Well-known tourist places in Madhya Pradesh

Known as the “Heart of India”, Madhya Pradesh is located in the central region of India. Undoubtedly, it lives up to its title because just like a body is unable to function without a heart, similarly, India cannot be imagined without the central state in it. Moreover, the state is popular among tourists owing to its astonishing topography, imperial forts, magnificent caves, thrilling wildlife and ancient temples. No matter to which category of travelers you belong, Madhya Pradesh Tour will never fail to amaze you with its treasured assets.

Famous Cities of Madhya Pradesh

The second largest Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is no less in terms of culture, history and even all the cities have something peculiar to offer to the tourists. Furthermore, if you are thinking to take a tour to Madhya Pradesh, don’t forget to include some of the exclusive places from this list in your itinerary.

Indore: Food Capital:-

The cleanest city of India is rich in culture and heritage. Due to its major role in the development of the country, the city is also referred to as the commercial capital. The charm of this city has been well-maintained over centuries this city is sure to leave you spellbound with its architectural excellence along with a tinge of the modern world.

Places of tourist interest

• Rajwada
• Lal Bagh Palace
• Annapurna Temple
• Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary
• Indore Museum

Things to do

• Take a food trip to Sarafa Bazar
• Shop in the city
• Get clicked at sere Patalpani Falls
• Have fun at Safari Activity Park
• Feel adrenaline rush with night trek to Kalakand

Famous Food

• Poha Jalebi
• Dahi Vada
• Mawa Batti
• Kulfi Faluda
• Khopra Patties

How to reach

• By Air: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport is located at a distance of a mere 7 km.
• By Road: Regular buses are available for Indore from cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Bhopal, etc.
• By Train: Indore Junction Railway Station is the main station to reach the city.

Best time to visit

Summer is not the right time to walk down the roads of Indore. One can visit Indore in the months of October- March.

Bhopal: Capital City

The principal city of central state Madhya Pradesh is teeming with tourist attractions. Not only the city owns several beautiful lakes, but also numerable museums and mosques. Because of the existence of so many lakes in the city, it is also called as “City of Lakes”. The city exemplifies an agglomerate of history and modernization.

Places of tourist interest

• Upper Lake
• Gohar Mahal
• State Museum
• Taj-Ul-Masjid
• Bhimbetka

Things to do

• Enjoy shopping at DB Mall
• Frolic with a  picnic at Upper Lake
• Gaze at the wondrous shivling of Bhojpur Temple
• Savor the Mughlai and Peshawari Cuisine
• Admire the art in rock shelters of Bhimbetka Caves

Famous Food

• Seekh Kabab
• Keema Pulao
• Rogan Josh
• Bhopali Paan
• Achar Gosht

How to reach

• By Air: Raja Bhoj International Airport is about 15 km away from the city.
• By Road: Roadways and highways can be used to reach Bhopal.
• By Train: Bhopal Junction is the nearest railway station to reach the city.

Best time to visit

The winter months of October to March are the most suitable time to visit Bhopal.

Jabalpur: Natural Marvel

Counted amongst the most-visited cities of Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur is another fascination located on the coast of the Narmada River. For nature lovers, this city can be a wonderland due to its scenic beauty. The sandstone hills serve as the perfect backdrop to the city. This is an ideal location to spend vacations.

Places of tourist interest

• Madan Mahal Fort
• Chausath Yogini Temple
• Rani Durgavati Museum
• Pisanhari ki Madiya
• Dhuandhar Falls

Things to do

• Relish a boat ride at Bhedaghat- Marble Rocks
• Capture thrilling views with a cable car ride
• Join in evening Aarti at Lord Shiva Statue in Kachnar city
• Escape the bustling city by visiting Bargi Dam
• Catch the enchanting topography of Balancing Rock

Famous Food

• Sabudana Khichdi
• Malpua
• Khoye ki Jalebi
• Pilaf with Peas and Carrots
• Jain Kulfi

How to reach

• By Air: The fastest way to reach Jabalpur is via Dumma Airport.
• By Road: National Highway No. 7 can be used if you are coming from Jaipur, Raipur, Hyderabad, etc. Regular bus service is also available from nearby cities of Madhya Pradesh.
• By Train: One can reach Jabalpur by deboarding the trains at nearest railway stations- Madan Mahal, Deori, Jabalpur Junction, Adhartal or Jamtara Paraswara.

