Does everyone remember watching The Jungle Book (the animated or the live action version)? It was a staple, growing up. Oh! Side note: Does anyone remember rewinding VHS tapes? How many of our kids would even know what to do with a VHS and a tape player?? Anyway, The Jungle Book didn't actually begin with Disney. Rudyard Kipling actually wrote the novel in 1894. Kipling (an Englishman) was born in India, and although he went to England and lived there in his formative years, he couldn't get India and the stories and traditions he was taught about by his ayah (nanny / care giver) as a young boy out of his mind. He returned to India in adulthood and wrote The Jungle Book as a collection of stories based on Pench National Park in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
Guess what? Madhya Pradesh is the destination for Ravi and his family this month! Your children will learn about this gorgeous state and they will be captivated by the story Ravi shares with them.
Pench National Park is home to literally every character in The Jungle Book! Feel free to start singing your favorite song from the show as you check out these images taken in the park. It's easy to see how Kipling could have been inspired by the impressive creations in nature there.
Madhya Pradesh is breathtaking. Everywhere you look there are beautiful waterfalls, peaceful streams, and astonishing wildlife. That's not even bringing the human element into it! The people in Madhya Pradesh appreciate the beauty around them and over the centuries, have added their own touches to the landscape. In Khajuraho, you can see an intricately designed temple that was built in the 800 - 900's! Every year the Khajuraho Dance Festival is held with this temple as the backdrop with the intention of honoring their heritage and combining modern culture in the same place. It's actually being held in just a few days, in case you're inspired to grab a quick flight.
The city of Mandu also honors the history and architecture while including modern activities like hot air ballooning, cycling tours, and glamping, while, of course, showcasing their cultural heritage in dance during the Mandu Festival.
There are more places to visit that are similar to Pench National Park - you will find Tiger sanctuaries in Kanha National park, safari tours in Bandhavgarh National Park, there are also extremely impressive 100' tall marble rocks in Bandhavgarh National Park that you can take a boat through on the Narmada River. Pachmarhi Hill Station is another gorgeous spot in the state.
No matter what you are looking for, you are probably going to be able to find it in Madhya Pradesh!
