Madhya Pradesh Spotlights Two Rural Tourism Villages Near Indore

By AI, Created 10:07 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is promoting Gunjara and Barkheda as model rural tourism villages in the Vindhyachal hills, pairing forest scenery and Bhil culture with a heritage train ride near Indore. The push is meant to draw visitors to tribal traditions, Malwa cuisine, and nearby caves, waterfalls and forts.

Why it matters: - Gunjara and Barkheda are being positioned as rural tourism destinations that combine nature, heritage and tribal culture within easy reach of Indore. - The villages could help spread tourism spending beyond city centers and into surrounding hill and forest communities. - The area offers a rare mix of heritage rail travel, local cuisine and village-based experiences in one short trip.

What happened: - The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is spotlighting Gunjara and Barkheda in Mhow Tehsil of Indore district as part of its rural and village tourism initiative. - The villages sit about 50 kilometers southwest of Indore, between the Choral and Mahadev rivers in the Vindhyachal hills. - The tourism pitch centers on natural landscapes, tribal culture, regional food and heritage travel.

The details: - The nearby Patalpani–Kalakund meter-gauge heritage rail section is 155 years old and has been preserved by Indian Railways for its historical and scenic value. - The 9.5-kilometer line was completed in 1878 under the Holkar State Railways and revived as a heritage route in 2018. - The route includes four tunnels, 29 sharp curves and multiple crossings over the Choral River. - The train runs with VistaDome panoramic coaches and ends at Kalakund station, which is 0.5 kilometers from both villages. - Travelers can book through IRCTC, but seasonal operations mean schedules need to be checked in advance. - The train stops briefly at Patalpani station, which is named after Tantya Bhil, the tribal freedom fighter who resisted British rule in the 19th century. - The villages are suited for trekking, camping and nature walks. - Nearby attractions within a 5-kilometer radius include Mahadev Gufa cave temple, the twin shrines of Chhota and Bada Mahadev, Trimurti Waterfall, Kushalgarh Fort and Navdiya Van Gram. - Other local sites include Kalakikund, Jalprapat, Lobani Mata and Dugdugi Mata. - The Choral and Mahadev riverbanks offer space for walks and casual picnics. - The Bhil community remains central to village life and cultural expression. - Aada-Khada Nritya is a women-led dance in circular formations with earthen pots and dhol rhythms. - Malwi Lok Bhajans are often sung in the evenings in the Malwi dialect. - Village hosts serve Malwa cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, including Dal Paniya and Dal Bafla. - Kalakund station is also known for its kalakand sweet, which has long been popular with train travelers.

Between the lines: - The tourism message blends cultural preservation with destination marketing, using tribal heritage and a heritage rail line as the main draw. - The focus on short distances from Indore suggests the state is trying to turn the area into an easy weekend or day-trip circuit. - The route’s seasonal nature and rural access roads mean the experience is still tied to local conditions, not mass tourism infrastructure.

What’s next: - Visitors can reach the area by air through Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore, about 63 kilometers away. - By rail, the Patalpani–Kalakund Heritage Train No. 52965/52966 connects to Kalakund station. - By road, the nearest bus stand is Choral, 12 kilometers away, while Indore is 50 kilometers away and Kalakund can be reached via a 12-kilometer kachcha road from Khadua. - The state’s tourism promotion may drive more attention to Gunjara and Barkheda as a rural tourism circuit near Indore.

The bottom line: - Madhya Pradesh is packaging Gunjara and Barkheda as an accessible rural escape where heritage rail, Bhil culture and Malwa food are the main attractions.