Indore today is the most important commercial hub of Madhya Pradesh. The city of Indore is located close to many fascinating natural and cultural wonderlands, many of them ideal for a long weekend road trip.
With self driven cars (rentals) easily available over an app, one can plan a trip with friends and family, or even solo, at any time. Here are some of the best places to go on a short holiday from Indore.
HANUMANTIYA ISLANDS
Travellers who are looking for some splashy fun can head over to Hanumantiya Island, a water-themed recreational destination that is winning many hearts in Indore. The lake island behind the Indira Sagar Dam is around 170 km north of Indore, close to the town of Khandwa.
Some of the activities visitors can enjoy here are boating, water zorbing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing. The forest areas around the lake are known for their biodiversity. Bird watching tours can be arranged around the lake peripheries.
KANHA NATIONAL PARK
The haunting landscape of Kanha National Park takes visitors back to a primeval age, away from the din and bustle of Indore. The jungles here are the empire of the world’s largest cat, the tigers that prowl the ranges. Kanha is a mesmerizing drive through the heart of India’s central state – a 620-km journey east.
Apart from the Bengal tiger, other species that can be sighted at Kanha National Park are Asiatic elephants, the barasingha, the rare blackbuck, and myriad other small mammals, birds, and reptiles. One can enjoy a safari on elephant back into the interiors of the dense jungle.
KHAJURAHO TEMPLE
It is close to a half-day drive but the world famous Khajuraho is completely worth this trip. It is home to the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts history and culture connoisseurs from across the world. The sites here are known for their erotic carvings and sculptures but there are other highlights also.
The temples of Khajuraho are all about the details – a combination of three-dimensional geometry and aesthetic embellishments carved out of the rock. The temple spires are an iconic symbol of this serene place and the concentric designs from inside the spire can be mesmerizing to gaze at.
The temples of Khajuraho are dedicated to both the Hindu and Jain religions. Amongst the 21 main temples, the oldest is more than 1200 years old. When in Khajuraho, one should attend the light and sound show, which is held every evening in one of the main temple lawns.
DISCOVER MADHYA PRADESH
Informed travellers are starting to choose self drive cars in Indore so they can enjoy their road trip in complete privacy and freedom. App-based rental platforms like Zoomcar allow registered users to book a car in a few seconds and the plans are very affordable.
Travellers also get to drive the latest cars, they can choose from the top hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs that are available on Indian roads. 24/7 on-road support adds an extra layer of security.
