Madhya Pradesh geographically at the heart of India is the hub of tourist attractions. Every corner of the state is jeweled with fascinating spots, possessing historical and religious significance. There are also a lot of places for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, and the state sees many tourists across the country and beyond national boundaries. 

Keeping aside the conventional popular tourist places of Madhya Pradesh, there are also an abundance of lesser known areas that are just like hidden gems for the travel enthusiasts, passionate about exploring offbeat places for enhanced experience. The best part is, planning an offbeat vacation will spare you the tourists’ congestion.

The Kanha National Park is also known as the ‘tiger country’ with the Royal Bengal Tigers being the topmost attractions. The National Park came into existence on June 1, 1955 and was nominated as a tiger reserve in 1973. The present area of Kanha National Park is 940 sq km with a vast stretch of green landscape, scenic panorama and a treasure trove of wildlife. The popularity of the park was enhanced after the release of ‘The Jungle Book’ by Rudyard Kipling. Both the book and the film illustrated clear pictures of flora and fauna of Kanha National Park. The Kanha Jeep Safari is among the best activities to imbibe the purest essence of nature and wildlife.

 

Some of the less-explored destinations near Kanha National Park encompass

1. Ghughua Fossil National Park 

Distance : 118 kms

Duration : 2 hrs 32 mins approx

Situated at the Dindori district, this national park is a lesser known area to many, with a rich store of plant fossils. The place is a retreat for individuals with archeological inclination. Here you can get to see fossils that are said to be even more than 65 million years old.

 

2. Bhedaghat 

Distance : 144 kms

Duration : 3 hrs 5 mins

Bhedaghat is one of the unconventional yet interesting tourist spots, not known to many. The surreal and unusual terrain of large marble rocks forms the unique feature of the place. This unusual topography provides an amazing boating experience to the visitors and the ropeway gives a picturesque overview of Bhedaghat. Dhuandhar Falls is one of the eye catching attractions, termed after the smoky appearance of the falls.

Other charismatic spots/activities include the 10th-century Chaunsath Yogini Temple and boat ride through Bandar Kund (Monkey Pond). Also, dinosaur egg shells were found at Bhedaghat. 

 

3. Amarkantak 

Distance : 159 km

Duration : 3 hrs 41 mins

Located between the Vindhya and Satpura forests, Amarkantak is a blend of scenic beauty, historical significance and cultural richness. The revered poet Saint Kabir is believed to have meditated here. Not so unpopular among people, yet an offbeat destination, the reason for its significance lies in the medicinal plants, the Narmada Udgam Temple,  Machhendranath,  Kailash Narayan,  Pataleshwar, Shri Yantra Mandir, Mritunjay Ashram, Bhrigu Kamandal, Dugdhara falls and Kapildhara falls.

Amarkantak is also the place from where the Narmada, Sone and Johila rivers emerges.

 

4. Patalkot 

Distance : 265 kms

Duration : 6 hrs 21 mins

Patalkot is situated in the Chhindwara district, enveloped by dense jungles and granite and sandstone rocks. A perfect spot for adventure lovers, you can camp, hike, trek and also opt for paragliding and rock climbing. His place is rich in medicinal herbs, those who have admiration for arts can see the masterpieces made of wild date leaves by the Chhind artists.