How to Travel in Central India?

• Police ...............100
• Fire...................101
• Ambulance .......102
• Ambulance .......108

Telephonic Codes

• +91 India
• 0755 Bhopal
• 0761 Jabalpur
• 0731 Indore
• )751 Gwalior

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation

Helpline.........1800-233-7777

The State of Madhya Pradesh is situated in the center of the country. Hence in earlier times it was known as Central India. During the British Era the region was known as Central Provinces which comprised of areas now included in other states of independent India.

The MP State is connected by a number of highways managed by center and itself. The National Highways are managed by the Government at center, the rest are managed by the State Government.

A number of roads connect the city locations and villages nearby. The connectivity to villages have also been provided by roads built under the scheme known as Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna. Taxis, buses and private cars ply on these road networks. Private taxis and buses are subject to permissions from the road transport authority, a system known as permit. These vehicles can only operate if they carry a permit for travelling within the State or rest of India. New roads and bridges are subject to toll tax.

All the major cities are connected by air services while smaller ones may offer chartered services. The major cities and popular tourist destinations are connected by private small planes. Chartered aircraft are allowed to land on airstrips but with prior permission. There is a plan to build airstrips near major tourism destinations for small planes and helicopters.

All major towns and many small ones are connected by railways. They are management under the Central Railway Zone with HQ based in Jabalpur City or Mahakaushal.

Private cars, buses and vans operate all over the state unhindered but require registration and insurance. The former is done at local Road Transport Authority while the latter can be done using recognized company services.

Another state called Chhattisgarh was carved out of this state making MP lose the status of being the largest in India. The state is well known for its forest reserves and mineral wealth. The picturesque settings, and wilderness makes it a prime holiday destination in India.

Apart from tiger reserves, Madhya Pradesh is well known for the Khajuraho Temples. Khajuraho is a UNESCO declared heritage property, and is visited by thousands every year from far and wide. With opening up of new places, and the development of tourism infrastructure, travel to the state is on increase. More and more tourists arrive here to see the wildlife, historical destinations and spend holidays at the hill resorts.

Bhopal

Palash Residency
Near 45 Bungalow,T.T, Nagar, Bhpoal
Tel:0755-2766750, 2553006/66/76
fax:0755-2779631,2577441
E-mail: bhopal@mptourism.com

City Booking Office
Palash residency
Tel:0755-2550588, E-mail: ctobhopal@mptourism.com

Airport Counter Bhopal
Tel: 0755-264667, E-mail: bhojairport@mptourism.com

Tourist Office
railway Station, Bhopal
Tel: 0755-2746827, E-mail: tobhopal@mptourism.com

Gwalior

Tansen Residency
6, Ghandi road, Gwalior
Tel: 0751-2234557, 4056726
Fax: 0751- 2340371, E-mail: gwalior@mptourism.com

Tourist Office
Railway Station, Gwalior
Tel: 0751-4040777, E-mail: togwalior@mptourism.com

Indore

42, Residency Area
Opp. Saint Paul H.S.School, Indore
Tel: 0731-2499566, 2499466, 7869982222
Telefax: 0731- 2491345
E-mail: indore@mptourism.com

Airport Counter Indore
Tel: 0731-2620404
E-mail: indoreairport@mptourism.com

Jhansi

Railway Station, Jhansi
Tel:0510-2442622
E-mail: tojhansi@mptourism.com

Jabalpur

Rani Durgavati 'Prayatan Bhawan'
Prayatan Tiraha, Near Collectorate
North Civil Lines, Jabalpur
Tel: 0761-2677290, Telefax:0761-2677590
E-mail: jabalpur@mptourism.com

Tourist Information Counter
Railway Station Building, Jabalpur
Tel:0761-2677690
E-mail: tojabalpur@mptourism.com

Tourist Information Counter
Airport Building, Jabalpur
Tel:0761-2600580
E-mail: jabalpurairport@mptourism.com

