{"id":24871,"date":"2024-11-22T12:56:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-22T12:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/?p=24871"},"modified":"2025-06-06T10:04:53","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T09:04:53","slug":"all-the-riches-of-rajasthan-but-none-of-the-tourist-crowds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/all-the-riches-of-rajasthan-but-none-of-the-tourist-crowds\/","title":{"rendered":"All the riches of Rajasthan. But none of the tourist crowds."},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1732283448234{padding-top: 60% !important;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/gusta-lucknow-experience-travel-group-1-scaled.jpg?id=24926) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text css=””]For travellers keen to experience India<\/a>‘s cultural and natural treasures without being part of a pack of tourists, we always recommend Madhya Pradesh. Recently back from this underrated Princely State, Team ETG\u2019s Augusta<\/a> (Gusta, for short) shares what makes it so special…<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”chino” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]Everyone knows that when you look up \u2018Rajasthan\u2019, you\u2019re hit with an explosion of its riches: majestic forts, opulent palace hotels, tiger-prowled wildlife sanctuaries, intricate handicrafts, and of course, fabulous food.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Incredible? Absolutely. But over the years, its global popularity has turned these mesmerising highlights into tourist magnets.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And, let\u2019s be honest, nothing kills the magic quite like elbowing through bus loads of tour groups. After all, as we like to say at ETG: it’s a truth universally acknowledged that tourists hate other tourists!<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24887″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]I\u2019ll let you in on a secret \u2013 if you head a little east of Rajasthan, you\u2019ll find another princely state \u2013 Madhya Pradesh. Right in the green heart of India, this lesser-visited region has similar treasures to Rajasthan with a delightful twist: hardly any crowds. At all.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I was lucky enough to go in October \u2013 ETG insider tip: this is one of the best times to visit India as it\u2019s just ahead of peak season and it\u2019s not too hot \u2013 and can confirm that I had many of its marvels practically all to myself and my guide.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24883″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_separator color=”chino” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Mighty Sandstone Forts<\/h3>\n

From Amber (Amer) Fort near Jaipur to Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, the regal forts of Rajasthan and their storied histories are a huge attraction of this state. While these are impressive, you\u2019re likely to be part of a pack while exploring.<\/span><\/p>\n

Arguably the most magnificent fort is found in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh (Mughal Emperor Babur nicknamed it the “pearl amongst the fortresses of India”). With commanding views over the city, this sandstone spectacle was built during the reign of Raja Man Singh Tomar (1486\u20131516) with imposing turrets and bastions. What sets Gwalior Fort<\/a> apart from the rest is that it\u2019s decorated with fabulous aquamarine frescoes of animals: ducks, elephants, tigers, peacocks, parrots and more. You can step behind its imposing walls to wander the remnants of an intricate palace with music halls and underground chambers as a guide unravels its intriguing history \u2013 passed through the hands of 11 different dynasties. And best of all, you\u2019ll be one of the few \u2013 if only \u2013 tourists here.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24895″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]Soak up its magnificence yourself on this journey through Madhya Pradesh<\/a>.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”chino” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Regal Palace Hotels<\/h3>\n

Many flock to Rajasthan to live like royalty while staying at palatial hotels like Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur and Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur. Again, these are all wonderful but you\u2019ll likely be surrounded by Western tourists.<\/span><\/p>\n

Madhya Pradesh has its own fair share of regal hotels: there\u2019s Ahilya Fort<\/a> in Maheshwar (a firm ETG favourite that \u2013 trust me \u2013 will live long in the memory, thanks to its atmospheric setting overlooking a sacred river, gorgeous suites and the kindest staff). Jehan Numa Palace<\/a> in Bhopal is another gem: this heritage hotel owned by the Bhopal Royal family combines colonial architecture with modern comforts like marble bathrooms and soft beds. And then, last but not least, there\u2019s Taj Usha Kiran Palace<\/a> in Gwalior \u2013 crafted by the illustrious HH Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia over 140 years ago.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24898″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]Experience the joy of staying in these palaces by following this example itinerary: Less is More in Madhya Pradesh<\/a>.<\/i>[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”chino” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Tiger-Prowled Wildlife Sanctuaries<\/h3>\n

