Pranpur: Rural Tours in Madhya Pradesh
Offbeat Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is that offbeat gem in India’s incredible list of places to visit.
Unsung, the state has a plethora of choices for the discerning traveler. Pamper yourself with a visit to Pranpur, Madhya Pradesh.
Located in Central India’s Bundelkhand region, you will find yourself close to the magical silk city of Chanderi, which is famous for its silks.
Enjoy the morning sun peeking through the leaves of the mango trees around as you enjoy a hot cup of milky tea resting on a charpoy.
Listen to the twittering squirrels and catch the butterflies with your camera.
Visit the village and let the rhythm of the looms creating magic with the tana bana or the systematic conjunction of warp and weft sweep over you.
Interact with the weavers and design your own drape.
The more adventurous could try their hand at weaving.
Watch how village life functions and lose yourself in its simplicity and other-world charm.
Do we see you already packing your bags?
This tour will rejuvenate you with its earthiness and historic charm.
The Stay: You stay in a mango orchard in open and airy rooms.
The place is perfect to find your perfect corner and curl up with a book.
The Food: Here, Jagbhan, the chef, weaves magic with his parathas and exotic chutneys.
You can order from their simple vegetarian fare or opt for their special Bundelkhandi thali.
The Reach : The nearest airport is Bhopal, which is 232 km away.
The nearest railway station is Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh, which is about 35 km from Pranpur.
There are several trains to Lalitpur from Delhi and Mumbai that leave through the day and a few to other major stations such as Jhansi (130 km) and Mungawli (40 km) in Madhya Pradesh.
From Lalitpur, buses plying to Chanderi can drop you off at Pranpur.
Taxis are also available.
Many roll beedis for a living.
A few others are engaged in pottery, metalwork, and stone carving.
Get to interact with them and their families and learn about life in the village, education, the economy and just about anything you want to know about.
You can not only watch the craftspeople at work, you can also learn from them.
Don’t be shy to ask for your turn at the loom or the wheel for most of them are keen to share their knowledge.
And as the sun sets, be prepared for a night of Raee/Sehra performance by the village folk as you spend the evening around the bonfire or visit their homes.
Try your hand at cooking on the chulha and hear Bundelkhandi folk tales from the villagers to listen to Adivasi music streaming in from a distant village or just let the VTDC pamper you in keeping with their belief of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’.
Step out for a trek along the seasonal river Babhutia into the forest nearby or just climb the hillocks around for a better view of Pranpur.
Your local guide will not only tell you which is the mahua tree and which the tendu plant that provides leaves for beedis, but will also tell you stories about every bird and rock you see on the way.
For instance, did you know the adivasis in the area use the root of a shrub to stun fish and make them easier prey?
In the rainy season, the forest trek will take you through the knee-deep river to waterfalls.
The rocks that form natural rain shelters are a marvel.
For those interested in organic farming, you could dabble in the resort’s herbal garden and kitchen garden and also share your inputs with the team.
Even if you are not a history buff there is so much of interesting stuff around, you may eventually fall in love with history J.
From cave paintings dating back to the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic ages at Urvashi and monasteries dating back to the 8th century, Chanderi fort and palace, Sati smaraks, Baolis (Step wells) and excavation sites, the list is endless.
And all this within short drives from Pranpur.
Do not hesitate to ask your guide for more.
For a location as beautiful, three days may seem too short.
Feel free to ask us for customizations to meet your requirements for any offbeat rural tour.