Best time to visit

September to March is the best time to visit Jabalpur.

Ujjain: Devout Place

Nestled by the Shipra River, Ujjain is considered among the seven holy cities of the country. Due to the existence of so many temples in the town, it is also known as “Temple Town of Madhya Pradesh”. The temples of the city depict the magnificent art and architecture of the Bundelas. The city attracts maximum no. of tourists during the world-famous Kumbh Mela.

Places of tourist interest

• Mahakaleshwar Temple
• Kaliadeh Palace
• Jantar Mantar
• Vikram Kirti Mandir Museum
• Chintaman Ganesh Temple

Things to do

• Inquire into Rock Art Paintings at Dr V. S. Wakankar Museum
• Rever the sanctity of Gomti Kund
• Attend Shipra Aarti at Ra Ghat
• Explore different artefacts in the market near Nanakheda bus stand
• Immerse yourself in spirituality by visiting famous temples

Famous Food

• Snacks- Samosa, Kachori and Namkeen
• Dal Bafla
• Sabudana Dosa
• Bhutta Ri Kees
• Dehania- Chivda

How to reach

• By Air: The fastest way to reach Jabalpur is via Indore Airport, which is located just at a distance of 55 km.
• By Road: Ujjain enjoys good connectivity with all the major cities of the country. Regular bus service is also available from nearby cities.
• By Train: Ujjain has its own railway station by the name of Ujjain Junction Railway Station.

Best time to visit

The best months to explore Ujjain are from October to March.

Gwalior: Symphonic City

Profuse in art, culture and history, Gwalior is the birthplace of renowned musician- Tansen, music maestro- Amjad Ali Khan and many other eminent personalities. The cite has been under the reign of several rulers. The city showcases historical landmarks and structural miracles. The mathematical and scientific significance of the city is also noteworthy.

Places of tourist interest

• Jai Vilas Palace
• Gwalior Fort
• Tighra Dam
• Saas Bahu Temple
• Chaturbhuj Temple

Things to do

• Appreciate the art of Teli ka Mandir
• Overcome the hot weather at Splash the Suncity
• Stand in awe of Gopachal Parvat Rock-cut sculptures
• Honor the music maestro at Tansen’s mausoleum
• Hunt for handicrafts and artefacts at Patankar Bazaar

Famous Food

• Lambi Pani Puri
• Paneer Jalebi
• Morena Gajak
• Kadhai- Kachori
• Malai Gilori

How to reach

• By Air: The fastest way to reach Jabalpur is via Gwalior Airport.
• By Road: National Highway No. 3, 75 and 92 can be used if you are coming from any of the major city of the country. Regular bus service is also available from nearby cities.
• By Train: Gwalior is well connected to all the major cities through a railway network.

Best time to visit

October to March is the best time to visit Gwalior.

Burhanpur: Owner of Splendid Past

Situated on the banks of Tapti River, this historical city of Madhya Pradesh was founded in 1400 AD. named after Sheikh Burhan-ud-Din, the city holds religious significance for Muslims as well as Sikhs. Since the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan ruled it for many years, the city portrays charming symbols of Mughal architecture and grandeur.

Points of tourist interest

• Asirgarh Fort
• Jama Masjid
• Dargah-e-Hakimi
• Badshahi Qila
• Zenana Hammam

Things to do

• Tour the Dargah-e-Hakimi Garden
• Hang around the Tapti River
• Catch sight of intricate paintings at Badshahi Qila
• Explore the alleys of Ahukhana, hunting ground of the Mughals
• Gather information about the amplified water supply system

Famous Food

Mughlai Cuisine is the speciality of Burhanpur. Here one can savor vegetarian as well as non- vegetarian dishes in nearby restaurants at reasonable prices.

How to reach

• By Air: One can reach Burhanpur through Indore Airport, which is 162 km away from the city.
• By Road: Burhanpur enjoys good connectivity with all the major cities of the country. Regular bus service is also available from nearby cities like Bhopal, Indore, etc.
• By Train: Indore Railway Station is the nearest one to reach Burhanpur.

