Rustik Travel

Madhya Pradesh Experience

Madhya Pradesh, a large central state in India is the center of multiple tourist destinations and experiences. Right from ancient temples including the famous Khajuraho temple to the wild and beautiful national parks that is inhabited by rich flora and fauna. A great find for any traveler yearning to explore the unexplored.

Culture is the widening of the mind and of the spirit.

Jawaharlal Nehru

Overview

  • Destination: Madhya Pradesh
  • Nearest City (Airport): Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Khajuraho
  • Best Months: Throughout the year (except for summer months of April to June)
  • Duration: On request
  • Dates: On request
  • Price: On request

Experience


Madhya Pradesh is a large state in central India and is well connected by air and rail. The state has many places to visit and many things to do depending on what your interests could be. You would need more than a week to explore these places in the state. If you are traveling to and exploring India, Madhya Pradesh definitely needs to be a part of your itinerary and you would definitely keep on coming back to explore more ☺.

Following are some of the places and experiences we have listed. Based on your interests and time we could curate a personalized itinerary for you.

BHOPAL
The capital city is also home to many lakes, museums, wildlife reserves and old palaces.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Upper lake, lower lake, Bhimbetka, Bhojpur, State Museum, Birla Museum, Van Vihar National Park, Bharat Bhavan, Tribal Habitat, Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya.
How To Get There: By Air (Bhopal Airport), Rail and Road.

SANCHI
In ancient times Sanchi was a popular educational and Buddhist pilgrimage centre also known for its Stupa, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Sanchi Stupa, Toranas, Monasteries, Ashoka Pillars, Buddhist Vihara, Gupta Temple, and Sanchi Museum
How To Get There: Sanchi has its own railway station but doesn’t have an airport. The nearest airport from Sanchi is in Bhopal, which is 46 km. You can take a taxi or a bus from Bhopal to reach Sanchi. Bhopal is very well connected with the rest of India by both air and rail.

INDORE
The gastronomic delight of the state known for it delicious snacks and street food. Located on the back of River Saraswati, the city boasts for its rich heritage and historical monuments with unique architecture.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Lal Bagh Palace, Sarafa bazar at night, Khajrana Ganesh Temple, Central Museum, Patalpani Waterfall, Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary, Tincha Waterfall and Indore White Church.
How To Get There: By Air (Indore Airport), Rail and Road.

MANDU
The city of Mandu is adorned with spell-binding Afghan architecture surrounded by baobab trees, native to Africa. The grand palaces are still alive with royal romance while the gateways (darwazas) speak of a history of imperial conquests. A walk through Mandu will leave you awe-struck, the way you used to be listening to stories from grandparents.
Floating over it’s own reflection, the Jahaz Mahal in Mandu looks like a ship that’s about to sail. However, for centuries this ship made of stone and mortar never did. Instead, it stood floating over the twin lakes, bearing a silent witness to Mandu’s long, rich and varied history. It is witness to the legendary romance of Rani Roopmati and Baz Bahadur.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Jahaz Mahal, Taveli Mahal, Hindola Mahal, House & Shop of Gada Shah, Mosques of Dilawar Khan, Turkish Bath and Champa Baodi, Hoshangs tomb, Ashrafi Mahal, Jain Temple, Baz Bahadurs Palace, Roopmatis Palace and Dariya Khans tomb & Haathi Mahal.
How To Get There: Mandu is 82 kms from Indore. There are plenty of buses available or you can conveniently drive down.

OMKARESHWAR
It can only be termed as a blessing, by Lords and mother nature, that Omkareshwar, the sacred island, is shaped like Om – the holiest symbol of Hinduism. Not surprising then that this serene town is also one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines in India. Pilgrims in unimaginable numbers visit the shrine every year, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Omkareshwar is adorned with lofty hills, between which the river Narmada forms a serene pool. Above this pool runs a cantilever type bridge which further enhances the scenic beauty of this island.
The beauty and divinity that reside in this town work like a magic spell, transporting you back to childhood moments of sheer wonder.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places to Visit: Shri Omkara Mandhata, 24 Avatars, Siddhanath Temple, Gauri SIddhanath Temple, Kajal Rani Cave.
How To Get There: Omkareshwar is 78 kms from Indore. There are plenty of buses available or you can conveniently drive down.

