Witness Rural India in the 'Heart of the country'
Rural tourism is slowly gaining popularity among travellers and why not? Exploring rural destinations can help to know the traditional roots of a state!
If you are planning to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city life and explore the village houses, taste simple yet delicious meal, experience tribal culture and enjoy the splendid natural and unpolluted surroundings to soak in the rural culture, Madhya Pradesh has it all for you.
The local communities are involved in tourism activities including high-class lodging and boarding facilities, local food, folk music and cultural activities, rural sports, local art and crafts. The homestay in the villages are made of using local material that helps to keep rooms protected from the heat.
Madhya Pradesh Tourism (MPT) has introduced Rural Tourism in a big way to provide safe and sustainable tourism experience. The state tourism board was felicitated with two international awards for its rural tourism project at the World Travel Market (WTM) Responsible Tourism Awards 2021 held in London between November 1 and 3, 2021.
Here we are suggesting a few villages to experience rich Indian culture:
Ladhpura Khas: Niwari District
Situated just 6km from Orchha (also known as Ayodhya of Bundelkhand), Ladhpura Khas village in Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh was nominated in the ‘Best Tourism Village’ category for the United Nations World Tourism organization (UNWTO) Award in September 2021. Full of natural scenic beauty with hills, forest and river within the vicinity make this village the perfect destination to relax and enjoy nature.
A visit to this village would let you experience the histories and the architecture while being in the tranquillity of countryside. You'll experience and get an insight into village life.
Tourists can get involved in various farming activities (including milking of cows), go on a tractor ride, walk around the village and meet the villagers, or simple relax and enjoy the serenity.
One can enjoy water sports activities like river rafting and kayaking in Betwa River, which is just 11km from this village. Tourists experience folk songs, folk dances, bhajans and other cultural activities apart from having delicious food cooked on clay stove.
How to book:
Contact: Org- Haritika: 9926353281 Nearest Railway Station: Jhansi (25KM)
Dhamna, Basata: Chhatarpur District
If you are the one who loves to buy and find some unique handmade keepsakes, Dhamna, Basata and Madla villages could be the perfect destinations. Apart from enjoying the scenic beauty all around and a typical rural life, you would experience amazing arts and crafts that would give you a lifetime memory to cherish.
Dhamna - Dhamna Village is just 25km from UNESCO World Heritage Site Khajuraho and 6km from Panna National park. Pandav waterfall is 13km, while Raneh waterfall is 18km from this village. If you want to enjoy boating in Ken River, then you will have to travel just 6km from Dhamna. You can also buy some keepsakes such as terracotta, beautiful fridge magnets, car hangings, garden stakes, diffusers, board pin and paper match etc. prepared by villagers in Dhamna.
Basata: The village is 31km far from Khajuraho and 11km far from Panna National Park. Pandav Waterfall and Raneh Waterfalls are 18km and 16km far, respectively, from Basata. For boating in Ken River, you will have to travel just 11km.
How to book:
Org- Dharshna: 7747007502, 9179875638 (For Dhamna and Basata) Nearest Railway Station: Chhatarpur
Nearest Airport: Khajuraho
Madla: Panna District
The village is situated at the gate of Panna National Park. Khajuraho is 25km from Madla while Ken River is just at walking distance (2km). Pandav Waterfall is 7km and Raneh waterfall is 24km from this village. Here you will also be able to buy some
MP has introduced Rural Tourism in a big way for safe and sustainable tourism experience
beautiful souvenirs like tote bag, lunch bag, cushion cover, folder, travel wallet, wall hanging, key chains, key covers etc.
How to book:
Org- Bundeli Culture: 9669666939 Nearest Railway Station: Chhatarpur Nearest Airport: Khajuraho
Khokhara & Thadipathar villages: Sidhi District
If you are eager to know the tribal people’s way of living and experience tribal cuisine, dance, music, art and craft, along with enjoying riverside stay then these villages are for you. You will be mesmerised by soothing music of tambura or tanpura, dancing, interesting legends, cave, waterfall and will also get to know about herbs.
Khokhara is 30km from Sanjay Dubri National Park, while Barchar Waterfall is just 1km from this place.
Thadipathar is 28km from Sanjay Dubri National Park, it is a confluence site of Gopad and Mahan River, which is just 1.5km from this village, while Charakapani waterfall is just 2km from the village. One can also enjoy a long sand river beach.
How to book:
Org: GSS: 6266229565 Nearest Railway Station: Khajuraho
Nearest Airport: Khajuraho