Kanha

Tourist Information Counter
Khatia (Kanha National park)
Tel:07649-277242
E-mail: khatia@mptourism.com

khajuraho

Tourist Interpretation & Facilitation Center
Near Circuit House, khajuraho
Tel:07686-274051, Fax: 07686-272330
E-mail: khajuraho@mptourism.com

Airport Counter, khajuraho

Tel: (07686) 274648

Tourist Information Counter
Railway Station, khajuraho

Pachmarhi

Amaltas Complex
Near tehsil, Pachmarhi
Tel:07578-252100, Fax:07578-252102
E-mail: pachmarhi@mptourism.com

Tourist office Bus Stand, Pachmarhi
Tel:(07578) 252029

Tourist office
Railway Station, Pipariya
Tel:(07578) 223499
E-mail: topipariya@mptourism.com

Satna

Tourist office
Railway Station, Satna
Tel:07672-225471
E-mail: tosatna@mptourism.com

Ujjain

Tourist office
Near Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain
Tel:0734-2552263
E-mail: toujjain@mptourism.com

Hindi is the primary language in the state but English is popular everywhere, and understood by many. Hence tourists not familiar with Hindi can make use of English while travelling in MP.

The state comprises of many remote locations where certain modern amenities may not be available. Banking facilities and ATM etc are not available in many remote tourist destinations. Hence one must inquire about the destination and make advance arrangements as required. All the needful like medicine, beverages, personal needs etc should be purchased when at a big town. Make a habit of carrying mineral water with you.

Internet facilities are limited to mid sized towns in cyber cafes. Mobile recharges are available everywhere but it is better to recharge on the first center you arrive at.

In many remote places petrol/diesel may not be available hence keep your tank full. Car workshops may not be available at many places hence keep your engine fine tuned.

All big towns and cities have luxury accommodations with restaurants for dining. Smaller towns may not have these facilities, the alternative being cheap guest house and roadside eateries. Almost all tourism places have luxury hotels and restaurants.

Within the cities local mode of transportation is the riksha and autoriksha often referred to as auto. The former is cheaper mode of transportation while the latter is cheaper than a private taxi. Local buses that ply from one part of the town to another are the cheapest mode of transportation anywhere in MP Towns. At smaller towns bicycles may be available for rent these provide a cheap option if you are planning a longer stay.

Train connectivity is reasonably good in big towns but you need to have advance booking as many times it may not be available. Hence you should plan well and reserve in advance.

State bus transportation is another economical means of moving about with towns and state of India. You can board these at many stoppages which are based in all small towns as well. Luxury buses that ply between majors towns are also available for a ride but are costlier.

* Note: Hotels at some destinations may be fully booked during the peak and festive season. Hence book in advance. Carry necessary cash besides your electronic cards.

The best means of transportation is the taxi. Air conditioned taxis deliver comfort but at a high price. AC Luxury buses where ever available are the economical alternative. The state transport buses are not very comfortable hence one should avoid them. These buses are very cheap but certainly uncomfortable, suitable only for short distances.

Car Rentals from trusted services are slowly becoming popular. But driving in this foreign land is difficult without proper knowledge of the road network. In many areas road condition could be bad so please keep this in mind. Taxi hire is the better option.

You can travel by rail from one urban station to another, but these do not carry you in the interiors. Hence you have to travel by bus or taxi to the next destination. Prior booking is a must for train travel. You can book rail ticket using your Internet connected lap top or at a cyber cafe. The IRCTC service makes it possible to reserve your seat or berth online. Almost all towns in Central India are connected by trains operated by Indian Railway Central Zone. Always add extra time for making a rail journey since delays occur frequently.

Flights are available to major towns like Jabalpur, Indore, Bhopal and Gwalior from New Delhi and elsewhere. Small plane connectivity is also present. Khajuraho is well connected by flights for many places.

Getting into a type of transportation is easy. For State buses you need to inquire about bus stand for specific direction. Many small private buses for local and interstate travel operate from these bus stands as well.