MAHESHWAR
Situated on the banks of river Narmada, Maheshwar appeals to both, the pilgrim as well as the tourist in you. The town possesses a treasure trove of beautiful temples that calm the soul, alongside man-made creations that please the eyes.
A centre of handloom weaving since the 5th century, Maheshwar has been producing the exquisite Maheshwari saris and fabric. The town also holds the distinction of being the capital of Rajmata Ahilya Devi Holkar’s empire during the 18th century.
This historic town weaves spirituality and folklore with the beauty of nature and Maheshwari saris, bringing alive child-like awe in you.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Places to Visit: Ahilyabai Ghats, Queens Fort, Ahilyeshwar temple, Tana Bana Maheshwari Handloom, Rajwada
How to reach there: 91 kms from Indore by road.

UJJAIN
Located by the Shipra River, Ujjain is an ancient city. It is also know as the temple town of Madhya Pradesh as it houses numerous temples with Bundela art and architecture. The city is also known for hosting the mega Kumbha Mela.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ram Ghat, Kal Bhairav Temple, Jantar Mantar, Kalideh Palace, and Vikram Kirti Mandir Museum.
How To Get There: Ujjain railway station connects the city of Ujjian with the neighboring cities. Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore is the nearest airport to the city of Ujjain. Passengers can easily get to Airport by buses as it is only 55 km away from the main city of Ujjain.

GWALIOR
The city is a cultural hub rich in art, culture and history with an amazing mix of historical monuments with unique architecture.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Gwalior Fort, Mansingh Palace, Tansen Tomb, Tiger Dam, Gopachal Parvat, Sun Temple, Jai Vilas Palace, Scindia Museum and Madhav National Park.
How To Get There: By Air (Gwalior Airport), Rail and Road.

ORCHHA
The erstwhile capital of the Rajputs of Bundela, the city has beautiful forts and temples with splendid Rajputana architecture. Lately Orchha is promoted as the cultural capital of the state with many events taking place here.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Orchha Fort, Raja Ram Temple, Raja Mahal, Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary, Palki Mahal, and Dinman Hardaul’s Palace
How To Get There: Orchha is within easy reach from Delhi. Visitors often combine it with a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra and the erotic temples of Khajuraho. Jhansi is the nearest railway station and Gwalior the nearest airport. The distance between Jhansi and Orchha is 18 kilometres.

JABALPUR
Located by the Narmada river, the city has natural beauty surrounded by granite and sandstone hills, with spectacular waterfalls, marble rocky outcrops, majestic forts and dams.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Dhuandhar Waterfall, Bhedaghat, Marble Rocks, Bargi Dam, Madan Mahal Fort, Dumna Nature Reserve, Rani Durgavati Memorial & Museum, and Pisan Hari Jain Temple.
How To Get There: By Air (Jabalpur Airport), Rail and Road.

AMARKANTAK
The Holy River Narmada originates here. Situated at an altitude of 1000 m, Amarkantak is a well frequented Hindu pilgrimage center that is popularly known as ‘Teerthraj’ – ‘the king of pilgrimages’.
The Amarkantak region has a rich natural heritage. It is the meeting point of the Vindhya and the Satpura Ranges, with the Maikal Hills being the fulcrum. Three rivers – the holy Narmada, the Sone and the Johila – emerge here.
The forests surrounding Amarkantak have a rich variety of plants with medicinal properties, which make it extremely significant from an ecological point of view.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Kapila Dhara Fall, Narmada Udgam and Kund, Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple, Dugdh Dhara Waterfalls, Kabir Kothi. Royal Bandhavgarh National Park is 170 kms away while Kanha National Park is 157 kms away.
How To Get There: Jabalpur Airport is the nearest airport to Amarkantak that is located at a distance of 245 km. Pendra Road is the nearest railhead to Amarkantak, which is located at a distance of 17 km from this holy town. Tourists can also come down to this place via Anuppur, which is just 48 km away. From both of these places, one can get regular transport facility including taxis and buses. From Pendra Road, Shahdol and Bilaspur, One can easily find state buses to Amarkantak. It is also well connected by buses to Jabalpur, Rewa and Shahdol, which are located at a distance of 245 km, 261 km and 67 km to the town. One of the biggest metropolises in the region, Nagpur, is situated about 450 km from the town. There are good services of Buses and Cabs available.

