Destination: India
LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
Itinerary: Orissa, Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarht
SEVEN TO 10 WEEKS
Starting in Kolkata and finishing in Delhi (with a last-minute stop at Agra to see the spectacular Taj Mahal), this trip takes you through some of the subcontinent's most pristine jungles and tribal areas, as well as offering the opportunity to see sublime temples and forts.
Visited by relatively few tourists, these states contain a jumble of fascinating sights that makes a trip to this part of India uniquely compelling.
After poking around Kolkata, head southwest to Orissa's animal-packed Similipal National Park before making your way to the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary for some croc-spotting. Zip southwest to Orissa's capital, Bhubaneswar, before halting at Konark to marvel at the Sun Temple , stopping at Dhauli and Pipli on the way. For some seaside relaxation, pop down to Puri, home to the Jagannath Mandir and Rath Yatra festival, before pausing at Chilika Lake en route to Gopalpur-on-Sea. Visit Rushikulya to view endangered olive ridley turtles before stopping at Jeypore, a base for exploring tribal areas.
Cross into neighbouring Chhattisgarh and meander your way to its capital, Raipur, stopping at Jagdalpur to visit surrounding Bastar tribal areas. Head northwest to Kanha National Park then progress to Jabalpur before trundling to the tiger-and-leopard-inhabited Bandhavgarh National Park. From here, go northwest to Khajuraho to amble around its erotic temple sculptures. Journey southwest to Sanchi to gape at ancient hilltop Buddhist structures, before arriving in Madhya Pradesh's capital, Bhopal, from where you can visit the historic rock shelters of Bhimbetka. Now it's time to explore the state's west, visiting Indore, Mandu and Ujjain, before zooming northeast to palace- and temple-strewn Orchha. Move on to Gwalior to gawk at its formidable fort before making your way to Delhi via Agra's legendary Taj Mahal.
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