Posted 07 July 2023 in Travel wanderlust

11 Places to visit in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is an incredible state with a rich heritage, plethora of serene pilgrimages, and fascinating wildlife. It is a treasure trove of majestic cities that have natural wonders like dense forests and caves; man-made structures like forts, stupas, and dams; and sites for art and history-lovers.

Madhya Pradesh offers a perfect mix of heritage, wildlife, and spirituality. Home to the Kumbh Mela and various world heritage sites, this state is a kaleidoscope of rich culture to anyone who visits. Apart from all this, Madhya Pradesh is home to five UNESCO World Sites. The scenic beauty of this state can be well seen in its cascading waterfalls, mysterious caves, and gigantic rocks.

1. Bhopal

Bhopal is known as the “City of Lakes". It is split by the old and the new, owing to the rustic bazaars and enchanting havelis on one side to exquisite malls on the other. It also boasts of lush greenery, along with its many artificial and natural lakes.

Famous places visit in Bhopal

Van Vihar
Gohar Mahal
Bhimbetka
Rock Shelters

Make your way to Bhopal

By air: Bhopal Airport is located at a distance of 13 km from the city centre and is connected to many cities like Delhi and Mumbai with airlines like IndiGo.
By road: Reach Nadra Bus Stand in Bhopal, 47 km from the city centre, and then hire a cab to reach your destination.
By train: Bhopal Railway Station is located 47 km from the main city and is well-connected to major cities of India.

2. Indore

Famous for its sumptuous savoury poha and immarti, the city of Indore is one of the most interesting places to visit in Madhya Pradesh. It is the perfect blend of rich heritage, urbanisation, and a prominent educational hub. Ranked as the cleanest city in India, it is the only place in the world to have a World Cup Square. The gem of this city is the Lord Ganesha idol, which at an astounding height of 8 metres, is the world's largest.

Attractions in Indore

Rajwada
Lalbagh Palace
Khajrana Temple
Sarafa Bazar
Indore Museum

Make your way to Indore

By air: Several airlines, including IndiGo, have daily flights to Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar International Airport in Indore.
By train: Direct trains from across India have a direct connection to Indore.
By road: The road connectivity to Indore is fairly good. A distance of 837 km from Delhi and 584 km from Mumbai makes it convenient to reach Indore by road.

3. Ujjain

Famous as the city of temples, Ujjain is located beside the Kshipra River. It is a major attraction for devotees owing to its religious significance. Having been mentioned in the epic Mahabharata, this city is ranked as one of the seven holy cities in India. The ornate architecture and the divinity of the temples make it a blissful place to visit.

Tourist attractions in Ujjain

Mahakaleshwar Temple
Kalbhairav
Ram Ghat
Kumbh Mela

Make your way to Ujjain

By air: It takes an hour's drive from Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar International Airport in Indore to reach Ujjain. Airlines like IndiGo provide direct flights to Indore Airport from the cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
By road: Ujjain is well-connected to the nearby cities and towns; a bus or a cab can be booked easily.
By train: Ujjain Junction is located at a distance of 2 km from the city centre. A taxi can be booked to reach the city.

4. Khajuraho

Khajuraho is an architectural masterpiece that mesmerises its visitors. It is a must-visit for any art and history enthusiast. Intricate carvings and sculptures highlight the fine craftsmanship, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site. Charismatic in its nature, the city of Khajuraho, located in Madhya Pradesh, garners a lot of tourists all year round.

Tourist attractions in Khajuraho

Light & Sound Show
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
Lakshmana Temple
Matangeshwar Temple

Make your way to Khajuraho

By air: Several airlines, including IndiGo, provide a comfortable flight to Khajuraho Airport, the regional airport in the city.
By train: Enjoy the journey directly to the Khajuraho Railway Station which is well-linked to nearby cities.
By road: A bus or a cab can be hired if travelling from nearby places like Bhopal or Indore.

5. Jabalpur

Situated on the banks of the Narmada River, Jabalpur is an industrial city that is adorned with splendid historical structures and boasts extravagant marble art. The Dhuandhar Falls, which cascades through a height of 98 feet, is the primary attraction and makes it a must-visit place in Madhya Pradesh. The other marvels include Chausath Yogini Temple and Bandar Kudini, a sight to behold as monkeys hop from one spot to another owing to the short distance between the cliffs.

Attractions in Jabalpur

Bhedaghat Marble Rocks
Madan Mahal Fort
Balancing Rock

Make your way to Jabalpur

By air: Direct IndiGo flights to Jabalpur Airport provide the most suitable way to reach the city.
By train: Jabalpur Junction is well-connected to most cities across the country.
By road: Jabalpur is connected with other cities and states via its bus services.

6. Omkareshwar

Often called "Mini Varanasi", Omkarehwar derives its name from 'Omkara' and is in the shape of the Hindu symbol 'Om.' The symbol is formed due to the integration of two valleys and River Narmada. The holy city of Omkareshwar is an abode to one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas and is famous for its natural beauty. The two religious shrines, Omkareshwar and Mahakaleshwar, make it a must-visit for pilgrims travelling from all over the world.

