeting, Principal Secretary Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development Shri Ajit Kesari informed that a time-bound action plan has been prepared for the organic and general production of kodo-kutki, jowar, millet crops in the Millet Mission as per the Chief Minister’s initiative. The action plan will be implemented in collaboration with the Livelihood Mission of the Rural Development Department, private sector NGOs, committees and farmer produce companies. Shri Kesari informed that work is also being done on research of certified seeds of crops under the Millet Mission.
Additional Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Shrivastava, Director Agriculture Shri Sandeep Singh and officers of Agriculture and Rural Development Department were present on the occasion.

Training to tourist guides in foreign languages for the convenience of tourists
Bhopal:MMNN: 25 February 2020

Bhopal.The “Namaste Orchha” festival is being organized from March 6 to 8 in Orchha (Niwari district), a famous religious tourist spot, by the state government. Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is imparting foreign guides training to the tourist guides.
Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is imparting training to the foreign guides for the convenience of the tourists visiting Orchha during the festival. The natural beauty, archaeological and historical significance of Orchha, local food and folk arts will also be promoted in the festival.
Training to local women in e-rickshaw driving
Local women are being given free training in e-rickshaw driving in Orchha. Trained women will take tourists around Orchha on e-rickshaw. In the first phase of training, 20 women from Orchha and nearby villages interested in this work are being trained to run e-rickshaws. During the training, women are also being given training in driving, general repairing of e-rickshaws, how to talk to guests, knowledge of language and general computer information. Driving licenses will also be given to women under training.
Training to Hotel Restaurant Operators / Shopkeepers
At the Orchha Festival, hotel, restaurant operators and shopkeepers are being trained to welcome and treat foreign tourists. They have been told to behave well and treat the tourists with respect by following the “Atithi Devo Bhava” tradition. During the festival, special attention has been given to cleanliness in Orchha.

Will write new chapter of tourism development with cooperation of private sector: CM Shri Kamal Nath
Bhopal:MMNN: 21 February 2020

Bhopal.Inaugurating the Serendipity Lakes and Resort at Tamia near Patalkot, a well-known tourist destination in Chhindwara district, the Chief Minister Shri Kamal Nath said that he will write a new chapter of tourism development with the cooperation of the private sector in Madhya Pradesh. He said that investors will be encouraged in the field of tourism.
Shri Kamal Nath said that with the opening of the resort in Tamia, people of the state and other parts of the country will also be able to know about its specialty. He said that first the people of Madhya Pradesh will know Madhya Pradesh very well, only then the whole country will come to know about Madhya Pradesh. Shri Kamal Nath said that today the people of Vindhya region do not know about Tamia. Similarly people of Nimad and Malwa do not know about Vindhya region. Hence, it is essential to develop such kind of tourism activities in various regions of the state, so that the people of different regions come to know about other regions. The Chief Minister said that with the start of the resort, the culture of the people of this region will develop and the products of the local people will get wide market. This will help in changing the picture of Tamia region, he added.
Cabinet Meeting in Tamia
The Chief Minister Shri Kamal Nath said that a meeting of the Cabinet will be held in Tamia soon. He said that small entrepreneurs of this area will be encouraged. Like the resort, the state government will encourage other ventures also to increase economic activities.
At the outset of the inaugural function, the Director of Resort Dr. Babulkar briefed about the project. The Member of Parliament Shri Nakul Nath, District In-Charge and Minister for Public Health Engineering Shri Sukhdev Panse, Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare Shri Tulsiram Silawat along with MLAs Shri Sunil Uikey and Shri Sujeet Chowdhary as well as other public representatives were present at the programme.

