15 Best Places To Visit in Madhya Pradesh That Will Evoke The Storyteller In You

Time to explore what the ‘Heart of India’ has in store for you! The popular places to visit in Madhya Pradesh showcase a mini-India with a rich heritage, serene pilgrimages, varied cultures, enthralling wildlife, and much more. One of the largest states in India is bestowed with two of the twelve Jyotirlingas, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a city that hosts Kumbh Mela every twelve years. From history buffs to adrenaline junkies, the incredible state welcomes all!

Let’s take a tour of the popular attractions in Madhya Pradesh and enjoy a matchless experience of innumerable stories and uncountable mysteries.

Best Places To Visit in Madhya Pradesh

• Khajuraho
• Gwalior
• Bhopal
• Orchha
• Mandu
• Ujjain
• Sanchi
• Pachmarhi
• Chitrakoot
• Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
• Kanha National Park
• Pench National Park
• Panna National Park
• Madhav Shivpuri National Park
• Bandhavgarh National Park

1. Khajuraho

Khajuraho tends to spellbound you with an amazing display of Indian architecture and art. Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Madhya Pradesh is a must-visit for any history buff and art lover. The bliss offered by these UNESCO World Heritage Sites is simply matchless. Intricate carvings and erotic sculptures will make you fall in love with the craftsmanship of the bygone era.

Tourist Attractions Khajuraho

• Light and Sound Show at the Khajuraho Temples
• Kandariya Mahadev Temple
• Benisagar Dam
• Duladeo Temple
• Archeological Museum
• Devi Jagadambi Temple
• Shivsagar Lake
• Chausath Yogini Temple

Best time to visit Khajuraho

October till March is the best time to visit Khajuraho to avoid the scorching sun.

How to reach Khajuraho

• Khajuraho Airport (3.2 km)
• Khajuraho Railway Station (5.9 km)
• Khajuraho Bus Stand (2.2 km)

[ Book Khajuraho Tour Packages with us ]

Also Read: 10 Must-Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites In India

2. Gwalior

The royalty and chivalry of the glorious past of the state are better experienced at Gwalior. Dominated by a massive fort perched on a hill, the city is dotted with many other historical monuments of Madhya Pradesh.  Artists, musicians, holidaymakers, and poets automatically get lured to the land of the Scindia Dynasty. Legendary musicians belonged to Gwalior, helping it to enjoy a matchless reputation in Music.

Tourist Attractions Gwalior

• Gwalior Fort
• Teli ka Mandir
• Mansingh Palace
• Tigra Dam
• Tansen Tomb
• Gopachal Parvat
• Sasbahu Temples
• Sun Temple
• Scindia Museum
• Jai Vilas Palace
• Man Mandir Palace
• Madhav National Park
• Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum
• Tansen Music Festival

Best time to visit Gwalior:

October to February is the best time to visit Gwalior for sightseeing tours.

How to reach Gwalior

• Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia Air Terminal or Gwalior Airport (13.6 km)
• Gwalior Railway Station (1.1 km)
• Gwalior Bus Stand (3.1 km)

3. Bhopal

A pair of lakes separate the city of Bhopal. The striking contrast between the old and new will amuse you from North to South. The city is also famous for its intricate Zari work and Zardosi crafts that are admired by everybody in the world. Savor the Nawabi food, which offers perfect respite to the foodies who which to satiate their hunger.

Tourist Attractions Bhopal

• Taj-Ul-Masajid
• Upper Lake
• State Museum
• Lower Lake
• Birla Museum
• Jama Masjid
• Gohar Mahal
• Van Vihar National Park
• Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalay

Best time to visit Bhopal:

Winter season, which is October to March, is the best time to visit Bhopal.

