Remember to go there especially during the winter and spring season or in the time of some festival to get a deeper insight into the traditions, culture, and beliefs of India and Indians. Check out the Madhya Pradesh tour itinerary to know more about this wonderful tourist site.
If you are curious to explore the real heritage sites of India, then here are the top places to visit in Madhya Pradesh for a well-rounded wholesome experience:
1. Bhojpur
One of the main tourist destinations related to archaeology and a bit of history, are the famous ones Bhimbetka cave paintings. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are located in the hills of Vindhyan, on the southern edge of the central plateau of India.
Within the outcroppings of massive sandstone, above the relatively dense forests, there are five groups of natural rock shelters, showing paintings that seem to date from the Stone Age cultures from the end of the Acheulian at the end of the Mesolithic period.
One of the many UNESCO world heritage sites in Madhya Pradesh these caves are an extremely precious and crucial source into piecing together the prehistoric periods of mankind panning from Paleolithic to Mesolithic ages. It is the oldest known rock art in the entire subcontinent and is one of the largest prehistoric complexes in the world.
These caves are an exhibit showcasing some of the earliest traces of humankind on earth. Consisting of a group of 750 rock shelters one can have a close look at the 10,000 years old (Indian Mesolithic period i.e. 8,000 BCE) cave paintings.
2. Jabalpur
Jabalpur is covered by low and rocky barren hillocks which are mostly volcanic eruptions occurred long ago.
Bhedaghat, a beautiful town in Jabalpur district is renowned for Dhuandhar falls and Marble Rocks. It’s a must-see. Dhuandar falls cascade from the height of 30 meters and is splendid! This place is situated in the bank of River Narmada known for magnificent waterfalls which is also called as Dhuandhar Falls as the water falls with a great intensity making it misty all around.
To get the gist of this place you can divide the name of this place into Dhua meaning smoke and Dhar meaning flow which when combined you can know that the waterfall seems like the smoke - like the flow of water. Located on the river Narmada and falling from a height of over 30 meters high this place creates an extremely mesmerizing effect on all 5 of your senses.
The main attraction is the plunge that looks like a bouncing mass of mist and the roar is so massive that it can be heard from far off. Visit here during Sharad Purnima during the Narmada Mahotsav for an experience of a lifetime.
The best time to visit here is right after monsoon and up to winters. Famous for its Marble Rocks hills on both sides of the river makes it a unique place in the world. As regards Marble rocks, it is breathtaking. It has the river creating a beautiful canyon – a view you can’t forget. The boating experience between the high Marble Rock Hills and calm water is something not to miss when you are there.
During a full moon day these marble rocks radiates the moonlight and makes the sight an experience one can never forget.
The mystery of the Balancing Rock is still not known to many travellers! The Balancing Rock of Jabalpur is a sight in the ruins of Madan Mahal Fort (Rani Durgawati Fort). This rock balances over another rock. It has sustained earthquakes and is still there as it is. It is a delight for many visitors who wonders the physics behind these rocks. Lot of geologists also keep visiting this place to understand the natures magic!
3. Pachmarhi
Pachmarhi is a popular hill station in the heart of Madhya Pradesh. A perfect place to visit near Indore, Pachmarhi will surprise you with its exhilarating beauty. It is famous for the Satpura Tiger Reserve, Apsara Vihar Pond, Bee Fall, and Priyadarshani Point.
If you are a hills lover and wish to explore the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh then Pachmarhi is the place to be. Often referred to in Hindi as ‘Satpura Ki Rani’ or the queen of Satpura ranges, these gentle green hills rise up to an altitude of 1,067 Metres above sea level.
Home to numerous gushing waterfalls, calming pools, a range of biospheres thriving in harmony with each other, and the Satpura National Park, Pachmarhi is a wonderful place to spend extended weekends. Also known as the ‘Satpura ki Rani’, the picturesque town is a part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Situated in Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is a perfect weekend getaway spot full of enchanting forests and waterfalls. It’s very calm, pleasant and serene.
