5-Day Madhya Pradesh Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Bhopal & City Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Raja Bhoj Airport or Bhopal railway station, collect your rental CNG/PETROL car and check into a centrally‑located hotel. Freshen up and enjoy a light breakfast at the hotel.

Afternoon: Stroll along the serene Upper Lake (Bada Talab), where you can rent a paddle‑boat and visit the beautiful Van Vihar National Park to spot deer, crocodiles and a variety of birds.

Evening: Wander through the historic Old Bhopal market, sampling street food like poha and jalebi, then dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the lake.

Day 2: Sanchi Stupa & Bhimbetka Rock Shelters

Morning: Drive 45 km to the UNESCO World Heritage site Sanchi Stupa, explore its ancient Buddhist monuments and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills.

Afternoon: Continue to the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, a 100‑km journey that reveals prehistoric cave paintings and stunning rock formations; take a guided walk to learn about the 100,000‑year‑old art.

Evening: Return to Bhopal, relax at the hotel, and perhaps catch a cultural performance at the Shyamla Talab area.

Day 3: Bhopal → Khajuraho (Western Temples)

Morning: Set off early for the 7‑hour drive to Khajuraho, enjoying the changing landscape of forests and farmland along the way.

Afternoon: After checking into a resort, explore the iconic Kandariya Mahadev Temple and other masterpieces of the Western Group of Temples, marveling at their intricate carvings.

Evening: Attend the enchanting Light & Sound Show at the Western Group, which brings the history of the temples to life against the night sky.

Day 4: Khajuraho → Kanha National Park

Morning: Depart for Kanha, a scenic 8‑hour journey through the Satpura foothills; stop for a quick lunch en route.

Afternoon: Arrive at a jungle lodge, meet the park’s naturalists and attend a briefing before heading out for a short Afternoon Safari in the famous Kanha National Park.

Evening: Relax over dinner at the lodge, listening to the sounds of the forest, and if you wish, join a guided Night Safari to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Day 5: Kanha Safari & Departure

Morning: Embark on a sunrise Morning Safari, aiming to see the majestic Bengal tiger, leopards, and herds of barasingha.

Afternoon: Return to the lodge for brunch, visit the Kanha Museum for insights into the park’s conservation efforts, then begin the drive back to Bhopal (or directly to the airport) for your onward journey.

Evening: Arrive in Bhopal, return the rental car, and depart with memories of Madhya Pradesh’s cultural gems and wildlife.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Upper Lake – 2 hrs – Free
• Van Vihar National Park – 3 hrs – Rs 50 per person
• Sanchi Stupa – 2 hrs – Rs 30 per person
• Bhimbetka Rock Shelters – 2 hrs – Rs 20 per person
• Kandariya Mahadev Temple (Western Group) – 2 hrs – Free
• Khajuraho Light & Sound Show – 1 hr – Rs 150 per person
• Kanha National Park – Afternoon Safari – 3 hrs – Rs 750 per person
• Kanha National Park – Morning Safari – 3 hrs – Rs 750 per person
• Fuel (≈1500 km, 15 km/l, Rs 100/l) – – Rs 10,000
• Accommodation (5 nights, avg. Rs 3,000/night) – – Rs 15,000
• Food (≈Rs 1,500/day for 2 people) – – Rs 7,500
• Total Estimated Cost: Rs 36,110

Tips

For a more relaxed pace, add an extra day at Kanha to enjoy additional safaris or a visit to nearby Satpura National Park. If you need to shorten the trip, skip the night safari on Day 4 and head straight back to Bhopal after the afternoon safari, using the saved time for a leisurely departure.