Priceless treasure of nature’s beauty - Orchha
Bhopal:MMNN: 18 February 2020

Bhopal.I visited Orchha just a week ago. This religious-historical-natural pilgrimage charmed me this time. Earlier I would often go to visit Ramaraja Sarkar. Like a devotee. Perhaps the story is deeply ingrained in my subconscious that Ramaraja has been placed in Bundelkhand, on the banks of river Betwa. I had visited Ram ji in Orchha about 45 -46 six years ago when I was a teenager. As soon as one enters this wonderful pilgrimage, it seems like some other world. Let me remind you that Queen Ganesh Kunwari of Orchha was a great devotee of Rama. She brought statues of Sri Ram, Sita and Lakshmana from the main abode of Ram in Ayodhya in the shape of a convoy. The same statues were brought by King Madhukarshah’s queen Kunwari Ganesh Avadhpuri to Orchha. These statues were revered in her Rani Mahal. The Rani Mahal remains the temple of Lord Rama till date.
Scenes of a film emerge in my subconscious, after taking the name of Orchha. The scene first emerges of millions of devotees taking a dip in Betwa. Then there are groups of women and men singing folk songs, singing the glory of Rama, in queues up to several kilometers. Lord Rama is seen giving a salute by a group of armed soldiers daily. Just as Mahakal is the King of Ujjain, Shri Rama is of Orchha and that is why he dwells in millions of hearts. In more than fifty districts around the area, this tradition has been going on for centuries that the first invitation of any wedding that is solemnized is sent to Lord Rama in Orchha. People walk several kilometers and sprinkle turmeric rice on the invitation card and place it at the feet of Rama and only then do they take a morsel of food. Those who cannot reach themselves, send their invitation by post. Only then does the process of sending other cards begins. We have a tradition of getting an auspicious time and date for marriage. In the failure of an auspicious time the marriage is postponed, until a good time comes. But if the marriage is in Orchha, then there is no need for any Muhurat. Every moment in Orchha is auspicious. So people from far and wide arrive in buses, by rail or on their own trains and conduct marriages here. Orchha is the most wonderful wedding destination. Does one feel such deep faith in the public towards any other divinity?
But my visit a week ago was not just in the form of a devotee. This time I wanted to enjoy Orchha as a tourist or nomad. As soon as I landed at Jhansi railway station, a friend’s car was waiting to take me to Orchha. Within 20 to 25 minutes we were in Orchha. Amidst the dense forests on a small hill and a flowing Betwa, my cheap restroom room was safe. I was amazed. I have traveled around the country and visited every nook and corner. There may be hardly any part of the country left, be it the Himalayas or the mighty waves of the Brahmaputra, the banks of the sea, or the view of the desert, be it a forest full of dense trees or a variety of wild life. I can say that this time, the supernatural feeling that I experienced in Orchha, did not feel the same anywhere else.
I woke up in the morning to the sounds of peacocks, chirping of birds and the waves of Betwa crashing. A sheet of white fog welcomed me as I came out.
I took off for a walk with a muffler around my ears. Crossing the bridge with stones I reached the national sanctuary. The fog was gone. Dawn was breaking across the flow of the river. The sun’s rays seemed to filter in through the leaves of the trees. Suddenly there was a rustle and a herd of deer rushed past me and gradually approached the flowing water between the rocks. I looked here and there with watchful eyes, and started drinking water. I was on a footpath among the trees. Not even had I walked a furlong when a pack of jackals leaped past with great agility. As a child, we lived in a village. The jackals were called Lidaiyya in Bundeli. How fast is the speed of a second. A glimpse of the jackals took me 55 years back. I raised my head to thank the one above only to spot two Neelkanth on a branch. I again recalled my childhood. She would wake me up early on Dussehra. She would say, “Today is Dussehra. It is auspicious to see Neelkanth this morning. In obeisance of their grandmother all the children used to go to see the Neelkanth, and would return only after Neelkanth darshan no matter what the time was. We used to sing - Neelkanth! Tum Neele rahiyo.....Hamai Khabar Bhagwan se Kahiyo…..
The sun was high up in the sky. It must have been 7 – 7 and-a-half. I left the mobile in the room. I wanted to experience nature completely. While returning with a neem stem in my mouth, went to the same stones descending in my memories to drink fresh flowing water, where the deer had been quenching their thirst a while ago I settled on a rock and put my feet in the cold water. I could sense the tiny fishes around my feet. I could see only river, rocks, huge trees and some wild animals for miles. Everything was so beautiful. Far from the poisonous gas chamber of Delhi, the lap of nature was caressing me. The rustle broke the somnolence of my thoughts. Shocked, I saw a brown ‘Ajgar’ was curling itself around a stone on the river side. Sorry to say! There was no camera. I could not take my eyes off it. A little further, a wild pig ran showing its teeth as if to tease. When I reached the resort, a villager was making tea in the village in a stove made of stones. We also had a glass of delicious ginger tea for Rs 5. Believe me. It was way better than the tea at Delhi’s Taj or India International Centre. I had a view of the river Betwa, even outside the resort room. Sitting on a rock, had another cup of tea and hot hot samosa from the waiter. Then took off my clothes and took a bath in cold water. There was no desire to get out of the river even in that pleasant winter. Seeing me taking a bath shamelessly, some other foreign and Indian tourists also came for a bath. I came out. After visiting Ramaraja, I reached Lala Hardaul’s residence. Lala Hardaul is worshiped like a deity not only in Bundelkhand but in some areas of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan. But his saga is sad. I remembered when I was an Akashvani announcer in Chhatarpur, we were often sent with a tape recorder to create a radio report. I went with colleagues for a recording. There, I heard the Hardaul saga from the mouth of a unique folk singer named Omprakash Amar playing the dafli at a fair. We were overwhelmed. More than 10 thousand people were sobbing bitterly after hearing the story of Hardaul. We too could not control our tears.
Hardaul’s elder brother Jujhar Singh was the king of Orchha, but he was deployed in Delhi court. He handed over the rule of Orchha to his younger brother Hardaul as his representative. But Jujhar Singh was too gullible. Sycophants told him that there was a love affair between Hardaul and Jujhar Singh’s wife. Enraged Jujhar Singh told his wife that if he she was a pativrata, then she should kill Hardaul by poisoning his food. Hardaul considered the sister-in-law like a mother. The queen broke down hysterically while giving the poison. Shocked Hardaul asked the reason behind her reaction which she could not hide. Hardaul said, “Maa! Bas itni si baat”. And Hardaul drank the poison. When Hardaul sacrificed his life, hundreds of people resorted to self-immolation. People did not cook for several days in Orchha. Hardaul’s sister Kunjavati was married in Datia.
She broke all ties with Jujhar Singh. Years later, when her daughter got married, the Mama has to go with Bhaat (Cheekat ritual) under the Mandap as per ritual. Kunjawati had broken ties with Jujhar Singh and Hardaul had died. The sister shouted for Hardaul. It is believed that Hardaul’s atma performed the ritual of Bhaat. Since then, every mother of Bundelkhand considers Hardaul as her brother, and after entrusting the first card of the daughter’s marriage to Shri Ram, it is customary to give the second invitation to Hardaul. Hardaul’s clothes, palaces, his residence are still intact. Where would a tourist find such a unique pilgrimage in a foreign country telling the saga of moral values?
Orchha has a unique coordination of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb. From the house of Hardaul ji I reached Jahangir Mahal. An unmatched three-storeyed palace. A mixture of Hindu and Muslim architectural style – the first palace in Hindustan. A unique building not only for archaeological experts but also for the common tourist. You will be spellbound. How half a day passed – I do not know. Consciousness came when an agent came and informed that it was time for the palace to be closed and that I should leave. I was intoxicated with the view. I had to return half-heartedly. The thirst was still not quenched, but I was hungry by then. When I saw the menu of the resort, I said to the waiter, “Brother! Why don't you get some Bundeli dishes. He said, “Come on. Let me take you to where we feed desi ghee puris and potato curry near the temple. He took me. Wow. What a delicacy! I had atleast 15-17 puris and could eat more. After having my full I returned to the resort for the night and slept at the resort. Still could see Orchha in deep sleep.
• Jahangir Mahal Orchha There is no other such tourist site, which is a religious pilgrimage, surrounded by dense forest, where you can enjoy river rafting, enjoy wildlife and the biggest thing is the clean air. We spend millions in tourist places around the world but don’t spend a mere Rs 5-10 thousand to visit this precious treasure of the Earth.
I had to return the next day. I was sorry why I came for only a day and a half to this magnificent heritage site. It was worth at least three days. Anyway! I enjoyed the river and the forest the previous day itself. Some historical monuments were left to be seen. So the next day, I left after breakfast at eight o'clock. First went to Chaturbhuj Temple. It is surprising that some four and a half hundred years ago there was neither electricity nor other scientific equipment but the wind and light in this temple is unbelievable. We are getting accustomed to the ‘flat culture’ today and have to rely on electricity throughout the day. We do not want to understand the engineering system of our ancestors. Seeing this architectural four-storeyed 100-year-old specimen, I was flabbergasted. There is a Lakshmi temple behind. The special feature of this temple is that you can see the magnificent pictures of the war between heroine of the first freedom struggle Rani Laxmibai and Ghori Fauz. There are pictures of her martyrdom and after. Therefore, you can consider it absolutely authentic. If you have not seen the palanquin palace near this temple, then the journey of Orchha is not complete. Just like a palace in Mandu in Dhar district is shaped like a ship, similarly this palace of Orchha is in the shape of a palki (palanquin). Today's children may not have even seen a palki. But we have not only seen the palki as a child, but have also enjoyed sitting in it.
After Palki Mahal I was in the palace of Rai Praveen. Rai Praveen meant beauty personified, a fabulous danceuse and a singing prodigy. Indrajit Singh, the Orchha king’s brother built this palace for his beloved Rai Praveena. This three-storyed palace tells a painful story. Returned from the palace with a heavy heart. Will narrate the story of Rai Praveen some other time. Let me tell you that before leaving Orchha, if you did not see the hiding place of the brave revolutionary Chandra Shekhar Azad of the Indian freedom struggle on the banks of Satar river near Orchha you have seen nothing. It is nothing less than a pilgrimage for all of us. Apart from this modern pilgrimage, Kundeshwar is a sacred place from a literary point of view. From here, before independence, eminent journalist Banarsidas Chaturvedi ji had brought out a unique magazine named Madhukar. The country’s famous writers, journalists, novelists, storytellers would want to appear in this magazine. Today there is a colossal statue of Dada Banarsi Das Chaturvedi in Kundeshwar, situated on a river bank. Going to Kundeshwar is also not less than a modern pilgrimage.
While returning, I got down at at Jhansi Junction. I had decided to catch the train from Tikamgarh, instead of Orchha station. When I boarded the train at this small new station for Bhopal, I became emotional. Salam Orchha!

