Some road-trips are destined to be memorable especially when it is a long distance road trip to your native place. The 2500+KM road-trip from Delhi to & fro Chhattisgarh is one such incredible road-trip that we took last year during Diwali. It was unplanned and in many ways a forced one. As per our traveling plan for 2015, we (My wife Sonam and I) wanted to utilize long holidays of Diwali for Bhutan Road Trip from Delhi. Self drive road trip to Bhutan was one of our dream trips. However, Diwali being the most auspicious festivals for us, my father vetoed it and asked us to be in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh to celebrate with family. We were kinda in a fix as our dream trip to Bhutan had to be cancelled and further to make the matter worse, due to Diwali Flight tickets were exorbitantly high and in trains there was a long waiting list. So, eventually and happily, we decided to take up the road trip to our hometown which is approximately 1200 KM from Delhi and this last minute decision turned out to be a true blessing in disguise.
The route taken Gurgaon-Palwal-Agra-Gwalior-Jhansi-Sagar-Jabalpur-Bilaspur
Exploring central India has always been in our long term agenda but was never a priority as love for Himalaya always took over. Hence, we wanted to make most out of it and thus decided to cover few en route locations and live some offbeat experiences. This time, it was, though, all about fulfilling the wish of my parents but we also added right amount of travel spirit to it.
Although I have done extensive road trips across central India some as part of official duty and few as family trips but for my wife it was a new territory. Nonetheless, both of us were too excited with the prospect of doing it our way i.e. self drive road trip, which actually filled us with more excitement.
During the self drive road trip, we drove through five Indian States, relished sumptuous street food at many places, crossed many rivers, made umpteen pit stops to shot rural landscapes and meandered through Teak laden Vindhya & Satupura Range before reaching our state Chhattisgarh which is famous as The Land of Surprises. And today, in retrospect, we have to admit that this road-trip was one of our most memorable trips as we got the chance to explore our native states and experience many close to heart moments that ignited sheer nostalgia.
Now, we would list down 10 incredibly high moments from this trip which will certainly give an itch to your travel thirsty soul. Central India is the heart of Incredible India and we hope these gorgeous moments from my road-trip would give a new perspective to your perceptions.
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1. Sumptuous Street Food at Sadar Bazar, Agra
Over the years, it has become a more of a ritual for us to visit to Sadar Bazaar for its street food if Agra is an en route location during our road trips. No matter how many times you have been to this aroma filled lane, the craving for tangy flavors would always take you there again. Street food culture of Agra has made it famous across India and in every part of India, vendors from Agra have earned name and fame serving sumptuous street food specially Aloo Tikki and Golgappa. Being die heart street foodies, it was but natural for us to make a stop at Sadar Bazaar and head to Chaat Waali Gali.
Our favourite shop is Agra Chaat House which is the oldest and best!
Tip 1: Do buy authentic Petha from original Panchhi Petha Outlet and also try their Dalmoth
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2. Golden Hour shot near Jhansi
When I travel, I eagerly wait for The Sun to rise as then it shows its vibrant dominance on us. During golden hours sky looks divine and the golden rays energize the soul. For the photographer in me this is the real time to bow myself and feel lost in the soul elevating surrounding. On second day of trip, we left Gwalior at early morning and were somewhere near Jhansi when a perfect setup was right in front me which had all the classical elements: A slow roaring fishing boat, tranquil lake and the soothing reflection of the golden sun.
It was all mesmerizing. Moments like this, truly, motivate me to take the pain and hit the road again and again.
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3. Super Awesome Road & Rural landscapes from Central India
I have been traveling across MP every years since 2010 as part of my official tours and have seen how this state has improved upon road infrastructure lately. This time, I particularly find roads in MP really awesome and super worthy for driving. Although these were not the road untraveled for me, but the pleasure of self-driving could be relished only this time as i had the liberty to control the pace of the travel. So, during this trip, as soon as, we entered MP from Jhansi side, we were awestruck by the smooth 4 lane roads all the way up to Jabalpur. Further, landscapes on either side of the road were icing on the cake. The smooth drive for miles and miles on the fine tarmac road complemented by great landscapes kept us refreshed.
Super Drive Worthy Roads
Road to Chhattisgarh, India.
