A tour combining Central and West India will be an interesting experience. Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, the Central Indian states, have unique features to offer. Referred to as India’s rice bowl, Chhattisgarh has a rich heritage being mentioned in epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is famous for stunning waterfalls and historical monuments.
The states in West India are Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat; each of these states have several chapters of history that would be hard to skip. These states also are rich in cultural heritage. Places to visit in Central and West India symbolise the rich culture and heritage of this part of the world.
Mumbai, the finance capital of India, can be a crazy busy city but it undoubtedly captivates you with its charm. Structures of historical importance feed history-lovers’ mind, the huge beaches mesmerise the tourists’s minds while the famous chat foods in Mumbai feed all food-lovers’ soul.
Statue of Unity is the world’s tallest statue. It is the statue of India’s Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Exploring Bhimbetka rock cut caves takes you back to the prehistoric period. This archaeological site is declared as a heritage site by UNESCO. It has been estimated that the earliest paintings found in these caves date back to 8000 BC.
Choosing the best destinations could be time-consuming. Here is where we step in to create a stunning list of things to do in Central and West India.
Here are the top 15 things to do in Central and West India.
Despite being a very crowded city, Mumbai holds you captivated with its charm. The free-spirited city is home to symbols of colonial rule and stunning beaches. Gateway of India was inaugurated in the year 1924 to commemorate the coronation of George V as the Emperor of India. About an hour’s boat ride from Gateway of India is the famous Elephanta Island where lies the marvel Elephanta Caves, a world heritage site that offers a great insight of the ancient man’s architectural skills while also letting you have a wonderful skyline view of the busy Mumbai.
Kanha and Bandhavgarh are the two best Tiger sighting parks in India. Unique in their own ways, they share certain common features too.The 940 sq.km Kanha National Park is home to Bengal tiger, an endangered species. Yet another endangered species – the barasingha, Madhya Pradesh’s state animal is found here. Kanha also has about 20 other mammal species and other less common species along with over 200 types of birds.Covering an area of 105 sq.km, Bandhavgarh National Park’s dense forest has greatly helped in conserving tiger population. Local community has been trained to successfully coexist with wildlife.
Khajuraho is famous for its ancient temples and exquisite erotic sculptures and is rightly accorded UNESCO’s World Heritage Site status. The temples belong to both Hindu and Jain faith. Constructed around 1000 years ago, Khajuraho had 85 temples according to historians till the 12th century. Now, the city of Khajuraho has only 25 temples that have stood the test of times. Khajuraho temples are classified as eastern, western and southern group of temples. Kandariya Mahadeva is the largest surviving Khajuraho temple. While here, don’t forget to visit the archaeological museum situated close to the western temples and Khajuraho light and sound show.
On the top of a sandstone hill in Gwalior lies the majestic Gwalior Fort. The 35 feet outer wall of the fort presents a dominant picture by itself. Considered an invincible fort thanks to the location and structure, the fort had been witness to historical events. Among the several palaces inside the fort, Man Mandir Palace is considered the best. The Hindu and Jain temples inside the fort are a glowing representation of the rich architectural skills possessed in those times.
Covering 7505 square miles of the famous Thar desert lies the Rann of Kutch. This massive desert landscape has been transformed into a festival of culture and colours to promote tourism and support the natives. Rann Utsav tent city encourages tourists to experience desert nights and the wee hours of the day. It is built and dismantled every year. The amazing facilities of the tent would match a 5-star hotel. Cultural activities of the natives as the moon rises need special mention. The festival is not only about culture; fun activities here include camel cart excursion, ATV rides and paramotoring.
The182-metre tall Statue of Unity lies in Gujarat’s Kevadia. The statue commemorates the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was instrumental in bringing 562 princely states together under one nation. The statue is situated against a scenic backdrop of two mountains namely Satpura hill and Vindhyachal hill facing river Narmada.Laser light and sound shows are conducted on all days except Mondays.
Dholavira and Lothal, the two ancient cities from the Indus valley civilization dating 5000 years back, throw light on the elaborate planning involved in their construction during the times of the past. These cities in Gujarat are declared UNESCO archaeological sites.The water management system of Dholavira was very much advanced for its time. Lothal was superior in maritime engineering, which is evident from the dockyard with tidal lock unearthed during excavation. Excavation on these two sites has lead to a massive collection of artefacts and inscriptions.
