Want to know the Best Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh? Well, you have landed on the right article.
You can visit popular destinations like Kanha, Bundla Dam, and Pachmarhi that offer a glimpse of the heart of India.
They are part of rich Indian heritage and culture with plenty to see, including wildlife such as tigers & elephants.
In India, there are twelve Jyotirlingas (Tirthas) that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They’re also very rich in history and were established during the ancient period by Lord Shiva, a Hindu deity.
Their location is indeed spread out around the different regions of the country which means that everyone can visit them and from whatever part of India you come from, you will be able to experience cultural differences and attractions in these locations.
Let’s take a tour of the popular attractions in Madhya Pradesh and enjoy a matchless experience of innumerable stories and uncountable mysteries. They’re all waiting to be discovered!
Here are some of the Best Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh:-
Best Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh (Updated 2023)
Table of content
1) Pachmarhi
Pachmarhi is a small village in Madhya Pradesh. It is in the Malwa region of the state and known for its natural beauty.
The Panch Kedar Nath Temple, also called the Panch Kedar Temple, attracts tourists from all over India and abroad.
As one of the most famous tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi has been praised for being at once rural and culturally diverse with many monuments to admire along with some ancient temples.
Home to several wildlife sanctuaries as well, this place is a true paradise for nature lovers.
Pachmarhi has become a popular venue for tourism over the years because of its natural beauty and cultural value.
It offers an insight into Indian culture through a variety of local festivals that happen throughout the year such as Holi, Diwali, Maha Shivaratri etc.
Pachmarhi is surrounded by forest and has a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 20.4°C.
The mean rainfall for Pachmarhi is 1225 mm per year and the total annual humidity is 59%.The landscape of Pachmarhi consists of gently rolling hills that are covered with grass, cedar trees, oak and teak trees.
Best time to visit – October to June
Ideal duration – 1-2 hours
2) Tincha Falls
Tincha Falls is a mountain in the Budaun district of Madhya Pradesh. It is believed that this mountain was formed by a huge rock breaking.
This falls is a major tourist destination in MP and has been added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
The Tincha River runs along right next to them and forms the Tincha Lake, which can be seen from the top of these falls.
The Tincha Falls are open from 4:30am to 8:30pm and are one of the best places for photography. There is a zip line that takes you to the top of these falls, but it only accommodates two people at a time.
Best time to visit – Monsoon Season
Ideal duration – 2-3 hours
3) Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site and a popular tourist destination in India.
The park is located in the western plateau of India and is home to tigers, leopards, spotted deer and wild boar among other animals.
Due to the large number of animals, including endangered species, the park has been involved in several poaching cases.
Classification: National Park (Wildlife)Threatening processes: Poaching (Local)Endangered Animal: Primates
Kanha National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh. It has gained popularity since it was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO back in 1983.
- Best Time: Oct-Jun
- Ideal duration: 1 day
4) Udayagiri caves
‘Udayagiri’ means the mountain of the sunrise, and is a historical Hindu ritual site home to twenty rock-cut caves near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh.
These caves are called the “feet of Vishnu” because it resembles Vishnu’s feet that appeared in a village pond and rose into the sky. They are one of many cave complexes found at Udayagiri.
Udayagiri is a hillock and temple complex in the Indian state of Telangana. On top of the hill are twenty caves dedicated to sculptures from various Hindu and Jain traditions.
One particular cave is known for its ancient statue of Lord Vishnu in his fifth incarnation as Varaha, rescuing Bhudevi, or earth (a god-figure who may represent the Earth).
Udayagiri is a temple complex spread across the limestone hills of Central India.
This remarkable cave has long been known for its unique features, including the natural canyon that runs just outside of it on the east side and runs all the way until halfway through its course to reach a massive image of Vishnu.
The passage has been modified, but there are some steps still on the ground from the old design. They’re a good indication of how it was originally designed.
The ruins of a 5th-century monument in India are home to rock shelters, petroglyphs, epigraphs, fortifications and archeological relics.
- Best Time: October-March
5) Gwalior Fort
Gwalior is an ancient city in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The main draw of Gwalior is the fort atop its hill, and it has grand palaces and beautiful temples that show how beautifully rich this city was in its glorious past
Gwalior has a rich history dating back to when it was founded by Emperor Surajesan, who moved his capital from Delhi after it was destroyed.
One of the most noted attractions in Gwalior is Jai Vilas Palace which is home to India’s largest carpet and two largest chandeliers.
The great Indian musician Tansen was born in Gwalior, and the tomb of Tansen is also an important place here.
The Tansen Music Festival is a four-day event in Mumbai, India, during which classical musicians perform at the tomb of Amir Khusrau.
Take a day trip to visit the various monuments, enjoy the local delicacies like namkeen, and kick back in Tighra Dam.
- Best Time: Jul-Mar
- Ideal duration: 1-2 days
6) Ajaigarh Fort
Ajaigarh Fort is located in Ajaigarh, Madhya Pradesh and falls under a category of most popular tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh.
The city of Ajaigarh is famous for its ruins and monuments left by the Rajput kings. The fort that is also known as ‘Kala Delan’ was constructed by Bhim Singh, the Prime Minister of Malwa region during 17th century.
Ajaigarh is located on the NH9 and has an average elevation of . The city has a population of 14,726. It covers an area of the climate of Ajaigarh is typical monsoon with warm summers and cold winters.
The temperature varies from in winters to in summer. However, due to its proximity to desert regions, the city experiences extremes in temperatures during summers as compared to other cities.
The monsoon months are June–September with precipitation ranging from 10 inches (250mm) in winter months to 24 inches (600mm) in summer months.
The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is “Cfa”. (Humid Subtropical Climate).
- Best Time: June- September
- Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days
7) Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho, a small town in the Bundelkhand region of India is one of the best examples of Indian architecture and culture. It flourished during the medieval period and it looks like it did back then.
These ancient temples were built around 1500-1000 BCE and depict elements of erotic art that is still popular today.
Many people have a love for this unique form of art. Some study it only as an aesthetic, but many more appreciate all the intricate details within, represented in the most sensuous and romantic ways possible.
Constructed between 950 to 1050 AD, these ancient carvings were made during a time when traditional Indian ideals about eroticism were quite different.
By contrast, these detailed sculptures provide a stark paradox with conventional Indian ideals and people really had no idea what to make of them.
The “Art of India” is very much a part of the city’s local culture, and many buildings, structures and features reflect this.
Some examples are the beautiful murals that adorn most walls, sculptures scattered throughout the town and unique structures like Taj Mahal Hotel
Khajuraho was a great place to visit and with such history. In the beginning it may have had 85 sites dedicated to Hinduism, but the destruction of temples & caves by the plunderers did not succeed.
- Best Time: Jul-Mar
- Ideal duration: 1-2 days
8) Bhojpur Fort
The enigmatic temple of Bhojpur is an incomplete Hindu temple situated in the Bhojpur Village of Madhya Pradesh.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it houses a 7.5 feet high lingam in its sanctum and is believed to have been constructed in the 11th century during the reign of King Bhoja.
The temple’s construction was left abandoned for reasons that are still unknown. Construction material can still be found at the site, with architectural plans engraved on the surrounding rocks.
Historians speculate that it could be due to a sudden natural disaster, war or lack of resources. The temple has been designated as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
There are many theories revolving around what may have happened that led to the abandonment of the Bhojpuri Temple’s construction.
One theory is presented by the peculiar construction style of the edifice, where the temple does not have a ‘Mandapa’ connected to the inner sanctum.
Another unique construction feature is the temple’s rectilinear roof which defies the typical curvilinear dome tower.
These divergences have led some to believe that Bhojpur Temple was perhaps a funerary monument constructed by Bhoja for the peace of soul of his father Sindhuraja or of his uncle Munja.
The lingam in the Bhojpur Temple is built using three superimposed limestone blocks with a height of 7.5 feet and a circumference of 17.8 feet.
The total height of the lingam is 40 feet with a square platform as a base. It is the tallest lingam of its kind in the world.
- Best time to visit: September – March
- Ideal duration: 5-6 Days
9) Bundelkhand
Bundelkhand is a region in Madhya Pradesh which is the most tourist destinations in the state. The region has a lot to offer for tourists and travelers.
Bundelkhand is a region in Madhya Pradesh which is the most tourist destinations in the state.
The region has a lot to offer for tourists and travelers. The region hosts very few Tourist attractions, but it does have some breathtaking views and spectacular landscapes.
Its nature-centric culture comes with affordable accommodation options, making it an ideal destination for backpackers who are looking for adventure in India.
The visit of Bundelkhand starts from Banda, the capital city of all other townships like Khajuraho, Jhansi, or Gwalior or Morena etc, known otherwise as cultural capitals of Central India.
The first township is Banda. It has a long history of trade and commerce in the region.
The city’s landmarks include the Jain temples of Durga, Surya, and Bhagawan Parshvanath on two sites; a step-well with friezes depicting Hindu mythology; and the town hall complex (designed by Thomas Lister).
The state government has declared it a heritage city.There are about 100 temples in this township including 12 Jain temples, 3 mosques, 3 churches and many more contemporary structures that represent each religion.
There is also a huge fort built by the Spanish in the 1600s that has been converted into a museum.The city of Medellin also boasts one of the most beautiful squares in Colombia, Plaza Botero.
- Best time to visit: July to September
- Ideal duration: 3 hours
10) Bhedaghat
Dhuan means smoke in Bhedaghat, and it’s well-known for its Dhuandar Falls that can be boated on throughout the year.
The sound of its churning waterfall during the night would make an unforgettable experience for you!
These boatmen know the local stories and will tell them to you, often in the form of entertaining anecdotes.
Locals call the big rocks “Marble Rocks” – but this small town on the banks of the Narmada River has also earned a reputation for giant, glittering white-marble formations. It’s one of the closest towns to Jabalpur, a major city in Madhya Pradesh
Another notable attraction is Yogini Temple, which offers services for well-being and meditation. You can also see the monkeys at Bandar Kudini, which is a spot where two cliffs are so close to each other that they can jump from one cliff to another.
- Best Time: Nov-Mar
- Ideal duration: 1 day
11) Orchha
The city of Orchha is known for its pristine natural beauty and refined architectural design. It’s at the mouth of a river and surrounded by greenery like a sculptural piece waiting for your hands.
Orchha is known for its old and classic motifs, from the mural paintings to the cenotaphs. It’s even famous for its enchanting charm, attracting tourists from all around the world.
Orchha is a town in India and the headquarters of the Bundela Dynasty, founded in 1501.
The major attractions in Orchha include Ram Raja Temple (the only place where Lord Ram is worshipped both as a God and a king), Laxmi Narayan Temple (known for its unique architecture which is a melange of a fort and a temple), and the Jahangir Mahal (built in hour of Mughal emperor Jahangir).
The medieval architecture of Orchha’s palaces and temples is a visual delight for photographers.
- Best Time: Jul-Mar
12) Omkareshwar
Omkareshwar is located between the rivers Narmada and Kaveri in the state of Maharashtra, India. The city is home to one of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas.
The Omkareshwar Temple in Rajasthan is shaped in the form of a Hindu religious symbol “Om” and it has two ancient shrines- one for Lord Shiva and another for Goddess Durga.
Pilgrims from across the world visit Lumbini, a town in Nepal which was once the capital of Nanda Dynasty.
The city is filled with architectural & scenic beauty and it boasts of several prominent pilgrim sites, including Lumbini Garden.
Amarkareshwar is a shrine that was constructed in the town of Omkareshwar. This shrine consists of two parts – Omkareshwar and Amarkareshwar.
The holy town of Omkare is in southern India and it is situated on the meeting point between two rivers, Narmada and Kaveri. The symbol for Om- a Hindu symbol- encapsulates the many spiritual meanings that this city has due to its geographical location.
The whole area is bounded by mountains and it makes for a very beautiful view. Kedareshwar temple is also a must-visit for all tourists here.
- Best Time: Oct-Mar
- Ideal duration: 1 day
13) Sanchi
Located in Madhya Pradesh, the Buddhist monuments of Sanchi are a World Heritage site. They were built by 3rd century BC emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty.
The sculptures and monuments present at the site of the Stupa in Madhya Pradesh present a fine example of the development of Buddhist art and architecture. The stupa sits atop a hill in Sanchi, 46 km from the city of Bhopal.
This 50ft tall dome is meant to honor Buddha and house his relics. It is a part of the temple complex which has been built to guide people on their spiritual path, found in Drepung Monastery.
Sanchi is known for its ancient Stupas, monasteries, the Ashoka Pillar, Toranas or ornate gateways with intricate carvings and other remnants of the rich Buddhist culture which date back to the 3rd century B. C.
It is one of the most important places for Buddhist pilgrimage and pilgrims from around the world visit this place.
- Best Time: Jul-Mar
- Ideal duration: 1 day
14) Ujjain
Ujjain, considered to be one of the holiest cities of India, is an ancient city situated on the eastern bank of the Shipra River in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh.
Ujjain is one of the four sites for the Kumbh Mela, the largest peace-time gathering on the planet that attracts 100 million people to the festival.
This makes Ujjain an important place of Hindu Pilgrimage. To add to that, it is also home to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines to the god Shiva.
Ujjain is one of the most glorious cities of ancient India as it was also known to be the educational hub of various Indian scholars.
The immense wealth of Ujjain in terms of religion, architecture, and educational value makes this is a top attraction amongst not only Indian travellers but also amongst foreign tourists as well.
Ujjain is located at a distance of 52 km from Indore, which is also the nearest major airport.
- Best Time: Oct-Mar
- Ideal duration: 1-2 days
15) Indore
Indore is the largest city in Madhya Pradesh. It’s located on the Malwa Plateau, and its rich cultural heritage has been preserved for centuries.
Indore’s urbanization hints at a cosmopolitan future for young people who are eager to discover more about western culture and lifestyle.
Indore is India’s most modern city. The city has an IIT, IIM, and is a very clean one in general.
Indore is considered to be the heart of the trading and industrial practices in Madhya Pradesh. The city is named after its oldest temple, Indreshwar Mahadev.
Indore is home to the ancient temple of Swami Indrapuri that is believed to date back over 2000 years.
You may want to try some local delicacies while you are in town, such as Poha, which is a starch food that has a soft butter-y taste. Sarafa Bazaar is one of the most popular locations for great eating in Indore.
- Best Time: Jul-Mar
- Ideal duration: 1-2 days
16) Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the largest national parks in India, with an estimated population of over 900 tigers in a pristine habitat and at a high density.
National parks in southern Utah are home to a high population of tigers, with most of them living in the Canyonlands.
As a result, encounters with these animals are common and they provide amazing opportunities for wildlife enthusiast.
In 2012, there were 44-49 tigers living here and around 22 types of mammals managed to find their way into the park too.
This is a beautiful tourist spot, and it’s not easy to get to. It has a very scenic pine forest with views of the fort that takes about an hour to hike (or you could use one of the many jeeps that offer safari tours).
Some attractions include jeep safaris around the area, visits on horseback, or bird watching.
- Best Time: Feb-June
- Ideal duration: 1-2 days
17) Kuno national park
The Kuno National Park is in the Morena and Sheopur districts of Madhya Pradesh. It is a popular tourist attraction because it’s nestled among the Vindhyan Hills.
The park is home to 748 square miles & small villages are scattered throughout it, making it tough to get complete privacy while you enjoy your visit!
Kuno National Park is a famous place for wild animals. Recently, the park added a cheetah exhibit which has taken the global spotlight. Other places to see lions, tigers, giraffes, & cheetahs are going to be nearby!
Eight Asiatic cheetahs arrived in Kuno National Park on September 17, 2022 to be released into the national park by Prime Minister.
There are 5 female named cheetahs and 3 male named cheetahs of varying ages that were tested in a group of 30 – 66 months olds, they were found to be in good health.
Soon, cheetah safari will be open to the public, inviting visitors to explore a lush landscape. The landscape includes ancient infrastructure and many wildlife species, which are sure to delight visitors.
The Kuno National Park is the home of many wild animals such as the Kardhai, Salai, and Hariva trees. It’s nature & wildlife lover’s delight!
Named after the Kuno River that cuts across it, Toronto is primarily a grassland region, though a few rocky outcrops are found here too.
The Jungle cat, Indian leopard, slothbear and Indian wolf are just a few of the numerous exotic species that live in the forest. They’re also joined by more than 120 bird species.
In 2018, the government announced that it was changing its status from a wildlife sanctuary to a national park. The closure of the park is from 1st July to 15th October.
People will continue to monitor the progress of cheetahs in Kuno National Park throughout the rest of 2018. Hopefully, the good news is that cheetahs will be able to return back into safaris and get better acquainted with their surroundings.
There’s still plenty to do at the national park until their eco-friendlier selves are ready for it. Recreate the growth of a species, go on a hike, and study about wildlife!
- Best Time: November – March
- Ideal duration: 1-2 Days
18) Bhopal
Madhya Pradesh’s Capital City, Bhopal is famous for the pair of artificial lakes (Upper Lake and Lower Lake) that split the city.
Towards the north of the lakes is Old Town, with its beautiful mosques, bustling bazaars, serpentine alleys and exquisite havelis.
Bhopal is a contrast of new vs old, the past and present, rustic and classy. The Moti Masjid is one of the largest mosques in Bhopal, India.
The mosque was built by the third female ruler, who also built Taj-Ul-Masjid – one of the largest mosques in India. It features classic Mughal architecture and displays exquisite architectural details from no less than Shah Jahan Begum – one of the most illuminating rulers Bhopal has seen in history
The city will catch your attention through its breathtakingly beautiful havelis and museums as well as Nawabi food that is an absolute delight for foodies.
Unfortunately, Bhopal was also a reminder of the worst industrial disaster in our world, with up to 8000 deaths from the explosion alone.
- Best Time: Jul-Mar
- Ideal duration: 2-3 days
Conclusion
Madhya Pradesh has so much for art and culture lovers. From the world-famous Khajuraho to the famed Charbagh in Bhopal, there’s a lot to explore here.
Madhya Pradesh is a state in India that is best known for its rich culture and heritage, particularly as an epicentre of Hindu temple architecture. It also has some spectacular tribal villages and hill resorts.
The state has been relatively neglected by tourist agencies due to lack of accessibility, but with Indore being the nodal point of tourism, it offers some good options if you are looking to visit this part of India.
I hope you liked our article on Best Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh, if you have any comments or suggestions do share them in the comments below
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is a favorite places to visit in Madhya Pradesh?
Madhya Pradesh is a state in India. It is located in the central part of the country. The state borders the states of Uttar Pradesh to the north, Chhattisgarh to the east, Maharashtra to the south, and Rajasthan to the west.
Madhya Pradesh has a lot of different attractions that make it a favorite place for tourists and visitors. The list includes many towns and cities such as Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur etc.
Q2. Which city and attractions are your top picks?
I am a big fan of traveling, and also enjoy visiting cities in other countries. I have visited many places around the world, but my top three favorite cities are London, Paris and New York.
I would recommend visiting these three cities for anyone looking for a fun-filled vacation.
Q3.What are some other places to visit in Madhya Pradesh?
Other places to visit in Madhya Pradesh are the ancient temple at Katni, the heritage sites of Gwalior and the Indore zoo.
Madhya Pradesh is a state in central India with a rich cultural heritage. The state has many famous landmarks, including the ancient temple at Katni, the heritage sites of Gwalior and the Indore zoo.
Here are the Top Places to visit in Madhya Pradesh:-