As 2026 approaches, it’s time to start mapping out your travel adventures for the new year. If you’re on the lookout for inspiration, consider adding Madhya Pradesh to your itinerary! It may seem like an unconventional choice, but it’s worth knowing that Madhya Pradesh is the only Indian state featured in Travel + Leisure’s list of the 50 best travel destinations for 2026. That’s right! The submissions have been sorted into various categories: Beach Escapes, Urban Adventures, Culinary Hotspots, Cultural Experiences, Water Activities, and Nature Enthusiasts. This captivating region has earned a place in the ‘Destinations for nature lovers’ category, and here’s everything you need to know about it.
Each year, Travel + Leisure publishes a list of 50 travel destinations based on 100 nominees, highlighting why these locations are worth visiting in the coming year. Many of the chosen winners are places that were previously hard to access but are now becoming easier to reach due to new infrastructure developments and expanded airline services. The magazine also consulted with industry experts and members of the T+L A-List to identify which major cities are currently popular, as well as to discover lesser-known destinations that offer unique culinary experiences not found elsewhere.
Madhya Pradesh Is Home To National Parks, UNESCO Sites And More
Madhya Pradesh is gaining attention as the prime destination for tiger spotting in India, thanks to its booming tiger population. Travel + Leisure highlights that this central state offers the best opportunities to see these majestic animals. Jennifer Morris from Abercrombie & Kent emphasizes that the lush forests of Madhya Pradesh are unmatched for wildlife enthusiasts.
Travelers will find new upscale accommodations, notably from Oberoi. Vindhyavilas features 19 spacious air-conditioned tents and two villas, just 20 minutes from Bandhavgarh National Park, home to around 150 Bengal tigers. Meanwhile, the Rajgarh Palace, an exquisite 17th-century hilltop palace, offers access to Panna National Park, which is home to over 90 tigers and is located near the historic Khajuraho temples. Improved domestic flights to Jabalpur and Khajuraho are making this previously overlooked region more accessible.