Book Online Ticket for queueless entry
Ujjain:MMNN: 8 July 2019

Now the devotees can book Online Ticket for queueless ticket for queueless entry,fiteen days in advance. Ticket-250/- should be booked online on the mahakaleshwar.nic.in in advance.
Ticket would be generated with QR code,gate no. and time of the visit would be mentioned.
Printout of the ticket with id should be brought by the devotees for entry .QR code would be scanned on the gate. visit : www.mahakaleshwar.nic.in

80 sites of state identified in camping policy: Tourism Minister Shri Baghel
Bhopal:MMNN: 29 January 2019

Tourism Minister Shri Surendra Singh Baghel said at a departmental review meeting that adventure and water tourism activities in tourism sector should be expanded. He said that Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has identified 80 sites in the camping policy. Shri Baghel directed to start light and sound show in famous tourist spots Mandu and Sanchi. Principal Secretary, Tourism Shri Hari Ranjan Rao told in a presentation during the meeting that the Tourism Board has prepared a camping policy. He told that city walk has been successfully organized in 11 places under City Walk Festival. A Go Heritage Run will be organized soon in Mandu, Pachmarhi and Khajuraho. Madhya Pradesh is fast becoming a film producers’ favourite. Shooting of five films is currently going on in different places and at different times in the state. Various infrastructure development works are being undertaken under the Prasad Yojana in Omkareshwar. It was told at the meeting that world famous tourist site Khajuraho has been identified by Government of India as an iconic site. Khajuraho-New Delhi route has been included in the UDAN scheme. In the form of UNESCO Creative City, Bhopal has been proposed as Museum, Gwalior to Music, Chanderi as Textile and Indore has been proposed as Cuisine City. The meeting included a presentation on possibilities in heritage promotion and heritage sector and the activities being undertaken under the camping policy and various circuits. The proposed Narmada Parikrama Tourism Plan was also discussed at the meeting. Additional Managing Director of Tourism Board Smt. Bhavna Valimbe along with officials of Tourism Board and Tourism Corporation were also present during the meeting.