Best time to visit

Since Burhanpur observes humid climate during summers, it is better to visit the town in the months of October- March.

Sanchi: Home of Stupas

One of the most popular places in Madhya Pradesh is Sanchi located in the Raisen district of Bhopal division. The town is famous for its association with Buddhism and is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. tourists from all over the world throng this little village to enjoy the views of monasteries, pillars, temples and stupas.

Points of tourist interest

• Sanchi Stupa
• Ashoka Pillar
• Gupta Temple
• Monasteries
• Toranas

Things to do

• Gawk at the grandiose artwork of Udayagiri Caves
• Acknowledge the history bi visiting Sanchi Museum
• Pay homage at the Buddhist Vihara
• Visit the historical monument- The Great Bowl
• Pick up info about Lord Buddha’s life at The Eastern Gateway

Famous Food

• Biryani
• Korma
• Lassi
• Ladoos
• Sugarcane Juice

How to reach

• By Air: One cannot reach Sanchi directly by flight. Located at a distance of 50 km, Bhopal Airport can be used to reach Sanchi.
• By Road:. Regular bus service is available from nearby cities like Bhopal, Indore, etc.
• By Train: Though Sanchi has a small railway station but if you are coming from some major city, you can come via Bhopal Junction Railway Station, which is not more than 50 km away from the place.

Best time to visit Winters, i.e. November- March is the best time to explore the beauty of Sanchi.

Khajuraho: Ethereal Embodiment of Art

For admiring Indian art and architecture, no place can match the level of Khajuraho. Known amongst the famous tourist places in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is home to numerable Hindu and Jain Temples depicting the Indo- Aryan architectural styles. These thousand-year-old sculptures have earned Khajuraho the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Points of tourist interest

• Bijamandala Temple
• Chausath Yogini Temple
• Lakshman Temple
• Parsvanath Temple
• Shantinath Temple

Things to do

• Gain insights into the Jain culture at Jain Museum
• Enjoy the sound and light show in Khajuraho
• Turn inside out the old town of Khajuraho
• Met up with the diversified wildlife at Panna National Park
• Seek solace at placid Beni Sagar Dam

Famous Food

• Lavang Lata
• Mutton Kebabs
• Kheema
• Cashew Barfi
• Moong Dal Halwa

How to reach

• By Air: Khajuraho Airport is the nearest airport connecting the town with other parts of the country.
• By Road: Regular bus service is available from the cities like Bhopal, New Delhi, Indore, etc.
• By Train: Khajuraho owns a railway station, which shares connectivity with the major cities of the country.

Best time to visit

Khajuraho observes winter season during the months of November to February, making it a pleasant time for the visitors to delve into Khajuraho.

Orchha: Imposing Town

It’s an archaic town full of temples, palaces and forts. Resting on the banks of Betwa River, this town in Tikamgarh district of Sagar Division was founded by the Bundela Rajput Chief, Rudra Pratap in the 16th century. Despite being a small town, it attracts a huge no. of tourists due to its historical importance and scenic setting.

Points of tourist interest

• Orchha Fort
• Raja Ram Temple
• Khana Hammam
• Uth Khana
• Chaturbhuj Temple

Things to do

• Revel in river rafting in Betwa River
• Take a walk around the dazzling Phool Bagh
• Cherish the enchanting views of Orchha Natural Reserve
• Feel royal by staying at Sheesh Mahal
• Peek into the cultural history of Orchha with a walking tour

Famous Food

• Mawa Bati
• Khopra Pak
• Bhutte ki Kees
• Malpua
• Kebabs

How to reach

• By Air: Since there is no direct flight for Orchha, one can visit the town using Gwalior Airport, which is nestled at a distance of 140 km.
• By Road: Jhansi bus stop is located 16 km away from the town of Orchha.
• By Train: Jhansi Railway Station can be used to visit Orchha, which is at a distance of 18 km from the station.

