Called “the heart of India,” Madhya Pradesh is more wild and less traversed than other states and regions. Instead of glistening palaces, you’ll find intricate ruins. Rather than fine museums, you will track Bengal tigers in their native habitat. It is a region that rewards the deep travelers, the adventurers, and the explorers.

The state is thick with monuments and religious relics from kingdoms and empires. Cultural artifacts confirm the presence of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam in Madhya Pradesh for centuries, each leaving their distinct mark on the art and architecture of the region.

Three sites in the state have been named UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The erotic and elaborate Khajuraho Monuments are prime examples of nagara architecture. Of the original 85 temples just 20 remain, housing invaluable examples of Hindu and Jain Indian art.

Sanchi, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains India’s oldest stupa, a round structure intended for meditation and the preservation of relics. The nearby Bhimbetka rock shelters, the third UNESCO World Heritage Site, indicates that Madhya Pradesh is not only the heart of India, but also its birthplace, showing evidence of the earliest inhabitants of the subcontinent.

The state may have as many preserves and parks as it does notable ruins. The wildlife diversity here is astounding. The forested hills and plateaus are home to the plethora of creatures that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, which is said to have been set in Madhya Pradesh. Visitors will have the most luck sighting the large mammals inside one of the region’s national parks. Ker & Downey works with seasoned professionals and conservation-minded guides to maximize your odds of success in catching a glimpse of one of the large cats or bison, while at the same time contributing to their survival in the wild. Contact your Ker & Downey representative today to begin your journey into India’s wild heart.