Home to some of the popular ayurvedic and yoga centres, Central India also houses some popular religious and pilgrimage destinations. Central India’s spirituality is one of the prime elements of the locals here. Giving equal yet a powerful importance to divinity, karma, forgiveness, purity and humanity, the pious culture of the region attracts tourists of various religions to take up full-fledged pilgrimage tourism. Holding numerous ancient and modern religious spots, there are many cities here that are dotted with popular religious buildings. Below are some of the popular pilgrimage destinations of Central India.
Bhopal - The capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal is also famous as the Lake City for its various natural as well as artificial lakes. One of the greenest cities in India, Bhopal is a place where one can witness the richness of tradition blending with the modern life. A cradle of arts and culture, Bhopal provides numerous centers of contemporary and performing arts. A hub for the folk and tribal arts, Bhopal is acclaimed for its famous cave paintings, which are not only valuable for their artistic values but also for their ethnicity.
Indore - One of the major cities of Madhya Pradesh, Indore is also the commercial capital of the state. Offering a spectacle of majestic palaces co-existing with commercial centres, Indore is also known for its mouth watering culinary experience. The city of Indore has a bunch of amazing places which are worth checking out. Described as the financial and technological capital of Madhya Pradesh, the major tourist attraction of Indore are its temples, monuments and also its magnificent palaces.
Maheshwar - A quaint town seated in the district of Khargone in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Maheshwar is truly rich in its heritage, and is famous for its finest handloom fabrics. It is also among the most culturally sound place in Madhya Pradesh. Be it the forts, ghats, palaces, temples or any other site, tourists accumulate in huge numbers to enjoy their stay at Maheshwar.
Omkareshwar - A popular pilgrim destination in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This sacred island of Lord Shiva is in the shape of the Hindu symbol “OM” by the two lofty hills, divided by a valley. Located on the island of Mandhata, next to the banks of Narmada River, Omkareshwar is a famous pilgrimage destination that has one of the 12 idolized jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.
Sanchi - Standing as a testimony to the golden Buddhist age of Emperor Ashoka, Sanchi is synonymous to the masterpieces of Buddhist art revealed in the age-old Stupas, monasteries, temples, and monolithic pillars. The town of Sanchi is famed for its Buddhist Stupas, which were constructed on the orders of Emperor Ashoka to preserve and spread the Buddhist philosophy. Sanchi has been protecting these beautiful and sacred architectural wonders, just the way these wonders have been safeguarding ancient history and art of the Mauryan period.