In a major step towards regional tourism cooperation, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board successfully concluded its roadshow in Lucknow on June 25, 2025, marking a milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to jointly promote tourism. The MoU focuses on enhancing the Shri Ram Path Gaman, Shri Krishna Pathey, and Buddhist Circuit, unlocking shared religious and cultural tourism potential across both states.
The high-profile event, hosted at Hotel Taj Mahal, was part of preparations for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart and the Regional Tourism Conclave. It was graced by dignitaries including Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla, Tourism Minister Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Shri Jaiveer Singh, and Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Trusts, Madhya Pradesh, Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla. Celebrated actor Shri Pankaj Tripathi also attended, lending further prestige to the gathering.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Shukla emphasized that industrial, green, and tourism revolutions are key drivers of development, creating employment and growth. He highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s ongoing transformation under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, which includes significant investments in infrastructure, cultural preservation, and private sector participation. These efforts have elevated Madhya Pradesh as a top contender for tourism investment in India.
Tourism Minister Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi reiterated that tourism plays a vital role in national economic and social development. He invited industry stakeholders and travelers to explore Madhya Pradesh’s vast array of attractions, from natural beauty and wildlife to its historical, archaeological, and spiritual sites. Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Shri Jaiveer Singh praised the cultural and familial ties between the two states and highlighted the proposed Ganga-Narmada corridor as a promising path for joint tourism development.
Principal Secretary Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla elaborated on the Ganga-Narmada Tourism Corridor, which will connect key spiritual and tourist destinations like Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Omkareshwar, and Mahakaleshwar. He noted that Madhya Pradesh’s diverse offerings—ranging from Jyotirlingas to UNESCO heritage sites—make it a holistic tourism experience. The corridor is expected to strengthen religious, wellness, and heritage tourism across state borders.
The roadshow witnessed active participation from tour operators, hoteliers, and tourism business stakeholders from both states. The event offered a platform for meaningful dialogue and future partnerships, laying the groundwork for regional and national tourism growth.
Madhya Pradesh continues to be a magnet for tourists with its unmatched cultural and natural diversity. In 2024 alone, the state welcomed 13.41 crore tourists. Iconic religious sites like Mahakal, Omkareshwar, Maihar, Chitrakoot, and Amarkantak attract lakhs of pilgrims. Madhya Pradesh also boasts 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites—Khajuraho temples, Bhimbetka caves, and the Sanchi stupa—along with 15 tentative entries. Branded as the “Tiger State,” “Leopard State,” and “Cheetah State,” it holds the title for India’s largest forest area and unmatched biodiversity.
Nature tourism thrives at picturesque locations like Pachmarhi, Bhedaghat, Tamia, Hanuwantiya, Sailani Island, and Gandhisagar. The tribal art forms of the Gond, Bhil, and Mandana communities further enrich the visitor experience. Madhya Pradesh is also rising as a destination for film tourism, having hosted over 350 film projects under its streamlined Film Facilitation Cell, which offers single-window permits.
Connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh has never been smoother. Key cities such as Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra, and Kanpur are well-connected to Gwalior, Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur via air. A robust rail network further links sites like Rewa, Orchha, and Khajuraho, while well-maintained roads ensure swift intercity travel.
Accommodation options cater to all segments—from luxury hotels by Taj, Marriott, Radisson, Ramada, The Park, and Clarion Inn, to heritage hotels in royal palaces and rural homestays that offer immersive experiences. The state is home to 12 national parks and 9 tiger reserves, making it a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Madhya Pradesh’s new Tourism Policy 2025 is geared towards attracting investment through transparent, investor-friendly incentives. Key highlights include e-tender-based land allocation, long-term leases of up to 90 years, reimbursement of stamp duties, and direct land allotment for ultra-mega tourism projects exceeding ₹100 crore in investment.
To assist visitors, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department offers curated travel itineraries and maintains a database of approved tour operators on its website. A team of experienced travel experts ensures a smooth and enriching tourist experience.
