The choices of travelling Central & Western India are as varied as the country itself. The apt destination that offers varied attractions from the largest wildlife reserves in India, tribal communities, rural tourism to culture and heritage, temple arts, handicrafts and the alluring sandy beaches.
This area extends from the deserts bordering Pakistan, stretches east towards the Vindhya and Satpura ranges gently sloping down to the tropical slopes of the Western Ghats, is home to the greatest number of World Heritage sites in India. Central & Western India is not only submerged in a historical and enchanting setting, it is also a wide spread of art and architecture itself. Right from the Islamic structural designs in Ahmadabad to the erogenous carvings on the temples of Khajuraho and the exciting bustling city of Mumbai.
If Madhya Pradesh poses as land of the big cats- the Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, the Pench National Park and the Panna National Park gives you the best opportunity to watch the stealthy strides of noble tigers and to observe the wildlife, flora and fauna. While in Gujarat, the Gir National Park shelters the endangered Asiatic lions and the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers and twitchers.
If you are ardent lover of art, then see the amorous temples in Gwalior and Khajuraho, amazing sculptures in the town of Orchha, Maheshwar, Omkareshwar and ruins of temples and palaces all over Madhya Pradesh. Also witness the Bhimbhetka Caves and later drop in to see the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi to find some of the oldest cave paintings in the world. Or visit the world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra for more cave paintings and sculptures.
The fascinating thing about Central India is that it is nourished with culture and heritage, wildlife and amazing landscapes. There is a wealth of historical association in every stride you take and where you least expect it. Even its exquisite handicrafts are created to match the rich hues of the region’s heritage. The diversity rightly holds an arrogant sway over the psyche of the land.
