Cities of
Madhya Pradesh are covered with a network of forests which mainly include four types of forests, namely Tropical Moist, Tropical Dry, Tropical Thorn, Subtropical broadleaved Hill forests. The forest region has a plethora of teak, sal and
bamboo trees. Madhya Pradesh, often called the heart of India, lies in the central part of India. The various monuments as well as the natural reserves and national parks enhance the beauty and attractiveness of the cities of this state. Some of these are the Bandhavgarh National Park, the Kanha National Park, the Satpura National Park, the
Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the
Madhav National Park, the Van Vihar National Park, the Bori Natural Reserve, and the Khajuraho Group of Monuments. The predominant language spoken is
Hindi language; others include Bhilodi,
Gondi language, and Kalto, all spoken by tribal groups.
Bhopal
Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. This city combines scenic beauty, historic city and modern urban planning. Presently this city presents a multi-faceted profile; the old city with its teeming marketplaces and fine old mosques and palaces still bears the aristocratic imprint of its former rulers. The new city with its verdant, exquisitely laid out parks and gardens, broad avenues and streamlined modern edifices.
Ujjain
Ujjain is another important city of Madhya Pradesh. This ancient city has great historical importance. This city is mentioned in
Mahabharata as the capital city of
Avanti Kingdom. The
Kumbha Mela is held here every 12 years. This place is a home of various shrines of
Lord Shiva and
Lord Krishna.
Sanchi
Sanchi is also historically important. The 'Great Stupa' at Sanchi was originally commissioned by the emperor
Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BCE. This city is a must-stop for the millions of devout Buddhists who arrive to India, from all corners of the world, each year for pilgrimage.
Indore
Indore is an important commercial and trade centre of central India. This city was built by the British East India Company with the help of local rulers. Indore is the only city of India that has both an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and an
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
Gwalior
Gwalior is another city of importance of Madhya Pradesh. The
Gwalior Fort is worthy place to pay a visit. The city has several important educational institutions including the Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Indian Institute of Travel and Tourism Management, Scindia School, Madhav Institute of Technology and Science and Laxmibai National Institute of Physical Education.
Rewa
Rewa is a city in the north-eastern part Madhya Pradesh and it is the administrative centre of Rewa District and Rewa Division.
Ratlam
Ratlam was given to Ratan Singh Rathore as a gift by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan loved watching elephant fights and therefore held an event, choosing his favourite war elephants and inviting all the clans of Rajputana to watch.
Datia
Datia is an old town in Madhya Pradesh and it is surrounded by a stone wall, encompassing beautiful palaces and gardens.
Guna
Guna is a city and a municipality in Guna district of Madhya Pradesh. It is the administrative headquarters of Guna District.
The other important cities of this state are
Barela, Deora,
Jirapur,
Barhi,
Chhabra etc.
