Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India is a state known for its richness in culture, history, tradition, art and craft, and this central city acts as a credential for making India as a diverse country. The state was under the rule of several dynasties for a long time. There are several majestic monuments that are incredibly popular amongst the world travelers and represent a perfect blend of modernity and the bygone eras. Let’s have a quick look at some of the most popular places in Madhya Pradesh where you can plan a perfect holiday for an amazing exploration.
List of 10 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh
- Khajuraho
- Bhedaghat
- Pachmarhi
- Kanha National Park
- Gwalior
- Bandhavgarh National Park
- Sanchi
- Ujjain
- Indore
- Bhopal
1- Khajuraho
One of the most top-rated and sought UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to its stunning temples and the sensuous carvings done on the walls. Khajuraho is a small town established in the Bundelkhand region and is engrained in all of its structures and is a perfect place to witness some of the finest examples of ancient architectures and also the cultural and rich heritage. The most liked and the known fact about the destination is that there were several plunderers who tried to destroy the entire complex but unfortunately they could never succeed in their plans.
However, they could succeed in reducing the number of temples and caves to 2 which was 85 at the time of its creation. Besides boasting magnificent temples, Khajuraho also houses two gorgeous lakes and this makes it one of the most preferred holiday destinations in India.
- Must: To do activities in Khajuraho: Visiting the lakes, Western group of Temples, going for a bike ride in the old village, treating your taste buds with the scrumptious South Indian cuisines at Madras Coffee House.
- Foods One Must Try Here: Khajuraho is popular for its countless number of lip-smacking delicacies and amazing beverages. Rogan, Korma, Kababs, Josh Mutton, Keema, Lavang Lata, Moong Dal Halwa, Sabudana Khichdi, etc. are some of the most popular dishes in the city. Also, you can sip into some really mouth-watering beverages including Lassi and Sugarcane Juice.
Suggested Tour Package: Khajuraho Tour Packages
2- Bhedaghat
Popularly called as “the land of marble rocks”, Bhedaghat is one of the most sought travel destinations in Madhya Pradesh. The region is nationwide famous for boasting the gorgeous Dhuandhar Falls (the name consists of two words Dhuan i.e. smoke and Dhar means flow). This gorgeous waterfall is a huge cascade of water that falls from a huge height of almost 98 feet. Enjoy taking boat ride in Bhedaghat especially during the night time would surely offer you an amazing and memorable travel experience.
The boatmen residing here are amazing story tellers who narrate you about the place in the form of interesting stories. Also called as the Marble Rocks of Bhedaghat, this small town has gained popularity for the enormous 100 ft rocks on either side of River Narmada, Bhedaghat is established in the close proximity of Jabalpur, one of the major cities of Madhya Pradesh. Bandar Kudni and 64 Yogini Temple are the other two notable attractions, a site where two gorgeous cliffs are located so close to each other that monkeys hop from one place to another.
- Foods One Must Try Here: Try local delights like chana samosa, spicy poha, and refreshing jalebi, along with regional specialties from nearby Jabalpur.
- Activities to Do Here: Explore Bhedaghat’s stunning marble cliffs, take a boat ride on the Narmada River, and witness the breathtaking Dhuandhar Falls.
3- Pachmarhi
Reckoned as “Queen of the Satpuras” or “Satpura Ki Rani”, Pachmarhi is believed to be the highest point in the cultural city of Madhya Pradesh. Nestled at an elevation of almost 1067 meters above the sea level and is a part of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and is home to bison and leopards. The five sandstone cut caves that are established on the hilltop are believed to be the spot where Pandavas resided in Pachmarhi while they were in their exile period and this makes it one of the most important religious destinations in the state where a huge number of travelers flock to see this place.
Being tucked at a huge elevation and embedded with gorgeous streams, waterfalls, and the bewitching forests of the Satpuras and these all make Pachmarhi a perfect weekend destination from some of the nearby cities of Madhya Pradesh and also Maharashtra. As the city was developed and discovered in modern times by Captain James Forsyth of the British Army and one who visits the region get to spot the charming churches that are constructed in colonial style architecture.
- Foods One Must Try Out Here: One of the best places to explore by the foodies as the destination offers you a wide variety of cuisines including Maharashtrian, Gujarati, and Jain food. Dal Bafia, Poha, Korma, Sugarcane Juice, Bhutte Ka Kees, Biryani, Kebabs, Jalebi, Laddoo, Rogan Josh, and most importantly Lassi.