MP Tourism to be identified by tin-toys in European countries
Bhopal:MMNN: 3 August 2018

Madhya Pradesh will soon be recognized in foreign countries for its tin-toys being used by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department in advertisements. The advertisement “M.P me Dil Hua Bachhe Sa” was given the country’s best advertisement award in the year 2016. The prestigious “D & AD” awards of England also presented the Graphite Pencil Award. In this advertisement, the children’s toys were linked with the heritage of different areas of Madhya Pradesh. These toys were designed by Delhi’s agency Welby Impex. Most of the toys are made of complex machinery of gears and pinions. Minister of State for Tourism Shri Surendra Patwa said that these toys which have become an identification of tourism in Madhya Pradesh will campaign for the state abroad also. The tin-toys company will market these toys in European countries also through which the department will receive a royalty of 5 percent through the agency. M.P. Tourism branding will be put on tin-toys packages for destination pamphlet balls. Tin-toys of tiger, Buddhist monk, Bird and Chanderi dolls were made after the success of Tin Toys TVC film. Welby Impex are the exclusive makers of tin toys who have kept up the heritage of tin toys. The process of manufacturing of these toys is very difficult and involves much hard work which makes these products exclusive. These tin-toys can entertain and surprise you without the use of batteries. Tin toys have been categorized as historical toys in the world. Collectors purchase these toys for their memorable collection for the younger generation. These toys adorn museums and are exhibited by several people in their collection with pride

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board lives up to objectives
Bhopal:MMNN: 9 April 2018

Ever since Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board was constituted a year ago is constantly moving ahead to fulfil its objectives. The Tourism Board was constituted by a decision of the Tourism Cabinet at the famous tourism spot Pachmarhi. The Board was constituted mainly to push tourism activities in the state by providing facilities to investors willing to invest in tourism sector. It has also created new job avenues. While on the one hand the constitution of the Tourism Board has helped the State Tourism Corporation to focus much more on its main job that is hotel and hospitalility and infrastructure development, on the other hand the Board now has the important work of branding of Madhya Pradesh Tourism and its extensive campaign. Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan is the Chairperson of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and the Minister of State (independent charge) for Culture and Tourism and the Chief Secretary are its Vice-chairpersons. Principal Secretaries of Finance, Forest, Urban Development and Environment and Culture Departments are its Directors. Principal Secretary Tourism, Managing Director is its ex-officio Member Secretary. A number of activities like planning, training, eco tourism and adventure tourism, creative and publicity activities, marketing, fairs, festivals and IT related activities are being conducted through the Tourism Promotion Unit of the Board. The Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation is conducting hotels, restaurants, boat clubs, transport fleets etc like before. The main functions of the Board include discharging all the responsibilities under Tourism Policy-2016, attracting private investors in tourism sector, investors' facilitation, providing grants and facilities to investors as per the policy and to frame new policies to attract investors, implementing and monitoring these policies, continuously increasing the Land Bank by selecting suitable land for establishment of tourism projects, drawing up action plans for development and preservation of different places of tourist attraction like archaeological sites, wildlife areas, natural caves, parks, water areas and other places to promote tourism. It is also tasked with participating in the national and international tourism events, fairs and to promote local cuisine, culture, crafts etc besides providing facilities for eco tourism. Within a year, the Board has a number of achievements to its credit. The Board registered an impressive presence at the World Travel Mart held at London and shared the information with the prospective investors at the USTOA at Florida, US, Fetor at Madrid in Spain, A.I.M.E-2018 at Melbourne in Australia through attractive presentations on MP tourism. At the A.I.M.E.-2018 Madhya Pradesh Tourism was conferred the prestigious Best Exhibitor Award. Similarly, the Board held impressive road shows and investors' meets in different cities of the country. Investment Promotion The Investment Promotion Unit (IPU) working under the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has successfully executed a well-planned strategy as a result of which investment of about Rs.700 crore is likely to be made in tourism sector in Madhya Pradesh. In 49 districts of the state a land bank consisting of more than 849hectare government land has been set up at 144 places. Besides, more than 431 hectare land has been identified at 71 places and the process of its transferring is on. Out of the Land Bank, some land has already been allotted to 7 private groups on a premium of Rs.23 crore 25 lakh. A Heritage Property Land Bank has been set up for private investment in construction of heritage hotels. At present 8 properties are in the possession of the department. Of these, 3 properties have been given to the investors through tender process and a premium of Rs. 11 crore 64 lakh has been received against it. Ten other properties have been de-modified by the Archaeology department for this Land Bank. Jal-Jheel Mahotsav The last one year witnessed holding of the 80-day third Jal-Mahotsav at Hanuwantiya Water Sports Complex and maiden Jheel Mahotsav at Bargi (Jabalpur) and Gandhisagar Dam (Mandsaur). Moreover, Bhoj Adventure Fest-2018 was held at Bhopal, Vindhya Mahotsav at Rewa, Nimar Utsav, Mandu Utsav, and Bega Olympic at Balaghat. It may be mentioned here that 18 spots have been selected as water zones for promoting water tourism. The Board has been authorized to issue licenses for conducting water tourism activities at these places.

Development roadmap of Madhya Pradesh for next five years ready
Bhopal:MMNN: 29 March 2018

Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that Madhya Pradesh has witnessed well-planned development in the last one decade. He said that a roadmap for the next five years has been prepared to give pace to the development of the state. Rs 83 thousand crore will be spent on urban development. Shri Chouhan was addressing the India Today ‘State of the States Conclave’ organized by a magazine group here today. The Chief Minister released the ‘State of the States’ report. The magazine group has evaluated the performance of the districts on the basis of education, health, infrastructure, water and cleanliness, agriculture, industry, provision of services, system and accomplishment and progress of law and order system and best arrangements. In the education sector, Gwalior has been declared the best district and progressive district. In the health sector, Raisen has been declared the best district and Guna as progressive and in the infrastructure sector Bhopal has been declared as best district and Mandla as progressive district. Similarly in water and cleanliness sector, Indore has been declared the best and Satna as progressive district. In industry sector Katni is best district and Shahdol district has been declared progressive district. In service sector Bhopal has been declared the best and Anuppur progressive district. Indore has been declared the best in accomplishment while Harda is progressive, similarly Sheopur best and Khandwa progressive in law and order system. In all these areas, Indore has been declared overall best and Rewa overall progressive district. The Chief Minister honoured the district presidents and representatives of these districts and praised them for their good work. The Chief Minister said that the initiative to evaluate the performance of the district in the development sector and honouring them is commendable. This boosts the will power of the officials. He said that the journey of development of Madhya Pradesh has started with improvement in the basic infrastructure, today there are strong infrastructure in important areas like road, power and water. The agriculture sector has witnessed remarkable progress. One decade ago, the irrigation capacity was only 7.5 lakh hectare which is 40 lakh hectares now. In the next five years it will be 80 lakh hectares. The Chief Minister said that a state with agriculture-based economy cannot prosper without the progress of farmers. He said that it is a challenging task to reduce the cost of cultivation and fetching a fair price for their produce. This work has been done by the state government. Wheat purchase in Kisan Samriddhi Yojana is now Rs 2,000 per quintal. As many as 3,000 food processing units are to be established under Kisan Yuva Udyami Yojana. He said that the Basmati producing farmer’ fight will continue till it gets the GI tag. Centre is with the farmers of Madhya Pradesh. Shri Chouhan said that the poor have equal rights over the state’s resources. The country’s biggest social security scheme has been introduced for the unorganized sector labourers. Children of labourers will not have to pay fees from Class I to PhD. Their treatment will also be free

