4-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Madhya Pradesh

  1. Day 1: Khajuraho
    Estimated time from previous location: 0 minutes

    Visit the Khajuraho temples which are a UNESCO World Heritage site, well known for their intricate and erotic carvings. Spend the rest of the day exploring the local markets and sampling delicious street food.

  2. Day 2: Orchha
    Estimated time from previous location: 4 hours (170km)

    Orchha is a small town of breathtaking beauty and packed with intriguing palaces and temples of the Bundela dynasty. Visit the Raja Mahal and Jehangir Mahal, that are standing examples of Bundeli architecture from the late 16th to the early 17th century. Go for a walk along the Betwa river and end your day with a tranquil sunset view of the cenotaphs and temples from the top of the Raja Mahal.

  3. Day 3: Khajuraho and Panna
    Estimated time from previous location: 2 hours (56km)

    Proceed to the Panna National Park and go for a safari in the core of the park. The safari gives you an opportunity to spot leopards, tigers and many more. Later get back to Khajuraho and explore the Southern Group of temples which cannot be missed.

  4. Day 4: Sanchi and Bhimbetka
    Estimated time from previous location: 5 hours (306km)

    Visit Sanchi and explore the various Buddhist Stupas and monasteries built between the 3rd century BC and the 12th century AD. The iconic Sanchi Stupa is one of the oldest stone structures in India. After lunch, proceed to the Bhimbetka caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, that has paintings from caballine to pre-historic age.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Khajuraho temples – 2 hours (entry fee ₹40)
  • Raja Mahal and Jehangir Mahal – 1 hour (entry fee ₹250)
  • Panna National Park safari – 3 hours (entry fee ₹1,500)
  • Sanchi Stupa and Museum – 2 hours (entry fee ₹30)
  • Bhimbetka caves – 3 hours (entry fee ₹40)
  • Total Estimated Costs ₹2,350

Useful Tips

Add a day for exploring the local villages near Orchha or stay overnight in Panna National Park to witness wildlife at dawn. Alternatively, you could replace Panna with the Ken Ghariyal Sanctuary or Bandhavgarh National Park for a more dramatic animal experience. Ensure you carry enough water, comfortable clothes with sturdy shoes and equipment like binoculars and cameras for wildlife sighting.

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