I spent my year-end holidays travelling across some well known and some less known places in Madhya Pradesh. The least known of these places was Orchha, while the most well known was Khajuraho. The Central Indian state did not disappoint me. Firstly, being far from all the major cities, it doesn't get large tourist crowds even in its well known destinations. Next, it has some remarkable sites that are a feast to the eyes.
I started my journey from Orchha, a small town at the northern border of the state. I then went to the historical town of Khajuraho and then to Kanha, the tiger reserve with one of the largest population of tigers. I also spent a day in Jabalpur in between, visiting Dhuandhar falls and the marble rocks through which Narmada flows.
Orchha impressed me with its quiet setting next to a beautiful river. Khajuraho has some exquisite carvings that are unlikely to be seen anywhere else in North India. The beauty of the narrow valley through which Narmada flows near Jabalpur is unparalleled. And in Kanha, I got to see the mighty king of the jungle. The trip could not have been better.
I did happen to find some difficulties in traversing the state. Transport between towns is poor and painfully slow. The quality of accommodation could be much better. Some of the smaller towns in MP are incredibly dirty. These are probably some reasons why MP doesn't see as many tourists that match its potential. Nevertheless, the sights in MP are worth putting up with all these problems.