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Touted fiercely as the Tiger State of India, and fondly as the Heart of India, Madhya Pradesh is a state drenched in adventure sports and activities that you perhaps never knew of! Nestled in central India, this hamlet is a marvelous expression of famous destinations like Delawadi, Pachmarhi, Tawa, Bhedaghat, Bandhavgarh, Orchha, Tamia and Bhopal among others where adventure activities, tours and treks flourish, given the spawning choices available to satiate adventure-lust.
Speaking of adventure, the renowned Tiger Trail of Madhya Pradesh is a favorite among wildlife explorers. The trail goes into the wilds of the Pench National Park, the Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, onto the Sanjay National Park, and the Panna National Park. It is a popular trail that magnetizes many a tourist to come experience the luxuriant wild!
Speaking of wildlife, a natural habitat is also being designed in Kuno near Shivpuri to host and breed Asiatic lions from Gir National Park.
Jungle safaris, camping and trekking, water sports, adventure sports on lands and hills and nature walks are the many jaunts that people enjoy here in Madhya Pradesh. MP has been successfully tempting a large number of tourists every year, to come and indulge in action-packed adventures.
Thrilling escapades like parasailing and banana boat ride to refreshing ones like rock climbing, hiking and trekking, from quaint hills of Pachmarhi to native wildlife at the National Parks, there lay a tasteful experience in Madhya Pradesh. The diverse landscapes offer millions of people to come experience land and water activities and feel adrenaline rush in their veins.
There’s no dearth of adventure exploration, it only awaits to be explored!
We have curated a thrilling guide for the thriving adventure sports activities in various places of Madhya Pradesh and we recommend gearing up for your next adventure already!
1. River Rafting
River rafting in Madhya Pradesh! Yes, by all means! Braving the rapids and turbulent streams of rivers is an indulging activity. River rafting in Madhya Pradesh can be enjoyed in the Betwa River in Orchha. Rafting through hair-raising rapids of Grade I and Grade II is a refreshing experience overlooking the Kanchana Ghat.
Betwa River rafting is for a 3 kilometer long distance and generally lasts for 45 minutes. It can be enjoyed by couples, a group of friends or solo too. The approximate cost for rafting in Orchha is INR 800 – 2000 and the best time to visit is from October to April as the climate remains cold and surrounding natural beauty of Orchha is at its best.
Rafting here takes you through the Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary and landscapes including architectural gems, statues and lush greenery which are on the edges of Betwa River.
2. Rock Climbing
Madhya Pradesh is a state of dreamy landscapes subsisting of natural rock formations, hills and ravines. Pachmarhi, a hill station nestled beautifully at 1100 meters serves as the perfect region for rock climbing experiences. Hills and ravines of Pachmarhi are an adrenaline pumping challenge. Sedimentary rocks by nature, the enriched verdant valleys are not to be missed at all! We recommend mountaineering shoes and a spirit to chase adventure! The view from the top of the hills is mesmerizing, and is something to die for!
The best time to visit Pachmarhi for rock climbing is from November – April, when the surroundings are serene as the climate is pleasant, given the winter months. Patalkot and Raneh Waterfalls are other wonderful places that are perfect for rock climbing for travelers who seek multiple adventure destinations in MP!
3. Ziplining
Ziplining tours are an electrifying experience of flying mid-air, only suspended from a cable! It is a popular sport organized in Bhopal over the Kerwa Lake. With a 520m long twin zip line, which is also among the longest in India in this region, it is a classic adventure experience for adventure junkies who want to ride high on adrenaline.
Ziplining begins by suspending the person on the cable and harnessing him securely. The experience is absolutely spine-tingling! The adventurer enjoys the panoramic aerial beauty of the lake water and serene surroundings. Before you can scream to the fullest on your ride, you will find yourself landing in water. Yes! Ziplining at Kerwa Lake Dam end by making the person land in the lake waters of Kerwa Lake. Thoroughly refreshing!
The Raneh Waterfalls in Madhya Pradesh is another excellent location for ziplining activities. It is a haven for adventure enthusiasts for flying mid-air on a cable!
It is an ideal activity for a group of people and solo travelers both.
4. Paragliding
Paragliding is a recreational outdoor sport for those who seek thrill to fly in the air like a free bird. The sport satiates the thirst of adventurers to fly freely in the sky!
Flyers are accompanied by expert instructors who skillfully handle the fly and ensure full safety while taking off and landing.
For those who are keen on experiencing the sport, it is performed in Bhopal and in the hills of Pachmarhi. Pachmarhi serves as an ideal site as its hills offer a great altitude. Paragliding offers spectacular aerial views of monuments, waterfalls and green valley’s all around and below, allowing experiencing Madhya Pradesh in a unique way!
Patalkot in MP is also an upcoming destination that promotes paragliding!
January – April are the best months for paragliding in MP.
5. Jungle Safaris
Madhya Pradesh is one of the most exciting wildlife destinations in India. For those who go beyond the ordinary to explore the wilds of the jungles, Madhya Pradesh is a treat for them.
Blessed with 9 National Parks, 6 Tiger Reserves and 25 Wildlife Sanctuaries, MP quenches the adventure thirst in a true spirit. Jungle safaris are the best way to explore the entire wilderness in their majesty.
Kanha, Panna, Satpura, Bandhavgarh, Sanjay and Pench National Park are among the leading few where jungles safaris are organized regularly. The Kanha National Park is one of the tiger reserves of India and the largest national park of Madhya Pradesh. Wildlife safaris here are worth every penny! These are organized through jeeps, canters, and elephants.