- Activities to Do Here: Exploring Bee Falls, Dhoopgarh, Pandava Caves, Handi Khoh, Jata Shankar Caves, and Mahadeo Hill. Trying the lip-smacking delicacies is one of the most loved part of your Pachmarhi excursion.
4- Kanha National Park
One of the most striking national parks in India, Kanha National Park evidences to be the most impressive and inspiring place for the creative creatures. Popularly known as “the land of Jungle Book”, this hugely spread national park is home to an endless number of animal species including Barasingha, the Swamp Deer. Believed to be the largest national parks in Central India, Kanha National Park has been alluring and attracting a huge number of wildlife enthusiasts and nature bewilderment.
It is said that the great author and the writer of famous “the Jungle Book” novel, Rudyard Kipling visited this place and got the idea of this novel. If we talk about the climate then summer becomes so vigorous and the temperature reaches up to 43 degree Celsius and the winter becomes too cold that makes you shiver as the temperature lowers down to -2 degree Celsius. It is reckoned as one of the perfect habitats for a large number of carnivores and herbivores animals.
- Foods One Must Try Here: Being popular for its wildlife significance, Kanha National Park offers you a limited number of food options and you need to pay a little high amount as there are only hotels and resorts established here.
- Activities To Get Indulged Here: Those who have planned for Kanha National Park exploration can enjoy safari ride, spotting tigers and other animals from a closer distance, and capturing the beautiful moments of sunset are some of the activities that make your trip more interesting.
5- Gwalior
Popularly known as “Tourism Capital of Madhya Pradesh”, Gwalior is dotted with a plethora of tourist places and gorgeous temples offers this city a different and unique that speaks the volumes of the glorious past of the state. Gwalior is a city founded by King Suraj Sen and is one of the cities where several royal kings resided and had set their eminent kingdom.
Jai Vilas Palace houses the largest carpet in the world and is quite popular for its amazing weaving and it is believed that it took almost 12 years to weave this carpet and the structure is also adorned with two massive chandeliers that weigh around 3.5 tonnes. Tansen, one of the most eminent figures of Indian classical music was born in Gwalior and his tomb is also established in the same city and this is why it is one of the must visit places if you are in Gwalior.
- Foods One Must Try Here: Gwalior is pretty much popular for its dishes and the city generally offer you some amazing vegetarian dishes. The city is quite famous for its scrumptious breakfast options including Kachoris, Imarti, Bhutte Ki Kees, Poha, Samosas, Rogan Josh, Malpua, Mawa-Bati, etc. are some of the most popular eateries find here.
- Activities To Get Indulged In: Treat your taste buds with the mouth-watering Namkeen and explore the popular tourist places in the city, and enjoy boating in Tighra Dam.
Check out: Gwalior Tour Packages
6- Bandhavgarh National Park
Popularly renowned as “the Tiger’s Den”, Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the most renowned tiger reserves in the world where a huge number of Bengal tigers are found. The frequent spotting of Bengal tigers is one of the most preferred reasons of exploring this beautiful national park where wildlife enthusiasts love spending their holiday at least once in their lifetime. The region is also dotted with the worldwide popular Bandhavgarh Fort and this is how the place has been named so.
The most liked about this gorgeous national park is that it is established at an impressive location of almost 800 meters high and the picturesque surroundings add more charm to the place. Also, if you are a history buff or an architecture admirer then you must visit the majestic Bandhavgarh Fort that is found in several ruins and enjoy jeep safari ride at the national park is another admiring activity of this place.
- Foods One Must Try Here: Indian, continental, and Chinese cuisines are offered in the city and Dal Bafla, Rogan Josh, Jalebi, Korma, Kebabs, etc. are some of the most popular food items in the region.
- Activities to Get Indulged in Here: Witness the history and etymology of the architectures established in the city including The Three Gates, go for an enjoying safari ride, and capturing some wonderful pictures of the Bandhavgarh Fort.
Recommended Tour: Madhya Pradesh Wildlife Tour Package
7- Sanchi
Located at a distance of almost 46 km away from Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, Sanchi is one of the most preferred pilgrimage destinations in the state. The city is home to a plethora of Buddhist monuments including palaces, monasteries, temples, and monolithic that are counted amongst UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Most of the monuments established in the city are believed to be constructed around 1st and 2nd century BC and Sanchi Stupa tops the list of such amazingly designed historical monuments.