KHAJURAHO
Of all the places in Madhya Pradesh Khajuraho is the most visited. Known for its intricate carvings, sculptures and fine art specimens that adorns the old temples, along with some ancient erotic art from the Kamasutra. This unique splendor of art and craft has earned it a spot among the seven wonders of India.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Ajaigarh Fort, Panna National Park, Beni Sagar Dam, Archeological Museum, and temples of Kandariya Mahadev, Parsvanath, Visvanath, Devi Jagadamba, Vamana, Duladeo, Chitragupta, and Bijamandala
How To Get There: By Air (Khajuraho Airport), Rail and Road.

PANCHMARHI
It is one of the beautiful yet unexplored hill stations of India, with abundant natural beauty and scenic vistas. A great place to visit to get away from the busy city life.
Best Time To Visit: October to June.
Places To Visit: Dhupgarh, Panar pani, Chauragarh, Sangam, Jatashankar & Mahadeo Caves, and Apsara Vihar.
How To Get There: Pachmarhi is 47 km form Pipariya, which is on the Itarsi-Jabalpur rail line, 2 hours from Jabalpur and approximately 1 hour from Itarsi. You can also take a direct bus from Bhopal, which is 210 km away by road.

CHANDERI
Ask any Indian woman and they would’ve known of this place even though they wouldn’t have had visited it. This is because the city is known for it famous Chanderi Silk Sarees. Apart form the silk the city is known for popular historical forts and palaces remains of the Gurjara-Pratihara kingdom.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Kati Ghati Gateway, Koshak Mahal, Purana Madrasa, Shehzadi Ka Rauza, Idgah, Bada Mahal Darwaza, Jama Masjid, and Chandraprabh Temple.
How To Get There:
By Air: The nearest airports to reach Chanderi are in Bhopal, Gwalior, and Khajuraho, that are 220 km, 250 km, and 250 km, respectively from Chanderi.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to reach Chanderi is at Lalitpur, which is approximately 40 km on Bina-Bhopal track.

BURHANPUR
Founded in 1400 AD on the bank of the Tapti River, the historical city of Burhanpur was once the capital of the Mughal Kingdom. An important outpost of the Mughals, Burhanpur was known as the gateway to southern India for its strategic location.
Ruled by Shah Jahan for a very long period, it is one of the most beautiful symbols of Mughal architecture and Mughal grandeur.
The magnificent mosques, tombs and palaces give you a sense of what Mughal life at its peak was like. Burhanpur’s glorious and rich past will leave you fascinated and engrossed, just like a child.
A painting in Shahi Qila is supposed to have inspired the design of Taj Mahal.
Burhanpur was the originally preferred location of Taj Mahal.
Places To Visit: Jama Masjid, Asirgarh Fort, Hamam or Royal Bath, Paintings of the Shahi Qila, Tapti Ghat, Sikhism in Burhanpur
How To Get There: Its 85 kms from Jalgaon Airport. Jalgaon railway station is on the Mumbai Kolkata route. There are plenty of trains available from Mumbai to Jalgaon. Its 410 kms from Jalgaon.

 

NATIONAL PARKS OF MADHYA PRADESH:
Kanha, Pench, Bandhavgarh and Satpura National Parks are among the popular wildlife sanctuaries of India and all of these are in Madhya Pradesh. Known for its rich and diverse flora and fauna, and especially the dense population of Tigers here, these parks are frequently visited by wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Best Time To Visit: October to June. February to June is the best time to spot wildlife.
Things To Do: Safari and other outdoor activities.
How To Get There:

KANHA
Gondia and Jabalpur are the two nearest railway head from Kanha National Park. Gondia Railway Station is located at a distance of 145km and it takes 3 hrs drive from Kanha. 160 Km away from Kanha is Jabalpur Railway Station and it takes a drive of 4 hrs drive.