CM Shri Chouhan inaugurates Friends of Madhya Pradesh portal
Bhopal:MMNN: 22 March 2018

Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today inaugurated the Friends of Madhya Pradesh portal. Praising the portal Shri Chouhan expressed the hope that the portal will prove effective in connecting Madhya Pradesh well wishers residing in the country and abroad. Finance and Commercial Tax Minister Shri Jayant Malaiya, Overseas Indian, Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour Shri Balkishen Patidar and Chief Secretary Shri B.P. Singh were also present on the occasion. On the occasion it was told that this portal is a venture to assemble talents spread across all over Madhya Pradesh. The portal will become a strong platform to establish cultural exchange and introduce the well wishers of the state to the state’s achievements and development and social initiative. Registration of Friends of Madhya Pradesh has commenced from today on the portal. The portal www.friendsofmp.gov.in will have facility of registration of NRI Cell, talent pool and chapter. The NRI cell provides a platform to solve the problems of citizens of the state staying out of the state. Friends of MP will introduce their special characteristics to their counterparts and the government in the portal’s talent pool. Members of the portal can get chapter registration to extend this initiative. The portal will prove to be useful in introducing the well wishers of Madhya Pradesh and non-resident Indians to the state’s specific and flourishing cultural heritage.

Anwli Ghat to be Developed as Religious Tourist Center
Bhopal:MMNN: 14 February 2018

Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled 71 feet high idol of Lord Shankar after performing pooja archana at Anwli Ghat of Seoni Malwa –district Hoshangabad today. He also dedicated newly constructed rest house at Anwli Ghat. CM Shri Chouhan said that Anwli Ghat will be developed as a religious tourist center. He mentioned that it will be developed on the lines of Har ki Podi. While making announcement for opening of Girls College at Dolariya from July, he said that positive initiative will be taken to open girls college at Seoni Malwa. Shri Chouhan stated that damage has caused to crops of 10 to 12 villages of Hoshangabad district due to hailstorm and this losswill be compensated by the state government. Informing about the Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana, that necessary improvements will be made in the scheme as per the requirement. Now farmers do not need to bring whole crop in mandi. They can keep their crops for 4 months in warehouses. Rent of warehouses will be borne by the government. He further mentioned that such an arrangement together with banks is being made that farmer should get 25 percent value of their produces kept in the warehouse immediately. CM Shri Chouhan that defaulter farmers should pay principal amount in 2 installments, interest will be borne by the government. He further said that if farmer repays his/her Rs. 10 thousand loan, an amount of Rs. 15 thousand will be given on zero percent interest again. CM Shri Chouhan was welcomed by Lodhi-Lodhi Samaj presenting him a garland weighing 61 k.g. Farmers and Office Bearers of Cooperative Bank also accorded welcome to the Chief Minister. Speaker Vidhan Sabha Dr. Sitasaran Sharma, President Jila Panchayat Shri Kushal Patel, MLAs Shri Vijaypal Singh, Shri Thakur Das Nagvanshi, Shri Sanjay Shah, Chairman Mineral Development Corporation Shri Shiv Choubey, Member State Antodaya Committee Shri Harishankar Jaiswal were present on the occasion

Skoch Platinum Award to Transport Department
Bhopal:MMNN: 22 December 2017

Union Finance Commission Chairman Shri N.K. Singh has conferred the highest award ‘Skoch Platinum Award’ of Skoch Group for the year 2017 to Madhya Pradesh Transport Department. The Department has been given this award for making departmental working easy, accesible, prompt and transparent through the use of information, communication and technology. Transport Commissioner Dr. Shailendra Shrivastava recieved the award at New Delhi. Minister for Home and Transport Shri Bhupendra Singh congratulated the Transport Commissioer and the entire department for winning the prestigious award. State Transport department had begun digitalisation work of manual data in 2001 and presenting documets through electronic medium. Due to constant updated process in computer work, Madhya Pradesh Transport Department is currently fully computerised. Consumers are being provided prompt online services. Consumers are able to enjoy several facilities due to computerisation. These 17 notified services of the Transport Department under Madhya Pradesh Public Services Delivery Guarantee Act-2010 include online payment facility of motor vehicle tax and fees, driving license, vehicle registration, fitness certificate, onlie application and appointment facility for permit related works, computerised learning license test without human intervention, automated driving test track without human intervention for driving license in Indore, dealer point enrollment system for vehicle registration, motor vehicle tax driving license on portal based on department’s web and app, vehicle registration, availaibility of online information on fitness certificate etc. Three services out of these are beig given in “Samadhan Ek Dina Tatkal Service” In addition to this, in October and November 2017, the Transport Department was on top in satisfactory and prompt redressal of CM Helpline complaints. The department issued driving licenses through “Pink Driving License” camps at the state level supported by the Women and Child Development Department for empowerment of women. Skoch Group is a certified institute which presents awards every year for outstanding work after carrying out expert analysis of works of various departments in social, economic, technical and other areas.

