Madhya Pradesh has now created its unique identity on the tourism map in India as well as abroad. The unique identities of Madhya Pradesh include Khajuraho temples, Ujjayani of Mahakavi Kalidas, heritage of Acharya Varah Mihir, hills like Satpura and Vindhyachal, Narmada river, Chanderi and Bagh handicraft, Kanha & Bandhavgarh, World Heritages like Khajuraho, Sanchi and Bhimbetka, diamonds of Panna, diverse tribal groups, Maheshwari handicrafts, Mandu, & Gwalior.
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Khajuraho Temples[/caption]
The Government of Madhya Pradesh has now started an elaborate scheme to promote heritage tourism in the state considering the large number of forts, palaces and havelis. The old havelis and forts would be converted in to heritage hotels. There will be a trust also for the conservation and maintenance of the state's archeological wealth. The four World heritage sites in Madhya Pradesh are Khajuraho, Sanchi, Mandu and Bhimbetka. This state is also famous for its national parks, hill stations and pilgrim centres.
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Sanchi Stupa[/caption]
The improvement of tourism infrastructure and campaigns conducted at national and international levels have resulted in the increase in number of tourists visiting the state. The state has rich cultural, social, economic and archaeological values. The lush green forests, National Parks, Hill stations, Pilgrim centres, fairs, festivals, forts, diverse lifestyles and traditions of its people, rivers and history incarnated in stone carvings and statues in the state attracts tourists from all parts of the world.
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Mandu[/caption]
The state has been divided into 16 tourism zones by the Tourism Development Corporation in order to attract investors to tourism sector in Madhya Pradesh. The 16 tourism zones are Indira Sagar, Ban Sagar, Gandhi Sagar, Khajuraho, Datia, Orchha, Sanchi, Mandu, Tawa Nagar, Tamia-Patalkot, Salkanpur, Chitrakoot, Panna, Choral, Maheshwar, & Amarkantak. The interested investors can either buy or acquire land on 90-year lease. There is provision of relaxation in capital investment on resorts and hotels to promote heritage tourism. There are holiday resorts at Mandu, Chanderi and Burhanpur. There are also budget guest houses at religious places Amarkantak, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Chitrakoot, Orchha, Maihar, Panna, Datia, Mandla, Multai, Salkanpur and Mandleshwar.
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Bhimbetka[/caption]
Considering the growth in tourism sector of the state, the Union Government has even started a training programme “Hunar Se Rozgar”. Under this scheme youths from 18 to 28 years of age are trained in food & beverages, and housekeeping multi-skill courses in order to establish Madhya Pradesh as a tourist-friendly state.
There are also water sports facilities available in the vast reservoirs of the state. Now the state has 9 boat clubs at Upper Lake Bhopal, Bargi Jabalpur, Tigra Gwalior, Halali boat club, Tawa Dam, Sankhaya Sagar Shivpuri, Orchha boat club, Pipaliya Pala Indore and Ujjain boat club. More boat clubs are about to open in the state considering the tourism demand. Every boat club have power boats, cruise boats, mini cruise boats, speed boats, banana rides, jets key water scooters and modern water sports equipments.
Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation owns 62 units of tourist accommodation support of which 53 are meant for staying and 9 are restaurants. These are well equipped with all modern facilities safe comfortable stay for the tourists.