Madhya Pradesh

The state of Madhya Pradesh is located in the heart of India, cutting a huge swathe across the centre of the country. Famed for its wildlife parks, palaces and forts this beautiful region has much to offer the discerning traveller and is a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle found elsewhere in the country.

The natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh is highlighted by the waterfalls and gorges at Pachmarhi and for those interested in wildlife, the national parks of Panna, Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench are widely accepted as the best in India for spotting tiger. It was while living near the park of Pench that Rudyard Kipling was inspired to create his famed work, The Jungle Book.

The state is steeped in history, from the 12,000 year-old-rock paintings at Bhimbetka to Ashoka’s 5000-year-old stupa at Sanchi. The history of the region has been interrupted by territorial rivalries, resulting in the mighty forts of Gwalior and Maheshwar.

A trip over the state border to Varanasi in Utter Pradesh allows the visitor to witness the Hindu pilgrimage to bathe in the Ganges. This ritual bath, according to centuries old tradition, will purify the soul and help the pilgrim reach Nirvana.