In a significant push to elevate experiential tourism, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department has unveiled plans to establish dedicated tent cities at two of its prime destinations: the historic town of Mandu and the scenic hill station of Tamia. This initiative is a core part of the state's annual festival calendar, designed to enhance visitor experience and significantly extend tourist stays.
Mandu Festival Returns with a Grand Three-Month Celebration
Preparations are already in full swing at Mandu, which falls under the Indore region. The much-anticipated Mandu Festival, which had been on hold for the past three years, is slated for a grand return at the end of January or in February 2025. Abhay Bedekar, Additional Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB), confirmed that planning is complete and the festival is expected to kick off early in the year.
Recognizing Mandu's distinct identity and international appeal, the department has decided to allow the accompanying tent city to operate for an extended period of nearly three months. This means that even after the core five-day festival concludes, the tent city will remain open, offering a continuous stream of activities and cultural programmes to visitors.
A Hub of Adventure and Cultural Activities
During this extended period, tourists can look forward to a packed calendar. Regular band performances and live concerts will set the mood, while a wide spectrum of adventure and experiential activities are being planned across land, water, and air. The aim is to attract both leisure travellers and adventure enthusiasts.
The planned activities include:
- Cycling trails and trekking routes
- Jungle safaris and night jungle walks
- Thrill-seeking adventures like zip-lining and parasailing
- Hot air ballooning and air gun shooting
- Leisure pursuits such as horse riding and yoga sessions
Tamia to Emerge as a New Experiential Hub in 2026
Officials have revealed that similar ambitious planning is underway for Tamia. A tent city and associated festival are proposed to begin there in early 2026. This move is strategically designed to position Tamia as another major experiential tourism hub within Madhya Pradesh, diversifying the state's tourist offerings beyond its established circuits.
In an effort to ensure seamless execution, the MPTB has awarded the responsibility of organizing both the Hanuwantiya Jal Mahotsav and the Mandu Utsav to the same agency for the next five years. Officials acknowledged that some coordination delays occurred in this inaugural year but assured that all arrangements are now firmly on track for successful events.
This dual-destination strategy underscores Madhya Pradesh's commitment to creating sustainable, long-duration tourism models that go beyond one-off events, promising immersive experiences that showcase the state's rich cultural and natural heritage.
