Central India

Israeli travelers often focus their trip to India on the northern or southern regions. Lovers of green landscapes and snowy peaks will start their journey in Manali in the north, and lovers of the tropical atmosphere and warm climate will go down to Goa or one of the southern states. It is worth knowing that far from the hummus trail, Central India, also known as the Heart of India, offers something special that should not be missed in the Indian experience. From the oldest and most impressive temples in India to national parks with an abundance of extraordinary wildlife and flora, Central India is a colorful, beautiful region that will unfold India's ancient heritage in all its glory. Here are some things you should know about the region.

When should you travel to central India?

Central India is mostly a flat valley with an extremely hot tropical climate. In the summer season, days with temperatures above 45 degrees are not uncommon and the heat is unbearable. During the monsoon period, the region experiences heavy rains and floods. Therefore, the best time to visit Central India is during the winter season, which lasts from October to March. The weather is cool and pleasant and the temperature drops to 5 degrees in the relatively high areas of the valley.

Central India – the heart of India

This unique region of the country is not called that for nothing. The region consists of two main states – Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. If you have just left Varanasi or just landed in Delhi, these are the closest points on the classic trail to jump into the center of the country. In this region you can see some of the most impressive architectural landmarks, ancient temples and beautiful nature reserves.

Orchha

This historic complex, located in the heart of the state of Madhya Pradesh, is famous for its unique architecture. Most of the city's buildings date back to the medieval period, and its many temples and murals make it a cultural wonder. After you've exhausted all the museums and sites worth seeing, you can go boating or rafting on the river, or shop at the handicraft markets. It's also an important Ayurvedic center, if you're looking for a good place to get treatments and massages.

Gwalior

Gwalior is an ancient city that has served as the residence of several emperors throughout history. Many royal buildings, including the impressive Gwalior Fort and a variety of temples and statues in the area, are worth a few days of sightseeing. At the Gandhi Zoo in the area, you can see white tigers and a host of other rare animals.

Kanha National Park

If you grew up watching The Jungle Book, you can't miss this area. In the grasslands and forests throughout this vast reserve, you can see hundreds of species of birds, leopards and wild cats, foxes and a wealth of other animals in their natural environment. A jeep safari tour or hiking in the area is an unforgettable attraction.

Sanchi

Sanchi is one of the important stops on the Buddha's journey to enlightenment. To this day, it is considered an important pilgrimage site in Madhya Pradesh. Small temples and monasteries and the impressive Buddha statues are well worth a visit.

Ujjain

Have you heard of Varanasi? You probably have heard of Rishikesh and Haridwar, but did you know that Ujjain is another city considered one of the holiest in India? On the banks of the Shivratri River, dozens of huge, important and beautiful temples dedicated to the Hindu gods are scattered. Points like the Chintman Temple, the Bharatihari Caves, Jantar Mantar and the abundance of palaces in the vicinity can easily fill you with a week of travel packed with beauty and adventure. We highly recommend coming to the area during the Kumbh Mela festival and getting the full experience of the region.

The "What's Happening in India" team is your address for exciting journeys in central India. We will be happy to help you at any point in your journey. We invite you to contact us with any questions.