India, July 17 -- Madhya Pradesh rarely rushes to impress. Its charm lies in the stillness of its lakes, the grace of heritage hotels, and weekends spent tracking tigers at Satpura's Madhai or watching stars glitter above Pachmarhi's waterfalls. Yet, beyond the famous Sanchi or Maheshwar's calm Narmada banks hides a quiet surprise. Just outside Bhopal runs the Tropic of Cancer, a scenic drive that feels like one of the state's most understated treasures.

Bhopal always felt like quiet elegance to me; lakes, old-world hotels, and stories whispered through its history. I never expected a road trip to surprise me this much.

The road to the Tropic of Cancer begins about sixty kilometres from Bhopal on NH 46 towards Vidisha and Salamatpur. It...