OT Interview: Sheo Shekhar Shukla IAS On Tourism, Culture, And Madhya Pradesh's UNESCO Bid
Madhya Pradesh has recently received significant recognition, with four of its historical sites being included in UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. This development brings the state closer to earning the coveted World Heritage designation for these culturally rich landmarks. The Ashokan Edict Sites, Chausath Yogini Temples, Gupta-era temples, and the Palace-Fortresses of Bundelas all now join the list of 15 such sites in the state, further enhancing its legacy as a cultural hub.
Behind this push for heritage recognition is Sheo Shekhar Shukla, an IAS officer serving as the Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture, and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. In this interview with OT, Shukla sheds light on his role in driving this initiative and the state's evolving tourism landscape, balancing the preservation of its historical treasures with the growing demand for sustainable tourism development.
Orchha is now aiming for UNESCO World Heritage status. Beyond its iconic monuments, what makes it a must-visit for travellers today?
Orchha, nestled on the Betwa River, is a blend of history, spirituality, and culture. The Ram Raja Temple, where Lord Rama is worshipped as a king, offers a unique spiritual experience. The town’s medieval palaces, riverside ghats, and heritage walks offer glimpses into Bundela-era architecture and folklore. At Hunarshala, visitors can engage with artisans and witness living traditions. With over INR 124 crore invested in tourism, Orchha now features smart mobility, a Tourism Interpretation Centre, and immersive community experiences. As one of MP’s 15 UNESCO Tentative Sites, Orchha is a place to explore, engage, and belong.
If Orchha gets the UNESCO tag, how do you think it will change the way global travellers see and experience it?
If Orchha secures UNESCO World Heritage status in the 2027–28 cycle, it will elevate from a historical gem to a global cultural landmark. As part of UNESCO's Historic Urban Landscape initiative, Orchha is set for conservation-driven development that balances heritage with modern infrastructure. UNESCO sites in India typically see a 25–30 per cent rise in international visitors post-inscription.
Orchha is being reimagined with a Tourism Interpretation Centre, QR-enabled walk apps, projection mapping, smart mobility solutions like hop-on-hop-off buses, and artisan hubs like Hunarshala. Just seven kilometres away, the Ladpura Khas Rural Tourism Project offers immersive experiences through homestays, local cuisine, and crafts. Together, they create a vibrant, community-driven cultural corridor that promises visitors a rich, authentic experience.
What hidden gems in Madhya Pradesh would you recommend for someone passionate about history and old-world charm?
Madhya Pradesh is a hidden gem for history lovers, offering an immersive journey into the past. Start with Bhimbetka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where rock shelters with prehistoric art tell stories over 30,000 years old. In Chanderi, admire Sultanate-era forts, intricate stone monuments, and the legacy of handwoven Chanderi sarees. Orchha, set along the Betwa River, is enchanting with its palatial architecture and spiritual significance, housing the only temple in India where Lord Rama is worshipped as a king. Explore Burhanpur, a Mughal-era treasure with the majestic Asirgarh Fort and Shahi Qila's ruins—destinations rich in history and timeless beauty.
Madhya Pradesh already has amazing UNESCO sites—Bhimbetka, Sanchi, and Khajuraho. What’s the best way to explore them together in one trip?
Exploring Madhya Pradesh’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites is a seamless journey thanks to the state’s excellent trkhaavel circuits and connectivity. Start in Bhopal, a modern city with direct flights from major metros. Just 50 km away, Bhimbetka offers a half-day dive into prehistoric art. The next day, travel 46 km to Sanchi, where the Great Stupa and monastic ruins reveal India’s Buddhist heritage. Reaching Khajuraho is easier with a quick intra-state flight or a scenic 7-hour drive with a stop at Orchha. Curated itineraries, comfortable stays, and expert guides make this journey immersive and effortless.
There are 15 MP sites on UNESCO’s tentative list. What kind of unique stories or experiences do these places offer travellers?
Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India, now shines globally with 15 heritage sites on UNESCO’s Tentative List—each a living testament to India’s timeless legacy. These sites offer more than history; they immerse visitors in mythology, artistry, and human endeavour. The majestic Gwalior Fort echoes tales of dynasties, while Chambal’s prehistoric rock art sparks imagination. The Chausath Yogini temples and Gupta-era temples reveal India’s sacred architectural evolution. Each site is a page of living history, from Ashokan edicts to Orchha’s poetic palaces. With Bhedaghat’s marble landscapes, Ramnagar’s tribal heritage, and Chanderi’s handwoven traditions, Madhya Pradesh is a culturally rich experience.
As Madhya Pradesh puts more of its heritage on the map, how can travellers be more than just tourists and support the culture meaningfully?
Madhya Pradesh invites travellers to do more than just admire its timeless temples, forts, and forests—it calls them to belong. Walk its cobbled paths with mindfulness and sit by its rivers to listen, not just look. Embrace responsible tourism and become part of its story. Stay in homestays where chai and smiles sustain local dreams. Choose artisans over souvenirs, taking home a piece of heartfelt heritage. Engage with folk songs, weaving looms, and village kitchens. Through conscious choices—guided by community involvement, conservation, and cultural preservation—travellers leave behind more than footprints; they leave a legacy of care woven into Madhya Pradesh’s soul.
Are there any ways to make heritage sites more interactive, like local storytelling, artist meets, or curated walking tours?
Madhya Pradesh reimagines heritage as something alive—felt in the footsteps of travellers, the voices of locals, and the quiet grace of tradition. In Orchha, women artists tell the epic story of King Rama through murals and age-old folk songs, each verse weaving myth into memory. In Pranpur, India’s first Craft Handloom Tourism Village, the rhythmic clatter of looms carries the story of a hundred hands. Curated walking tours in Orchha and Khajuraho offer guided journeys through temples, cenotaphs, and forgotten alleys, where every step whispers legends. In Madhya Pradesh, heritage isn’t just seen—it’s felt and lived.
MP’s heritage isn’t just in stone—it’s in its food, crafts, music, and festivals. What’s the best way for travellers to experience this living culture?
Madhya Pradesh’s heritage is not just etched in temples or stone but pulses through the clink of brass, the rhythm of tribal drums, the threads of handlooms, and the aromas of wood-fired kitchens. To truly experience its living culture, travellers must immerse themselves in its vibrant offerings. Wander through craft villages like Chanderi and Pranpur, where textile traditions thrive, and artisans share stories over the loom. Savour local cuisine, from poha-jalebi mornings in Indore to tribal dishes in Mandla. Celebrate festivals like the Khajuraho Dance Festival and visit museums that bring MP’s diverse heritage to life. Every sound, spice, and stitch tells a story in Madhya Pradesh.
What’s your bigger vision for cultural tourism that’s both vibrant and sustainable?
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh is ushering in a new era of cultural tourism that goes beyond stone monuments to celebrate the living essence of heritage. Our vision is to create a dynamic cultural ecosystem honouring tangible and intangible heritage—language, music, festivals, cuisine, crafts, and traditions. With six cultural zones, the state offers a diverse range of experiences—from Ujjain's spiritual depth to the classical Tansen Samaroh in Gwalior, Bhagoria's folk vibrancy, and Orchha's murals. Embracing technology through AI and immersive mapping, Madhya Pradesh aims to become a global leader in sustainable cultural tourism.
