Madhya Pradesh is a cultural, historical, and natural wonderland located in the center of India. Madhya Pradesh is home to a wide variety of wildlife and beautiful natural scenery. It is also home to some of India’s most impressive temples, forts, and palaces. Travelers seeking a spiritual experience, a peek into the past, or a close encounter with nature will all find what they’re looking for in Madhya Pradesh.
Check out these top places to visit in Madhya Pradesh to make the most of your time there.
Top Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh
1. Khajuraho
The one-of-a-kind carvings at these temples have made this area a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Incredible examples of Indian architecture and art from the 10th and 11th centuries can be seen in the temples. The western, eastern, and southern groups of temples each have their own unique architectural design and religious focus.
- How to reach: You can take a taxi or a local bus to Khajuraho from Khajuraho Bus Stand (1 km from the Khajuraho temple).
2. Pachmarhi
This is the highest point in Madhya Pradesh and the only hill station in the state. Satpura ki Rani, or Queen of the Satpura Mountains, is another name for Pachmarhi. Waterfalls, caves, and rock formations dot the landscape around the hill station. Trekking, camping, boating, and sightseeing are all options in Pachmarhi.
- How to reach: Pipariya, Bhopal, Indore, and Nagpur all have bus stops nearby. Travel time from popular starting points ranges from 6 hours (Nagpur to Pachmarhi), 9 hours (Indore to Pachmarhi), 5 hours (Bhopal to Pachmarhi), and 1 hour (Pipariya to Pachmarhi).
3. Bhimbetka Rocks
Evidence of human habitation in India can be seen in the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, which are on the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. More than 700 caves and rock paintings from the Paleolithic and Mesolithic eras make up these sites. Ancient rituals, such as hunting and dancing, as well as animal figures and geometric patterns, are all depicted in these works of art. The rock shelters’ proximity to a wide variety of flora and fauna reveals something about the area’s ecological history.
- How to reach: Bhopal is the nearest major city to Bhimbetka. It is 48 km away from the rock shelters.
4. Gwalior Fort
One of the largest and most impressive forts in India, Gwalior Fort features stunning architecture and detailed carvings. The fort is home to several palaces, including the Man Singh Palace, Gujari Mahal, Karan Mahal, Vikram Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, and Shahjahan Mahal. The fort is home to several religious buildings, including the temples of Teli Ka Mandir, Sas Bahu, Chaturbhuj, and Gopachal Parvat.
- How to reach: From nearby bus stops, you can take an MPSRTC or private bus to Gwalior from cities across Madhya Pradesh and beyond. Travel time from Chhatarpur Bus Stand is 9 hours, and from Sidhi Bus Stand, 10 hours.
5. Kanha National Park
This national park is a tiger reserve and one of the most biodiverse places in all of India. Tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, monkeys, bears, and a variety of other animals and birds can all be found in Kanha National Park. Jeep and elephant safaris are two of the most popular ways to see wild animals in their native environments.
- How to reach: From nearby bus stands, MPSRTC and private operators offer bus service to Kanha National Park. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra cities supply these buses. Three of India’s most famous bus terminals-Jabalpur, Nagpur, and Raipur-take 4-6-5 hours to reach.
6. Ujjain
Located on the banks of the Kshipra River, this ancient and sacred city is among the most important in all of India. The Kumbh Mela, the largest religious festival in the world, is held in four different cities, one of which is Ujjain. Temples like the Mahakaleshwar Temple, the Kal Bhairav Temple, the Harsiddhi Temple, the Chintaman Ganesh Temple, the Mangalnath Temple, and the Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir are also major tourist attractions in Ujjain.
(For a detailed guide to Ujjain, click here)
- How to reach: The MPSRTC and many private companies run buses to and from Ujjain from cities across Madhya Pradesh and beyond from nearby bus stands. From Indore, Bhopal, and Gwalior, it takes an hour, four, and nine hours to reach Ujjain, respectively.
7. Sanchi
The ancient Buddhist sites in this area have earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stupas, monasteries, pillars, and sculptures can be found in Sanchi, which dates back to the third century BC and continues through the 12th century AD. The Great Stupa is the most well-known structure, having been constructed by Emperor Ashoka to house relics of the Buddha.
- How to reach: From nearby bus stops, you can take an MPSRTC or private bus to Sanchi. These buses come from Madhya Pradesh and other states. The Bhopal Bus Stand takes an hour, the Indore Bus Stand takes five hours, and the Ashta Bus Stand takes two hours.
8. Bhedaghat
Near the city of Jabalpur, this picturesque location can be found on the banks of the Narmada River. The gorge formed by the marble rocks in Bhedaghat is one of the town’s most recognizable features. As you paddle or row through the gorge, keep an eye out for the shifting colors of the marble rocks. Dhuandhar Falls is another option; this enormous waterfall plummets from a height of 98 feet.
- How to reach: Take a JCTSL or private bus from nearby bus stops. These buses travel to Bhedaghat from various Madhya Pradesh and other cities. Popular bus stops include Jabalpur (30 minutes), Indore (8 hours), and Bhopal (6 hours).
9. Mandu
Located on a plateau in the Malwa region, you’ll find this ancient town. Legends about Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati, two local heroes, have made Mandu famous. Mandu is home to many historical monuments that attest to the city’s past glory and love, including the Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Roopmati’s Pavilion, Baz Bahadur’s Palace, and the Jami Masjid.
- How to reach: Take an MPSRTC or private bus from nearby bus stops. These buses travel different routes from cities in Madhya Pradesh and other states. The Indore Bus Stand (three hours), Bhopal Bus Stand (six hours), and Ujjain Bus Stand (four hours) are popular bus stops nearby.
10. Orchha
Located on the banks of the Betwa River, not far from the city of Jhansi, is this historic settlement. Orchha is well-known for its impressive Mughal and Bundela-style palaces, temples, and cemeteries. Many couples visit Orchha because of its peaceful atmosphere and romantic atmosphere. Places of interest in Orchha include the fort and palaces of Raja Mahal and Jahangir Mahal as well as the temples of Ram Raja, Chaturbhuj, and Laxmi Narayan.
- How to reach: From nearby bus stops, you can take a private or government bus. Buses from Madhya Pradesh and other states travel in different directions. The Jhansi Bus Stand, 30 minutes away, the Gwalior Bus Stand, 3 hours away, and the Bhopal Bus Stand, 7 hours away, are popular bus stops.
Wrapping Up:
Traveling around Madhya Pradesh is sure to be an exciting and memorable experience. Madhya Pradesh is a beautiful state with a wide variety of things to see and do for tourists. The state is home to both historical and natural wonders, such as its many ancient temples, forts, and palaces. Visit Madhya Pradesh and see for yourself the magic that awaits you here.
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