Best time to visit

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

Mandu: Fascinating City

Alighted on a hilltop in Dhar district of Indore Division, this is one of the most preferred locations of history- buffs. Just like other places of Madhya Pradesh, Mandu is also endowed with the best of architecture in the form of gardens, lakes, palaces, temples, etc. This hidden treasure of the central state is replete with an architecture of Afghan style. What sets this little town apart from others is that India’s oldest monument was erected here.

Points of tourist interest

• Jahaz Mahal
• Ashrafi Mahal
• Hoshang’s Tomb
• Champa Baoli and Hammam
• Jain Temple

Things to do

• Visit India’s biggest fort- Mandu Fort
• Admire the beauty of Rani Rupmati’s Pavilion
• Be amazed by gazing at the marvel of Baz Bahadur’s Palace
• Stand in awe of the sloping walls of Hindola Mahal
• Come across architectural findings at Taveli Mahal

Famous Food

• Poha
• Khopra Pak
• Bhutte ki Kees
• Malpua
• Kebabs

How to reach

• By Air: Indore Airport, located at a distance of 110 km is the nearest airport to reach Mandu.
• By Road: Regular bus service is available from nearby cities such as Gwalior, Jabalpur, Indore, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Raipur, etc.
• By Train: Indore Railway Station is the nearest one to reach Mandu.

Best time to visit

October to March is the best time to visit Mandu.

Maheshwar: Temple Town

Considered among the popular destinations of Madhya Pradesh, Maheshwar is the temple town of Central India, seated on the banks of the Narmada River in Khargone district of Indore. Since the town has been featured in the Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, it holds great significance in Hinduism. Therefore, it is one of the pilgrimage sites of the Hindus.

Points of tourist interest

• Maheshwar Palace
• Ek Mukhi Datta Temple
• Holkar Fort
• Narmada Ghat
• Ahilyeshwar Temple

Things to do

• Join in the festivals exhibiting Indian art and culture
• Behold the sight of the life-size statue of Rani Ahilya Bai
• Shop for Maheshwari sarees and other handloom products
• Get astonished by the mesmerizing beauty of Ek Mukhi Datta Temple
• Treat your eyes with some of the finest specimens of architecture

Famous Food

• Batteesee Chutney
• Scrambled eggs
• Grilled Baam
• Banana upside down cake
• Homemade walnut and sunflower seed bread

How to reach

• By Air: Indore Airport, located at a distance of 91 km is the nearest airport to reach Maheshwar.
• By Road: Regular bus service is available from various cities of the state such as Indore, Barwaha, Khandwa, etc.
• By Train: Marwaha Railway Station lies at a distance of 39 km from the town.

Best time to visit

October to March is the best time to visit Mandu.

Chanderi: Epitome of Beauty

Renowned for its vast history, Chanderi is a small town settled down in the Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh. Positioned on the lush green valley of Vindhya hills, this quaint town is sure to take you back in the time of the 11th century. The serene lakes and thick forests add to the charm of the historical town. It shares its connections with Gurjara- Pratihara Kingdom.

Points of tourist interest

• Shehzadi ka Rauza
• Koshak Mahal
• Jama Masjid
• Chandraprabh Temple
• Chanderi Fort

Things to do

• Shop for hand-woven Chanderi sarees
• Appreciate the stonework of Badal Mahal Gate
• Seek spirituality in the 9th and 10th century Jain Temples
• Enjoy the panoramic views of Chanderi town from the Fort
• Observe the art of Nanuan Rock Paintings

Famous Food

• Maheri
• Khopra Pak
• Bhutte ki Kees
• Malpua
• Kebabs

How to reach

• By Air: Bhopal Airport, located at a distance of 220 km is the nearest airport to reach Chanderi.
• By Road: Regular bus service is available from various cities of the state such as Bhopal, Gwalior, Delhi, Khajuraho, etc.
• By Train: The nearest railway station to reach Chanderi is Lalitpur Railway Station, which is at a distance of about 40 km from the town.

Best time to visit

The winter months, i.e. October to April are the best to explore Chanderi.

Conclusion

After bumping into such minute details of the most famous tourist destinations of Madhya Pradesh, you must be wishing to experience it all. So, don’t procrastinate anymore and take a tour to Central India to make a haul of your vacations.