Where to Travel in NORTH INDIA 

Slated as THE next tourism hotspot to emerge from the subcontinent, the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is home to some of the country’s most spectacular architecture, culture, wildlife and scenery – yet remains almost completely crowd free. Famed for the magnificent quality of their sculptures, as well as the erotic themes that depict scenes from the Kama Sutra, the UNESCO World Heritage temples at Khajuraho are one of Madhya Pradesh’s most celebrated attractions. To the East and South of here, amongst the dense jungle, is the habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger and the beautiful wildlife parks of Panna, Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Pench. Rural laid-back Orchha on the banks of the River Betwa is a morning’s drive from Khajuraho and the location of well-preserved medieval palaces, chhatris (cenotaphs) and temples. To the north, Gwalior is a magical destination that was once the seat of power of several major Rajput kingdoms whose rich legacy is evident in the elaborate palaces, ornate temples and muscular many turreted castle that gives Gwalior its great appeal. A train ride away, Bhopal is chiefly noted for its fascinating Tribal Museum and as a gateway to both the important archaeological site of Sanchi (where some of India’s oldest Buddhist relics can be found) and the pristine wilderness of Satpura National Park. To the West, the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh is home to a central Indian ‘Golden Triangle’. Ujjain and Omkareshwar are both major religious centres attracting large numbers of Hindu pilgrims, while the picturesque abandoned ruins of medieval Mandu are celebrated for their fine architecture. Nearby, at Maheshwar, a town known as the ‘Varanasi of central India’, is the charming family owned Ahilya Fort - an ideal base from which to immerse yourself in this unique, delightful and little known part of the Indian subcontinent.