Madhya Pradesh, a large state in central India, retains landmarks from eras throughout Indian history. Begun in the 10th century, its Hindu and Jain temples at Khajuraho are renowned for their carvings of erotic scenes, most prominently Kandariya Mahadeva, a temple with more than 800 sculptures. The eastern Bandhavgarh and Kanha national parks, noted Bengal tiger sanctuaries, offer guided safaris.

1. Route: Sanchi – Bhopal – Bhojpur – Bhimbetka – Pachmarhi

Of all the tourist circuits in Madhya Pradesh, this tour lets you explore the various colors of the state. Regardless of your nature of visit – honeymoon, family tour, or a trip with friends – to the central state of India, you will surely be mesmerised. There are caves, temples, historical monuments, lakes, and waterfalls that are covered in this MP tour.

Major attractions

• Sanchi: Sanchi Stupa, Toranas, Monasteries, Ashoka Pillars, Buddhist Vihara, Gupta Temple, and Sanchi Museum
• Bhopal: Upper Lake, Lower Lake, State Museum, Birla Museum, Gohar Mahal, and Van Vihar National Park
• Bhojpur: Bhojeshwar Temple, unfinished Jain temple containing a 6-meter-tall statue of Bhagwan Shantinath with statues of Bhagwan Parshvanath & Bhagwan Suparshvanath on either side, Parvati cave, and remains of Bhoja’s Royal Palace
• Bhimbetka: Rock-cut Bhimbetka caves that are among the popular caves in India
• Pachmarhi: Dhupgarh, Panar pani, Chauragarh, Sangam, Jatashankar & Mahadeo Caves, and Apsara Vihar

Ideal tour duration: 5 nights 6 days

Average package cost: INR 23,000 per person (with stay in 3-star properties on twin-sharing basis)

How to reach:

• By rail: Sanchi has its own railway station.
• By air: Raja Bhoj International Airport (Bhopal), located 56 km from Sanchi, is the nearest international airport.

3. Route: Gwalior – Shivpuri – Orchha – Khajuraho

If you wish to cover the most popular tourist places in Madhya Pradesh, you must take this tour. The history buffs, in particular, will love the visit to the some of the best monuments of the MP tourism that the trip has to offer.

Ideal tour duration: 3 nights 4 days

Average package cost: INR 10,500 per person (with stay in 3-star properties on twin-sharing basis)

How to reach:

• By rail: Gwalior Junction is the nearest railway head.
• By air: Gwalior also has a domestic airport – Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia Air Terminal.

3. Route: Jabalpur – Bhedaghat – Mandla – Kanha – Bandhavgarh

This popular circuit of MP tourism is a delight for the nature lovers. Travelers can have the best wildlife experience in India with the Kanha national park and the Bandhavgarh national park. The white marble caves & the splendid Dhuandhar waterfall of Bhedaghat and the tourist attractions of Mandla & Jabalpur only add to the wonderful experience of this MP tour.

Ideal tour duration: 6 nights 7 days

Average package cost: INR 31,000 per person (with stay in 3-star properties on twin-sharing basis)

How to reach:

• By rail: Jabalpur Junction is the nearest railway head.
• By air: Dumna domestic airport in Jabalpur is the nearest airport.

4. Route: Indore – Ujjain – Maheshwar – Omkareshwar – Mandu

This popular tour lets you explore the religious side of MP tourism. The popular temple towns of Madhya Pradesh are covered in this circuit. In addition to the religious centres, the popular Madhya Pradesh tour also covers the tourist sites of Indore & Mandu.

Ideal tour duration: 4 nights 5 days

Average package cost: INR 12,500 per person (with stay in 3-star properties on twin-sharing bais)

How to reach:

• By rail: Indore Junction is the nearest railway head.
• By air: Indore also has the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport.