Visit top tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh

India is bestowed with many wonders adorning its various parts! Standing out amongst the rest, are the plethora of places to visit in Madhya Pradesh that make the heart of the country alive. Majestic forts and ancient temples share space with exotic wildlife on the majestic land. Not only this, but the incredible state also boasts of heritage sites, pilgrimage destinations and so much more.

An excursion to the top tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh mentioned below help you share your stories of the unique experiences. Read on to enjoy a virtual tour.

Orchha

Get ready to delight in a time travel back in the history. Dating back to the 16^th-century, Orchha is a royal town exuding a rustic charm. Equally important as other historical places in Madhya Pradesh, the city flaunts its meticulously designed temples, majestic palaces, grand forts etc. The small hamlet is dotted with brilliantly crafted structures that lure history buffs and photography enthusiasts alike.

Centre of attractions

• Jahangir Mahal
• Orchha Fort
• Chaturbhuj Temple
• Lakshmi Temple
• Dinman Hardaul’s Palace

Things to do

• Attend evening aarti at the Ram Raja Temple.
• Explore the Chhatris that are reckoned as an important tourist attraction in Orchha.
• Boating and Rafting on river Betwa.
• Jungle Safari at the Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Unveil the mysteries behind the Sawan Bhado, two wind-catching towers.

Best time to visit

Winter season which starts from October and lasts till February is the ideal season to explore attractions of Orchha. Thus, months between October and March are best to plan a trip.

Bandhavgarh National Park

Fabled as the land of tigers, including the white ones, Bandhavgarh National Park is a haven for wildlife lovers. An iconic Madhya Pradesh tourist spot, the park has served as the hunting ground of the Maharajas of yesteryears.  The park not only houses the tigers but also a wide variety of flora, avifauna and other faunal species. A quaint fort nearby lends its name to the Bandhavgarh which enjoys legendary and mythological significance.

Centre of attractions

• Bandhavgarh Fort
• Shesh Shaiya
• Three Cave Point
• Nilgai

Things to do

• Jeep Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park.
• Spot a Royal Bengal Tiger.
• Excursion to Badi Gufa.
• Explore the park by riding on an elephant’s back.
• Try your luck spotting ‘Sita’, the most photographed tigress in the world till date.

Best time to visit

The park starts welcoming the visitors from mid-October to June. However, the best time to visit the Bandhavgarh National Park is from November to February which is also the peak season.

Kanha National Park

Reckoned as one of the best places to visit in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park takes you back in your childhood. The park triggers a sense of awe in you by reminding you about various scenes from the popular ‘Jungle Book’. Adorned with streams, lakes and open grasslands, the park offers a perfect opportunity to pacify the adrenaline rush amidst the wilderness. For this reason, the tiger reserve is thronged by tourists throughout the year.

Centre of attractions

• Sunset Point
• Swamp deer
• Barasinga
• Sal and bamboo forests
• Lapsi Kabar

Things to do

• Taste Mahua, a local liquor.
• Spend a few days in a Homestay.
• Go for night safari if you are allowed to.
• Marvel at the sunset views from the Bamni Dadar.
• Explore Shravan Tal. The place which narrates the popular incident between King Dasharatha, Shravan Kumar and his parents from the Hindu epic Ramayana.

Best time to visit

The park is open to the public from mid-October to June but the best time to visit the Kanha National Park is between October and March.

Gwalior

Replete with mesmerizing palaces and spellbinding temples, Gwalior ranks amongst the historical places in Madhya Pradesh. Overlooked by the mighty Gwalior fort, the town stands as a testimony of its glorious past. Additionally, there are many well-crafted monuments and statues that adds to the city’s charm and heritage. A four day Tansen Festival held annually in the month of November/December raises the fun quotient. Thus, winter is the best season to visit Gwalior.

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Centre of attractions

• Gujari Mahal
• Jai Vilas Palace
• Tomb of Tansen
• Sas Bahu Temple
• Teli Ka Mandir

Things to do

• Explore the places of attractions within the Gwalior Fort, one of the best forts in India.
• Visit the Sun Temple.
• Understand the evolution of classical music.
• Go to the Man Singh Palace.
• Enjoy boating at Tighara Dam.

Best time to visit

October to March is the best time to visit Gwalior.

Khajuraho

You will be rendered in a state of awe after your Khajuraho tour. Known for its Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city showcases a perfect blend of Indian art and architecture. The monuments, although in their ruins are home to the finely-crafted erotic sculptures. Further, the Khajuraho temple earns the fame for the town as one of the popular tourist spots in Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, the historic town remains on the bucket list of art, architecture and history lovers for a number of reasons.

Centre of attractions

• Chitragupta Temple
• Parsvanath Temple
• Devi Jagdamba Temple
• Light and Sound Show at the Khajuraho Temple
• Lakshman Temple
• Archaeological Museum

Things to do

• Take a trip to the Kandariya Mahadev Temple.
• Soak in the beauty of the lakes in the town.
• Go for Old Village tours on the bike.
• Explore the Duladeo Temple.
• Observe the Chausath Yogini.

Best time to visit

It is advisable to plan a trip to Khajuraho from November to April and particularly in the month of February so as to attend the Khajuraho Dance Festival.

Bhimbetka

A myriad of rock shelters and cave paintings, Bhimbetka is a heritage of great civilizations. Titled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are adorned with paintings that unveil the mysteries associated with our forefathers. As a matter of fact, these rock shelters stand proudly as a witness of a part of human civilization. Serving as a natural gallery, the caves are one of the top tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh. A walk through the caves is an adventure in itself and offers an enthralling experience.

Centre of attractions

• Zoo Rock
• Rock art and paintings
• Dancing figure from the Mesolithic period
• Auditorium Rock Shelter
• Boar Rock.

Things to do

• Excursion to Bhojpur.
• Plan a trip to Hoshangabad.
• Explore Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary.

Best time to visit

Months between October and March are ideal to plan a trip to Bhimbetka. Monsoon season which start from July and ends till September is also a preferable time to visit.

Pench National Park

 

Deriving its name from the Pench River meandering into the park, the Pench National Park houses elusive leopards. Additionally, over 285 migratory and resident birds dwell here in their natural habitat. Further, the park protects 4 species of now endangered vultures. Another key point to notice is that the park shows a stark similarity with the one mentioned in the ‘Jungle Book’. Once you soak-in the charisma, you will be left with no doubts, as to why the famous novel was inspired to pen down his novel here.

Centre of attractions

• Baghin Nala
• Piyorthadi
• Sitaghat
• Collarwali
• Indian Bison

Things to do

• Go for a boat ride.
• Spot endangered species of vultures.
• Enjoy a jeep safari.
• Marvel at the Royal Bengal Tiger.
• Go for walk through the dark woods.

Best time to visit

February to June is the best time to visit the Pench National Park to spot the wildlife. As, animals come out to drink water during summers, providing an ideal opportunity to spot them.

Mandu

A haven for the history aficionados, Mandu is indeed one of the popular destinations to visit in India. Perched on a height, the quaint town is replete with architectural splendors. Enjoy a time travel in history as you spend time marveling at the best historical places in Madhya Pradesh. Also, the city never fails to beguile the visitors, as the folklore of the legendary love between Baz Bahadur and Roopmati echoes here. Flaunting a long, varied and rich history, Mandu is definitely a place to be at.

Centre of attractions

• Jahaz Mahal
• Gateways
• Hoshang Shah’s Tomb
• Roopmati Pavillion
• Royal Enclave

Things to do

• Explore the remarkable historic Afgah architectural marvels.
• Excursion to the Mandu Fort.
• Pay a visit to the Hindola Mahal.
• Worship at the Jami Masjid.
• Marvel at the Baz Bahadur Palace.

Best time to visit

October to March is the best time to explore Mandu in its full grandeur. Also, months between July and September serve as the monsoon season and can be considered to plan a trip.

Pachmarhi

Famed as Satpura ki Rani, the Pachmarhi is a pristine and the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh. Perched at a height of 1067m in a valley of Satpura Ranges, the place is also a part of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. With this in mind, one can definitely expect and cherish fulfilling holidays amidst the lap of nature. A bountiful of attractions like splendid monuments, waterfalls, ancient caves and forests enhance the beauty of the hill town. Listed in UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its flora and fauna, Pachmarhi provides the desired relief to the weary souls and serenity seekers.

Centre of attractions

• Dhoopgarh
• Pandava Caves
• Handi Koh
• Mahadeo Hills
• Bison Lodge
• Catholic Church

Things to do

• Enjoy a visit to Rajat Prapat, one of India’s highest waterfalls.
• Explore the Jata Shankar Caves.
• Excursion to the Satpura National Park.
• Pay homage at the Chhota Mahadeo.
• Visit the Chaugarh Temple.
• Marvel at the Bee Falls.

Best time to visit

A trip to Pachmarhi can be planned throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is from October to June.

Sanchi

Next attraction on our list is Sanchi, one of the most famous places to visit in Bhopal. As tranquil as its name, Sanchi oozes utter serenity because of several monasteries, temples and stupas present in the town. Additionally, the very famous Sanchi Stupa which is also India’s oldest stone structure, makes the town appear on the world tourism map. For this reason, the city serves as a pilgrimage center for Buddhism followers. Further, one can also soak-in the rich historical legacy of the place depicted in many of its destinations.

Centre of attractions

• The Great Stupa, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site
• Ashoka Pillar
• Gupta Temple
• Eastern Gateway
• Toranas

Things to do

• Unveil the mysteries of the Udayagiri Caves.
• Pay a visit to the Sanchi Museum.
• Explore the Buddhist Viharas till your heart’s content.
• Marvel at the other stupas.
• Get insights about the Great Bowl.

Best time to visit

Again, the best time to visit Sanchi is from October to March.

Shivpuri

Owning to immense historical significance, Shivpuri finds a mention on the list of historical places to visit in Madhya Pradesh. A number of ancient architectural wonders like palaces and forts coupled with a wildlife sanctuary, waterfalls, national parks, etc. promise amazing holidays. Ancient heritage together with natural environs brings avid travelers to curate memories of a lifetime. Deriving its name from Lord Shiva, the peaceful city boasts of many legends associated with it. Further, ruled by many masters, the city has served as a royal hunting round, summer capital and what not!

Centre of attractions

• Chhatri
• Karera Bird Sanctuary
• Bhadaiya Kund
• The Madhav Vilas Palace
• Banganga

Things to do

• Visit Tatya Tope Memorial Park where the eminent personality was hanged till death.
• Spot faunal species at the Madhav National Park.
• Attend Shiv Chaturdashi.
• Spot a python near the Sakhya Sagar Lake.
• Take a dip at Panihar.

Best time to visit

Temperature soars up to 40 degree Celsius during summers. Thus, it is advisable to travel to Shivpuri during winter months which start from November and end in March.

Maheshwar

The ‘Varanasi of Central India’, Maheshwar sits comfortably along the banks of River Narmada. Although small yet beautiful, the town worships only Lord Shiva as the presiding deity. Once a spiritual center for Hindu devotees, the city offers a divine experience. Besides calmness, an excursion to the city helps to treat eyes with some of the architectural marvels. Another key point to note that the destination allows you to fulfill your shopping spree of Maheshwari Sarees. Upon flipping the pages of history, one gets to know that the place was also the capital of the Rajamata Ahilya Devi Holkar’s empire.

Centre of attractions

• Chhatri
• Statue of Rani Ahilya Bai
• Narmada Ghat
• Akhileshwar Temple
• Pandrinath Temple

Things to do

• Shop till you drop.
• Explore the Ahilya Bai Fort.
• Admire the magnificence and beauty of the Mukhi Datta Temple.
• Plan a stay at Rajwada.
• Excursion to Mandleshwar.

Best time to visit

July to April is the best time to visit Maheshwar.

Ujjain

Housing one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Ujjain appeals to the devotee in you. To put it in another way, the city also enjoys fame as the ‘Temple town of India’. A treasure trove of cultural heritage, mainly in the form of shrines, Ujjain beguiles with its irresistible spiritual aura. This one of the seven holy cities in Hinduism stands out amongst rest of the places to visit in Madhya Pradesh. In addition to this, the reason behind millions of tourist visiting the town is the Kumbh Mela, largest Hindu fair.

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Centre of attractions

• Ram Mandir Ghat
• Ved Shala
• Kal Bhairav Temple
• Chaubis Khamba Temple
• Bhartrihari Caves

Things to do

• Attend the Bhasm Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple.
• Explore the Kaliadeh Palace.
• Pay your obeisance at the Harsiddhi Temple
• Worship at the Mangalnath Temple.
• Offer your prayers at the Chintaman Ganesh Temple.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Ujjain is from October to March.

Bhopal

Intriguing in all the senses, Bhopal completes a wonderful trip to Madhya Pradesh. Right from the places to visit in Bhopal to the folklores that describe its naming ceremony, everything is simply amusing. The town fascinates with many of its lakes and for this reason, is known as ‘City of Lakes’. Showcasing a perfect mélange of the old and the new, the town vies to evoke the explorer in you. Bountiful of attractions make the capital city of Madhya Pradesh a must-visit destination.

Centre of attractions

• Taj-Ul-Masajid
• Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalay
• Lakshmi Narayan Temple
• Gauhar Mahal
• Sadar Manzil

Things to do

• Excursion to the Bhojtal or the Bada Talab.
• Buy the motifs bearing the Zardosi craft.
• Pay homage at the Moti Masjid.
• Wildlife Safari at the Van Vihar National Park.
• Explore the Lower and Upper Lake.

Best time to visit

Months from October to March account for an ideal time to visit Bhopal.

Undoubtedly, all these places to visit in Madhya Pradesh offer experiences of a lifetime.