Being from the corporate world, you always remain on your toes. From state to state, city to city, you crisscross the country exploring new business opportunities and ties.

And, if you thought a business trip is only about clinching corporate deals and winning over your clients, think again! You are missing something – a chance to relish the distinct leisure attractions of the cities that play host to your crucial business meets and presentations.

To enable you to savour the quintessence of different leisure cities in India during your business trips Today’s Traveller comes up with the distinct flavours of 13 Leisure cities to visit in India.

KHAJURAHO: LOVE AND EROTICISM

A popular heritage city in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho makes you witness varied shades and colours of life. Though capturing different human moods through their magnificent sandstone sculptures, the Khajuraho group of temples best reflect love and eroticism. The world-famous temples, designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, were built by the Chandela Rajputs. Of the 85 original temples in the group, today, only 22 temples stand tall surviving the ravages of time.

The exquisite and intricate sculptures depict numerous deities, their attendants and celestial maidens. Broadly, the temples of Khajuraho are divided into three geographical groups—Western, Eastern and Southern. The Western group comprises the largest of the Khajuraho temples, Kandariya Mahadev.

As many as 900 sensuous and vibrantly alive figurines depicting dancers, musicians and erotic groupings adorn the walls of the Kandariya Mahadev. Another magnificent temple that draws tourists in large numbers is Chitragupta. The temple, dedicated to the Sun god, is embellished with sculptures reflecting the lavish lifestyle of the Chandela courts.

PANAJI: FULL OF CHARM

A visit to Panaji, also known as Panjim is full of charm. With a river flowing along one side of the city, the undulating topography is dotted with low-rise and red-roofed buildings, and even a Latin Quarter at the eastern end of the town.

True to its character, Panaji is becoming a global cultural hub where creativity flourishes. Put on your walking shoes and walk down the alleys of Panaji enjoying the arresting Portuguese architecture. Visit the Panjim church, heritage houses around Altinho, The Goa state museum, Central Library, the oldest public library in India and the Maruti and Mahalaxmi Temples. Pay a visit to the green islands across the river which you can reach in just a few minutes as you cross on the car ferry and enjoy beautiful serene views.

One of the most popular river cruises in India, the Mandovi River Sunset cruise sails up and down the river, with a cheerful band, a cool breeze and dancing revellers. There is also a floating restaurant that has come up.

The Miramar beach is a stone’s throw and it is wonderful to lie on the white sands, a cool breeze in your hair as you hear the waves lap the shores and watch the iron ore barges make their way in the distance.

For bird watchers, the city has a dream prepared for you…the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary on the western tip of the Chorao Island, along the Mandovi river. An estuarine mangrove habitat it is rich in flora and fauna and there are many species of migratory birds visiting the sanctuary from as far as Siberia.

BHUBANESWAR: CULTURAL COLLAGE

For any Indian city, it’s hard to rival Bhubaneswar’s cultural heritage. The city’s rich and colourful heritage gets best reflected in its ancient temples that are nothing less than architectural wonders.

Some of the city’s magnificent temples that would catch your fancy include Mukteswar Temple, Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani Temple and Brahmeswar Temple. The graceful sculptures and intricate figures on the walls of these temples attract culture vultures from different corners of the country.

Bhubaneswar derived its distinct cultural vibrancy, primarily, by serving as a kingdom of ancient rulers. It was in Bhubaneswar where the Odishan-style temple building activities first attained prominence. Enriching the city’s culture scape is the world-famous classical dance, Odissi, which originated in this Odisha’s capital city.

MYSORE: PALATIAL PALACES

Next time you happen to be in Mysore on a business trip, do take the time to explore its royal lineage, best manifested by the numerous palaces the city possesses.

Tagged as a city of palaces, Mysore offers you interesting insights into the royal world of the bygone era. If you don’t have much time to go about exploring all the palatial palaces in the city, make Mysore Palace your sole destination.
An ode to the regal past of the city, the Mysore Place bedazzles you with its ornate ceilings, jewelled corridors, lavish paintings, stained glass windows and a jewelled throne.

You can also set out on a royal journey of exploring other palaces, including Karanji Vilasa, Vasantha Mahal and Rajendra Vilas. Some of the major palaces in Mysore have been transformed into government offices and hotels.

RANCHI: SPECTACULAR WATERFALLS

If you deem waterfalls among nature’s most prized bounties, you’ll get them in plenty in Jharkhand’s capital city, Ranchi. A number of picnic spots have been developed around Ranchi’s waterfalls.

