Discover a Week’s Travel Plan to Panna National Park
By JAGAT (22/Oct/24) If you're itching to explore the wilderness of India and love a good road trip packed with history, adventure, and nature, then this week-long itinerary through Central India is perfect for you. From royal palaces and ancient temples to dense jungles and majestic waterfalls, you’ll experience it all. We’ll take you from Gwalior to Jabalpur, with a wild detour to Panna National Park in between. This week-long trip from Gwalior to Jabalpur, with stops in Orchha, Khajuraho, and Panna National Park, is a perfect blend of history, culture, and wilderness. You will be exploring ancient forts, marveling at erotic sculptures and searching for tigers in the jungle.
Ready to dive into this epic journey? Let’s go!
Day 1 - 2: Gwalior
Kick off your trip in Gwalior, a city famous for its glorious history and impressive forts. When you arrive, the first thing that’ll catch your eye is the magnificent Gwalior Fort. The architecture is a mix of Hindu and Islamic styles, and the intricate carvings on the fort’s walls are something you won’t want to miss. Next up is the Saas Bahu Temples, another historical gem near the fort, and the Jai Vilas Palace, which is part museum and part home to the Scindia family.
End your day by wandering the streets of Gwalior and trying some local street food. The crispy kachoris and sweet jalebis are a must! Engage your second day in exploring the nearby gems of Gwalior - Bateshwar Group of Temples in Morena and Mitawali. These two destinations are about 33 km from the main city, encompassing an hour’s drive. Visiting the Bateshwar Group of Temples, you will find that the architecture is somewhat identical to the present-day Parliament House of India.
Day 3: Orchha
On day 3, drive to Orchha, a hidden gem that feels like stepping back in time. This small town, nestled along the Betwa River, is famous for its majestic cenotaphs and palaces. Start with a visit to the Orchha Fort Complex, which includes the Raja Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal. The palaces offer stunning views of the river and town below, with the beautifully frescoed walls transporting you to a bygone era. Don’t miss the Chaturbhuj Temple, which has a unique architecture that blends religious and military design.
Day 4: Khajuraho
Famous for its erotic sculptures and magnificent temples, Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an absolute must-visit. The drive from Orchha to Khajuraho takes about 3 hours, and once you arrive, you'll feel like you've stepped into an ancient architectural wonderland.
Spend the day exploring the Western Group of Temples, which are the most famous and well-preserved. The intricate carvings on these temples depict everything from daily life to divine deities and even some scenes of love and passion that Khajuraho is renowned for. In the evening, check out the light and sound show at the temples, which tells the history of Khajuraho in a magical, illuminated setting.
Day 5 - 6: Panna National Park
After your history-filled day in Khajuraho, it’s time to head into the wild! Panna National Park is just about 27 km from Khajuraho, so you can easily reach the park within an hour. Panna is a wildlife haven, home to a growing population of tigers, along with leopards, sloth bears, and various species of deer and birds. Once you’re there, check into one of the eco-lodges or resorts near the park for a true jungle experience.
Your next two days are going to be filled with jeep safaris. The thrill of spotting a tiger in the wild is unbeatable, but even if you don’t catch a glimpse of the big cat, Panna’s stunning landscape will leave you in awe. From dense teak forests to open grasslands and the Ken River cutting through the park, the scenery here is as beautiful as it gets. Take some time to visit the Pandav Falls and Ken Gharial Sanctuary while you’re here. Pandav Falls is a scenic spot where you can enjoy a dip in the natural pools and caves.
Day 7: Jabalpur
The final stop is at Jabalpur, a city known for its natural beauty and marble cliffs. The drive from Panna to Jabalpur takes about 5 hours. Start with a boat ride along the Narmada River at the famous Marble Rocks in Bhedaghat. The sunlight reflecting off the white rocks gives the whole place an otherworldly glow.
Another must-see is the Dhuandhar Falls, where the Narmada cascades down in a roaring, misty waterfall. The name ‘Dhuandhar’ means ‘smoky,’ and you’ll understand why when you see the mist rising from the falls like smoke. End your journey with a visit to Madan Mahal Fort, which offers panoramic views of the city and is an ideal spot to reflect on your week-long adventure before heading home.