Gandhi Sagar Festival & Exploring Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is a land of heritage, adventure, and spirituality. In 2022, the Madhya Pradesh government relaunched the Gandhi Sagar Festival, a unique destination fest that had initially started in November 2021 during COVID-19. Due to restrictions, it couldn’t gain much traction, so in September 2022, the festival was reintroduced with a grand PR campaign.

Influencers from all over India—Instagrammers, YouTubers, travel agencies, media houses, singers, dancers, and artisans—were invited. Among them, SahyogMantra Tours was one of the invitees, and Mansi and I proudly represented our company.

Thus began our incredible journey to Gandhi Sagar, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, and Maheshwar—a trip filled with adventure, cultural immersion, and spiritual bliss.

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Late-Night Flight to Indore & Road Trip to Gandhi Sagar:

Our adventure kicked off with a late-night flight to Indore. Arriving early in the morning, we spent a few hours at a nearby hotel, catching up on some rest. At 5:00 AM sharp, our car arrived to take us to the festival.

While we anticipated a 4-hour road trip, reality had different plans—we ended up traveling 7 long hours. However, all the exhaustion melted away the moment we arrived.

A Grand Welcome!

The first thing that greeted us was an authentic Madhya Pradesh-style welcome:

✔️ Beating drums and local music
✔️ A warm tika ceremony and garlands
✔️ A refreshing welcome drink

Though we had to wait for a while at the reception, our rooms were ready. The festival team had recruited interns from colleges across India to assist visitors, and one of them escorted us to our room.

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Day 1: Adventure, Culture & A Starry Night

After freshening up and enjoying a hearty lunch, we took a short break before heading out for evening activities.

Thrill & Adventure at Gandhi Sagar

🚤 Jet Skiing – Feeling the rush of water beneath us as we sped across the surface!
🎈 Hot Air Balloon Ride – Soaring high above, taking in breathtaking aerial views.

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Due to time constraints, we could only try two activities that evening, but every second was worth it.

An Evening of Music & Magic

The festival’s cultural program was nothing short of magical:

✨ Live performances by local artists
✨ Traditional folk dances
✨ A mesmerizing magic show
✨ Meeting and clicking pictures with singer Vaishnavi and her team

As the night deepened, the vibe turned surreal. Mansi even cycled around under the starlit sky, soaking in the tranquil beauty of the festival. We ended the night with music, laughter, and an unforgettable star-gazing experience.

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Day 2: A Jungle Safari & Hidden History

After a fulfilling breakfast, we set out for sightseeing. Instead of a regular sightseeing tour, we found ourselves in a jeep safari, driving through dense jungles. It felt as if we were on a wildlife expedition!

However, the real surprise awaited us at our destination—a hidden archaeological site.

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Bhimbetka-Like Rock Art

The site was reminiscent of the famous Bhimbetka caves, with ancient stone carvings and cave art on the banks of a river. The serenity of the place, combined with its rich history, made it an awe-inspiring experience.

Ayurvedic Wonders

Post lunch, we visited an Ayurvedic center, where a Guruji introduced us to various medicinal plants and their uses. Learning about natural healing methods was fascinating, and we even got to try a few herbal remedies.

The evening once again ended on a high note with spectacular performances, a starry sky, and music that filled the air.

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Day 3: Spiritual Sojourn – Ujjain & Omkareshwar

With hearts full of memories, we checked out at 8:00 AM, but we weren’t ready to head home just yet.

Being so close to Ujjain, we couldn’t resist visiting Mahakal Temple for the divine darshan of Mahakal.

Ujjain: The City of Mahakal

Reaching Ujjain by evening, we booked a budget-friendly hotel and set out to explore the spiritual city. The darshan at Mahakaleshwar Temple was divine, peaceful, and deeply fulfilling.

After Ujjain, we continued our journey to Omkareshwar, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The energy at Omkareshwar Temple was intense, and the surroundings—*the holy Narmada River flowing around the temple—*added to its beauty.

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Day 4: A Peaceful End in Maheshwar

After Omkareshwar, we traveled to Maheshwar and stayed at MP Tourism’s property. This place had a charm of its own, blending history and serenity.

🌅 Evening Walk at the Ghats – As the sun set, we took a peaceful stroll along the ghats, capturing the essence of this historic town.
☕ Chai with a View – Sitting by the river, sipping tea, and watching the world slow down—it was a moment of pure bliss.

A Beautiful Start to the Next Morning

The next morning, we came across a heartwarming sight—schoolgirls painting colorful murals on their school walls, guided by their teachers. Their creativity and dedication reflected the town’s rich artistic spirit, and we were lucky to capture this beautiful moment on video.

Before leaving, we explored Maheshwar Fort, a place steeped in history and associated with Rani Ahilyabai Holkar.

Finally, our journey came to an end as we took a train from Khandwa, carrying with us memories that would last a lifetime.

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Final Thoughts

This trip was the perfect blend of adventure, culture, history, and spirituality. From the thrilling activities at Gandhi Sagar Festival to the sacred energy of Ujjain, Omkareshwar, and Maheshwar, every moment was unique and unforgettable.

Would we do it again? In a heartbeat!

If you’re looking for a trip that offers everything—from adrenaline-pumping fun to peaceful spiritual experiences—then a journey through Madhya Pradesh should be on your bucket list!