India's largest state, with an area of 450,000 square kilometres (174,000 square miles), Madhya Pradesh is in the very heart of India. Geographically it is a land of contrasts, with river valleys, dense forests and rolling plains overlooked by the ancient hills of the Vindya and Satpura ranges and the sprawling highlands of the Malwa plateau. The region has been the site of human activity since prehistoric times and its central location explain its turbulent history. The best time to visit Madhya Pradesh is from November through March when temperature are at their most comfortable. The evening are fairly pleasant, especially at Indore, Mandu, Ujjain and Bhopal on the Malwa plateau, which is famed for its cool summer nights. For the wildlife viewing is best in the summer months of April to June. Most of the state is a high plateau and in summer it can be very dry and hot. Virtually all phases of Indian history have left their mark on Madhya Pradesh, historically known as Malwa . There are still many pre - Aryan Gond and Bhil tribal people in the state, but Madhya Pradesh is overwhelmingly Indo - Aryan with the majority of the people speaking Hindi and following Hinduism. Some of Madhya Pradesh' s attraction are - Khajuraho and Kanha National Park. The places of interest include the capital city of Bhopal, the fort city of Gawalior and the ancient historic city of Khajuraho. The Madhav National Park of Shivpuri with a varied terrain of wooded hills, it offers abundant opportunities of sighting a variety of wildlife is open throughout the year. Ujjain is one of the holiest and oldest cities of India and was an important place, during the reign of Ashoka in spreading Buddhism.
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