10 of the Most Popular Tourist Destinations in Madhya Pradesh

Often called as the ‘Heart of India’, might be due to its strategic location, Madhya Pradesh is a famous tourist state in India. In fact, it is the perfect place to visit with locations, which depict the country in a small form. With the cultural blend of Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism and other sects striving in the land, a charming sight of India and its unity with diversity is clearly seen in the state of Madhya Pradesh. There are various destinations in this state, where you would find the perfect blend of art, culture, history and architecture. The state has been there since the Paleolithic era with Bhimbetka Caves as the proof and has also witnessed Buddhism at its very crest, which can be seen on the Sanchi Stupa. In this article, we have mentioned some of the famous destinations that you should visit while in this state.

Mandu

Mandu is a magnificent location sited on the ridge of the Vindhyas Mountains. This beautiful destination is surrounded by plateau with a deep ravine separating it with the valley. Mandu is renowned for its sparkling ponds and crystal clear lakes. In short, Mandu would surely be a paradise for nature lovers and a must visit destination in Madhya Pradesh.

Khajuraho

Khajuraho is a heritage site in the state. It is one of the most popular and must-visit destinations of Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho is world famous for its ancient temples. These temples were built during the reign of the Chandela Kings in central India. The place is famous its unique temple architecture and erotic carving on some temples. Once this place had about 83 temples that were constructed in a span of 100 years which is 950 AD to 1050 AD, but only 22 temples have been able to survive through the tests of time.

Gwalior

A vibrant city that is bustling with life in Madhya Pradesh is Gwalior. The city has experienced the rules of several dynasties and has also patronized the artists and musicians to increase the fame of this place through their songs and writings. All major Rajput clans like Tomars, Pratiharas, Kacchwahas have gifted a rich historical culture to the city. It includes grand palaces, artistic monuments and temples present in the city.

Ujjain

This city is a key attraction for Hindu devotees from all across the world. Ujjain has some of the most creative temples like, Mahakaleshwar Temple. It is an old temple that has one of the 12 significant Jyotirlingas. This temple is believed to be one of the abodes of Hindu Lord Shiva. Apart from this temple, tourists can also visit other city tourist attractions such as Bhartrihari Caves, Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir, Vikram Kirti Mandir, Chintaman Ganesh, Kaliadeh Palace, Kal Bhairava and Durgadas Ki Chhatri.

Orchha

Another special destination with traces of rich historical past in the state is ‘Orchha’. Orchha is situated at a distance of around 75 KM from Gwalior. This destination has been a seat of administration for the ‘Bundela Rajputs’. Later, it was developed by one of the chieftains of the clan, ‘Rudra Pratap’ in the 16th century. This place boasts of exceptional palaces reflecting the typical architectural designs of the Bundela Rajputs. The Raj Mahal, Jehangir Mahal and the Ram Raja Temple are among the best tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh.

Pachmarhi

This gorgeous hill station of Madhya Pradesh is home to several tourist attractions, including Satpura National Park, Shri Panch Pandav Caves, Apsara Vihar, Bison Lodge Museum and Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. Pachmarhi is popularly known as Satpura ki Rani (Queen of Satpura) and situated at an elevation of 1067 meters in a valley of the Satpura Range. This stunning region in the hills was explored by Captain James Forsyth in 1857. Being a treasure with ancient Buddhist era caves residing in harmony with tranquil waterfalls, the place gives enormous opportunities for travel and turns out to be one of the most visited tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh.

Sanchi

Located on a hilltop at Sanchi town in Raisen district of the State of Madhya Pradesh, Sanchi is an amazing destination to visit in the state. The place features a number of stupas and monasteries and turns into a noteworthy destination for Buddhists. You can find here a number of Stupas, Chaityas, Temples, and Monasteries that ensure a memorable pilgrimage trip to the religious followers. All the monuments in the town are spectacularly carved to give enormous delights to the visitors.

Panna

Panna is one of the most visited destinations in Madhya Pradesh located in Chhatarpur district. The place enjoys a well-maintained wildlife and provides shelters to the Royal Bengal Tigers. Spread over an area of 542.67 sq kms, the national park is home to the species like leopard, wolf, hyena, sloth bear, chital and various animals. The park is also inhabited by 200 species of the birds. The location of the national park is an asset, which is located at a short distance from prominent town of Khajuraho.

Bhopal

The charming capital of the heart of India – Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal is the city that finds its significance in both modern and historic outlook. The city is also called as the City of Lakes due to the two stunning lakes that are positioned in the center. Situated on gently sloping hills, Bhopal is one of the most popular cities and tourist destinations of India. It enjoys a fascinating heritage with perfect mixture of traditions and contemporary. The old city of Bhopal features packed markets, beautiful palaces, narrow alleys, beautiful mosques and old mansions while the strategically-planned new city has broad avenues, well planned residential colonies and modern buildings. In every manner, it is truly a tourists’ delight that is blissfully managing its green and clean look.

Indore

Indore is the largest city in state of Madhya Pradesh, together with its satellite towns of Pithampur and Dewas. This historically beautiful city lures tourists not only from India but around the world as well. It is majorly renowned for its 7-story Rajwada Palace and the Lal Baag Palace dating back to 19th-century Holkar dynasty. Right from the ancient monument to age-old religious shrines, all structures of the city reflect immense magnificence making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh. Architectural wonders of the city stand as a testimony to the skillfulness of the artisans of historic times. Indore is also famous for its glass bangles and jewelries and its markets offer items of delicate gold and silver work, leather work, clothes and much more. There are a lot more about the city that make it a must visit destination for all.

Apart from these, Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Bhimbetka Caves, Omkareshwar, Chitrakuta and Amarkantak are some other famous tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh. With EaseMyTrip railways, you can book your train tickets in advance to visit these destinations.