Constructed in 1917, Gandhi Ashram lies on the banks of river Sabarmati. Gandhi’s idea behind the setting up of this ashram was to seek the truth and bring together freedom fighters who believed in non-violence. Gandhi stayed at the ashram till he set off for Dandi March in 1930. He had vowed to return to the ashram only after India’s independence. However, before he could return he was assassinated.Mahatma Gandhi’s personal belongings including his personal letters are on display here. Gandhi’s spinning wheel and writing desk are also displayed in the museum.
How would it feel to visit a cave that is home to paintings belonging to 8,000 BC? Yes, it would feel like we are part of the times when these paintings were created. But the caves themselves are much older. It is said that the caves could be at least 30,000 years old while some researches say that the caves would be over 7,00,000 years old.Situated in Madhya Pradesh, rock cut caves of Bhimbetka have been accorded the World Heritage Site status. Over 750 rock shelters are found in the region out of which 243 are part of Bhimbetka caves.
Recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, Ajanta and Ellora caves have a long history. Ajanta dates back to 2nd century BC to 6th century AD. Ellora caves dates from 6th century AD to 10th century AD.Ajanta caves, all devoted to Buddhism, are 30 in number. Paintings and sculptures at Ajanta caves are a stunning revelation of the artistic skills of the past. Ellora comprises 34 temples and monasteries. Buddhist, Jain and Hindu Temples are found here, which go to show the religious tolerance of the ancient people in this land.
Spanning a massive area of 1412 square kilometres, Gir National Park is the only natural habitat for the majestic Asiatic lions, a species that was facing extinction a few decades ago. Asiatic lions are slowly growing in numbers thanks to the relentless efforts by India’s forest department. Apart from Asiatic lions, Gir National Park is also home to leopards, hyena, foxes and over 400 species of birds. Jungle safari in Gir gives you a great opportunity to spot these majestic Asiatic lions and other wild animals in their natural habitat. With diverse flora and fauna, this is nature lovers’ paradise.
Situated on a hilltop in the town of Sanchi, Buddhist stupas are a stunning representation of the ancient art that prevailed during 2nd and 1st century B.C. Sanchi Stupa was constructed during Emperor Ashoka’s reign. Ashoka’s wife, Queen Devi and their daughter, Princess Vidisha, oversaw the construction of the stupa.Out of the many stupas, monasteries and temples in Sanchi, Great Stupa stands apart. It is not only one the oldest stone structures in the land of India but also the first Buddhist site built in India. Great Stupa is the symbol of Dharma Chakra, that is, the Wheel of Law.
With over 52 functioning wineries, 80% of India’s wine production comes from Nashik, which is rightly called The Wine Capital of India. The topography, climatic conditions and the soil naturally make Nashik a top grape producer in India.A stay at Nashik vineyards can be a wholesome experience as you get to watch the wine making process, learn how to taste wine while enjoying your stay in a wonderful dream destination. Some of the most popular Nashik vineyards include Sula Vineyards, Vallonne Vineyards and Soma Vine Village.
Declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, Ajanta and Ellora caves have a long history.Ajanta dates back to 2nd century BC to 6th century AD. Ellora caves dates from 6th century AD to 10th century AD. Ajanta caves, all devoted to Buddhism, are 30 in number. Paintings and sculptures at Ajanta caves are a stunning revelation of the artistic skills of the past.Ellora comprises 34 temples and monasteries. Buddhist, Jain and Hindu Temples are found here, which go to show the religious tolerance of the ancient people in this land.
With breathtakingly beautiful beaches, Goa is a beach lovers’ paradise. Not only beach lovers, Goa beaches cater to the adventurers and also to those whose minds seek nothing but serenity. Every beach in Goa has its own appeal. North Goa is famous for fun-filled and high-energy activities involving water sports and night life activities. South Goa, on the contrary, is highly recommended for those who prefer to unwind and enjoy the vacation stretching out to enjoy the gentle breeze, the music of the waves and serenity. Goa’s most popular beaches include Calangute, Baga, Colva, Cola, Varca and Agonda.
