7 days travel itinerary | Madhya Pradesh India
Overview of Madhya Pradesh
The sobriquet 'Heart of India' has been bestowed on the state of Madhya Pradesh owing to its unique geographical location and rich cultural heritage. India's second largest state MP is synonymous with religious sites, ancient monuments, Buddhist artefacts and stunning natural beauty.
In the northern part of the state lie the splendid relics of the royal state of Gwalior as well as the unparalleled World heritage site of Khajuraho.
The east is home to two of the country's best national parks- Kanha and Bandhavgarh, while southwestern Madhya Pradesh is renowned for its Buddhist monuments at Sanchi and the spectacular 15th and 16th centaury citadels at Mandu. Bhopal and Indore are the two big cities.
Best time to visit
The climate of MP is sub-tropical and like most of north India, the summer lasts from March-June and is extremely hot. It is followed by monsoon from July to September (National parks are closed in monsoons)
Therefore winter (October-February) is the best time to visit, since the summer heat makes travel uncomfortable.
Currency
Currency used is INR.
Languages spoken
Hindi and English
Day 1-2: Reach Khajuraho from Delhi
How to reach
✈️ Flight
Khajuraho has its own airport where you can fly from Delhi.
🚄 Train
You can also take train from Delhi or any other city to Khajuraho.
Khajuraho is the first stop of your central India tour. There are 25 temples in Khajuraho, including the western, southern and eastern group and you need at least two days to explore this temple town.
In the evening there is a sound and light show inside the western group which shows the history of Khajuraho through vivid colors and sounds!
Day 3-4: Explore Orchha
Orchha is another beautiful ancient town situated on the bank of river Betwa with plenty of things to do. At least two full days are required to explore the famous attractions of Orchha. Some popular fun activities to make the most of your Orchha trip:
🔹Kayaking in river Betwa
🔹Explore the small idyllic town with guided tour with a cycling tour
Detailed 2-day Orchha travel guide:
How to reach
🚄 Take a train
The nearest railway station to Orchha is Jhansi Junction taking around 3 hrs to reach from Khajuraho. There are many trains running from Khajuraho to Jhansi.
🚗 By road
You can also hire a car with a driver to reach the town of Orchha. It will be more expensive than train.
Day 5-6: Kanha national Park (opening months Oct-June)
Continue your journey towards the crowning jewel of Central India, Kanha tiger reserve. Kanha has the highest population of the Royal Bengal tigers.
Book these at least three weeks in advance there is hardly any availability during weekends in peak season. The link for booking safari online is given below
Important: Kanha has three entry gates, and you need to book a hotel near the gate you have booked your tour. Mukki gate is the best and has good sightings of wildlife.
How to reach
🚄 Train
Jabalpur is the nearest station to Kanha and you have to take a private taxi which takes around 4.5 to 5 hours to reach. This railway station has good connectivity from every city. If coming from Orchha, take an overnight train from Jhansi.
✈️ Flight
Jabalpur is the nearest airport near Kanha national park having flights from Bhopal and Indore.
Day 7: Visit the magnificent town of Maheshwar
Take a deep dive into history and traditions of Madhya Pradesh by visiting the final destination of your central India journey, Maheshwar which is a beautiful city on the banks of river Narmada boasting of rich cultural heritage and beautiful fort of the mighty queen Ahilya Bái Holkar.
You can take a day trip from Indore from where it is a two hour drive (90 km).
How to reach
🚄 Train
Indore city is the nearest railway station around 90km from Maheshwar. If coming from Kanha national park you have to take an overnight train from Jabalpur to Indore. From there take a private taxi to Maheshwar.
✈️ Flight
Devi Ahilyabai Holker airport is the nearest airport.
Accommodation:
Check my guide on best places to stay in Madhya Pradesh which includes all the above-mentioned destinations
Don't worry. If you need help planning your trip to Madhya Pradesh, feel free to contact me for my well curated customized itinerary service where I will plan everything for you and save your time and energy.
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