This Indian state just made the ‘50 Best Places to Travel in 2026’—and nature lovers are losing it

If 2025 was the year travellers rediscovered slow, meaningful escapes, then 2026 is shaping up to be the year of pure, unfiltered rewilding. Around the world, travellers are pulling away from overcrowded capitals and commercialised hotspots, turning instead toward places that feel untouched—where forests breathe ancient stories, wildlife still rules the land, and nature isn’t a backdrop but the main event.

It’s in this global shift toward raw, regenerative travel that Madhya Pradesh has emerged as a breakout star. Chosen as the only Indian destination in Travel + Leisure’s prestigious list of the “50 Best Places to Travel in 2026” under the Nature Lovers category, the state’s rise is a testament to the world finally recognising what Indians have known for years: MP is the wild, beating heart of the subcontinent.

Set in the centre of India, Madhya Pradesh is not merely a place you visit—it’s a landscape you surrender to. From primeval sal forests and canyon-like gorges to ancient heritage sites that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with thriving tiger territories, MP offers something rare in today’s hyper-connected world: immersive wilderness at a scale that feels almost mythical. Add to that a new wave of luxury jungle stays, conservation success stories that inspire the world, and a safari experience considered among the best on the planet, and it’s clear why nature lovers across the globe can’t stop talking about this Indian state.

Why Madhya Pradesh Made the Global 2026 List

Madhya Pradesh’s selection is tied to three big trends:

1. India’s Tiger Boom

India’s tiger population is thriving like never before—and Madhya Pradesh sits at the centre of this revival. With some of the richest forests in the country, MP is now recognised as one of the best places on Earth to see tigers in the wild.

2. A Wildlife Experience That Isn’t Just About Safaris

From forested hills and deep ravines to river valleys and ancient ruins, the state offers a rare blend of biodiversity, nature-focused adventures, and cultural exploration.

3. Growth of High-End Nature-Focused Stays

Luxury and wilderness now go hand in hand in MP, thanks to new properties that bring global attention to the region.

This combination—wildlife density, cultural depth, and a new wave of boutique stays—is exactly what earned MP its place among the top global destinations for 2026.

Where Luxury Meets the Wild: New Stays to Watch

2026 will be a defining year for Madhya Pradesh's safari tourism, with standout openings designed specifically for global wildlife travellers.

Vindhyavilas – Bandhavgarh

Built by Oberoi, this new wilderness retreat features:

• 19 spacious, air-conditioned tents.
• Two private villas.
• A location just 20 minutes from Bandhavgarh National Park, home to nearly 150 Bengal tigers.

It’s luxury in its purest, most minimal form—close enough to raw nature that you’ll wake up to birdsong, yet indulgent enough to feel utterly pampered.

Rajgarh Palace – Panna

Another Oberoi-led restoration, this 17th-century hilltop palace is pure grandeur.

What makes it extraordinary is the combination of:

• Access to Panna National Park’s 90+ tigers.
• Proximity to the 1,000-year-old UNESCO-listed temples of Khajuraho.

Few destinations in the world offer the chance to pair a sunrise safari with an afternoon exploring stone temples that once symbolised divine love.

These stays signal a new era where wildlife tourism in MP meets world-class hospitality.

The Tiger Heartland: MP’s Big Cat Legacy

Often called India’s Tiger State, MP holds a significant share of the world’s Bengal tiger population. Its forests form critical corridors that support not only tigers but also leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, and countless other species.

Travellers don’t just come here to spot wildlife—they come to witness one of the most successful conservation stories of our generation.

Why this matters for 2026:

• Tiger sightings are more reliable than ever.
• Safaris are well regulated.
• Parks maintain strong eco-tourism models.
• Local communities benefit from tourism, making conservation sustainable.

This powerful balance of wildlife richness, responsible tourism, and community involvement is why the state is celebrated globally.

Where to Go: Madhya Pradesh’s Iconic Tiger Landscapes

Madhya Pradesh’s national parks are far more than wildlife zones—they are deep, character-rich forests with distinct personalities. Each reserve offers a different mood, a different rhythm, and a different way to meet the wild. Here’s what makes every major landscape unforgettable.

1. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is the crown jewel for anyone seeking the highest chances of spotting a tiger in its natural habitat. This forest is famous for frequent sightings, but its appeal goes beyond wildlife. Dramatic cliffs, ancient caves, and the enigmatic Bandhavgarh Fort towering over the landscape give the reserve a sense of myth and grandeur. For photographers, filmmakers, and first-time safari-goers, Bandhavgarh is often the most rewarding introduction to India’s tiger country.

2. Kanha Tiger Reserve embodies the classic Central Indian jungle. Its wide, grassy meadows, dense sal forests, and thriving population of the endangered barasingha create a landscape straight out of a nature documentary. Kanha’s scenery is widely considered among the most beautiful in Asia, offering travellers a blend of serenity and adventure that keeps them returning season after season.

3. Pench Tiger Reserve holds a special place in literary and wildlife history—it is the very forest that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Spread across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Pench is a thriving habitat for tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and an impressive variety of bird species. Its teak forests, gentle streams, and open grasslands make it one of the most picturesque safari experiences in the country.

4. Satpura Tiger Reserve is the choice for travellers who prefer an intimate, offbeat wildlife experience. Unlike the busier reserves, Satpura offers a quieter, more immersive form of safari tourism, ranging from walking safaris to canoeing and boat rides—activities rarely permitted in other parks. For slow travellers, nature lovers, and those seeking tranquillity, Satpura is the perfect retreat.

5. Panna Tiger Reserve is one of India’s most inspiring conservation stories. After a successful tiger reintroduction programme, Panna has transformed into a thriving ecosystem known for its beautiful riverine landscapes and dramatic escarpments. What makes it even more special is its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Khajuraho temples, allowing visitors to combine wildlife exploration with one of India’s greatest cultural sites.

6. Kuno National Park, while not traditionally part of India’s tiger tourism circuit, has become a global conservation hotspot thanks to the ambitious cheetah reintroduction project. Its open woodlands and grasslands offer a different kind of wilderness experience, making it a fascinating addition for travellers looking to witness history in the making.

Best Time to Visit: When the Jungle is at Its Best

Tiger reserves are open from mid-October to June, with two major wildlife seasons:

November – February

• Cool weather, scenic forests, pleasant safaris.
• Best for families and first-time visitors.
• Excellent for birdwatching.

March – May

• Hot but peak tiger sighting season.
• Sparse vegetation makes animals more visible.
• Favoured by wildlife enthusiasts & photographers.

Pro Tip: For the perfect blend of good weather + great wildlife activity, plan your trip between late November and early March.

Why Madhya Pradesh Is More Than Just Tigers

Beyond its thriving tiger population, MP is a full-bodied nature experience offering:

• Sloth bears, barasingha, gaur, jackals, wild dogs, leopards.
• 300+ bird species including hornbills, eagles, owls, and kingfishers.
• Tribal villages where traditions have remained untouched for centuries.
• Ancient temples, river gorges, forts, and archaeological marvels.
• Forests that feel as dramatic as scenes from a wildlife documentary.

For international travellers, MP combines the thrill of an African-style safari with the heritage of centuries-old Indian history. For Indian travellers, it’s an accessible and rewarding escape that feels refreshingly wild.