Tourism in Madhya Pradesh is booming, primarily due to its popular destinations like Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Mandu, Maheshwar, and Gandhi Sagar. These locations attract both domestic and international tourists, with approximately 40% being domestic and 7% being international. To further enhance the tourist experience, the tourism department is showcasing local art, cuisine,...
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and cultural performances like folk songs and dances. This initiative is creating a unique identity for the region. Tourists are not only enjoying the historical sites but also immersing themselves in local crafts, folk culture, lifestyle, and traditional cuisine. The department is introducing traditional dishes like opium vegetables in Gandhi Sagar, dal-paniyas and heritage wine in Mandu, Kadaknath chicken in Jhabua, and dal-bafala in Ujjain. They are also using local artisans and chefs, providing a live kitchen experience where tourists can observe the preparation of these dishes. The tourism department is further branding the state's culture through local artifacts displayed at their hotels. For example, tourists can explore tribal dolls and bows and arrows in Jhabua, Maheshwari weaving in Maheshwar, and wire art in Mandu. The department is also organizing cultural performances for larger tourist groups, offering a deeper insight into the local culture through live cooking demonstrations. Improved infrastructure and accessibility are also contributing to the rise in tourism in the region.

Ujjain, known for its religious significance, has become a major hub for religious tourism in Madhya Pradesh. The number of visitors has significantly increased since the construction of the 'Shri Mahakal Mahalok,' an expansion of the Mahakaleshwar temple. Previously, around 24,000 devotees visited the temple daily. After the Mahalok's completion in...
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2022, this number has risen to approximately 100,000 per day. Ujjain is home to various renowned temples like Kal Bhairav, Mangalnath, Chintaman, Harsiddhi, and Iskcon, as well as Sandipani Ashram, where Lord Krishna is believed to have received his education. Besides these, sites like Ram Ghat on the Shipra River and the Kalyadeah Palace attract tourists. Experts predict a continued rise in visitor numbers. The increase in devotees has boosted the Mahakaleshwar temple's income, rising from 51 crore rupees in 2019-20 to 218 crore rupees in 2023-24. This growth has also impacted the Omkareshwar-Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga in the Khandwa district. The number of devotees visiting this temple has tripled, reaching 40,000-55,000 daily compared to the previous 15,000-20,000. On special occasions, the number can reach 70,000-75,000.

The Avantika Express (12962) from Indore to Mumbai Central will be departing 3 hours and 50 minutes late today. This delay is due to the arrival of the corresponding train (12961) from Mumbai being late. The same train rake is used for the return journey, hence the delay. Separately, there is...
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a delay in the Patalpani-Mukhtiara Balwada broad gauge line project due to the forest department's reluctance to grant permission. This project aims to connect Omkareshwar Jyotirling to the rail network by laying 12 kilometers of new track. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has requested the Chief Minister to intervene and expedite the project.

IRCTC is offering an air tour package for travelers, including visits to the Mahakalheshwar and Omkareshwar Jyotirlingas in Madhya Pradesh. This package also includes sightseeing in Ujjain, Maheshwar, and Mandu. The tour will be from August 20th to 25th, and will include special flights from Lucknow to Indore, hotel accommodation in...
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Indore and Ujjain, and visits to various temples and historical sites. The cost of the package starts at ₹46,900 per person for adults and ₹30,200 per child with a bed and ₹19,200 without. Bookings can be made at the IRCTC office in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow or online through the IRCTC website.