VK Sanju
Evergreen forests that defy the summer sun, caves mouths that gush out cool water long after the monsoon fades, hill stations echoing a Kerala charm – it is an irreplaceable, timeless and irresistible wealth of biodiversity that Madhya Pradesh holds for any traveller.
Once a hidden gem among travellers, the State now strides confidently towards global recognition. Known as India’s Tiger State, its famed wildlife safaris long defined the region’s allure. But today there is also a different, richer in rhythm heart beat in the centre of the nation where luxury meets adventure, culture blends with innovation and local communities join to present the traveller a truly world-class tourism experience.
Blessed with extraordinary wildlife diversity, Madhya Pradesh has pioneered a model of sustainable ecotourism, weaving conservation with community growth. Revenue from tiger reserves and safaris flows back into protecting the wilderness and uplift of local lives. Here, residents have become guardians of their own natural heritage, making sure that nature and people thrive together.
The State is charting fresh frontiers in adventure tourism, inviting travellers to step beyond safari jeeps and feel the earth beneath their feet. Through trekking and hiking, visitors can explore untouched trails that unveil the State’s rich tapestry of landscapes, each meandering into nature’s living heart.
The region’s rivers and reservoirs are being transformed into vibrant hubs of water adventure, offering activities like kayaking and other thrilling sports. Immersive camping experiences bring travellers closer to nature’s rhythm, while glamping - its luxurious counterpart - adds a touch of elegance to the wilderness. Together, they promise moments of serenity, excitement and unforgettable connection with the natural world.
Madhya Pradesh places strong emphasis on luxury tourism to attract discerning travellers from all around. In a distinctive blend of opulence and heritage, the State is developing a world-class golf course in Sanchi, a site steeped in ancient history. Here, timeless legacy meets contemporary elegance, giving the global traveller a rare and captivating experience.
The recently concluded Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart was a platform for the State to unveil the plan for a world-class 18-hole golf course near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sanchi with the support of the Travel Agents Association of India.
It is the rare confluence of wildlife, spirituality, heritage and culture that draws the world’s leading hospitality brands to Madhya Pradesh. “Madhya Pradesh is where our brand introduced India’s first luxury safari experience,” said Praveen Chandra Kumar, Executive Vice-President of the Indian Hotels Company Limited, during the Travel Mart. IHCL, which currently operates nine hotels across the State, has announced plans to add eight more to its portfolio. Similarly, Anirudh Kandpal, co-founder of The Postcard Hotel, revealed plans to launch ultra-luxury wildlife lodges in the famed Kanha and Pench National Parks.
The vast and intricate geography of Madhya Pradesh has long posed a challenge for travellers exploring its many treasures. To bridge these distances, the State has launched connectivity initiatives, with regional helicopter services at their core. Through agreements with Trans Bharat Aviation and Jet Serve Aviation Pvt Ltd, air routes are being established across three key sectors linking more than 30 destinations. This network will dramatically cut travel time to iconic locations such as Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Ujjain and Khajuraho.
The Narmada Yatra stands out as a landmark initiative to enhance waterway connectivity while enriching tourist experiences. Central to this vision is the Narmada Cruise - a pioneering venture in spiritual and cultural tourism. Stretching from Meghnath Ghat in Dhar district to the iconic Statue of Unity in Gujarat, the cruise promises an unparalleled journey through history, culture and scenic beauty. Five companies have already received approval to operate this service to be implemented in collaboration with the Gujarat Government. While Gujarat Tourism currently offers local cruises near the Statue of Unity, this cross-State initiative is set to deliver a far more immersive and captivating experience for travellers.
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board acknowledges that Madhya Pradesh lacks the sun-kissed beaches Kerala or Goa have; a rare gap in its tourism portfolio. The State is planning innovative projects, including scuba diving and other water-based adventures, leveraging its expansive backwaters, lakes and rivers to create unique aquatic experiences.
Landlocked, yet rich in waterways, Madhya Pradesh is transforming its lakes and reservoirs into premier tourism destinations. At the heart of this vision is the Nasarpur Island Wellness Project, set on the Indira Sagar Reservoir in Khandwa district with an investment of Rs 140 crore. The resort will offer a holistic luxury experience, combining elegantly appointed rooms, spa therapies, meditation and yoga sessions and a range of water sports - blending wellness, adventure and nature in one exceptional destination.
Hanuwantiya Glamping adds a new dimension to Madhya Pradesh’s tourism landscape. In a collaboration with Easemytrip, Hanuwantia at Indira Sagar Reservoir is being transformed into a hub for glamping and adventure tourism, featuring a luxury tent city that blends comfort, nature and thrill in a truly immersive experience.
Air India Sales Head Maneesh Puri promised robust support to enhance last-mile connectivity to Tier-3 cities, ensuring that international travellers can seamlessly access the State’s luxury tourism destinations with ease and convenience.
Madhya Pradesh is spearheading an ambitious digital and cultural campaign to elevate its tourism profile. TV commercial The Sitarist starring world-renowned sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar, takes viewers on a mesmerizing musical voyage, tracing the intricate stone carvings of Orchha, the storeyed ruins of Mandu and the tranquil ghats of Maheshwar, weaving history, art and melody into an unforgettable experience.
Efforts are ahead to develop Madhya Pradesh into a sprawling film city, drawing leading production houses such as Balaji Telefilms and positioning the State as a vibrant hub for cinema and creative storytelling. Strategic collaborations with premier digital platforms like Yatra.com and Curly Tales amplify the State’s stories to a global audience, showcasing its rich cultural and natural heritage. Partnering with Ataavi Bird Foundation, the State is to promote birdwatching tourism, ushering in a new era of eco-adventure experiences for discerning travellers.
Madhya Pradesh channels tourism revenue directly to local communities through initiatives like the Village Vibes exhibition, which connects travellers with authentic cultural experiences, and by enabling local homestay operators to engage directly with tour operators.
To elevate tourism, the Madhya Pradesh Government is rolling out a comprehensive five-tier strategy. The first tier prioritizes high-end investments, with Rs 3,665 crore secured through the Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart to develop golf courses, wellness resorts and luxury lodges. The second tier revolutionizes travel convenience via regional helicopter services and the Narmada Cruise. The third-tier targets global outreach, leveraging Anoushka Shankar’s film and digital storytelling campaigns alongside expansive digital engagement to showcase the State to the world.
The fourth tier lays stress on sustainable and socially responsible ecotourism, channeling safari revenues into wildlife conservation and community development. Complementing this, the State is expanding into niche segments such as golf tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) and luxury wedding tourism, broadening the appeal to diverse traveller interests.
Together, these integrated initiatives are expected to establish Madhya Pradesh as a premier global destination, captivating travellers with its unique blend of nature, culture, luxury, and adventure.