How to reach Bhopal

• Bhopal Airport (13 km)
• Bhopal Junction (800 m)
• Bhopal Bus Stand (750 m)

[ Explore popular attractions of Bhopal with these customized packages ]

4. Orchha

Housing some of the splendid constructions, Orchha is nestled on the banks of the Betwa River. The unique medieval charm of this popular historic destination in Madhya Pradesh cast a spell on the visitors. The frescos, classical mural paintings, grandeur of temples, and Havelis account for the immense popularity Orchha enjoys worldwide. Enjoy a time travel in history and spend your evening watching a spectacular sunset over the river. Explore holiday packages for Orchha.

Tourist Attractions Orchha

• Jahangir Mahal
• Orchha Fort
• Raja Mahal
• Evening Aarti at Raja Ram Temple
• Chaturbhuj Temple
• Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary
• Dinman Hardaul’s Palace
• Palki Mahal
• Chhatris of Orchha
• Boating and River Rafting in Betwa

Best time to visit Orchha:

The months of October to November are the best for a city tour to Orchha.

How to reach Orchha

• Gwalior Airport (108 km)
• Jhansi Junction (14 km)
• Jhansi Bus Stand (14 km)

Also Read: 20 NOT-TO-MISS OFFBEAT DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

5. Mandu

Mandu or Mandavgad is a treasure trove of architectural wonders and history dating back to the 6^th century BC.  The magnificent temples add a majestic charm to the city. Also alluded to as the ‘Hampi of ancient India’, the quaint town is one of the must-visit destinations in Madhya Pradesh. Historic Afghan masterpieces adorn the quaint town. With a ship that never sails, Mandu reminds you of the childhood stories you would have probably heard of.

Tourist Attractions Mandu

• Jahaz Mahal
• Mandu Fort
• Hindola Mahal
• Rupmati’s Pavilion
• Nilkanth’s Palace
• Jami Masjid
• Rewa Kund
• Bagh Caves
• Hoshang Shah’s Tomb
• Rupayan Museum

Best time to visit Mandu:

October to March is the best time to visit Mandu.

How to reach Mandu

• Indore Airport (83.8 km)
• Indore Junction (97 km)
• Indore Bus Stand (96.9 km)

6. Ujjain

The pious land of Ujjain is the holy abode of one of the twelve Jyotirlingas at Mahakaleshwar Temple. Reckoned as one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus, Ujjain is thus one of the must-visit places in Madhya Pradesh. Positioned along the bank of River Shipra, devotees throng the ancient city during the Kumbh Mela, which is held here every 12 years. People searching for serenity and Moksha should not miss planning a tour to Ujjain.

Tourist Attractions Ujjain

• Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple
• Ram Ghat
• Mangaldev Temple
• Kal Bhairav Temple
• Ved Shala
• Gopal Mandir
• Harsiddhi Temple
• Sandipani Ashram
• Kaliadeh Palace

Best time to visit Ujjain:

October to March is the best time for Ujjain sightseeing.

How to reach Ujjain

• Ujjain Airport (14.4 km)
• Ujjain Railway Station (1.7 km)
• Ujjain Bus Stand (3.6 km)

7. Sanchi

Imbued in tranquility, Sanchi is home to the famous Sanchi Stupa – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Great Mughal Emperor Ashoka installed the Great Stupa in the 3^rd century BC. Countless temples, monasteries, an Ashokan pillar, and Buddhist monuments at Sanchi Madhya Pradesh are the head-turners here. Regarded as one of the important Buddhist pilgrimages, the quaint town of Sanchi greets Buddhist pilgrims, avid tourists, and history buffs alike.

Tourist Attractions Sanchi

• The Great Bowl
• Sanchi Stupa
• The Eastern Gateway
• Ashok Pillar
• Udaygiri Caves
• Gupta Temple
• Buddhist Viharas
• Toranas

Best time to visit Sanchi:

November to March is the winter season and the best time to visit Sanchi.

How to reach Sanchi

• Bhopal Airport (55 km)
• Bhopal Junction (48.3 km)
• Bhopal Bus Stand (45 km)

8. Pachmarhi

Holding the epithet of the ‘Queen of Satpura’, Pachmarhi is the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh. With a myriad of history and several attractions, the hill station is the perfect option to spend memorable vacations. Listed in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the place is so irresistible that even the Pandava brothers from the Hindu epic Mahabharata spent a few days here during their exile. Get ready for a calming experience at one of the popular tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh.

