8 Days 7 Nights
India
1
1
Overview
Overview
This 7-night, 8-day itinerary is a quintessential "Heart of India" loop. You'll move from the deep wilderness of Satpura (Madhai) to the misty heights of Pachmarhi, then transition into the historical charm of Bhopal and the spiritual energy of Ujjain.
Here is the best overview for your trip:
Quick Itinerary Glance
Day
Location
Highlights
1-2
Madhai
Denwa River crossing, Jeep Safari, Boat/Canoe Safari.
3-5
Pachmarhi
Bee Falls, Dhoopgarh (Sunset), Jatashankar, Pandav Caves.
6
Bhopal
Bhimbetka (En route), Upper Lake, Tribal Museum.
7
Ujjain
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Bhasm Aarti, Shipra River.
Detailed Day-Wise Plan
Days 1 & 2: The Wild Heart (Madhai)
-
Day 1: Arrive at Pipariya (45 km away) or Bhopal (130 km away) and drive to Madhai. Check into a riverside resort. Spend the evening watching the sunset over the Denwa River.
-
Day 2: Start with an early morning Jeep Safari in Satpura National Park. Unlike other parks, you cross the river by boat to reach the safari gypsies. In the afternoon, try a Canoe Safari or a buffer zone night drive.
Days 3, 4 & 5: Queen of Satpura (Pachmarhi)
-
Day 3: Drive from Madhai to Pachmarhi (approx. 3 hours). In the evening, head to Dhoopgarh, the highest point in Madhya Pradesh, for a 360-degree sunset.
-
Day 4: Explore the "Waterfalls & Caves." Visit Bee Falls, Pandav Caves, and Reechgarh.
-
Day 5: Focus on the spiritual and scenic side: Jatashankar Cave, Gupt Mahadev, and Handi Khoh (a 300ft deep ravine).
Day 6: Lakes & Prehistory (Bhopal)
-
Route: Drive Pachmarhi to Bhopal (200 km / 5 hours).
-
En Route: Stop at the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters (UNESCO site with 30,000-year-old paintings) and the massive unfinished Bhojpur Temple.
-
Evening: Enjoy a boat ride on the Upper Lake (Bada Talab) or visit the Tribal Museum (highly recommended for its immersive art).
Day 7: The Spiritual Soul (Ujjain)
-
Morning: Drive to Ujjain (190 km / 3.5 hours).
-
Highlights: Visit the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. If you can secure a permit, attend the Bhasm Aarti (usually at 4:00 AM the next morning). Explore Kal Bhairav Temple (where liquor is offered) and the Harsiddhi Temple.
-
Evening: Witness the evening Aarti at Ram Ghat on the banks of the Shipra River.
Pro-Traveler Tips
-
Safari Booking: Madhai safaris and Ujjain Bhasm Aarti permits must be booked weeks in advance online.
-
Transport: A dedicated AC cab for the entire duration is the most comfortable way to manage these distances.
-
Best Time: October to March offers the best weather for both safaris and temple walking.
