Gwalior’s a good base to start from, though once you’ve seen the fort and Jai Vilas Palace, of the Scindias, you should quickly move on. The route you’ve thought of takes you through Jhansi, Orchha, Khajuraho, SatnaandPanna National Park(open from October 15). Allow for two nights each in the first few destinations—except Jhansi, which you can overnight in or pass through on the way to Orchha (16km), and spend at least three nights in Panna. If you’ve not been to theMarble Rocks, consider a trip to Jabalpur (200km) from Satna. A closer excursion is toChachai Fallsin Rewa (65km). For both of these destinations, you’re better off hiring a taxi.

You prefer not to hire a vehicle for the whole trip, so you need to depend on a mix of buses, trains and taxis. This is the most economical and flexible option for a group, though it works better for six friends travelling light than for a family including elderly people and children. If yours is the latter, consultMP Tourismfor transport information (‘Chitrakoot’ building, Room 7, 6th floor, 230A, AJC Bose Road, Kolkata; 033-22833526, 32979000;kolkata@mptourism.com).

InGwalior, Hotel Grace(from Rs 1,750 for doubles; 0751-2340111, 2340110;hotelgrace.in) andHotel Landmark(Rs 2,300 for doubles; 4011271-72,hotellandmarkgwalior.com) should serve your purpose of a decent kip-down.

Leave early by train or bus to reachJhansi(two hours). The 17th-centuryJhansi Fortis in the centre of town. After seeing it, head toOrchha, where you could stay for even three nights, if you go river rafting. For eco-tourism, tryOrchha Home Stay(Rs 650 for a double; 9993385405, 9589837582,orchha.org). MP Tourism runs theOrchha Betwa Retreat(Rs 2,300 for twin-sharing AC tents;mptourism.com). TheOrchha Scenic Floatis a rafting safari on the Betwa (Rs 1,200 for six for the short safari; Rs 2,000 for the long safari) from Kanchana Ghat to Shiv Ghat (3km), with the option of going further to Note Ghat (5km). The 16th-centuryOrchha Fortis the main heritage attraction here.

At Khajuraho, try MP Tourism’sKhajuraho Hotel JhankarandPayal(Rs 1,990 for doubles).Hotel Surya Khajurahois fairly pleasing as well (from Rs 1,500 for doubles; 07686-0274145, 9425146203;hotelsuryakhajuraho.com).

Onwards toSatna, tryHotel Bharhutrun by MP Tourism (Rs 1,790 for doubles),Om Palace(Rs 1,100 for doubles; 07672-404900-02, 9479512900;hotelompalace.com) orUma Club & Resorts(Rs 1,750 for a double; 07672-226586/7/8, 324530, 9300022333;uma-resorts.com).

End withPanna National Park, where MP Tourism runs theMadla Jungle Camp(Rs 2,190 for doubles). More hotel listings are onpannanationalpark.com, wherePanna Tiger Resorthas rooms in your budget.

Travel confusion? Email [email protected]. Please note that Marco will reply to selected questions only.