Rural Landscape: Green Pea Farms on our road to Bhedaghat.
Sparsely populated hamlets in Rural Madhya Pradesh. On Our way to Chhattisgarh
Rural Landscape from the heart of Incredible India i.e. Madhya Pradesh.
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4. Bhedaghat: The Naval of India
During this journey Bhedaghat was the tipping point that changed the mood and left incredible imprints on our travel thirsty soul. Bhedaghat is almost at the centre of India may be called the Naval of India with its whirling Narmada River meandering through natural marble rocks. The one word that most perfectly describes Bhedaghat is evocative. Every view from anywhere is truly evocative. The intangible side of its existence exudes thousands of color each representing one or other emotion. Every hour of day, it changes the purpose of its being there. It is imposing, it is inviting and it is right there. And because it is there… GO THERE!!
To read more on Bhedaghat and its perpetual beauty click here.
Tip 2: Stay next to Water Fall at Vrindavan Resorts and enjoy your dinner watching the water fall amidst the roar of flowing river.
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5. Road-Tripping Amidst Sagaun laden Vindya & Satpura Ranges
After Bhedaghat, when we left district headquarter Jabalpur, road snaked through verdant Vindya and Satpura Range. We zipped through the dense Sagaun laden forest road passing through Kanha national park. Vindya and Satpura ranges constitutes world’s one of the oldest mountain systems. They are home to many wild life ecosystems like Kanha National Park, Pench National Park (Home to Mowgli), Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhoram Deo Wildlife Sanctuary and robust Narmada Valley. This was my third road trip from Jabalpur to Bilaspur and I have to admit that traveling through this virtuous geographical part has always been fulfilling and humbling experience.
And here we entered Chhattisgarh!
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6. Mahamaya Devi Temple, Ratanpur, Chhattisgarh
Mahamaya Temple is a part of my early childhood’s road trip memories as it used to be regular affair for us to visit this temple in our good old Maruti 800. Every time, whenever any relative was at our home, Ratanpur used to be the designated first place to visit. In those days this 50 KM to & fro road trip was filled all the fun.
Mahamaya Temple near Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.
11th century Mahamaya Temple is in Ratanpur which is situated at 25 KM from Bilaspur and home to goddess Mahamaya the family deity of Kalchuri & Haihaya dynasties hich ruled this part of Central India for many centuries. Ratanpur as a town has a rich cultural and political importance as it was the capital of Kulchuries until the british arrive. Remnants from past still exude the glory of past.
As a perpetual habit, we also pay our visit this time from Bilaspur the very next day to Diwali. It is a must visit place whenever in Chhattisgarh to seek the blessings of Adishakti Mahamaya.
Khutaghat Dam near Ratanpur, Chhattisgarh
Tip 3: When in Ratanpur, make sure you visit nearby picturesque Khutaghat Dam and do not forget to visit Bherobaba Temple on your way back to Bilaspur. Also if time permits, Ram Tekri can be visited which is a hilltop temple where, as per local legend, Lord Rama spend few days during his exile.
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7. Golden Hour Inside Bhoram Deo National Park
So far, we always felt that Himalayan Fiefdom offers best golden hour opportunity to photographers, however, when we entered Bhoram Deo National Park right at when dawn was breaking and we could witness verdant heaven having an aura of Golden Sun rays. The Sun rays were sieving through dense woods and thus presented yet another mesmerizing morning from central India.
Golden hour capture amidst Teak Wood Forest of Bhoram Deo Wildlife Sanctuary on the way to Bhoram Deo Temple.
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8. Erotic Architecture of Bhoram Deo Temple
This was a true blessing in disguise. We never knew that we would be exploring a real hidden gem which is an epitome of love, beauty and spirituality yet so unknown and miles away from everything. 11th Century Bhoram Deo Temple, situated amidst picturesque landscape of dense green forest, is a blend of religious and erotic architecture which has earned it an apt sobriquet: The Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh.
Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh: Bhoram Deo Temple.
Sanctum Sanctorum of Bhoram Deo Temple: A Rare Picture.
