Eastern Madhya Pradesh Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gems of Eastern Madhya Pradesh with our travel guide, covering everything from cultural and natural attractions to food, accommodation, and transportation options.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Eastern Madhya Pradesh

Eastern Madhya Pradesh is a beautiful region located in central India. It is well-known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural attractions, and delicious local cuisine. If you are planning to explore this region, then you have come to the right place. In this travel guide, we will cover everything you need to know to make your journey to Eastern Madhya Pradesh a memorable one.

Introduction to Eastern Madhya Pradesh

Eastern Madhya Pradesh is a region that includes a number of cities including Jabalpur, Pachmarhi, Kanha National Park, and Bandhavgarh National Park. The region is well-connected to other parts of India by road, rail, and air. The area is surrounded by the beautiful Vindhyachal and Satpura mountain ranges.

List of Places to Visit in Eastern Madhya Pradesh

If you are planning to visit Eastern Madhya Pradesh, then here are the top places that you shouldn’t miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Madan Mahal Fort: Located in Jabalpur, this fort is a great place to explore the history of Eastern Madhya Pradesh.
  • Rani Durgavati Museum: This museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Rani Durgavati, who was a popular queen of Jabalpur.
  • Khajuraho Temples: These famous temples are UNESCO World Heritage sites and are known for their erotic sculptures.
  • Bhimbetka Rock Shelters: These ancient rock shelters are located near Bhopal and contain the oldest known human cave paintings.

Natural Attractions of Eastern Madhya Pradesh: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kanha National Park: This national park is home to a wide variety of animals, including tigers, leopards, and Indian bison.
  • Bandhavgarh National Park: This park is known for its high density of tigers and is also home to leopards and other wildlife.
  • Pachmarhi Hill Station: This hill station is known for its beautiful waterfalls, scenic views, and adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing, and rappelling.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern Madhya Pradesh

Eastern Madhya Pradesh is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, making it an ideal destination for hiking and biking. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Dhoopgarh: Located in Pachmarhi, this is the highest point in the Satpura Range and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Kanha National Park: The park offers several hiking trails, including the Banjar River Trail, the Khatia-Kisli Trail, and the Bamni Dadar Trail.
  • Bandhavgarh Fort: This fort is located inside Bandhavgarh National Park and can be reached by a 7 km trek through the forest.

Best Things to Do in Eastern Madhya Pradesh: Activities and Tours

Apart from the natural and cultural attractions, Eastern Madhya Pradesh offers numerous activities and tours for tourists. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Jeep Safari: You can take a jeep safari in Kanha National Park or Bandhavgarh National Park to see tigers, leopards, Indian bison, and other wildlife.
  • River Rafting: River rafting is a popular activity in Jabalpur, where you can experience the thrill of rafting in the Narmada River.
  • Tribal Village Tour: You can take a tour of the tribal villages in Dindori and Mandla districts to experience the traditional way of life of the local tribes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern Madhya Pradesh

If you have a week to explore Eastern Madhya Pradesh, then here is a recommended itinerary:

Day Destination
1 Jabalpur - Visit Madan Mahal Fort and Rani Durgavati Museum
2 Kanha National Park - Take a jeep safari
3 Pachmarhi - Explore the hill station and visit waterfalls
4 Bandhavgarh National Park - Take a jeep safari and visit Bandhavgarh Fort
5 Khajuraho Temples - Visit the famous temples
6 Bhopal - Visit Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
7 Sanchi Stupa - Visit the famous Buddhist site

Food and Drink Scene of Eastern Madhya Pradesh

Eastern Madhya Pradesh is known for its delicious local cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Dal Bafla: This is a staple food of the region, which consists of steamed wheat dough balls served with dal and chutney.
  • Bhutte Ka Kees: This is a popular street food made from grated corn, milk, and spices.
  • Palak Puri: This is a deep-fried bread made from spinach puree and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Lassi: This is a popular yogurt-based drink, which is very refreshing in the hot weather.
  • Ganne Ka Ras: This is a juice made from sugarcane, which is a popular summer drink in the region.

Where to Stay in Eastern Madhya Pradesh: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eastern Madhya Pradesh offers a wide range of accommodation options for tourists, ranging from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. Here are some of the best options:

  • Taj Gateway Hotel: This hotel is located in Jabalpur and offers luxurious rooms and excellent amenities.
  • Denwa Backwater Escape: This resort is located near Satpura National Park and offers beautiful views of the backwaters of Denwa River.
  • Pachmarhi Eco-friendly Resort: This eco-friendly resort is located in Pachmarhi and offers cottages surrounded by beautiful gardens.

What to Buy in Eastern Madhya Pradesh: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring back home from Eastern Madhya Pradesh:

  • Tribal Handicrafts: The region is home to a number of tribal communities, who are known for their traditional handicrafts like bamboo crafts, terracotta toys, and tribal jewelry.
  • Chanderi Saris: These are beautiful saris made from a blend of silk and cotton and are famous all over India.
  • Maheshwari Saris: These are another type of beautiful saris, which are made in the town of Maheshwar.

Local Culture and Customs of Eastern Madhya Pradesh

The people of Eastern Madhya Pradesh are known for their hospitality and friendly nature. The region is home to a number of tribal communities, who have their own distinct culture and traditions. One common tradition among the people of the region is the use of handicrafts in their daily lives, which is a testament to their rich cultural heritage.

Best Time to Visit Eastern Madhya Pradesh

The best time to visit Eastern Madhya Pradesh is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The monsoon season between July and September should be avoided as the heavy rains can make travel difficult.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern Madhya Pradesh

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Try the local cuisine.
  • Carry enough cash as ATM facilities may not be available everywhere.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothes while visiting temples or other religious sites.
  • Disrespect the environment by throwing trash or littering.

Safety and Health

Safety in Eastern Madhya Pradesh

Eastern Madhya Pradesh is generally a safe place for tourists. However, it is always best to take basic precautions like avoiding deserted areas at night and not carrying large amounts of cash.

Health in Eastern Madhya Pradesh

The region is malaria-prone, so it is best to take appropriate precautions like using mosquito repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothes, and sleeping under mosquito nets.

Getting to Eastern Madhya Pradesh: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Eastern Madhya Pradesh

The nearest airports to Eastern Madhya Pradesh are Jabalpur Airport and Raipur Airport.

Bus Stations Near Eastern Madhya Pradesh

The major bus stations in Eastern Madhya Pradesh are located in Jabalpur and Bhopal.

Other Options

The region is well-connected to other parts of India by rail and road. The major railway stations in the region are Jabalpur Junction and Bhopal Junction.

How to Get Around in Eastern Madhya Pradesh

The best way to get around in Eastern Madhya Pradesh is by private taxi or hired car. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also available in major towns and cities.

Where to Go Next from Eastern Madhya Pradesh: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions that you can take from Eastern Madhya Pradesh:

  • Orchha: This historical town is located near Jhansi and is famous for its palaces and temples.
  • Sanchi: This town is home to a famous Buddhist site, the Sanchi Stupa.
  • Kanha-Pench Circuit: This circuit includes Kanha National Park, Pench National Park, and other nearby attractions.

Conclusion

Eastern Madhya Pradesh has something to offer for everyone, from its beautiful natural attractions to its rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine. We hope this travel guide helps you plan your trip to this amazing region and makes your journey a memorable one. Happy travels!