Some of the picturesque falls that draw tourists in hordes from different parts of the country include Hundru, Jonha, Dassam and Panch Gagh. At the Hundru Falls, the Subarnarekha river falls from a height of 320 feet.

The pools at the bottom of the falls are favourite picnic and bathing spots. The picturesque surroundings of Jonha Falls can be best savoured by descending around the 500 steps here. At the Dassam Falls, the Kachni river falls from an altitude of 144 feet. The Panch Gagh Fall consists of five streams, formed in a row due to the breaking up of the Banai river, which falls from a good height.

UDAIPUR: SHIMMERING LAKES

Tagged as the `city of lakes ’, Udaipur will make you fall in love with calm waters, thanks to its enchanting lakes that lend a magical touch to the picturesque beauty of this Rajasthan’s royal city.

Some of the most beautiful lakes that would transport you to an entirely different world of serenity include Pichola Lake, Udai Sagar Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Rajsamand Lake and Jaisamand Lake.

Located in the heart of the city, Pichola Lake is the oldest of all the lakes in the city. Boat rides in Udaipur’s lakes and watercourses are a tourists’ delight. During the rides, you get to savour the fabulous views of the mountains and the picturesque beauty that surround the lakes.

SRINAGAR: SHIKARA RIDES

In Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, you get the extra advantage of enjoying the bounties of nature while `living on the water’, thanks to the shikaras (traditional houseboats) that are characteristic of the city.

These shikaras are decorated fancifully and named romantically. Offering all the conveniences of a hotel, houseboats bob on the famed Dal Lake and other enchanting water bodies. You get a lifetime experience when a shikara takes you along the backwaters of the Dal Lake, past tall trees, bushes and narrow tracks. On the way, as you observe the crimson sky being lit by the colours of the setting sun, you feel like getting transported into a different world that is hard to put into words.

HYDERABAD: ARCHI-TECULTURAL BRILLIANCE

The city of Nizams, Hyderabad, is a treasure trove of architectural marvels. You get to witness some of India’s most authentic and majestic displays of architectural works in Hyderabad’s forts, palaces, and religious centres.

From exploring the city’s rich architectural legacy, head to the Paigah Tombs, a stunning fusion of Islamic and Rajputana styles of architecture with hints of Persian, Turkish and Greek art forms. Visit the Chow Mohalla Palace, designed in Mughal and European styles of architecture; Birla Mandir, carved from all pure-white marble; Mecca Masjid, the country’s second-largest mosque famed for its single slab granite columns and arches; Golconda Fort, which artistically blends Hindu and Mulsim architectural patterns; or the Charminar, a protected monument famous for its minarets and Arabic-style architecture.

RISHIKESH: SPLASH OF FUN

So, you always believed you aren’t faint-hearted? Why not put it to the test at Rishikesh?

You just need to tame the wild waters and ride over the tumultuous currents while rafting at the Ganges here and let others rate your strength.

Branded as India’s white water rafting capital, Rishikesh attracts adventure-seekers from all corners of the country. With the Ganges here gushing down from the icy height of the Himalayas and bursting into white water rapids, Rishikesh serves as the perfect spot for rafting and a host of exciting water-based activities.

GAYA: BUDDHA’S SHELTER

If you want to go beyond materialistic pleasures in pursuit of inner peace, come to Gaya, a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage city in Bihar.

Here, Lord Buddha attained the supreme enlightenment under a banyan tree, famous as the Bodhi Tree. Standing in close proximity to the tree is the Mahabodhi Temple. Inside the temple, in the main sanctum, there’s a colossal statue of the Lord Buddha in sitting posture.

The entire courtyard of the temple is studded with a large number of stupas of varied shapes and sizes. The ancient railings that surround the temple are of the First Century BC.

AHMEDABAD: GANDHI’S FOOTSTEPS

If Gandhian thoughts and principles have inspired you, it’s your turn to know the Mahatma from close quarters. And, for it, choosing Ahmedabad, which for many years remained as the centre of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent struggle, as your base would be the right option. Visit the Gandhi Smarak to get a sense of Bapu’s life and other persons who had worked closely with him. The small museum also houses a library of Gandhian literature and paintings, and an archive of letters written by Gandhi.

AMRITSAR: DIVINE GURUS

Punjab’s Amritsar city holds a special significance for Sikhs, for the holiest of all Sikh gurudwaras, Golden Temple or Harimandir Sahib, is situated here.

The Golden Temple was designed by Guru Arjan Sahib, the fifth Sikh Guru. Made of white marble overlaid with a gold leaf, the temple stands in the centre of Amrit Sarovar, a pool of freshwater. The water of the pool is believed to have curative properties.

