India is home to some of the richest wildlife sancturies in the world, including tiger-dense forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Many Indian states protect these natural treasures through national parks, reserves, and carefully managed habitats. Madhya Pradesh has been selected as the only Indian destination in Travel + Leisure’s 50 best places to travel in 2026, specifically in the Nature Lovers category. Its abundant wildlife and pristine wilderness attract visitors from around the world.
This Indian state has made the list of the 50 best places to travel in 2026
Madhya Pradesh is often referred to as the ‘Tiger State of India’ due to its renowned wildlife reserves, making it a paradise for nature-loving travelers. The state is home to several major national parks, including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura, and Panna. Each park features a distinct landscape, ranging from dense sal forests and open meadows to rocky hills and winding rivers.
For many visitors, the primary attraction is the opportunity to see the Bengal tiger. Bandhavgarh is especially noted for having one of the highest densities of tigers in India, while Kanha, which inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, is recognized as one of the country’s best-managed parks. Additionally, Pench and Satpura provide quieter, less crowded safari experiences where travelers can also spot leopards, wild dogs, gaur, sloth bears, and numerous bird species.
Madhya Pradesh has made strong efforts toward conservation. Many parks run community-based programs that involve local villagers in protecting wildlife, guiding tourists, and promoting responsible tourism. Safari experiences are usually conducted in open jeeps with trained naturalists who help visitors understand animal behaviour and the ecology of the forests.
The ideal time to explore Madhya Pradesh’s wildlife parks is from October to June. The post-monsoon months (October–February) offer pleasant weather, lush green forests, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. From March to June, the heat increases but animal sightings, especially tigers, are usually better, as wildlife gathers near water sources.
Avoid the monsoon season (July–September) when most national parks remain closed for breeding and forest recovery. Heavy rains also make roads difficult and limit or make safari experiences unavailable.
Madhya Pradesh is well connected by air, rail, and road. Major airports like Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur offer flights from many Indian cities. From these hubs, travellers can drive or hire taxis to reach national parks, most of which are 3–6 hours away. The state also has an extensive railway network.
Meanwhile, several other Indian states are also known for their rich wildlife and well-preserved natural habitats. Rajasthan is famous for Ranthambore, which has a large tiger population. Assam is home to Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to two-thirds of the world’s population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. Uttarakhand’s Corbett National Park is another top choice for nature lovers.