3 exciting sylvan getaways near Bhopal

Kathotiya
Home to the Bhil and Bhilala tribes of central India, Kathotiya village lies secluded in the middle of a green valley surrounded by steep hills. It is about 25km away from Bhopal. Stay in tents or in machaans (room on stilts), and enjoy simple meals prepared by the local people. To help you enjoy the natural surroundings, some of the village youth have been trained as guides&mdashenlist their services to go trekking, visit nearby rock shelters and waterfalls, go on mountain biking, etc. If you are lucky, you will catch sight of some of the wildlife too. Interested in knowing about tribal lifestyle and art Take a guided village tour. Madhya Pradesh Ecotourism Development Board (MPEDB) offers two packages&mdashRs 500/head for a day visit and Rs1300/head for an overnight visit.

Kerwa
Located adjacent to the Kerwa Dam, the Kerwa Jungle Camp is an ideal getaway, especially for families with children and for college students. The place is only 15km away from Bhopal. Go up a watch tower to get a closer look at the tree canopy, take a walk down a hanging bridge or go boating in the Kerwa Dam. There are areas earmarked for picnics. There is a herbal garden&mdashDhanwantary&mdashwhere you can learn about medicinal plants. You can also take part in many adventure activities, such as nature walks, trekking, rappelling, zip lining, kayaking, etc. The twin zip-line is said to be south-east Asia&rsquos longest. But do not go bathing in the lake people have drowned here. Also, during nature walks, do not venture without a guide. The areas has leopards and other wild animals. Those able to undertake moderately difficult treks can venture further inside. Walk across the dam to enter the forest and make a strenuous trek to rock shelters containing prehistoric cave paintings. Another strenuous trek will take you to a rocky area where apparently the Gond (a local tribe) kings would hide their riches before leaving for battles. More cave paintings can be seen in Ganeshghati. For regular visitors, MPEDB offers several options, ranging from half-day economy package (Rs 300/head) to overnight deluxe package (Rs1800/head).

Samardha
Forest-encircled Samardha village is less than 30km away from Bhopal. Stay in the forest rest house or the prefabricated cottages or set up tents in the forest rest house compound. Enjoy home-cooked meals provided by the villagers. Enjoy adventurous and nature-friendly activities. Young people from the village have been specially trained by the forest department to hold eco-tourism activities. They can guide you to the nearby pre-historic rock shelters, take you on nature walks or cycle rides through the forest. You can go trekking or try river-crossing, rappelling, or a round of archery. In the evening, invite a local musician group to regale you with folk songs. MPEDB offers two packages&mdashRs 600/head for a day visit and Rs 1500/head for an overnight stay.

Information These places have been developed by Madhya Pradesh Ecotourism Development Board for community-based eco-tourism. Facilities are simple but clean. Enlist the services of the trained guides from the villages for all activities.