Of course, a great excitement of visiting Rajasthan is having the chance to see the beautiful Bengal tiger in the wild \u2013 most famously, in Ranthambore National Park. In our eyes, we feel as though Ranthambore is becoming more and more like Yala National Park in Sri Lanka<\/a> in terms of being a victim of its own success and becoming jammed with jeeps (one of my naturalist guides said it\u2019s not unusual for a tiger sighting to be swamped by 20 – 30 vehicles).<\/span><\/p>\n

Luckily, Madhya Pradesh is home to more appealing alternatives like Bandhavgarh National Park<\/a> (which has the highest density of tigers in all of India), Kanha National Park<\/a> and Pench National Park<\/a>. I was fortunate enough to set off on safaris in Satpura Tiger Reserve<\/a> and Bori National Park and was among very few jeeps, so our wildlife sightings felt exclusive and magical.<\/span><\/p>\n

We can time your visit to give you the best chance of spotting the elusive Bengal tigers as possible, as well as leopards, sloth bears and beautiful birds like bright bee-eaters and hornbills.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24899″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]Experience this firsthand on a\u00a0Wildlife Adventure in Kipling’s India<\/a>.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”chino” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Intricate Handicrafts<\/h3>\n

Artisanal crafts are aplenty in Rajasthan: from the vibrant tie-dye textiles (fashioned into sarees and turbans) and iconic hand block printing (on cotton clothing and bags and so on) to pottery, metalwork, leatherwork and more. While all lovely, people from all over the world have been cottoning on to their beauty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, Madhya Pradesh has its own forms of these. I particularly liked the Maheshwari<\/a> sarees (which are hand-loomed by locals to this day and come in a spectrum of tasteful colours) and the beaded Zardozi purses (nicknamed \u2018Bhopali Batuas\u2019) in Bhopal<\/a>, which keep the legacy of Nawabi culture and the powerful female rulers alive.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24902″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]Get a feel for Maheshwari crafts and more as you go Off the Beaten Track in Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh<\/a>.<\/i>[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”chino” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Fabulous food<\/h3>\n

It goes without saying that India is known for its food and you\u2019re spoilt for choice in Rajasthan: right the way from fine dining restaurants like Indian Accent in Delhi to streetfood stalls found on practically every corner of its cities.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Madhya Pradesh has dishes to rival those of Rajasthan from succulent Bhopali Gosht Korma to aromatic Indori Poha. And, Lucknow \u2013 a hop, skip and a jump from Madhya Pradesh \u2013 has a fantastic<\/em> food scene. I went on an evening culinary walk<\/a> here, which was a real highlight of our trip. Not only did I get swept up in the hustle and bustle of the city but I dug into delicious food: from tasting the best chicken tikka of my life (seriously!) and a perfectly seasoned biryani at Mubeen\u2019s to taking a seat at the foodie institution, Tunday Kababi, to try their melt-in-your-mouth meat patties packed with 160 spices. And the grand finale: a rich, slow-cooked stew (nihara) accompanied by warm, fresh-out-the oven kulcha bread (a pillow-soft naan with chewy, almost sourdough, centre and flaky buttery crust). Heavenly!<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24903″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_column_text css=””](Don\u2019t worry, if you\u2019re a veggie, our guides will order meat-free delicacies for you).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s worth noting that I also dined in more luxurious settings during my time in Lucknow, too. While it\u2019s often more fun to dine outside of hotels, I was very impressed by the main restaurant at Saraca Lucknow<\/a>, where I ate the most amazing Lahori Paneer dish.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24905″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]Dig into these delicacies in Lucknow as you follow the Footsteps of the Raj<\/a>.<\/i>[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”chino” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]So, if you\u2019re a curious traveller eager to explore India\u2019s riches without elbowing through tourist crowds, Madhya Pradesh is calling your name. As I’m sure you can tell(!), I can\u2019t recommend holidaying here enough.<\/span><\/p>\n

Explore ETG sample itineraries:<\/p>\n