Madhya Pradesh may lie in the shadow of its more glamorous northern neighbour Rajasthan, but it has its own riches to share with adventurous travellers prepared to venture off the well-trodden track: the jaw-dropping temples of Khajuraho, famous for their erotic sculptures; the magnificent fort of Gwalior; the Buddhist stupas of Sanchi; and the ancient cities of Orchha and Mandu - 2 of India’s most romantic yet overlooked historical sites. All of this, yet none of the tourist crowds found in other regions.
And then there’s the wilderness. Madhya Pradesh is home to some of India’s finest wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, including Satpura, Kanha, Pench and Bandhavgarh, all teeming with hundreds of bird species and exotic animals. And for those on the trail of that elusive striped feline, its reserves provide some of the best opportunities for spotting tigers.