The nightly ritual of moving the Guru Granth Sahib from the temple to the neighbouring Akal Takht building in a golden palanquin is worth watching. For coming face to face with the divinity, you can also visit other gurudwaras like Goindwal Sahib, Tarn Taran and Khadur Sahi.

DALHOUSIE: THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Dalhousie, situated in western Himachal Pradesh, is one of the country’s ideal places to soak in the great outdoors.Nestled in the Chamba District at an altitude of 1970 meters above sea level, this township is built on five hills—Kathlog, Patreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun. Dalhousie, primarily, derives its charming colonial atmosphere from the fact that it is named after the British General, Lord Dalhousie and was built as a summer retreat.

Its colonial heritage includes ancient Victorian and Scottish architecture which can be enjoyed across the town, as well as numerous churches like St. Andrew’s Church, St. Patrick’s Church, St. John’s Church and St. Francis Church, belonging to the 1800s. You can enjoy the flavour of ancient temples, rich Rajput and Mughal heritage, local culture and cuisine as well as local handicrafts. Just one kilometre out of town is Khajjiar which offers a small gem of a lake and where adventure activities such as trekking and zorbing are available. You can take a trek to the Dainkund Peak, which offers a panoramic view of the mountains around.

Take in a quick trek to Satdhara Falls which has therapeutic waters and overlooks beautiful vistas of the Chamba Valley. It is surrounded by thick green deodar and pine forests, not to mention the snow-capped mountain ranges beyond. Drive to the Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary which has wonderful views of snow-capped mountains and is a treasure trove of the great outdoors… white water streams, rich wildlife, verdant grasslands and deep deodar forests.

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Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with over 8,900 hotels across nearly 95 countries announced the signing of Ramada Encore by Wyndham Indore.

Ramada Encore by Wyndham Indore will provide great connectivity and accessibility for guests arriving by car, train, or air. The hotel will have easy access from the Ring Road and the main commercial area of Vijay Nagar.

The hotel, scheduled to open in 2022, will have a modern design and will feature 100 contemporary rooms, a lobby lounge, an all-day dining restaurant and bar, meetings and event spaces, a business centre, refreshing wellness areas and an outdoor rooftop swimming pool.

Nikhil Sharma, Regional Director Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts EMEA said: “We are delighted to announce the signing of Ramada Encore by Wyndham in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Ramada Encore by Wyndham is rapidly expanding in India and this signing further strengthens our mid-scale brand presence across the country. This upcoming opening adds to our existing portfolio of Wyndham-branded hotels in Madhya Pradesh and reaffirms our commitment to continued growth in this important market. We look forward to our partnership and to adding an internationally recognised hotel brand to the city of Indore.”

Once operational, Ramada Encore by Wyndham Indore will provide more than 100 jobs to the Indore city.

Indore is the most populous and largest city in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and is situated approximately 190 km west of the state capital of Bhopal. In the last two decades, it has become a major education hub in central India and is home to campuses of both the Indian Institute of Technology and the Indian Institute of Management. Indore is also a commercial centre for goods and services and has several industrial areas surrounding the city. These include Gems and Jewellery Park, Apparel Park, Pharma Cluster and many others.

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Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (Independent Charge) and Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh inaugurated the Maharaja Chhatrasal Convention Centre at Khajuraho developed under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.

Smt. Usha Thakur, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Madhya Pradesh, Shri Vishnu Dutt Sharma, Member of Parliament, Khajuraho Constituency, Shri Virendra Kumar, Member of Parliament, Tikamgarh, Pushpendra Singh Chandel, Member of Parliament, Hamirpur, Shri Arvind  Singh, Secretary (Tourism), GoI;  Shri  Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary (Tourism & Culture),  Government of  Madhya Pradesh, Ms Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, GoI and other dignitaries and officials of Government of India and State Government of Madhya Pradesh also graced the occasion. 

On the occasion, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel said, “We have to develop the iconic tourism places in various states of India but simultaneously we will have to conserve our ancient culture also. The Central government and State government have to work together to develop these new iconic tourism places so that their maintenance could be properly taken care of. We all will have to realise our responsibility towards our tourism places accordingly. We will help to protect our Lok Sanskriti or traditional culture also. Old structures and monuments have their own scientific sanctity.”

The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan assured full cooperation of the State government in developing all tourist places in the state with the help of the Central Government.  He dwelt upon the various measures taken by State Government in developing many tourist places in this state. He also said that under the able guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi development of many tourism places are underway in the state.

The UNESCO World Heritage site, Khajuraho, attracts tourists for its mesmerising temples. Adding on more to its features is the Convention Centre with good facilities, Named as Maharaja Chhatrasal Convention Centre Khajuraho, this venue will cater to all business needs.

