Discover the Heart & Soul of India: Central & Eastern India Travel Guide (2025)
Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar & Uttar Pradesh
A land where ancient dynasties, sacred rivers, tribal wisdom, and powerful temples come alive.
While the spotlight often shines on the Himalayas or the beaches of the South, Central and Eastern India hold a deeper, more grounded magic. These states—rich in folklore, forests, and faith—are slowly but surely emerging as top destinations for those who wish to explore India beyond the postcards.
Let BuzzinTrips take you on a curated journey through these unexplored cultural heartlands.
Madhya Pradesh - The Heart of Incredible India
From tiger reserves to UNESCO temples, MP is a confluence of wildlife, architecture, and culture.
Must-Visit Places:
Khajuraho - Erotic temples with intricate stone carvings
Bandhavgarh & Kanha - Top tiger safaris in India
Orchha & Gwalior - Palaces, fortresses, and riverfront spirituality
Bhopal - Lakes, tribal museums, and cultural confluence
Pachmarhi - The only hill station in MP, ideal during monsoons
Best Time to Visit:
October to March - Pleasant for sightseeing and jungle safaris
Cultural Note:
Folk music, tribal dance, and a blend of Hindu-Muslim-Sikh influences make Madhya Pradesh a land of pluralism and peace.
Chhattisgarh - India's Best-Kept Secret
Ideal for eco-tourists and culture lovers, this tribal heartland offers waterfalls, caves, and local festivals away from the crowds.
Top Destinations:
Chitrakote Waterfalls - India's "Niagara" in Bastar
Jagdalpur & Kanger Valley - Lush greenery, caves, and tribal crafts
Barnawapara & Achanakmar - Offbeat wildlife sanctuaries
Sirpur & Rajim - Buddhist ruins and temple clusters
Best Time to Visit:
November to February - Cool climate and festival season
Cultural Note:
Home to Bastar Dussehra, tribal fairs, and Gond art, Chhattisgarh keeps India's indigenous soul alive.
Odisha - Temples, Tribes & Timeless Beaches
Odisha blends spiritual grandeur with tribal wilderness. From Puri's Rath Yatra to the tribal belt of Koraput, it's a land of color and complexity.
Top Destinations:
Puri & Konark - Jagannath Temple & Sun Temple (UNESCO)
Bhubaneshwar - City of 1000 temples
Chilika Lake - Asia's largest brackish lagoon & bird haven
Simlipal - Tiger reserve and waterfalls
Koraput - Tribal homelands and valley views
Best Time to Visit:
October to March - Ideal weather, especially around Rath Yatra in June-July
Cultural Note:
Odissi dance, sand art, palm leaf manuscripts, and tribal jewelry enrich Odisha's identity.
At BuzzinTrips, we understand that cultural travel is about immersion, not just sightseeing. That's why our Central and Eastern India itineraries focus on authentic experiences that connect you with the soul of these timeless lands.
Jharkhand - Forest Trails & Sacred Hills
Still under the radar for most tourists, Jharkhand is a treasure trove of nature, minerals, and hidden spirituality.
Top Destinations:
Netarhat & Betla - Lush hill stations & wildlife sanctuaries
Deoghar - Baidyanath Dham, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas
Ranchi & Dassam Falls - Capital charm and cascading beauty
Parasnath Hills - Jain pilgrimage nestled in the forest
Best Time to Visit:
September to February - Post-monsoon greenery and pleasant winters
Cultural Note:
Santhali and Munda traditions, tribal murals, and age-old forest rituals define Jharkhand's cultural landscape.
Bihar - The Cradle of Enlightenment
Once the seat of powerful dynasties, Bihar is now rising as a spiritual and historical tourism hub.
Top Destinations:
Bodh Gaya - Place where Buddha attained enlightenment
Nalanda & Rajgir - Ruins of the ancient university & hot springs
Patna - Ganga ghats, Golghar, museums
Vaishali - Birthplace of democracy and Mahavira
Maner Sharif & Sasaram - Islamic heritage sites
Best Time to Visit:
November to March - Ideal for heritage walks and pilgrimages
Cultural Note:
The land of Buddhism, Jainism, and ancient universities, Bihar's soul is rooted in knowledge, devotion, and resilience.
Uttar Pradesh - The Spiritual Soul of India
No cultural journey in India is complete without UP, home to the Ganges, Ramayana sites, Mughal legacies, and deeply sacred cities.
Top Destinations:
Varanasi - Ganga aarti, Kashi Vishwanath, soul-stirring mysticism
Ayodhya - Birthplace of Lord Ram; spiritual resurgence
Prayagraj (Allahabad) - Sangam, Kumbh Mela
Agra - Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri
Lucknow - Nawabi charm, kebabs, and tehzeeb
Vrindavan & Mathura - Krishna Leela in every street
Best Time to Visit:
October to March - Winter season, ideal for religious & cultural tours
Cultural Note:
Uttar Pradesh is India's living epic—where devotion meets dance, and mysticism flows with the Ganga.
BuzzinTrips Makes It Seamless
Want to uncover these hidden gems with local expertise and logistical ease? We've got you covered!
✅ Custom Itineraries
✅ Local Guides
✅ Temple Tours & Tribal Walks
✅ Heritage Hotels & Comfortable Cabs
Our Promise: We don't just show you places; we help you experience the stories, traditions, and timeless wisdom that make Central and Eastern India the true heart and soul of our incredible country.