PENCH
By Air. The Sonegaon airport in Nagpur is 93 kms from the Pench National park.
By Rail. The Seoni Railway Station is about 30 kms from the Pench National Park.
By Road. Buses and jeeps can be taken to the Pench National Park from the bus stand which is at Seoni

BANDHAVGARH
Fly from Delhi, Agra or Varanasi to Khajuraho and drive (7-8 hours) to Tala park entrance at Bandhavgarh. Nearest airport from the park is Khajuraho. By Rail: Nearest railway station is Umaria after Katni railway station, from there it is about 40 minutes drive to Nature Heritage.

SATPURA
In order to reach Satpura National Park, nearest airport is at Bhopal city which is just 200 kms from park. Bhopal Airport has connectivity with Delhi & Mumbai. Nearest railway stations for Satpura National Park are: Itarsi, Sohagpur, Pipariya & Hoshangabad.

 

Apart from these there are other notable places to visit in Madhya Pradesh such as Panna (the city of diamonds), Shivpuri, Satna, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters (with pre-historic cave paintings) and Udayagiri caves (twenty rock cut caves).

Itinerary

Heritage of India: Madhya Pradesh

Day 1 / WELCOME TO THE CITY OF ORCHHA!
This small town near Jhansi was a former princely state of India in the Bundelkhand region, founded by the Rajput ruler Rudra Pratap Singh sometime after 1501. Orchha is home to some of the most mesmerizing temples and palaces, which awaits your presence.
Day 2 / EXPLORING THE BEAUTY OF ORCHHA
The colorful Palaces and the temples of Orchha are so dazing that one cannot stop themselves from clicking pictures. With a rich culture and history, Orchha is home to many palaces and forts. Orchha Fort- The Fort found on an island on River Betwa has many palaces and temples built within the fort complex over time by successive Maharajas of the Orchha State. The Orchha fort consists of many notable architectural features, like the four-arched bridge leading to the open yard, projected balconies, open flat areas and decorated windows. Jahangir Palace- The person in honour of whom this was built stayed here for only one night……It was built by Bir Singh Deo for the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The four-storeyed Palace has architectural features of both, Muslim and Rajput architecture with several courtyards, balconies, rooms, and domes. Built on the banks of the Betwa river and surrounded by lush green forest, the Palace offers a beautiful and delightful view to the eyes. Rama Raja Temple- This beautiful Ram temple has an intriguing tale behind it where the king of Orchha Madhukar Shah Ju Dev's wife, a true devotee of Lord Rama, once had a dream of bringing Lord Rama to the King’s Palace. Following her dreams, the queen bought an idol of Lord Rama and placed it in her palace. The next day, when trying to move the idol of Lord Rama from the queen's palace to the King’s Palace, the idol could not be budged. This marked the place holy, and a temple was built where the idol was installed. It’s the only temple where Ram is worshipped as a Ruler, complete with a guard of honour and gun salute. Chhatris (Cenotaphs)- Situated on the banks of the Betwa river, Chattris is a set of glorious royal tombs of the Maharajas of Orchha, built on a platform and supported by pillars. The true beauty of Chatteris can be viewed from a narrow bridge on the opposite side of the river, where one can see the complete reflection of the tombs. Magnificent paintings cover the domes enhancing the beauty of Chattris.
Day 3 / THE ANCIENT CITY OF MONUMENTS- KHAJURAHO
An ancient city known for magnificent temples and complex sculptures located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh is Khajuraho. Set up in the medieval century by the Chandela Dynasty, this city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, since 1986 has been considered one of the "Seven Wonders" of India. Through art, these temples represent various activities of the people- meditation, spiritual teachings, and relationships, with detailed and expressive sculptures that will leave anyone in awe and wonder.
Day 4 / IN THE ROYAL CITY OF BHOPAL