Ganesha In Warrior Posture
Built by Nagvanshi rulers thistemple has significant tantric value attached to it also. In sanctum sanctorum, along with Lingam of Lord Shiva you would find Ganesha in “Warrior Posture” which is specific to only Nagvanshi Heritage. After having visited Sirpur, Barasur, and this time Bhoram Deo, Nagavanshi heritage and their mysterious architecture have intrigued me to the core and would be a topic for further exploration. Meanwhile, Bhoram Deo Temple enveloped within Bhoram Deo Wildlife Sanctuary is a MUST GO TO PLACE.
A Water Body Next To Temple
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9. Hirni River: Photographer’s delight
On our last but one day, we traveled for 750 KM from Bilaspur to Jhansi and while in morning it was Bhoram Deo National Park , in the late afternoon it was Hirni River near Jabalpur that gave us reason to celebrate nature. Hirni river presented itself in its best curvaceous form and a fisherman in his small makeover boat was right there. It was a very delightful moment to be right there to capture this.
Fisherman near Jabalpur on our way to Jhansi.
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10. The Bridge Across Chambal River:
For everyone belonging to Central India, Chambal invokes dreadful connotations for being infamous as an abode to notorious dacoits. The Chambal valley which can be classified as the barren land has umpteen hillocks and treacherous roads which has made it fruitful hideout for many infamous dacoits since British era. Its topography could not be breached for years and years by law enforcement agencies thus it became the preferred abode to legendary dacoits some of them followed the so called path of Robinhood also but mostly in vain.
So, while coming back to delhi, on the last day we finally got the opportunity to zip through Chambal Ghati (Valley) and took a pit stop right under the Chambal Bridge. Bridge across Chambal starts from Madhya Pradesh and ends at Rajasthan which sums up the importance of Chambal River for the people of Central India. After spending sometime in clicking few photographs, we have no reservation in concluding that Chambal Bridge is one of the most photogenic bridge of Central India.
Bridge on Chambal River: This river is the natural Border between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan state.
The Chambal River from under the bridge
Tough terrain of Chambal Valley which once upon a time gave hide out to most notorious dacoits of India.
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After this soulful road trip, we decided to enjoy the festivity of Diwali always in Bilaspur with family but every year it would a road trip to Bilaspur from Delhi exploring one hidden gem of Central India each time. We could experience a lot while traversing through our native states during this self drive road trip which otherwise was not possible. Our enriched memory bank confirmed our belief that India is best experienced through road trips and we would continue to do so in this life time !
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I remember my trip to Bhedaghat. its beauty is mesmeric indeed.
Loved the Golden Hour shot!
Thanks Maniparna.
Have you written something on that trip. Please share the link 🙂
Here’s the link… 🙂
https://maniparna.com/2016/05/14/my-perfect-vacation/
Read it and loved it to the core. You have inspired me write my version of Khajuraho. Would do someday, Amen!
Thanks for stopping by. Kindly let me know when you do a post on Khajuraho… 🙂
Sure!
Incredible moments framed.
Thanks 🙂
Excellent article Himanshu……loved it. Keep blogging and keep surprising us with Indian tourism. God Bless.
Thanks alot… words like these actually motivate me to the core. Would love to go on a road trip someday with you 🙂
Very interesting trip indeed!
Thank u sirji!
35 years ago I visited the Bhedaghat from Jabalpur. Bhedaghat is one of the beautiful tourist attractions of MP and found it through your pics that still it stands as it was 35 years ago. Thanks for sharing!
Superb sir…. would love to see those pics of Bhedaghat. Please share if you can.
It’s in my wishlist…
Glad to know that. Lets connect more often.
Awesome, man. I have been enjoying road-trips off late as well and would mention about one very soon.
The best for me would have been those golden sunrise shots!
Good to know that. Once a roadtripper, always a roadtripper. Look forward to your tales from road trips.
What a beautiful journey. We have always wanted to do central india… Will write to you. There are questions I have had about central india drives…
Central india has alot to offer. Pls connect whenever you plan.
There’s nothing better than a road trip for truly exploring! You can stop whenever you want to, to eat or to take photos or to see a new sight…I especially love your photos taken at golden hour. So beautiful!
Yes road trips are best way to travel.
Thanks for appreciation. C u again.
That’s a huge road trip! It looks so nice! I didn’t know that central India has so much to offer! These waterfalls look amazing!
Central India is nature’s play ground. You gonna love it.