It is well-positioned to make corporate events a great success by hosting meetings, conferences at this Convention Centre. Replete with all modern amenities and infrastructure this Convention Centre offers a secure space to host corporate banquets for teams both large and small, amidst a soothing decor and ambience.

Alongside fulfilling professional commitments, clients can even take a tour of the beautiful temples that are world-famous for their architecture and history. The whole campus structure and services are designed as per environment-friendly building guidelines.

High-performance, UV resistant, heat resistant glass is used; an energy-efficient HVAC system is installed, Energy-efficient LED lights are used. The total area of the convention hall is 14880 sqft. It can be subdivided into five walls after the installation of sliding folding partitions. The city of Khajuraho has a total inventory of 1400 rooms approximately. Being a World Heritage Site, guides proficient in different foreign languages besides English and Hindi are available.

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Have you ever wondered how old is India’s civilisation? Where is the Sun Temple in India?

Where are 2^nd century BC caves with intricate sculptures? You can find answers in our curation of the top six ancient monuments to visit in India.

Discover India through its ancient heritage- its temples, monuments and caves which have seen empires rise and fall and witnessed the march of civilizations.

The country has seen numerous emperors and dynasties rise and fall and has thus become a rare repository, a treasure trove of rich cultures and customs.

In this vast land, one can find historical relics, scattered across its length and breadth, standing as testimonies to various eras in history, each with their own artistry and fluidity of thoughts and ideas.

AJANTA AND ELLORA CAVES

Among the top six ancient monuments to visit in India are the Ajanta and Ellora Caves near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Significant discoveries in the history of India, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves have been inducted in the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. The caves depict paintings beginning with the 2nd century and continuing to the 6th century AD, inspired by Buddhism.

The Ajanta caves are located 107km from Aurangabad and 60km from Jalgaon. Comprising 32 caves, it is a protected site under the aegis of the Archaeological Survey of India. Ellora Caves consist of 34 caves, which are Buddhist, Hindu and Jain religious monuments carved in rock.

The caves consist of Chaitya shrines which are dedicated to Lord Buddha and Viharas (monasteries) used by Buddhist monks for meditation and the study of Buddhist teachings. Also, Cave 16 in Ellora houses the famous Kailasa temple, the abode of Lord Shiva.

KONARK SUN TEMPLE

Located in Puri district, Odisha, The Sun Temple of Konark is a fascinating old structure, which is a culmination of Oriya architecture and finds its place among the top six ancient monuments to visit in India.

Built in 13th century by King Narasimhadeva, the temple is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with seven horses and twelve wheels, carrying the sun god Surya, across the heavens.

The name Konark comes from the amalgamation of two Sanskrit works, ‘Kona’ meaning ‘corner’ and ‘Arka’ meaning ‘sun.’

The Sun temple comprises a sanctum with a lofty (over 68m high) sikhara, a jagamohana (30sq.m. and 30m high) and a detached nata-mandira (hall of dance) in the same axis, besides numerous subsidiary shrines.

The temple used to be referred to as the Black Pagoda in earlier days, by the Europeans.

KHAJURAHO GROUP OF TEMPLES

Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a fascinating temple complex that is visited by tourists from across the world and certainly among the top six ancient monuments to visit in India. Built by the Chandella rulers, between AD 900 and 1130, during the golden period of the Chandela dynasty, it is believed that every Chandela ruler built at least one temple here.

The intricately carved erotic designs are much revered and considered to be one of the finest examples of temple carvings. The images sculpted on the temple walls actually represent the divine Shakti and Shiva, the male and female principles. 

The temple is scattered over an area of 9sq.m and some are dedicated to the Jain pantheon and the rest to Hindu deities – to the holy trilogy of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and various Devi forms, such as the Devi Jagadambi.

The temple complex is under the UNESCO World Heritage’s protected sites.

HUMAYUN’S TOMB

Built in the year 1770, Humayun’s Tomb, located in New Delhi’s Nizamuddin East, is of great cultural and historical significance and is considered to be the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent.

The incredible architecture of the tomb has inspired many others, including the famous Taj Mahal.  The tomb stands at the centre of the square garden and is divided into four main parterres, known as ‘charbaghs,’ in the centre of which ran shallow water-channels.

The high rubble-built enclosure is entered through two lofty double-storeyed gateways on the west and south. A baradari (pavilion) occupies the centre of the eastern wall and a hammam (bath chamber) in the centre of the northern wall.

