MADHYA PRADESH
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OVERVIEW
India’s beating heart, is a land where history whispers from ancient temple stones and wilderness reigns in vast, untamed forests. To truly know it, step slowly into its hidden chapters: drift in a skiff through the serene, marble-streaked canyons of Bhedaghat, listen for the call of the wild on a silent, predawn safari in the tall grasslands of Pench, or trace the intricate, soul-stirring carvings of the lesser-known Chausath Yogini Temple in Mitawali. Find quiet majesty in the panoramic sunrise views from the ramparts of Mandu, a city of poets’ ruins, or witness the timeless craft of handwoven Maheshwari sarees take shape in a quiet loom in the town of Maheshwar.
MADHYA PRADESH Travel guide
Getting to Madhya Pradesh
By Flight: The major airports in Madhya Pradesh are – Indore (Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport), Bhopal (Raja Bhoj Airport), Jabalpur (Dumna Airport), and Gwalior (Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia Airport). There are direct flights are available from Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru.
By Train: Of the several tracks that lead to Madhya Pradesh the major junction is Bhopal Junction (BPL). Among others which are connected to several parts of India are Indore Junction (INDB), Jabalpur (JBP) and Gwalior Junction (GWL).
Best Time to Visit Madhya Pradesh
The best time to visit Madhya Pradesh is October to March when the weather is pleasant; April to June – although very hot, it off-season with great deals; July to September – it’s monsoon but some forest zones may remain closed.
Local Food and Drinks in Madhya Pradesh
- Keema Paratha and Dal Paratha
- Murgh Rezala—tender chicken in a white gravy of poppy seeds, coconut, cream, and aromatic spices
- Bhopali Gosht Korma is another delicate, yogurt-based curry, fragrant with saffron
- Bafla – a hard-boiled, whole wheat dough ball that is boiled, baked, and then dunked in ghee
- Malwa Ki Kachori (stuffed with peppery dal) and Bhutte ka Kees (grated corn cooked with milk and spices) are sublime
Mawa-Bati / Shreekhand: A dense, sweet dumpling or a thick, fragrant yogurt dessert, both scented with cardamom.
Khopra Pak: A rich, fudge-like sweet made from coconut, milk, and sugar, a specialty of Bhopal.
Malpua: Fried pancakes soaked in sugar syrup, often enjoyed during festivals.
Poha-based Sweets: Flattened rice is transformed into delicacies like Poha ki Laddu.
Types of Transportation in Madhya Pradesh
- A great way to travel is to book a bike or a cab on Uber or Ola in cities like Bhopal, Indore and Gwalior.
- It’s advisable to use prepaid autos/taxis at stations; auto-rickshaws are common in cities but agree on fare beforehand..
- The city Khajuraho promises an eco-friendly ride on electric autos.
Things to Remember When Travelling to Madhya Pradesh
- MP has good rail connectivity; book trains early (especially for popular routes like Delhi–Jabalpur–Bhopal).
- State highways vary in quality; night driving is not recommended due to animals and poor lighting.
- MP is relatively conservative – avoid revealing clothing, especially in rural and religious places.
- Maintain silence during safaris; no bright/flash photography; do not litter in parks.
- Choose certified guides and eco-friendly stays near forest areas.
- Winters (Dec–Jan) can be quite cold, especially in the northern regions and early morning safaris.
EXPERIENCES & ITINERARIES
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the capital of Madhya Pradesh?
The capital of Madhya Pradesh is Bhopal.
- How many hill stations are there in Madhya Pradesh?
The most popular hill station in Madhya Pradesh is Pachmarhi. But others of interest are
1. Shivpuri
2. Tamia
3. Mandu
- What are the festivals celebrated in Madhya Pradesh?
1. Bhagoria Haat (Jhabua/Dhar)
2. Lokrang (Bhopal)
3. Ujjain Kumbh Mela
4. Mandu Utsav & Orchha Utsav
5. Pachmarhi Utsav
6. Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival
- What is the ideal duration to travel to Madhya Pradesh?
5-7 days are good for a trip to cover Bhopal, Indore and Gwalior, but it is advisable not to club it with other places in Madhya Pradesh. One of the largest states in India, there is a lot to cover in Madhya Pradesh including some renowned National Parks.
- How many UNESCO Heritage sites does Madhya Pradesh have?
1. Khajuraho Group of Monuments
2. The ancient Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
3. Historic Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
- Which are the villages in Madhya Pradesh awarded the Best Tourism Villages?
Pranpur
Sawarvani
Ladpura Khas