The glory of Sanchi can be witnessed through the Stupas and the impressive carvings done on the frontage. One of the most striking and interesting feature of this Stupa is that the place symbolically represent Lord Buddha by the thrones, wheels, footprints, etc. rather than by the idol or the image. The lotus of the Stupa depicts the growth of people from the muck of materialism to the reality of life and the female tree spirits in the gateways depict the fertility. However, this is not the only Stupa in the city as there are many more small stupas and other monuments established in the city that you can explore.
- Foods One Must Buy Here: There are not many hotels or other eatery places in the city so it is very fair to say that Sanchi is not made for treating your taste buds with unique and delicious delicacies and you will get the same food items that you get at other places and the list of food stuffs includes Rogan Josh, Kachori, Imarti, etc.
- Activities To Get Indulged In: Witnessing the glory of architectures established in the city and seeking the blessings of the deities. Capture some beautiful pictures of four Gate ways of Sanchi that are reckoned for their intricate carvings and speaks a lot about the lifestyle of Lord Buddha.
Suggested Tour: Sanchi Tour Packages
8- Ujjain
Ujjain, the home of Mahakaleshwar is one of the most sought religious places in India where thousands of devotees flock to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. One of the most important four sites of Kumbh Mela, Ujjain is an old city established on the eastern bank of River Shipra and is considered to be the largest peace-time gathering site on the planet.
Although the city witnesses a huge crowd in every part of the year but during the festive season of Kumbh Mela, the city gets flooded with devotees and other travelers. The immense wealth of Ujjain in terms of architecture, religion, and educational value makes it one of the top attractions not only in India but also among several foreign countries.
- Foods One Must Try Here: Ujjain is a city known for serving its travelers with lip-smacking vegetarian and is not considered to be a perfect place to binge on non-vegetarian foods.
- Activities One Must Do: As the city is quite popular for its historical importance so visiting the historical sites is one of the best activities and besides this, one can also explore several temples established in the city.
Suggested Tour:
9- Indore
Indore, the largest and the most populous city in Madhya Pradesh is located beautifully on the Malwa Plateau and the charm of the city lies in its rich cultural heritage which has been preserved over many years or centuries and also depicts a blend of urbanization. Also counted as one of the best educational hubs in the country, Indore owns both IIT and IIM (the two top educational centers). It has also been enlisted as one of the cleanest cities in India and has also been developed itself as a graceful hub of industrial places and trading centers.
There is a very popular Indreshwar Mahadev Temple and the city has been named after this gorgeous temple only which is one of the best sacred sites in the city. It is believed that Lord Indra meditated at this place and this is why Indreshwar Mahadev Temple has been established here.
- Foods One Must Try Here: Indori Poha at Sarafa Bazaar is quite popular in this city and rather than this, the city offers you countless number of vegetarian dishes having a hint of South-Indian cuisines. Samosa, Bhelpuri, Poha, Panipuri, Idlis, etc. are a few of the scrumptious dishes in Indore.
- Activities to Get Indulged In: popularly called as Mini version of Mumbai, Indore is one of the best places to spend an amazing holiday in Madhya Pradesh where you can visit several historical places and a number of Maratha architectures that are pretty popular for their design.
10- Bhopal
The capital city of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal is considered as the city of lakes and is so one of the most interesting places to explore in the state. There is a pair of artificial lakes viz. Upper Lake and Lower Lake that split the city but are counted as the key attractions of this capital city. This intriguing town established in the central part of India is blessed with several rustic mosques, serpentine alleys, bustling bazaars, and exquisite Havelis and also the city is very much popular for offering a perfect blend of old and new, past and present, and the rustic and the classy.
There is a cluster of majestic mosques established in the city that have been designed in classic Mughal architectural style where the architecture admirers must visit at least once in their lifetime. How can one forget talking about the aroma of the unique flavors added in the food items of this city? So, this is pretty fair to state that Bhopal is a perfect place for foodies where a foodie can binge on Nawabi foods.
- Foods One Must Binge On: Bhopal is a city popular for its rich culture, heritage, style, and the delicacies served in your platter. Chicken Tikka, Rogan Josh, Korma, Biryani, Kebabs, etc. are a few famous eateries in the city.
- Activities to Get Indulged In: Have a fun and entertaining time by exploring the market areas and the tourist spots, Go on a boat ride, and Zip across the Flying Fox Zip Lines, etc.
There are many more places that you can visit to make your Madhya Pradesh Tour wonderful and successful but it is not possible to compile them altogether in a single article. So, in this article we have enlisted only 10 of them and if you want to know about more such places then do write it down in the comment box and do motivate us by sharing and liking this content.