An incredibly large state that takes up the majority of central India, Madhya Pradesh doesn’t need to vie for attention. 

It is surprisingly quiet, not demanding attention like many of its neighbors.  Instead, it just is.  Both at once big and beautiful it offers much to anyone who wants to take the time to prowl around in the depths of its plains.

Tourism in Madhya Pradesh

Tribal Culture of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is home to a thriving tribal culture, aboriginal tribes like the Bhils, Baigas, Maria and Muria among others are all found here.  In fact the aboriginal tribes here constitute 40% of the whole aboriginal population in India.  Population is pretty sparse in the tribal areas as the terrain is hilly and mountainous and often times this can prove difficult. This poses a big problem as far as communications, transport and medical facilities are concerned and despite the best efforts of the government developing the infrastructure to best help these tribes has been very slow in coming along.

Tiger Parks in Madhya Pradesh

Tiger parks are without a doubt the main attraction here, the main three being Kanha, Pench and Bandhavgarh, within these three parks you have possibly the best chances of ever seeing a tiger which is perhaps India’s most treasured animal.  But perhaps even more exciting is that within Bandhavgarh you would have to be somewhat unlucky to not see such a beautiful cat in the wild.

Other Tourism Highlights For Madhya Pradesh

An outdoor enthusiast’s adventure playground, one can head into the hills to stations such as Pachmarhi for jeep safaris and trekking or head to Orchha to experience some river rafting.  Otherwise if you are more of a history buff or interested in erotica, the erotic carvings at Khajuraho are by far some of the most shining examples of temple art in India.  But they are not all that Madhya Pradesh has to offer, afghan monuments within the ruined hilltop city of mandu stand with imposing palaces that tower over Orchha and Bhimbetka offers 12,000 year old rock paintings. 

Prehistoric Madhya Pradesh

The prehistoric rock paintings at Bhimbetka are well preserved and date back to Paleolithic times.  It is no joke when you hear Madhya Pradesh referred to as Gondwana, it has been concluded that this may very well be one of the very earliest of human dwellings.  The excavations here have even displayed a cultural sequence that can be followed right from the late Stone Age to the earliest historical periods.

Humble Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh in reality is not the non-descript state that it is often thought to be.  In fact for many tourists it is a rich feast, its prehistoric paintings are second to none, but it also has historic forts, erotic temples and an enriching tribal culture.  Unfortunately its tourist infrastructure is not very well developed.  But hey, whoever said India was a walk in the park. There has to be some give and take, and Madhya Pradesh is more willing to give an honest depiction, devoid of hype and clamor than many of India’s more “pushy” states.