How to spend 10 days in Madhya Pradesh, India

The 10th-century Gwalior Fort is just one of Madhya Pradeshs many draws for visitors
The 10th-century Gwalior Fort is just one of Madhya Pradesh's many draws for visitors | © PRABHAS ROY / Alamy Stock Photo
Shafik Meghji

A 10-day trip allows you to visit many of the highlights of the central-Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Here is a suggested itinerary.

Though most visitors to India will head straight to the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, the country has so much more to offer. The often-overlooked central state of Madhya Pradesh has some amazing things to see, from a “hidden” town on the banks of the Betwa River, to Kanha National Park’s tigers.

Day 1: Bhopal and Sanchi

After checking into your hotel – Ivy Suites, a charming boutique B&B, and the top-end Noor-us-Sabah are both good options – take a train, bus or taxi to nearby Sanchi, a remarkable Buddhist temple that dates back to the third century BC.

Bhopal’s old city has several impressive mosques, notably the vast Darul Uloom Tajul Masajid

Days 2-3: Orchha

Take a morning train to Jhansi and then a bus, auto-rickshaw or taxi to Orchha, one of the most beguiling places in central India. On the banks of the Betwa River, this slow-paced town (whose name translates as “hidden place”) has an array of crumbling, forest-shrouded palaces, fortifications, temples, cenotaphs, tombs and gardens. The best place to stay is the Sheesh Mahal, a 19th-century palace that has been turned into a hotel by the state tourist authority.

Over the next day and a half, explore Orchha’s many historic monuments; the key sites are illuminated during the nightly sound and light show. There are several friendly traveller restaurants dotted around town, though the most elegant place to eat is the Sheesh Mahal, which often has live music and dance performances.

Orchha on the banks of the Betwa River is a slow-paced town whose name translates as “hidden place”

Days 4-5: Khajuraho

In the morning, take a bus or taxi to Khajuraho, where magnificent ancient temples are covered with frank – and often remarkably imaginative – erotic sculptures. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temples were constructed during the Chandella dynasty between the 10th and 12th centuries and have been wonderfully restored.

Khajuraho village has a wide range of guesthouses and hotels suitable for travellers of all budgets; Hotel Surya and Lalit Temple View are both solid options. Its popularity as a tourist destination means there are also plenty of good restaurants. Among the highlights are Mediterraneo, which offers authentic pizza and pasta, and Raja Café, whose menu features well-prepared dishes from across the globe.

Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Day 6: Jabalpur

Travelling from Khajuraho to Kanha National Park is a bit convoluted, but the chance to explore Madhya Pradesh’s premier tiger reserve means the hassle is more than worth it. Get up early, take a taxi to Satna, and then a train to the regional city of Jabalpur, where you can stay the night at the comfortable Kalchuri Residency or the smarter Narmada Jacksons. Dining options beyond the hotels are relatively limited, but the Indian Coffee House in the city centre is a decent option.

Days 7-8: Kanha National Park

Take an early bus or taxi from your accommodation to Kanha National Park, where idyllic woodlands, meadows and savannah are home to approximately 75 tigers, as well as numerous other species, such as wild dogs, barasingha deer, sloth bears and langur monkeys. Tourists can explore the park on morning and afternoon jeep safaris (known locally as “game drives”) where tiger sightings are common.

Meanwhile, the surrounding buffer zone is ideal for guided nature walks. Easily the best place to stay in the Kanha area is Shergarh, a gorgeous luxury camp surrounded by tranquil gardens. Budget travellers should try the Pugmark Resort.

Kanha National Park is home to approximately 75 tigers

Days 9-10: Indore and Mandu

After another morning game drive in the park, take a bus or taxi to the regional city of Jabalpur, where an overnight train departs for Madhya Pradesh’s industrial hub, Indore. After arriving in Indore, drop your luggage off at your accommodation – try mid-range Ginger or the fancier Lemon Tree – and take a taxi or bus to Mandu.

Set on a rocky plateau, this Medieval city’s ruined palaces, mosques and mausoleums make it an incredibly evocative place to explore. In the late afternoon, head back to Indore for dinner at Hotel Shreemaya.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article