Who will not enjoy sitting at a height of 1100 meters above sea level to see the beauty of nature. Amidst the greenery, ancient caves, and waterfall, you will forget all your fatigue and troubles. There is a huge crowd of tourists here in October. Here you can roam Handi Khoh, Apsara Vihar, Pandav, and Jatshankar Cave. The connectivity of Panchmarhi is also good.
4. Sanchi
If you remember your history well then you will know that Sanchi Stupa is one of the most iconic and important monuments representing the Indian architecture. This Stupa is located in the town that goes by the same name in the Raisen district and has particularly gained significance for being the oldest stone structures in India.
Commissioned during the third century by emperor Ashok the complex now stands for being one of the best-preserved groups of Buddhist monuments in India along with being the oldest as well as the largest Stupa complex.
5. Bhopal
The premier Anthropological Museum in the nation is the National Museum of Humankind or Museum of Man located at the Shyamala Hills in Bhopal. Built in 1979, the museum houses arts, artifacts, re-created tribal dwellings and their signature handicrafts and costumes from various tribal communities across the country. The comprehensive exhibit is well curated and attractively laid out over a sprawling 200 acre site.
The capital city of Madhya Pradesh is best known for its main attractions such as museums, mosque and lakes. The popular sights are Tribal Museum, Laxminarayan Temple, Taj-Ul- Masjid, Lakes (Upper and Lower) inside the city limits, Shaurya Samarak Bhopal, and Sanchi Stupas. If time permits, visit one of India’s lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, which is about an hour’s drive from Bhopal.
6. Orchha
Orchha is a place little visited by tourists. It appears in the recommended travel guides to spend the day just for the architectural wealth. And there are few tourists who come to the city. This village on the banks of River Betwa in Madhya Pradesh needs your instant attention. With a rich history of Mughal architecture, the atmosphere here will make you let your hair down and just chill.
From Khajuraho there is a train that stops directly in Orchha without having to make a combination via Jhansi. Orchha owes its popularity to its past. It was the capital of the Bundella dynasty, so its few streets intersect between temples and palaces where gods and kings lived and now forgotten.
Although it is small, there is a lot of movement of people, mainly in the Ram Raja temple, next to the main square. Located on the banks of Betwa River, it is a comfortable 1-hour drive from Gwalior. A peaceful place with well preserved palaces and temples. Three main palaces are enclosed in Orchha’s fortified walls. The Jahangir Mahal, is the largest.
There are two places that undoubtedly stand out above the rest. These are the Raj Mahal and the Jahangir Mahal. Chathurburj is a temple that dates from the ninth century, surrounded by colorful stalls selling tika. Surrounded by hills that rise, Orchha is located on the Betwa River and is crammed with sweet apple cream. This undulating land has temples and towering forts.
Ideal for: history buff
Things to do: sightseeing tour
What to visit: Jahangir Palace, cenotaphs on the river, Rai Praveen mahal, Phool Bagh
7. Chambal
Chambal is misinterpreted as a land of dacoits. But beyond that, you will find that its home to more than 500 species of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles. There is a National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to gharials (small crocodiles), the red-crowned roof turtle and the endangered Ganges river dolphin. We bet you didn’t know that!
8. Chhindwara
While searching for best places to visit in summer in India, don’t forget that Tamia Hill is the one! It is located near Satpura National Park, which provides the wildest scenery. Therefore, this place is an offbeat location in Madhya Pradesh which offers flora and fauna, and calm vibe which will help relax you. With steep hills, deep forests and many winding ghats,the place is a treat for nature enthusiasts.
Chhindwara, a peaceful place with rich culture has a lot of tourist places, located on the plateau, the place has lush green surroundings, with rivers and sagwan trees. It is the coolest place in MP during summers, just 69 kms from Pachmarhi. Devgarh, situated from 30 kms from Chhindwara, was built by King Jatav of Gond, and is a beautiful place to visit.
Shri Badal Bhoi State Tribal Museum is believed to be the oldest museum of Madhya Pradesh, and has rare collection of tribal items. The museum highlights the rich traditions and ancient culture of tribal communities.
However, there is no dearth of travel destinations in Madhya Pradesh but it would be too boring to read such a long article so we have compiled only a few of them. If you like this article then do appreciate us by sharing this article among your family and friends and we would also love to hear some feedback about this post.