Known as the 'City of Royals', Bhopal is home to a long and significant history. Between 1819 and 1926 generation of Begums ruled over the city for over 100 years. The four Queens, Qudsia Begum (1819-37), Sikander Begum (1844-68), Shah Jahan Begum (1868-1901), and Sultan Jahan Begum (1901-1926) were known as great advocates and patrons of education, art, culture and public works. Bhopal is a perfect blend of the old city's architectural splendour seen in its marketplaces, exquisite mosques and palaces showcasing the noble & grand lifestyle of the former ruler, and the lush green parks and gardens, broad avenues and high-rise industries of the new city. Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya- Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (National Museum of Mankind) is an anthropology museum initiated by the Government of India. The Ministry of Culture works on representing the story and evolution of man and culture. This museum depicts the story of mankind in time and space. Many inventive open-air and indoor exhibitions are created with the active involvement of traditional artisans and experts drawn from different community groups. The exhibitions are categorized into Open-exhibitions, Indoor galleries and Periodical/ Temporary exhibitions. Tribal Museum, Bhopal- The Tribal Life Gallery shows models of the beautifully decorated dwellings of each tribe made in mud, plant parts and bamboo grills. The spiritual world gallery depicts stories of worship and sacrifices through impressive art installations. The artifacts presented alongside cultural symbols contain deep meanings passed through the generations. Bhimbetka Caves (optional): The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site in central India that spans the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods, as well as the historic period. It exhibits the earliest traces of human life in India and evidence of Stone Age starting at the site in Acheulian times.
Day 5 / HERITAGE OF BHOPAL
Sanchi Stupa- The famous UNESCO World Heritage site Sanchi Stupa is home to the Gupta temple, one of the ancient examples of temple architecture and an important monument of Indian Architecture. “Mahastupa” (Great Stupa) originally was constructed on the orders of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BCE, comprising a series of Buddhist monuments. The famous Lion Capital of Ashokan Pillar consists of four lions, which support the Wheel of Law and an Ashokan inscription engraved in early Brahmi characters is found at the Archaeological Museum.
Day 6 / CLEANEST CITY OF INDIA - INDORE
Indore- Getting the Cleanest city of India for the 5th consecutive year is no mean achievement. It certainly gives a different experience while visiting the old Rajwada of the Marathas. A food paradise for our foodie tourists, you would have seen umpteen no. of pictures of the Sarafa Bazaar and Chappan Dukaan. The signature dishes like Poha Jalebi, Mawa Bati & Bhutte Ki Kees are more than a treat to eat.
Day 7 / THE ANCIENT SPIRITUAL CITY OF UJJAIN
Ujjain- Known as the temple city for its numerous temples from different eras, it is also known for the Kumbha Mela on the banks of Shipra river, held once in 12 years. You will visit one of the most important Shiva temples, the Mahakaleshwar temple, one of the 12 jyotirlingas here.
Day 8 / THE CITY OF ROMANCE & HISTORY – MANDU
Mandu - An old city built in 6th Century BC, has forts and palaces that tell you the story of Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. Apart from having the monument that inspired Shah Jahan to build the Taj Mahal it is full of heritage sites like Rani Roopmati Pavilion, Hoshang Shah's tomb & Baz Bahadur Palace that makes it one of the popular tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh. Floating over its own reflection, the Jahaz Mahal in Mandu looks like a ship that's about to sail.
Day 9 / FAREWELL!
After a fascinating journey around the historical state of Madhya Pradesh, the time has come for us to bid our goodbyes and carry home the scenic beauty of the cities and a load full of memories!!

Inclusions

Inclusions

  • Airport transfers.
  • Transport (Innova AC or similar car) for the specified duration of the trip.
  • Fuel costs, driver’s allowance and stay, parking & toll charges.
  • Hotel accommodation in hotels and resorts with breakfast.
  • Other inclusions as per the experience/trip and/or specifically requested.

Exclusions

  • Tickets (camera charges) to monuments, temples, parks etc.
  • Meals, water and beverages unless specified.
  • Guide Services.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Any Airfare.
  • Tips.
  • Insurance.
  • GST.
  • Any item that is not mentioned in inclusions.

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