The second largest state and known as the Heart Of India is a plethora of flora and fauna coupled with a hoard of tourism activities that include pilgrimage and monuments and architecture. With a platter of cultures and constructions that show us the times of the past, we get to feast our eyes on something that isn’t found regularly. With that being said, we give you some of the best offbeat activities to do in Madhya Pradesh-

1. Live amongst the wilderness

Among the magnificent wilderness of the Kanha National park, experience a while of life amidst the woods of the jungle. Owned by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, the Baghira Log Huts is the only resort in Kanha which is located inside the core zone of this tiger reserve and lets you experience the best offbeat activity to do in Madhya Pradesh in offbeat trails of a wild adventure.

2. Wild yet calm

Wilderness and forests aren’t always about adventure. Some are peaceful too and that can be experienced while you are mounted on an elephant’s back swinging left and right while you explore the enthralling area of the Bandhavgarh National Park. This is one surely offbeat experience in Madhya Pradesh to steal from the list.

3. Handicrafts and culture

While you shop around the state, do not forget to bag yourself some popular handmade dhurries and carpets, the delicate Bamboo Work artefacts, tribal folk paintings, metal and iron craft statues and idols, Dhokra metal casting art, Maheshwari sarees and pottery that portrays unique skills of the locals and its surely quality assuring.

4. Cave paintings

As old as time itself,the Rock shelters of Bhimbetka are engraved in some of the earliest forms of paintings known toman. The sculpted rocks and the prehistoric illustrations surely will leave you to wonder about the existence and evolution of mankind and his life in the prehistoric era.

5. Birds and the wild 

Imagine paddling your way on a boat in a river while you get to witness an extensive diversity of preserved animals and birds lurking in their natural habitat. Such is the experience on the calm yet picturesque boat ride on the Ken river while you get to glance at the beauty of Panna National Park. With the nature that surrounds you and the  migratory birds and amphibians, you surely are in for one of the best offbeat activity to do in Madhya Pradesh and an eye feasty experience.

6. Backpacking 

Radiating an extremely peaceful natural hideout , Rewa is full of natural getaways and enigmatic hiking trails that enchant the offbeat adventurer in you. Stuffed with museums and waterfalls like the  Keoti waterfalls and the Purva waterfalls, this place makes itself appealing both for the calm and the adrenaline junkie in you.

7. The luxury of the past 

Some of the breathtaking and extremely precious and preserved monuments of Prehistoric India lie in the town of Mandu. Monuments that have housed different Dynasties and the constructions that feature luxurious expansive courtyards, beautiful terraces and large halls are just an architectural beauty. The Baz Bahadur Palace , Hindola Mahal,Jami Masjid,Madrasa or Ashrafi Mahal are some of them that carry great stories of conquest and defeat along with their physical beauty.

8. Fresco beauty 

Known for its unbelievably surprising labyrinth that carries the soul of the structure, the Shahi Quila is an immensely appealing and known for its story – It is in this town that Shah Jahan’s wife Mumtaz Mahal died while giving birth to their 14th child. Given the significance of this place, you will witness the bearing of Mughal influence on the structures of Burhanpur. Resting peacefully on the banks of Tapti River,witness the Mughal Iranian architectural styles on the Hammam while you’ll find interesting frescoes on the Shahi Qila that are said to be a major influence on the design of the great Taj Mahal.

9. A foodie retreat

It really is true that a way to any person’s heart is through food and the cuisine of Madhya pradesh is going to be fulfilling for your stomach as well as your experience. Give your tastebuds a ride in the delicacies of poha, bhutte ki khees, dal badla and jalebi and enjoy the sweets -mawa-bati, khoya jalebi, Chikki and experience the fingerlicking tastes of central India! 

By, Ghanshyam Prasad