Welcome to India’s heart. A tour of Central India is like a journey to the spirit of Indian heritage and culture. And in this heart reside two states – Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh – who together form the Indian Heartland. The historic monuments, architectural wonders, lush green forests and rich wildlife make the heart of India so beautiful.
Walk through the historical sculptures at the Khajuraho Temple Complex in Madhya Pradesh. This UNESCO World Heritage site, built manually in the 10th century with nothing but hammers and chisel, is an epitome of human imagination and craftsmanship. The cave sculptures offer an awe-inspiring sight of sculptures depicting stories of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain mythology, different human emotions, and the world-famous erotic postures from Kama Sutra.
Ancient Indian history unfolds deeper in the caves of Bhimbetka. Take a walk 30,000 years back, and witness the cave paintings of horses, dancers, and hunters that tell the story of a time forgotten in antiquity.
Continue your quest into Indian heritage and culture at the Sanchi Stupa, which is famous for the intricate stone carvings that tell the life story of Lord Buddha and also hosts the oldest scripture in India – the Ye Dharma Hetu inscription – written by Emperor Asoka. Feel the spirituality of Buddhist philosophy at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Walking down the path of history to the medieval age, arrive at the glorious Gwalior Fort. This hilltop fort is described as the ‘the pearl among fortresses of India’ for being the medieval centre of architecture and culture. Turn another page of India’s regal history at Mandu Fort, the largest fort in the country. The ‘floating fort’ is home to the structure that inspired the design of the Taj Mahal. The city of Mandu was founded in 600 BC and the ruins stand as silent witness to its glorious past.
Discover the natural beauty of the Indian Heartland at the spectacular marble waterfalls in Jabalpur and have a surreal experience by sailing on River Narmada on a moonlit night as she makes her way through the giant 100-feet-tall marble canyons at Bhedaghat.
Once you’ve made your way through the calm waters of Narmada, listen to the roaring rapids of River Mandakini at the Chitrakore Falls in Chhattisgarh, which is famously known as the Niagra of India.
Going to Central India and not experiencing the wildlife tours is like going to a pastry shop and not taking a bite. Explore the wild side of India at the Bandhavgarh National Park with the famous tiger safari tour. India has the densest population of tigers in the world and some of the most famous tigers belong to the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
The state of Madhya Pradesh is the hub of wildlife safaris in India with famous tiger reserves scattered around the Vindhya mountain range, including Kanha National Park, Pench National Park, Panna National Park, and the Satpura Wildlife Sanctuary. The jeep safaris get you up close with the tigers, leopards, sambar deer, elephants, wild boars and various species of animals.
If you are looking for some wonderful and unique experiences in the Indian heartland, let us know. We’d be glad to design a Central India tour customized to your taste and comfort.
Kanha’s sal and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands and meandering streams stretch over 940 sq km in dramatic natural splendour which form the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1974 under Project Tiger.
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of India on this tour of India’s Fabled Golden Triangle. Enjoy Rickshaw ride in the bustling streets of Old Delhi, see Asia’s largest mosque in Delhi.