JAL MAHOTSAV HANUWANTIYA

A water carnival to delight everyone

For most of us when talk comes around to Madhya Pradesh, what immediately comes to mind, is Bandhavagarh as the world’s best tiger-spotting destination, the exotic Khajuraho temples, the stunning Gwalior Fort, Chanderi sarees, and the Panna diamond mines…

What we didn’t know about is its unique watercation destination the freshwater island of Hanuwantiya, a tranquil retreat for all manner of water sports and the perfect antidote for the frenetic pace of a noisome urban lifestyle.

Right now, Hanuwantiya Island is in the throes of its annual Jal Mahotsav20th Dec 2023 to 20th Feb 2024, so if you missed getting there earlier you still have time to book online to enjoy its thrilling range of water activities and explorations of its surrounds.

So, let’s start at the very beginning.

The tranquil Hanuwantiya village, which falls in Khandwa District, appears to be named after the local deity Hanuwantiya worshipped by the tribal community settled in the area. Visitors get a wonderful opportunity for deeply immersive experiences of the culture and traditions while interacting with the locals.

During the annual Jal Mahotasav, a tented city springs up nearby offering travellers an exceptional experience of one of Madhya Pradesh’s lesser-known waterline jewels.

Located on the backwaters of the Indira Sagar Dam, Hanuwantiya Island is just 3 hours away from the nearest airport, Indore. About 50km away is Khandwa, the nearest railhead from where you can hire a taxi for your onward journey. Indira Sagar Dam on the Narmada River serves as Asia’s second-largest man-made reservoir.

The drive is quite pleasant with lovely views of the swathes of rich verdure to Hanuwantiya, also known as “MP’s Goa”. The water sports options go into high gear during the festival.

A tented city mushrooms near the MPSTDC resort in time for the festival. From the adjoining Boat Club, you can indulge in several water sports such as jet skiing, speed boating, bumper rides, and banana boat rides, A gentle cruise around the backwaters of the Indira Sagar Dam makes for an idyllic experience to enjoy with your family and friends.

Also, on offer are paramotoring, ziplining, reverse bungee jumping, tethered hot air ballooning, ATV rides, cycling et al.

You can take a cycling tour of the nearby villages, enjoy some tasty food, and go souvenir hunting at the pop-up craft bazaar.

A memorable time can be yours for the asking with an excursion to the Boriyamal Island where you can enjoy an easy trek and thrill to some rewarding birdwatching. This verdant spot is known for its wealth of flora and fauna.

Excursions

One of the other allurements is Omkareshwar, much venerated for being the home of one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas. Sailani Island nearby in the Indira Sagar waters is a peaceful tourist retreat, accessible by speedboat. The resort operated by MPSTC, has several cottages with nice sit-outs, which serve as a great base for exploring the natural beauty of the island and enjoying some water sports on offer.

ACCOMMODATION

The Hanuwantiya Tourist Complex is a hotel run by MPSTDC that offers wood-crafted, river-facing air-conditioned rooms with balconies, a sitting area, an LCD TV connection, power back-up, a restaurant, a swimming pool, a kiddy play area, a boat club, and a landscaped garden.

During the festival, the Department sets up a Tented City nearby for the Mahotsav with about 100 Luxury Swiss Tents, spread over 10 Acres. You have a nice choice of spacious and luxurious tents that range from non-AC deluxe to royal suites. All tented accommodations are provided with every convenience to make your stay comfortable. Meals are served in a central dining area.

Log on to www.jalmahotsav.com for booking and further details

ACCESS

Air: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport, Indore is connected to all the major metros and cities in India.

Rail: The nearest railhead is the Khandwa railway station, 50 km away.

Road: The distance from Indore is about 150 km; The route takes you via Sanawad from Indore and on to Mundi, from where Hanuwantiya is about 9 km away. The pilgrim hub of Omkareshwar is 70 km away.