Three-day fest to begin at famous tourist site “Kukuru” from December 26
Bhopal:MMNN: 22 December 2017

A grand festival of eco-tourism, adventure sports has been organised for tourists from December 26 to 28 at famous tourist spot ‘Kukuru” situated in Satpura of Betul district. The main attractions will be activities including Zorbing ball ride, banana ride motorboat and tent camping at Kursi reservoir near here. It may be noted coffee gardens of the British era, Valley of Flowers, Hills View, Sipna origiin, Buch Point, Bhoundia Kund sunset, Dedpani windmill and Lokladri will attract the tourists.
3-day programme
The first day’s programme will include tug-of-war, martial art demonstration from 3 pm and cultural programme from 7 pm. There will be other parallel adventure activities also including full-day boating, motor boat (Kursi reservoir), paragliding, parasailing, cycling, rock climbing, valley crossing, tent camping, hot air balloon, trading, Zorbing ball, banana ride etc. The next day on December 27, quiz contest, dance, rangoli and painting contest will be organised from 10.30 am to 5 pm for school children. On the last day of the festival, school children will participate in chair race, spoon race ad antakshari etc from 10.30 am to 1 pm. From 3 pm they will tour round main spots in Kukuru followed by cultural programme in the evening. There will be parallel adventure activities on this day also.
Bus facility to tourists
District administration will make paid bus facility for the tourists and viewers at the festival. Bus facility will be available from local bus stand and railway station at 7 am and 9 am. Apart from this arrangements have been made for paid lodging for the tourists

Tiger Tourism to Boost Tourist inflow
Our Correspondent 27 Feb. 2016
Tiger tourism in Madhya Pradesh will get a boost this year.
To spread awareness about national animal, Indian Railways will offer complete packages including train journey, safaris and accommodation to cover the wildlife circuit comprising Kanha, Pench and Bandhavgarh tiger reserves.
Railway minister Suresh Prabhu while presenting the Railway Budget 2016-17 in Parliament on Thursday said tourism holds great potential for economic development and job creation.
Indian Railways will be partnering with the state governments for operating tourist circuit trains and explore the possibility of a revenue sharing model.
"Promotion of tourism through Railway museums and UNESCO world heritage Railways will be our special focus." he said.
Railway minister also said that India's rich bio diversity and wildlife is one of the mainstays of Incredible India campaign.
However, wildlife activist Ajay Dubey expressed apprehension in introducing a dedicated tiger circuit. "Such a tiger track will pose a threat to the big cats who move around freely in the reserves and chances of animals being hit by trains could increase.
Already, 4 big cats in the state have died this year. It is important that the Union and state government endeavour to save wildlife and work towards their protection rather than investing in such tourism activities."
Last year, Madhya Pradesh recorded country's third highest tiger mortality with 11 tiger deaths, according to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
The first big cat death in the country this year was also reported from MP's Pench Tiger Reserve on January 2.

Madhya Pradesh gets 6 national awards in tourism sector
Our Correspondent 21 Sept. 2015
The Eco-Tourism Board is launching one-day tour package “Jungle Madhya Pradesh has been conferred 6 national awards in tourism sector. The prestigious awards were given away by President Dr. Pranab Mukherjee to Minister of State for Tourism Shri Surendra Patwa in New Delhi on Friday. Union Minister of State for Tourism Dr. Mahesh Sharma was also present on the occasion.
Madhya Pradesh has been conferred second prize for overall tourism development and Gwalior Best Heritage City Award. Maheshwar town of Khargone district has been conferred first prize for best public amenity management at B Category tourist destinations, Habibganj Tourist Friendly Railway Station Award, Bhojpur’s Shiv Mandir Best Maintained Disabled Friendly Monument Award and Tourism Development Corporation’s unit Sair-Sapata, Bhopal has been conferred Most Innovative and Unique Tourism Project Award.
Criteria for awards
Madhya Pradesh got second prize for all-round tourism development for making available air taxi facility by Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation for tourists. The state also carved out its identity as pioneer in case of bus facility between major cities. Due to air taxi facility, tourists from major cities of the country Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Raipur etc. For basic tourism amenities, 70 hotels are being operated in the state. Of these, 12 hotels have got ISO Certificate.
State’s achievement of providing 3-star hotels, heritage hotels and other facilities have been adjudged outstanding. Making available high level computerization facility, adventure tourism, water sports, eco tourism, film tourism, international level publicity, communication and security arrangements at tourism centres, skill development programme and Hunar Se Rozgar have been effectively implemented in the state.
Gwalior has been adjudged Best Heritage due to presence of Mausoleum of Shan Mohammad Ghauas, Gawalior Fort, Jai Vilas Palace, Tansen’s Mausoleum, Gujri Mahal, Chaturbhuj Mandir etc. Gwalior was founded by Scindia and earlier dynasties as heritage city. The city has famous temples, Samadhi Sthals and archaeological remains in Jai Vilas Palace and Gujri Mahal Museum.
Maheshwar is famous as city of Holkar dynasty’s queen Maharani Ahilya Bai. Special attention has been paid there to Swachh Maheshwar, bio-toilet facility, cleaning of Narmada ghats and tourist facilities. Besides, efforts of self-help groups regarding Maheshwar saris have also been laudaed. The town has global identity for its Maheshwar saris, cloth, dopattas and dress materials.
Speciality of Best Tourist Friendly Railway Station Habibganj is that it has ultramodern facilities including air-conditioned rooms, bio-toilets and retiring room for tourists. It has also round-the-clock food plaza, pre-paid taxi facility, high level security, CC TV cameras and hoardings and signages to guide tourists at several places.
Best Maintained and Disabled Friendly Shiv Mandir at Bhojpur was built by Parmar King Raja Bhoj. It is famous as one of the major tourist destinations. It has benches in gardens, other public amenities, cultural signages and notice boards, interpretation centre, ramps and wheelchairs for disabled tourists etc.
Speciality of Sair-Sapata of Bhopal adjudged Most Innovative and Unique Tourism Project is that it is regarded as best sight-seeing spot for tourists. Spread over 24.56 acres, Sair-Sapata has musical fountains, sports facilities for children, toy train and 183.20 by 3.50 meter suspension bridge, which is famous for its architecture.