Attractions in Omkareshwar

Jyotirlinga Omkareshwar Temple
Kedareshwar Temple
Parikrama Island
Siddhanath Temple

Make your way to Omkareshwar

By air: A 2 hour and 30 minutes of journey by road from Indore Airport is the most suitable way to reach Omkareshwar.
By road: Buses are easily available from nearby towns and cities to reach Omkareshwar.
By train: Omkareshwar Railway Station is well-connected to various cities and towns.

7. Gwalior

A majestic city located in Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior is an abode to numerous palaces and spectacular forts. Boasting of a glorious past, the great Indian musician Tansen was born in Gwalior. The city hosts the very famous Tansen Festival of Music, where various musicians perform on the stage near the tomb to give tribute to the great musician. It is also popular for the hilltop fort that is a delight for history buffs.

Attractions in Gwalior

Jai Vilas Palace
Tomb of Tansen
Teli Ka Mandir
Gujari Mahal

Make your way to Gwalior

By air: Fly and enjoy a comfortable direct IndiGo flight from Delhi to Gwalior.
By train: Centrally located, the Gwalior Railway Station is well-connected with the Delhi-Mumbai rail link.
By road: The city is well-connected to Agra, Jaipur, Delhi, and Lucknow by road.

8. Bandhavgarh National Park

Famous for the highest density of Bengal tigers, Bandhavgarh National Park boasts of a topography that is diverse in nature. From dense forests and rocky hills to sharp vertical ridges, this park is home to numerous species of mammals, birds, and butterflies along with having the highest sightings of royal tigers. This is a must-visit for all wildlife enthusiasts.

Attractions in Bandhavgarh

Bandhavgarh Fort
Safaris

Make your way to Bandhavgarh

By air: Book a flight with IndiGo to enjoy a comfortable journey from any major city in India to Jabalpur. A four-hour drive is not too much to explore the deep forests of Bandhavgarh.
By road: Take a bus from the Umaira Bus Stand and then hire a cab to reach Bandhavgarh.
By train: The nearest railway station is Umaira Railway Station which is located at a distance of 32 km away. Hire a taxi from there to reach the city.

9. Sanchi

Sanchi, the land of stupas, is popular for the oldest stone structures. A World Heritage UNESCO site, the Great Sanchi Stupa, was initiated by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty. Buddhist art and architecture have been well-depicted in the sculptures present at the site. Based on a hilltop, the Stupa is 46 km from Bhopal. It is a must-visit for Buddhist pilgrims. In honour of Lord Buddha and other Buddhist relics, the Stupa was constructed to serve as a sacred burial site for Lord Buddha.

Attractions in Sanchi

Ashok Pillar
Sanchi Bowl
Eastern Gateway
Udaygiri Caves

Make your way to Sanchi

By air: Fly with IndiGo from any major city in India to Bhopal; and further, a three-hour drive will take you to this place.
By road: Sanchi is well-connected to Bhopal by frequent bus services.
By train: Vidhisha and Bhopal have the closest railway stations to Sanchi.

10. Panna

"The diamond city," Panna is located in Madhya Pradesh and is of utmost historical importance. An old Gond settlement, this city is in the heart of the nation and boasts of its diamond reserves.

A world heritage site, Panna is known for its contribution to wildlife conservation at the Panna National Park. This city is a haven for devotees who come and take blessings at the temple of Padmavatipuri Dham.

Attractions in Panna

Pandava Falls and Caves
Raneh Falls
Diamond Mines

Make your way to Panna

By air: An IndiGo flight is the fastest way to get to Khajuraho. Panna is an hour's drive from Khajuraho Airport.
By train: The nearest station to Panna is the Khajuraho Railway Station which is well-connected with various cities.
By road: Several buses are available from Khajuraho to Panna.

11. Pachmarhi

Situated at the highest point of Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is the only hill station and is often known as "Satpura ki Rani". Standing at an altitude of 1,067 metres, this small quaint town is a part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Attractions in Pachmarhi

Bee Falls
Jata Shankar Caves
Pandava Caves
Mahadeo Hill
Handikhosh

Make your way to Pachmarhi

By air: Fly with IndiGo from any major city to Bhopal. Further, a four and a half hour journey by car will take you to the hills of Pachmarhi.
By train: Take a train from Bhopal junction to Itarsi junction, and then hire a cab to Pachmarhi.
By road: There are several cabs and buses available to Pachmarhi from Bhopal.

Weather of Madhya Pradesh

The summer season is from March to June, and the temperature ranges from 38°C to 42°C.
July to September is the monsoon season, and the temperature ranges from 32°C to 37°C.
The winter season is from November till February, and the temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C during this time.

Bottom Line

Madhya Pradesh promises an exceptional experience and satisfies the wanderlust of all those who visit the state. From wildlife parks and opulent structures to architectural masterpieces, there is a cornucopia of places to visit in Madhya Pradesh,a haven for nature and art buffs. This state promises not to disappoint anyone entering the periphery. Exquisitely carved temples, picturesque hill stations, medieval forts, enthralling number of monuments, and Buddhist stupas located in this state will make your jaw drop.