Madhya Pradesh is home to dense forests resplendent in flora and fauna; where nature is outlined with cultural experiences at various sites. If you are looking for an adventure, visit the heart of India and indulge in a refreshing and holistic holiday.
From wildlife, nature, birding to historical and cultural attractions sprawling across the state, Madhya Pradesh is the perfect mix for a complete vacation. Pench, Ocrchaa, Bedhaghat, Tawa Madhai, Bandhavgarh, Mandu are some of those spots where one would want to start their journey into MP.
Panchmarhi
Madhya Pradesh’s most verdant jewel—Panchmarhi, is a destination where nature finds exquisite expressions in myriad enchanting ways. The magnificence of nature is complimented by the archeological treasures whereby in cave shelters rich rock paintings can be found. Most of these have been placed in the period 500-800 AD but the earliest paintings are estimated to be 10,000 years old. Take a walk through nature and imbibe the culture at some of the fascinating sites like Mahadeo, Dhoopgargh, Rajat Pratap, Handi Koh, Chauragarh Temple, Ashtachal, Jalawataran and Satpura National Park, etc.
Hanuwantiya
A drive from Indore through Indore Omkareshwar by-pass leads you to a spot laying snugly by the side of the Indira Sagar dam— Hanuwantiya. A home for adventure enthusiasts, one can boat in the placid water, backpack in the emerald surroundings, admire the flora and fauna, take a fresh water cruise or have a botanical walk. The Boriyamaal Island situated in the Indira Sagar Dam offers a truly fresh water island experience. The undulating terrain of the island is an invite for the trekking enthusiasts and avid cyclists. The higher altitudes offer challenging terrain for cycling. The island is the home to some of the exotic bird species of Central India. A walk in the wilderness will leave you awestruck at the sheer variety of the winged wonders. Peacock, small cormorant, Black Stork and European Ostray are seen frequently.
Parsili
Parsili is an idyllic place is the Sidhi district which can easily be termed as a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. Situated on the banks of the river Banas, this unspoilt destination is 10 km away from Sanjay Dubri National Park where a passion for wildlife can be complimented with a leisurely break. Birds like Herons, Egrets, White-Necked Stork, White Ibis, Whistling Teal, Kites, Eagles, Harriers, King Fishers and Oriole are part of the rich avifauna. One should take a barefoot trek on the gentle turf of the sand bed of river Banas which leads to Kathbunglow, an old wooden haveli with sprawling gardens. Also take a trip to the Sanjay Dubri National Park to witness exquisite wildlife nestled in the arms of nature.
Raising tourists’ thrill quotient
Madhya Pradesh has been traditionally blessed with nature. When a state is rich in natural resources like hills, forests, water bodies etc, it is but natural that adventure tourism should have been a forte. However, even though we have come on board a little late, we want to change the perception that adventure can be experienced only on snow clad mountains. To prove our credentials as an adventure destination, we have been hosting Jal Mahotsav for the last three years, which is a one of-its-kind water festival in the country.
There are multiple opportunities in Madhya Pradesh for adventure like river rafting, rock climbing, jungle camping, etc. Also, MP is the first state in the country to bring out rules to allow recreational and tourism related activities in the forests. These Wildlife Recreational Rules will allow controlled tourism activities like camping, trekking, bicycle tours, etc. in the forests. Till now 70- 80 areas have been notified as recreational areas by the forest department. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is also putting together facilities to attract adventure tourism enthusiasts to explore the areas in Madhya Pradesh.
MP’s adventure drive
- Madhya Pradesh will host adventure NEXT from December 10-12, 2018 at Bhopal.
- This is Adventure Travel Trade Association’s (ATTA) first event in Asia.
- Under wildlife Recreational Rules 70-80 areas are notified for tourism related activities in forest.