n invitation to visit and explore the glory and majesty that is- Madhya Pradesh, in all its natural splendour. Bandhavagarh: this is a small National Park; compact, yet full of game. The density of the tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India. This is also White Tiger country. These have been found in the old state of Rewa for many years. The last known was captured by Maharajah Martand Singh in 1951. This white tiger, Mohan, is now stuffed and on display in the Place of the Maharajahs of Rewa. Bandhavagarh is densely populated with other species: the great gaur, or Indian bison, can be seen with ease, as they come onto the meadows to graze at dusk; sambar and barking deer are a common sight, and nilgai are to be seen in the more open areas of the park.

The terrain is of great rocky hills rising sharply from the swampy and densely forested valley bottoms. The finest of these hills is Bandhavgarh, sided with great cliffs and eroded rocks and on its highest point stands Bandhavgarh fort, thought to be some 2,000 years old. Scattered throughout the park, and particularly around the fort, are numerous caves containing shrines and ancient Sanskrit inscriptions.

Covering 448 sq km, Bandhavgarh is situated in Shahdol district among the outlying hills of the Vindhya Range. At the center of the Park is Bandhavgarh hill; rising 811 meters above MSL- surrounding it are a large number of smaller hills separated by gently sloping valleys. These valleys end in small, swampy meadows, locally known as, bohera. The lowest point in the park is at Tala (440 meters above MSL).

The vegetation is chiefly of Sal forest in the valleys and on the lower slopes, gradually changing to mixed deciduous forest on the hills and in the hotter, drier areas of the park in the south and west. Bamboo is found throughout. There are three well-defined seasons- the cool (from middle of October to end of February), the hot (from March to middle of June) and the wet (from middle of June to middle of October). The mean annual rainfall is 1, 173 mm, coming mostly in the rainy season. The temperature ranges from a maximum of 42 D Celsius in May and June, to around 4 D Celsius in winter.

Prior to becoming a National Park, the forest around Bandhavgarh has long been maintained as a Shikargarh, or game preserve of the Maharajahs of Rewa. The Maharajahs and their guests carried out hunting - otherwise the wildlife was relatively well protected. It was considered a good omen for Rewa to shoot 109 tigers -His Highness Maharaja Venkat Raman Singh shot 111 tigers by 1914. In 1947 Rewa State was merged with Madhya Pradesh; Bandhavgarh came under the regulation of Madhya Pradesh. The Maharajah of Rewa still retained the hunting rights of Bandhavgarh and no special conservation measures were taken until 1968, when the areas were constituted as a National Park. Since then, numerous steps have been taken to retain Bandhavgarh National Park as an unspoilt natural habitat.

The fort : No records remain to show when Bandhavgarh fort was constructed. It is thought, however, to be some 2000 years old, and there are references to it in the ancient books, the Naradpanch Ratra and the Siva Purana. Various dynasties have ruled the fort; for example, the Maghas from the 1st century AD, the Vakatakas from the 3rd century, the Sengars from the 5th century and the Kalachuris from the 10th century. In the 13th century AD. The Baghels took over, ruling from Bandhavgarh until 1617, when Maharajah Vikarmditya Singh moved his capital to Rewa. The last inhabitants deserted the fort in 1935.

Flora and fauna : The forest of Bandhavgarh can be classified as moist deciduous, and the National Park holds all those animal species, which are typical of this habitat in Central India. Certain areas of the Park (particularly the south and west) are drier in character, and hold such species as the nilgai and the chinkara. Sal forest occurs throughout the valleys, giving way to mixed forest, which occurs where the soil is of relatively poor quality on the upper hill slopes, on rocky outcrops and in the south and west. Grassy meadow patches occur in the valley and along the nalas.

Wildlife : There are more than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds. Common langurs and rhesus macaque represent the primate group. Carnivores include the Asiatic Jackal, Bengal fox, sloth bear, ratel, grey mongoose, striped hyena, jungle cat, leopard and tiger. The artiodactyls frequently sighted are wild pig, spotted deer, sambar, chausingha, nilgai, chinkara and gaur. Mammals such as dhole, the small Indian civet, palm squirrel and lesser bandicoot rat are seen occasionally. Among the herbivores, gaur is the only coarse feeder. The vegetation along streams and marshes is rich in bird-life. The common ones are little grebe, egret, lesser adjutant, sarus crane, black ibis, lesser whistling teal, white-eyed buzzard, black kite, crested serpent eagle, black vulture, Egyptian vulture, common peafowl, red jungle fowl, dove, parakeet, kingfisher and Indian roller. Reptilian fauna include cobra, krait, viper, ratsnake, python, turtle and a number of lizard varieties, including varanus.

Wildlife Viewing : There are two main ways of getting about in the park - in a motor vehicle or on elephant back. Many of the animals are accustomed to both; even so, it is best to talk quietly and not make rapid movements. Jeep safaris are best undertaken from dawn until about 10 a.m. and from about 4 p.m. until dusk, as the animals are most active during these periods. A Forest Department guide must always accompany you. This guide will be able to direct you and point out wildlife.

Elephants are used every morning by the Forest Department for tiger tracking. If a tiger is found, then the elephant will take you directly to the tiger either from the Lodge or from a nearby point reached by jeep/car.

