Umaria District is located to the north-east of
Madhya Pradesh. It covers an area of 4,026 sq km with a population of .5 million. Umaria is rich in forests. The famous Sanjay Gandhi Thermal Power Station Mangthar (Pali) and
Bandhavgarh National Park is located here.
There are many interesting places to visit.
Bandhavgarh Fort is of considerable archeological and historical importance, situated at an altitude of about 2,430 m above sea level. It is believed that Lord Ram bequeathed the fort to his brother Lakshman, hence the name '
Bandhavgarh,' which means brother's fort. At the base of the fort is the monolithic statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on Sesha, the seven hooded snake. Statues of all the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu can be seen in the fort area. The fort is surrounded by 32 man-made caves which have inscriptions, carvings and paintings. Chandia Khas, with a temple enshrining Goddess Kalika, and the town Umaria are also important tourist destinations.
