The Heart of India

Madhya Pradesh is fondly called the Heart of India, and rightly so! This Central Indian state has everything that travellers seek, from culture and history to adventure, leisure and a unique cuisine that is both enjoyable and Instagrammable.

Vani Sunder

With its rich culture heritage, magnificent temples and a history of constant evolution towards betterment, Madhya Pradesh is one of the most visit-worthy destinations in India and its numerous hidden gems are worth every traveller’s while!

Stunning Indore

One of the cleanest cities in India, Indore, once a princely state, has a powerful system of recycling waste products from industries, temples and households. A dedicated citizenry and rehabilitation programmes for the city’s many cleanliness workers have helped achieve this honour. Safety of women is another focus area for the administration here.

Some key attractions that travellers can visit in the city are the three-storeyed Lal Bagh Palace built by Maharaj Shivaji Rao Holkar and the Central Museum that is home to artefacts dating back to anywhere between the 8th and 13th centuries. Visitors can also pay their respects at some of the city’s most magnificent temples, including Bada Ganpati Temple, Khajarana Ganpati Temple, Annapurna Temple and Kaanch Mandir. Even the foodie has much to explore and experience in Indore. Some lip-smacking ‘Garadu’, one of the most relished street snacks in the Sarafa Bazaar area, or the simple tandoori chai at Chappan Dukaan can be the perfect end to the day.

Omkareshwar

Less than 100 kilometres from Indore by road and further south, Omkareshwar is adorned by lofty hills among which flows River Narmada. Considered a sacred island, the serene town is also home to one of 12 Jyotirlinga shrines in India. The most visited here is the Omkareshwar Temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other significant religious spots are Kedareshwar and Sidhanath temples, which can be reached via motorboats that operate on Narmada River.

Jal Mahotsav

For those seeking a vacation full of fun and adventure, Hanuwantiya is just the place! From Omkareshwar, visitors can hit the road to travel further south in the state of Madhya Pradesh to Hanuwantiya, which hosts the famous Jal Mahotsav each year.

Nestled in the lap of the largest reservoir in India – Indira Sagar Dam – Jal Mahotsav unfolds the natural beauty of the heart of India – Madhya Pradesh. The month-long festival, held this year from January 3 to February 3, is the perfect ode to the food, art & crafts, culture and nature of Madhya Pradesh.

Here, power-packed performances, including Ganesh Vandana, Panihari Nritya, Shiv Tandav Strotam, Gangaur Nritya, Kathak and Bundelkhandi Nritya dance forms, keep visitors entertained through the day and night. A horde of water sports and water based activities, including para-motoring, jet-skiing, water sofa rides and motorboat rides, also keep the adventurous spirit alive, while evenings are often dedicated to hot-air ballooning and relaxed dinners. Accommodation options vary from normal to luxury tents equipped with the best amenities.

Saurabh Pandey, Assistant Manager – Events & Marketing, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, says, “Luxury tents are constructed to ensure a comfortable stay for our visitors. We are soon to introduce an open-air café at the centre of the Jal Mahotsav area. Though we have been more focused on domestic travellers, Madhya Pradesh Tourism is geared up to introduce festivals like this to attract foreign tourists as well. Adventure sports and cultural performances are equally enjoyed by Indian and foreign tourists. We will soon be promoting MP for destination weddings as well.”