How to Get There

By Air : The most convenient route to Bandhavgarh is by air to Khajuraho from where it is a five-hour drive (237km). Though long, the drive is interesting; the road crosses the Ken river, some stretches of which have been declared a crocodile sanctuary famous for the ghariyal, a rare fish-eating crocodile; and goes past Panna town, famous for its diamond mines, to Satna, the midway point, from where it branches off on a subsidiary road across ridges of the Vindhyachal to Bandhavgarh.

By Rail : The nearest railway stations near Bandhavgarh are Jabalpur (164 km), Katni (102 km), and Satna (120 km), on the Central Railway and Umaria (35 km) on the South Eastern Railway.

By Road : State/private transport buses ply between Katni & Umaria and from Satna A Rewa to Tala (Bandhavgarh). Taxis are available at Satna Jabalpur, Katni, Umaria, Bilaspur (300 km) and Khajuraho.

BHIMBETKA/BHOJPUR : Surrounded by the northern fringe of the Vindhyan ranges, Bhimbetka lies 46 km south of Bhopal. In this rocky terrain of dense forest and craggy cliffs, over 600 rock shelters belonging to the Neolithic age were recently discovered Here, in vivid panoramic detail, paintings in over 500 caves depict the life of the prehistoric cave-dwellers, making the Bhimbetka group an archaeological treasure, an invaluable chronicle in the history of man. Executed mainly in red and white with the occasional use of green and yellow, with themes taken from the everyday events of aeons ago, the scenes usually depict hunting, dancing, music, horse and elephant riders, animals fighting, honey collection, decoration of bodies, disguises, masking and household scenes. Animals such as bisons, tigers, lions, wild boar, elephants, antelopes, dogs, lizards, crocodiles etc. have been abundantly depicted in some caves. Popular religious and ritual symbols also occur frequently. The superimposition of paintings shows that different people used the same canvas at different times. The drawings and paintings can be classified under seven different periods:

Period I - (Upper Paleolithic): These are linear representations, in green and dark red, of huge figures of animals such as bisons, tigers, and rhinoceroses.

Period II - (Mesolithic): Comparatively small in size, the stylized figures in this group show linear decoration on the body. In addition to animals, there are human figures and hunting scenes, giving a clear picture of the weapons they used: barbed spears, pointed sticks, bows and arrows. The depiction of communal dances, birds, musical instruments, mother and child, pregnant women, men carrying dead animals, drinking and burials appear in rhythmic movement.

Period III - (Chaleolithic): Similar to the paintings of Chaleolithic pottery, these drawings reveal that during the period the cave dwellers of this area had come in contact with the agricultural communities of the Malwa plains and started an exchange of their requirements with each other.

Period IV & V - (Early Historic): The figures of this group have a schematic and decorative style, and are painted mainly in red, white and yellow. The association is of riders, depiction of religious symbols, tunic-like dresses and the existence of scripts of different periods. The religious beliefs are represented by figures of yakshas, tree gods and magical sky chariots.

Period VI &VII - (Medieval): These paintings are geometric, linear and more schematic, but they show degeneration and crudeness in their artistic style. The colours used by the cave dwellers were prepared combining manganese, haematite soft red stone and wooden coal. Sometimes the fat of animals and extracts of leaves were also used in the mixture. The colours have remained intact for many centuries due to the chemical reaction resulting from their oxide present on the surface of the rocks.

BHOJPUR

Founded by the legendary Parmar King of Dhar, Raja Bhoj (1010-'53), and named after him, Bhojpur, 28 km from Bhopal, is renowned for the remains of its magnificent Shiva Temple and Cyclopean dam.

The Temple, which has earned the nomenclature of the Somnath of the East, is known as the Bhojeshwar Temple. In plan a simple square, with an exterior dimension of 66 feet, it is devoid of the re-entrant angles usual in such buildings. The richly carved dome, though incomplete, has a magnificent, soaring strength of line and is supported by four pillars. These, like the dome, have been conceived on a massive scale; yet retain a remarkable elegance because of their tapering form. Divided into three sections, the lowest is an octagon with facets of 2.12 feet, from which springs a 24-faced section. Richly carved above, the doorway is plain below, throwing into sharp relief the two exquisitely sculpted figures that stand on either side. On the other three sides of the structure are balconies, each supported by massive brackets and four intricately carved pillars. The lingam in the sanctum rises to an awe-inspiring height of 7.5 feet with a circumference of 17.8 feet Set upon a massive platform 21.5 feet square, and composed of three superimposed limestone blocks, the architectural harmony of lingam and platform creates a superb synthesis of solidity and lightness. The temple was never completed, and the earthen ramp used to raise it to dome-level still stands. Had it been completed, it would have had very few rivals. As it is, even with the ravages of time, it remains one of the best examples of temple architecture of the 12th and 13th centuries. Also incomplete, and with a similar stone-raising ramp, is a Jain shrine that stands close to the Bhojeshwar temple. Three figures of the Tirthankaras are contained within, one being a colossal statue of Mahavira 20 feet high, and the other two of parashvanath. Rectangular in plan, this temple probably belongs to the same period as the Bhojeshwar. West of Bhojpur once lay a vast lake, but nothing remains except the ruins of the magnificent old dams by which its waters were contained. The site was chosen with great skill, as a natural wall of hills enclosed the whole area except for two gaps, 100 yards and 500 yards in width respectively. These were closed by gigantic earthen dams, faced on both sides with enormous blocks of sandstones, many being 4 feet long, 3 feet broad and 2.5 feet thick, set without mortar. The smaller dam is 44 feet high and 300 feet thick at the base, the larger dam 24 feet high with a flat top 100 feet broad. These embankments held up an expanse of water of about 250 square miles.
This great work is ascribed to Raja Bhoj, but it may possibly be of an earlier date. The lake was destroyed by Hoshang Shah of Malwa (1405-34), who cut through the lesser dam.