Tourist Attractions Pachmarhi

• Rajat Prapat Waterfall, one of India’s highest waterfalls
• Satpura National Park
• Pandava Caves
• Jata Shankar Caves
• Handi Khoh
• Dhoopgarh
• Chhota Mahadeo
• Mahadeo Hills
• Chauragarh Temple
• Bison Lodge

Best time to visit Pachmarhi:

Pachmarhi can be visited throughout the year.

How to reach Pachmarhi

• Bhopal Airport (145 km)
• Pipariya Railway Station (52 km)
• Pipariya Bus Stand (53.9 km)

[ Explore well-customized Pachmarhi tour packages ]

9. Chitrakoot

The sublime beauty of Chitrakoot brings lots of tourists to the popular tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh. The majestic city is mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana as the dwelling place of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita during their exile. It is for this reason that many people consider it to be a sacred town. Holding the title of the ‘Place of Many Wonders’, the city got its name from the presence of Cheetal (Deer) in the area.

Tourist Attractions Chitrakoot

• Raghav Prayag Ghat
• Kamadgiri
• Bharat Milap Temple
• Sati Anusuya Ashram
• Janaki Kund
• Sphatik Shila
• Gupta Godavari
• Hanuman Dhara
• Ram Shaiya
• Lakshman Chowki
• Bharat Koop
• Mayurdhwaj Ashram
• Pramod Van
• Saryu Dhara
• Shabari Fall
• Viradh Kund
• Kali Barah Fall

Best time to visit Chitrakoot:

October to March is the best time to visit Chitrakoot.

How to reach Chitrakoot

• Khajuraho Airport (185 km)
• Karvi Railway Station (8 km)
• Satna Bus Stand (80.5 km)

10. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka

As you walk through the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, you will be amused to get glimpses of the bygone era of historic India. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these popular attractions in Madhya Pradesh meticulously showcase the beginning of the South Asian Stone Age. The name of the place translates into the ‘Sitting Place of Bhima’, one of the prominent characters in Mahabharata. Beautiful and distinctive 30,000-year-old paintings adorn the 500 caves out of the total 750 caves available.

Tourist Attractions Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka

• The Rock Caves
• Bhojpur
• Hoshangabad
• The painting of a huge red bison attacking a man is visible only when the sunrays fall in the right direction.
• Boar Rock
• Zoo Rock
• Auditorium Rock Shelter

Best time to visit Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka:

July to April is the best time to visit the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters.

How to reach Bhimbetka Rock Shelters

• Bhopal Airport (46 km)
• Bhopal Junction (45 km)
• Bhopal Bus Stand (46 km)

11. Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park is so alluring that it inspired the famous novelist Rudyard Kipling to pen his novel ‘The Jungle Book’. Nearly extinct and rare animal species like Swamp dear and Barasingha dwell at this national park in their natural habitat.  People throng this popular wildlife holiday destination in Madhya Pradesh to spot royal Bengal tigers, which reside here in good numbers. Over 350 species of birds are also found here.

Tourist Attractions Kanha National Park

• Watch the sunset from Bamni Dadar
• Jeep Safari
• Kanha Museum
• Witness exotic birds
• Kawardha Palace
• Kanha Meadows
• Song Meadows
• Shravan Tal
• Sindoor Trees

Best time to visit Kanha National Park:

October till April is the best time to visit the Kanha National Park.

How to reach Kanha National Park

• Jabalpur Airport (170 km)
• Bilaspur Railway Station (175 km)
• Jabalpur Bus Stand (165 km)

[ Enjoy a wildlife safari in Kanha National Park with these well-customized packages ]

Also Read: Where to go for Jungle Safari in India

12. Pench National Park

Delight-in enthralling wildlife safari at the Pench National Park, among the top places to visit in Madhya Pradesh. The park shares boundaries with Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, home to various flora and fauna. Another park that served as an inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s novel, the area is one of the best places to visit in Madhya Pradesh. The Pench River meandering into the park adds to its beauty.