So many amazing highlights – I love your Golden Hour shot near Jhansi. Great photo 🙂 We’re a huge fan of exploring a country via roadtrip, and have done a lot of Europe, the States and Australia. Central India might have to be next!
Thanks Meg. It feels awesome to get such motivating comment from pro like you.
India has great potential for any road trip lover. Road trips gives you immense opportunity to explore real India that live in Rural.
I love seeing an India itinerary that isn’t exactly the same places as everyone else – this is unique (and insane, might I add!) I’ve always seen India as big cities, but you’re making me want to go!
Ha ha, yes and that’s why i love self drive road trips to the places. India has much much more to offer beyond big cities.
I absolutely love this – I’ve always thought of India as just big cities, and you really change that perception. It’s not the same old routes, but this unique and crazy road trip. Damn it, now I’ve got another country to add to the list!
70 percent of India lives in beyond metro places, mostly in rural. In trust me, that’s the real India still following ages old traditions.
I would strongly suggest you to go beyond regular tourist places and travel to explore and feel.
What were the roads like? Were they in fairly good repair? I’d also be interested to know your thoughts on whether it’s safe for foreigners to self-drive in India.
Roads have improved a lot. You can check out the photographs. Yest it is safe for foreigners to go for self drive in India. Although you would be required to be extra careful as traffic sense is yet to develop here. Many times single roads would be there. But if you love driving than it has much to offer.
Soooo so beautiful! I am dying to travel there. Your photos are incredible!
Thanks Anna. Come to India and make sure you do road trips 🙂
Seems like you had a one of a kind journey! The best experiences are often unplanned and that makes them even more spectacular. I’ve always loved Indian food and that would be my highlight when I visit India one day. What best place than the Sadar Bazar!
Certainly Agra has some great food option. Would love to help you with your india planning. Stay connected.
WOW! That’s quite the road trip. I honestly don’t know a lot about India, but your photographs are spectacular.
Hey Mags,
It was indeed yet another great road trip. Come to India, and you fall in love with the variety it offers. 🙂
Its a shame your original travel plans were vetoed – but I’m glad your forced trip turned out to be a great one! I think this is definitely a case of ‘things happening for a reason’ 🙂
Hey Vicki,
It was no shame as for us Diwali is biggest festival and indian society is primarily family driven. So, although it was vetoed, but we happily aligned ourselves. Thanks for dropping by.
Loved following along on your road trip. I’m sorry we missed Sadar Bazaar when we were in Agra a few years ago sounds so tasty.
Thanks for dropping by. You must someday visit Agra for its rich street food culture.
Interesting to see they use the same fishing net that the fishermen of Inlay lake in Myanmar…
With Myanmar we share not just border but culture tradition and heritage also. It has always been a part of greater Indian Sub-continent.
That is fantastic road trip and beautiful set of photos! Thanks for taking me there. Bye. Kamila
Your road trips are unfailingly amazing and eye opening as usual. Keep them coming. MAkes my travel planning a whole lot easier!
Love the photos esp the Golden Hour shot. That is a great road trip to go on with so many scenic views on the way.
Wow! Central Indian looks so beautiful! I love your golden hour shots! I can imagine sitting next to Hirni river to enjoy the calm atmosphere!
This truly seems like a photographers dream! My husband and I are heading to india next year, and this seems like an incredible road trip! Jhansi looks like pure magic
Never been to India. This road trip looks like it is a must experience for one visiting India. Like they say, its an incredible India. Thanks for sharing your adventure.
I’m a big fan of road trips and this definitely looks like a fun itinerary. The sunrise shots near Jhansi are spectacular! I’m not a morning person but for a view like that, I wouldn’t mind sacrificing my beauty sleep!!
This road trip is epic! Wow! I hope I get to do something similar one day!! 🙂 Your golden hour shots are just awesome!
What an incredible road trip! SO nice to see the road infrastructure improving, which means it’s much easier to get around this beautiful country now. The waterfalls looked amazing – Would love to see them on my next trip in the region!
Sometimes, I forget how large of a country India is. I love how much you managed to see on your road trip. It looks like a pretty epic trip (that waterfall is amazing).
Those golden hour photos are spectacular!!!!!!!!!!!