For travellers who have explored India’s better-known destinations, deciding where to go next can be the most interesting part. In Madhya Pradesh, that might mean combining the temples of Khajuraho with a wildlife experience, exploring the historic town of Orchha or spending time discovering local food and village life.
Known as the Heart of Incredible India, Madhya Pradesh brings together heritage, wildlife and spiritual destinations. But with so much to explore, where should a first-time visitor begin?
To find out, we put our questions to Dr. Ilayaraja T., Secretary, Tourism, Government of Madhya Pradesh, and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. A member of the Indian Administrative Service’s 2009 batch, his career includes district administration roles in Indore, Jabalpur, Rewa and Bhind.
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He shares what Singaporean travellers can look forward to, how to approach a first visit and why local communities are central to the state’s tourism plans.
What makes Madhya Pradesh a must-visit destination for Singaporean travellers looking beyond India’s established tourist destinations?
Madhya Pradesh offers a different perspective on India, bringing together extraordinary history, wildlife, spirituality and living cultural traditions.
Often called the Heart of Incredible India, the state allows travellers to explore ancient temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic cities and some of the country’s most celebrated tiger reserves within one destination.
For Singaporean travellers looking beyond the familiar circuits, Madhya Pradesh offers opportunities to discover India at a more immersive pace, through its architecture, cuisine, local communities and natural landscapes. It is a destination that rewards curiosity.
For a first-time visitor, which destinations or experiences would you recommend prioritising?
Madhya Pradesh is home to three inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, the Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi and the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka.
For a first visit, I would recommend combining Khajuraho’s remarkable temple architecture with a wildlife experience in Kanha, Bandhavgarh or Pench. Sanchi and Bhimbetka offer fascinating insights into India’s cultural history.
Travellers interested in spirituality could add Ujjain or Omkareshwar, while Orchha offers a memorable introduction to the state’s historic towns.
I would encourage visitors to choose two or three destinations and experience each meaningfully, allowing time for local food, crafts and interactions.
Wildlife is a major draw for Madhya Pradesh. What can travellers expect beyond a traditional safari?
Madhya Pradesh offers much more than the excitement of spotting a tiger. Its protected landscapes provide a variety of wildlife experiences, from dense forests and grasslands to rich birdlife and diverse ecosystems.
Visitors can explore parks such as Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench and Satpura, each offering its own character. The state is particularly known for tigers, leopards, cheetahs, gharials and vultures.
Kuno National Park adds another distinctive dimension as the site of India’s cheetah reintroduction programme, bringing the world’s fastest land animal back to the country after more than seven decades.
I would encourage travellers to look beyond wildlife sightings and appreciate the wider ecosystem, conservation efforts and local communities connected to these landscapes. Choosing responsible safari operators and allowing time for nature interpretation can make the experience more meaningful.
How should travellers from Singapore approach planning their first holiday in Madhya Pradesh?
The best approach is to plan the journey around a particular interest and select an appropriate arrival gateway.
Travellers from Singapore can fly to major Indian hubs such as Delhi or Mumbai and connect onwards to Madhya Pradesh, with Indore and Bhopal among the arrival options.
Within the state, the PM Shri Heli Paryatan Sewa offers helicopter connections across selected spiritual, heritage and wildlife circuits, helping visitors reduce travel time and experience Madhya Pradesh from the air. Travellers should check operating routes, schedules and availability when planning.
For a week-long holiday, I would suggest combining Khajuraho with Panna or pairing a wildlife reserve with nearby heritage destinations.
Travellers should plan safaris well in advance, particularly during peak season, and allow sufficient time between destinations. Working with an experienced tour operator can make transfers and itinerary planning considerably more convenient.
How is Madhya Pradesh developing immersive experiences while ensuring local communities benefit?
Responsible tourism is about ensuring that travel benefits both visitors and the communities they encounter.
Through Madhya Pradesh’s rural tourism initiatives, the Tourism Board is developing immersive experiences that connect travellers with local cuisine, traditional crafts, folk culture and village life.
Homestays and community-led activities allow visitors to experience the state beyond its better-known monuments and national parks, while creating livelihood opportunities for local families, artisans and young people.
For international travellers, these experiences offer a more personal understanding of Madhya Pradesh and help ensure that tourism contributes to preserving the traditions and cultural identity of its communities.
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What are your priorities for attracting more international visitors, particularly from Southeast Asia?
Our priority is to make Madhya Pradesh more visible and accessible to international markets while developing experiences that respond to different traveller interests.
We are looking at opportunities across wildlife, heritage, spirituality, rural tourism, wellness and experiential travel.
Greater engagement with overseas tour operators is important in helping us understand market expectations and develop itineraries suited to international visitors.
We also see scope to strengthen community-based experiences and promote lesser-known destinations alongside established attractions. Our focus is on encouraging longer, more meaningful stays that allow visitors to discover the many dimensions of Madhya Pradesh.
What does participating in ITB Asia 2026 mean for Madhya Pradesh’s tourism ambitions in Southeast Asia?
ITB Asia 2026 gives us an important opportunity to engage directly with the Southeast Asian travel trade and introduce Madhya Pradesh to professionals who can help bring the destination to new audiences.
Singapore is a valuable market for these conversations because of its international outlook and strong travel ecosystem.
Through meetings with tour operators, destination management companies and other industry representatives, we hope to identify opportunities for collaborative itineraries, specialised travel programmes and MICE-related experiences.
Ultimately, our objective is to turn awareness into partnerships and make it easier for more international travellers to experience Madhya Pradesh firsthand.