Tourist Attractions Pench National Park

• Collarwali
• 4 species of endangered vultures
• Elusive leopards
• Boat rides at Pench Reserve
• Piyorthadi
• Baghin Nala
• Avian Capital
• Sitaghat/ Raiyakassa

Best time to visit Pench National Park: 

The months of October to June prove to be the best time to visit the Pench National Park.

How to reach Pench National Park

• Nagpur Airport (121 km)
• Nagpur Railway Station (94.1 km)
• Nagpur Bus Stand (101 km)

13. Panna National Park

Counted as one of the popular attractions in Madhya Pradesh, Panna National Park is where the Royal Bengal Tigers reside. Enjoying the reputation of India’s best-maintained and managed national parks, it also steals the limelight for having various sites of historical importance. Ken River flows into the park and creates a spectacular waterfall. Heaven for wildlife lovers, the park offers memories to be cherished forever!

Tourist Attractions Panna National Park

• Elephant Safari
• Boat Ride
• Jeep Safari
• Ken Gharial Sanctuary
• Renah falls

Best time to visit Panna National Park:

October to May is the best time to visit the Panna National Park.

How to reach Panna National Park

• Khajuraho Airport (87.8 km)
• Khajuraho Railway Station (84.6 km)
• Panna Bus Stand (47.5 km)

14. Madhav Shivpuri National Park

Innumerable species like the Indian gazelle, the little Chinkara, Blackbuck, Nilgai, and the Chusingha can be spotted at the Madhav Shivpuri National Park, one of the best places to visit in Madhya Pradesh. The park was named after the Madho Rao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior, and is considered the best place to visit in Madhya Pradesh. Covering an area of 157 sq. km, the major wildlife park in the district exudes pristine beauty. The wildlife sanctuary has witnessed many royal moments as a popular hunting ground of the Maratha royals and Mughal era.

Tourist Attractions Madhav Shivpuri National Park

• Sakhya Sagar Lake
• Sailing Club
• George Castle
• Bhadaiya Kund

Best time to visit Madhav Shivpuri National Park:

October to March is the best time to visit the Madhav Shivpuri National Park.

How to reach Madhav Shivpuri National Park

• Gwalior Airport (135.0 Km)
• Jhansi Railway Station (88.8 Km)
• Gwalior Bus Stand (123 km)

15. Bandhavgarh National Park

The wilderness of India can be best explored at the Bandhavgarh National Park. There is no other place like this National Park to witness 250 species of birds, 37 species of mammals, and 80 species of aquatic animals. Avid wildlife enthusiasts can find perfect respite while spotting the Royal Bengal Tigers. Once a hunting ground of the Maharajas, the park has efficiently transformed into a National Park. Visit this most popular tourist attraction in Madhya Pradesh to experience how it feels to witness a tiger in close vicinity.

Tourist Attractions Bandhavgarh National Park

• Bandhavgarh Fort
• White Tigers
• Guar
• Nilgai
• Elephant Safari
• Jeep Safari
• Shesh Shaiya
• Badi Gufa
• Three Cave Point
• Jwalamukhi Temple
• Jeep Safari

Best time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park:

October to March is the best time to visit the Bandhavgarh National Park.

How to reach Bandhavgarh National Park

• Jabalpur Airport (190 km)
• Umariya Railway Station (31 km)
• Umariya Bus Stand (37 km)

[ Plan a trip to Bandhavgarh National Park with these well-planned tour packages ]

A diversified variety of wildlife, pilgrimage, heritage, arts and crafts, and nature can be seen only at the popular places of interest in Madhya Pradesh. Several Madhya Pradesh Tour Packages will help you to plan a trip soon!

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