MP is home to 20% of India’s tiger population and 10% of the world’s tiger population. From Barasingha, Bengal Tigers, Spotted Deer and Wild Boars to Bison, Leopards, Sambar Deers, Civets, Porcupines and Sloth Bears, there’s a rich wildlife in Madhya Pradesh for exploration.
6. Trekking & Nature Walks
One of the finest offerings of Madhya Pradesh is the many hiking trails. There is a myriad of mesmerizing terrains and landscapes and each one offers a unique trekking experience.
Trekking in the velvety green hills of Pachmarhi to those around the National Parks and their boundaries, we recommend enjoying every bit as these will refresh you thoroughly and enchant you.
There are various trekking trails that people can take up in and around Satpura, Amarkantak, Bhopal and Pachmarhi. Regions like Tawa and Tamia are great hamlets for exploring eco-trails and nature walks. Trekking to Bhimbetka Caves and Ginnorgarh Fort from Bhopal are indulging trails to take up. Refer to MP Tourism website or information centres and connect with the team on-ground for knowing about the best of ongoing trails in the region according to the seasons.
7. Jungle Camping
There are refreshingly offbeat options in Madhya Pradesh for adventurers to camp at. Jungle camping to riverside camping, you will not be let down by MP’s camping retreats. Thrilling campsites in Madhya Pradesh to be explored are the many in and near Bhopal, Pench, Kanha National Park, Maheshwar, Orchha and Pachmarhi.
The Betwa River in Orchha and its tributary, Jamni River along with the forests nearby make Orchha an adventurer’s paradise for camping. Campers can explore the rich cultural heritage and experience solace at the riverside. Accommodation is built in tents and serves as a classic change from urban homes.
Legend marks Pench as the birthplace of ‘Mowgli’. Camps in Pench promise to give you a rustic feel in their wooden shelters. Pench is enclosed in a wilderness and is a sterling campsite for utter peacefulness.
Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh is another serene paradise, ideal for luxurious camping amid nature. Camping overlooks the holy River Narmada, and serves as an ideal site to camp with friends and family.
Along with this, Delawadi is another place with amazing camping setup right in the midst of forests accompanied with a warm bonfire. The jungle camps are a mix of beauty along with adventure and are truly an offbeat experience!
Pachmarhi, the highest point in Madhya Pradesh consists of exotic hilly terrains, green-laden valleys and waterfalls. It is undeniably one of the best places to camp at, in the arms of tranquility and mountain air.
8. Cycling & Biking Trails
Cycling and biking trails are the leading adventure activity for intensive adventure! Riding through undefined paths and making way through twisty hills and riverbanks, it’s an adrenaline pumping adventure indeed.
There are many cycling and biking trails in Pachmarhi, Jabalpur, Bhopal, Orchha, Indore and others near Mandu as well. Pachmarhi routes offer breathtaking views and are challenging trails as each one is at a good altitude. A thickly forested island formed between the Betwa River and the Jamni River offers invigorating cycling trails. Biking trails are more common in Bhopal and Indore whereas mountain cycling tours in Jabalpur, Orchha and Pachmarhi.
The adventure with MP Tourism extends with their thrilling cycling tour ‘Tour De Satpura’ which is a one of its kind cycling tour in central India. The tour starts from Ramakona and ends at Tawa Dam. Promoting eco-tourism, this cycling trail takes you through breathtaking views and picturesque valleys of Satpura.
9. Rappelling | Kayaking | Bird Watching | Other Water Activities
Not just a bunch of adventures, Madhya Pradesh has abundant adventure jaunts for voyagers. Rappelling, kayaking and bird watching are other invigorating and refreshing activities to indulge in. Kayaking in River Betwa and Narmada, rappelling in Indore, Jabalpur and Pachmarhi and bird-watching at the many National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, Madhya Pradesh is truly a pioneer in adventure sports and activities.
Places like Tawa and Madhai are spectacular destinations for a serene retreat near water. Tawa Dam promotes cruise boat rides in its large blue water reservoir. Nearby Tawa is the Satpura National Park where bird-watching and jungle safaris can be taken up.
Madhai is a serene place that is a part of the Sapura biosphere and will mesmerize you with its placid views of Satpura and water body nearby. One can also uniquely experience boating at Bhedaghat. The place is renowned for its marble rocks and soap stones and is a serene adventure.
10. The Biggest Adventure Festival – Jal Mahotsav
Promoting adventure tourism rightfully, MP Tourism nurtured the unexplored and untouched Hanuwantiya Island in Madhya Pradesh for its exalted Jal Mahotsav. The idea was to magnetize travelers to rejuvenate themselves and be adventurous together! Here a plethora of activities were promoted, including air, land and water activities.
Parasailing, hot-air balloon rides, banana boat rides, cruise boats and more, Jal Mahotsav is truly a melting pot of adventure and sports that has successfully positioned Madhya Pradesh as the pioneering adventure destination in India!
Today, an increasing number of people are making it to the Jal Mahotsav to explore Madhya Pradesh eccentrically. We say, come experience ecstasy in your heart and soul in the Heart of India, Madhya Pradesh!
Thrillophilia truly believes in the adventure potential of Madhya Pradesh that many travelers are yet to explore. A hidden gem in India, Madhya Pradesh is the leading adventure land in India!