The tomb has many rulers of the Mughal dynasty buried here, including Humayun, for whom it was built. The tomb has now been restored and is open to visitors and finds a place among the top six ancient monuments to visit in India.

TAJ MAHAL

Located on the banks of the River Yamuna, in Agra, the Taj Mahal is widely revered in India and abroad, and is among the top six ancient monuments to visit in India The ivory-white marble mausoleum was commissioned by the then Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in 1632 AD, to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Initially, the mosque, the guest house and the main gateway on the south were completed in 1648 AD; later, the outer courtyard and its cloisters were added to complete it in 1653 AD.

Considered to be the epitome of love, the Taj Mahal is a hot favourite among couples coming to visit India. In terms of architecture, the structure is in perfect balance of composition, the octagonal tomb chamber in the centre, encompassed by the portal halls and the four corner rooms.

GOLDEN TEMPLE

Also known as Sri Harminder Sahib, the Golden Temple is the spiritual abode of the Sikhs and is located in Amritsar, Punjab. The central focus of the Temple is the tank around which the shrine stands. The tank, known as Amrit Sarovar, from which Amritsar takes its name, was excavated by guru Ram Das, the fourth guru of the Sikhs, in the year 1577.

The holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, is installed every morning inside the temple and is later returned to the Akal Takhat at night. The Golden Temple has an elegantly carved marble section at the lower level, above which is the shimmering second level in gold panels.

The tip of the temple is a golden dome of 750kg of gold. Inside, one could lose oneself in the exceptionally soothing music and chanting from the Guru Granth Sahib, as performed by priests and musicians throughout the day. It is one of the most visited shrines and is thus among the top six ancient monuments to visit in India

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Madhya Pradesh Tourism has recently launched an innovative concept “Workcation” – Vacation alongside Work, a perfect office layout where one can carry on with his regular work with plenty of free time to travel around, bond with one another, enjoy nature and rejuvenate from the regular lives.

Work-life balance is often about the struggle to create clear delineation between our careers and our personal lives. It’s becoming increasingly difficult, however, to draw a hard line – especially with emails rolling in and various messages constantly popping up. No matter what we promise ourselves, many of us are guilty of penciling in at least a little work while we’re away. And while uninstalling messaging from your phone while on holiday is one possible solution, it’s a pretty drastic measure for a little peace and quiet.

That’s where workcations come in. Instead of trying to build a wall between work and personal life, workcations lean into the idea that they’re not separate at all. It’s not quite the same as digital nomadism, in which you work where you please but still focus on your day-to-day tasks. Workcations are instead conscious efforts to separate yourself from your permanent environment, and get extremely focused on one element of your job. You step away with the explicit intention to ignore the daily churn.

The integration of nature is often a big part; not only is it relaxing, but it’s shown to boost productivity, mind-wandering creativity, and promote mental restoration lost to distraction.

Madhya Pradesh Tourism “The Heart of Incredible India” is offering this thoughtful concept in numerous peaceful nature scenic Jungle resorts like White Tiger Forest Lodge, (Bandhavgarh), Kipling’s Court (Pench National Park), Bison Retreat, Satpura National Park, Champak Bungalow in Pachmarhi, Sailani Island (Omkareshwar). All these Hotels / Resorts situated at stellar locations with panoramic views of meadows all around serves a great therapy for the body and mind.

The resorts possess essential facilities like High-Speed Internet Connectivity, Power Backup, Comfortable Stay, Medical and First aid Facilities, Healthy and fresh Food, Beverages, Room Service following all the essential Guidelines, norms, and specific protocols followed with regards to safety, hygiene, sanitization, etc. 

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Madhya Pradesh is blessed with rich wildlife experiences, marvellous heritage, divine pilgrim spots, several architectural wonders and food to suit everybody’s taste. With these many diverse aspects to explore in the heart of incredible India, the tourists here not just enjoy their holidays to the fullest but also take back memorable experiences to narrate. 

Notably, Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world’s number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973.

Each year, Lonely Planet’s best in Travel lists start with nominations from Lonely Planet’s vast community of editors, researchers, locals and influencers, and decided and ranked by a panel of judges. The outcome is an eclectic list of destinations with unique, compelling and topical reasons to visit in the year ahead – as well as underlying travel trends to look for.

Officials of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board quoted “It’s a great matter of pride for us that Madhya Pradesh Tourism has ranked under Top 3 Best Value Destinations of the world. Madhya Pradesh tourism has always appreciated the people’s support and acknowledges their efforts in creating new milestones for the State and its offerings. We highly appreciate the contribution of tourism industry in various forms and always try to set new International standards in the field of hospitality and services.”

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