For rail travel ask for the railway station and the booking centers. You can also book ticket online at IRCTC website.

Many luxury bus operators have their own departure and arrival spots at terminals. Find out the right location in order to travel with the luxury buses. Advance booking is much desirable for trouble free travel.

Only major towns are connected with air services these are Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior and Bhopal. Nagpur Airport in Maharashtra State also provides with connectivity for travelers in MP.

Khajuraho Temples are also connected to various places by air services.

Local taxi operators/travel agents and tour operators in MP abound in cities contact them for travel services. This will make things easier and comfortable for you.

Among the cheapest transport systems in the state are public tempos and auto rickshaws (Tuk Tuk). The vehicles are constantly moving or parked for some time. They ply on a fixed route and charge minimally as shared transport. Auto Rickshaws are available on hire basis as well and offer you lot of space for a comfortable travel.

Another cheap transport is the cycle or peddle rickshaw. The rickshaw is the best mode of cheap and lazy transport ideal for sightseeing in cities.

The major towns are Indore, Bhopal and Jabalpur. Bhopal is the Capital City while Indore is a financial hub. Jabalpur provides access to most of the tourist destinations in the state.

In terms of sightseeing and visiting historical monuments, the destinations that rank best are Khajuraho, Gwalior, Mandu and Orchha. The latter two are hill stations as well.

MP offers the best tiger sightings in India. The popular tiger reserves are Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Pench. These are wonderful biodiversity hubs and a must visit.

Pachmarhi and Amarkantak are hill resorts in MP. Amarkantak is the origin of River Narmada hence it is a pilgrimage center for Hindus.

Central India destinations for spiritual tourism are Sanchi, Maheshwar, Amarkantak, Ujjain, and Omkareshwar. There are many lesser known destinations in the state yet to be discovered. In order to make a tour here one can avail tourism packages offered by tour operators in MP.

One advice I will give in the very beginning do not stay at cheap lodges and cheap guest houses if you are an overseas traveler. These are not dangerous but some of them can be unclean. Hence stay at luxury hotels else if you are seeking economy accommodation then do some findings.

All big towns have properties ranging from five star to budget. But the State abounds in luxury hotels usually situated near the railway stations.

Best way of searching for accommodations is online. Visit websites of the properties and decide. Other means often employed by the naive is to ask the cabs or other transports. This would mean you would be directed to place that offers then commission. This would hence not offer a fair judgement of the place.

For overseas visitors please do not consume food at street joints, dhabas and stalls. Do not buy food at stations and bus stands from vendors. Most of the stations have registered eateries which you can visit for lunch and dinner.

The best place to eat is at standard restaurants which are hygienic and serve fresh hot food. Most of the luxury hotels have their own restaurant which are ideal dining place for visitors.

There are fast food joints which offer quality snacks, and they also offer takeaway. The latter is good when on travel. Sweet shops offer snacks and deserts the big ones are good,

There are many coffee houses situated in major towns of the State. These are old establishments and have a reputation. They also serve complete meals and takeaway.

Avoid food at very small towns and villages the eateries there may not be quality driven. Though you can safely buy packaged foods from major brands after checking the expiry date. Same is applicable for beverages expiry date must be checked. Carry mineral water bottled by major companies like Pepsi, Coca Cola, Bisleri and so on.

Some basic precautions should be taken into account whence travelling in the state.

Women should wear tradition clothes revealing clothes could invite eve teasing.

Night travel in taxi, car etc should be avoided. It is safe to travel in luxury buses and trains at night.

Keep cash with you but do not showcase jewelry. Always keep your purse and passport secure in crowded places. Do not leave luggage untended.

Do not engage unsolicited guides, agents and passerby. Always ask your hotel to hire known guide or any other service provider.

Keep the phone numbers of police, hospitals and car rentals with you. Also keep the name and number of the place of your stay

MP is a safe destination but some remote place invites precautions.