Often referred to as the ‘Heart of India’ due to its geographical location, Madhya Pradesh is India’s second largest state. This part of India is spectacular for its heritage and wildlife sites. The stunning Hindu and Jain temples at Khajuraho are renowned for their carvings of erotic scenes, most prominently the Kandariya Mahadeva, which features over 800 sculptures. The ancient fort of Mandu displays examples of Afghan architecture through beautiful palaces and mosques, built during the state’s Afghan era of rule.

Madhya Pradesh is home to 10 National Parks, of which six are tiger reserves – few places in Asia, let alone India, offer as much choice in exploration and wild experiences as this state. Key parks include Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench and Panna, noted for their high density of tigers, while the relatively unknown Satpura is particularly blessed with a high leopard population.

If the lure of ancient civilizations interspersed with the wild isn’t enough, Madhya Pradesh offers the active traveller encounters with great rivers and mountain peaks – it straddles the sacred Narmada River, worshipped throughout the region, on which unforgettable boat rides allow you to glide between giant marble rocks and take in rarely seen spots of pristine nature. Spend time on its mesmerising banks in the lovely city of Maheshwar, where a rich architectural and cultural legacy is supported by the Holkar Dynasty, who also host an annual Sacred River Festival, featuring classical music performances, held at Ahilya Fort each February.

To the west lies Maharashtra, India’s second most populous state and a compelling blend of the ancient and the ultra-modern. At its heart is Mumbai, India’s vibrant financial capital and home to the world-famous Bollywood film industry. This electric, fast-paced metropolis rewards exploration on foot, with its iconic Gateway of India, grand Victorian Gothic and Art Deco architecture, bustling bazaars and thriving arts and dining scene. Just off the coast, a short boat ride leads to the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves, home to remarkable rock-cut sculptures dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Beyond the city, Maharashtra unfolds into a landscape rich in heritage and natural beauty. The extraordinary rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites – showcase some of the finest ancient art in the world, with intricately carved Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples dating back over 2,000 years. To the west, the misty hills and forts of the Western Ghats and the vineyards of Nashik, India’s wine capital, offer a gentler pace, while the Konkan coast boasts unspoilt beaches and centuries-old sea forts.